Medical Coding and Billing Online Courses

Medical coding and billing professionals handle a variety of tasks, from calculating patient charges to preparing statements.

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Updated April 12, 2023

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Medical Coding and Billing Online Courses

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Medical Billing and Coding School Programs

Individuals wanting to work in healthcare with minimal schooling should consider a medical billing and coding degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the need for medical records and health information specialists to increase 8% in 2019-2029, much faster than average.

The BLS reports that this career requires only a postsecondary nondegree award, so earning a degree gives applicants a competitive edge. According to the BLS, medical billing and coding professionals earn a median annual salary of $44,090.

Keep reading to learn more about online medical billing and coding schools. We cover what it takes to become a billing and medical coding professional, how much the degree costs, and scholarships to help along the way.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

FAQ's: Medical Billing and Coding Schools


How long does a medical billing and coding degree take?

An associate medical billing and coding degree takes full-time learners two years to complete. A bachelor's typically takes four years to complete.

How much do medical coders make a year?

According to the BLS, medical records and health information specialists make a median annual salary of $44,090. The lowest 10% earn less than $28,800, and the highest 10% earn more than $73,370.

What pays more, medical billing or coding?

According to April 2021 PayScale data, medical billing professionals make $40,270 annually, on average. Medical coders earn an average salary of $42,450.

Is it hard to get a medical coding job?

The BLS projects the need for medical records and health information specialists to grow 8% during 2019-2029. Thanks to the positive projected outlook, degree-holders should find a medical coding job in most regions.

Why Get a Medical Billing and Coding Degree?

Learners may benefit from earning a medical billing and coding degree in many ways. For starters, this program prepares learners for leadership positions in the profession, which often pay higher salaries. Additionally, many medical billing professionals get the option to work from home, providing a flexible lifestyle.

Since medical billing and coding requires minimal schooling, graduates often complete their degrees with less student loan debt. Additionally, online medical billing and coding schools usually cost less than in-person programs. Virtual learners usually do not pay lab fees or campus maintenance fees. In the next section, we dive more into the costs of a medical billing and coding degree.

How Much Does a Medical Billing and Coding Degree Cost?

We suggest contacting prospective medical billing and coding schools directly for exact degree costs. However, knowing national averages gives aspiring college students a baseline figure for comparison. National Center for Education Statistics data reveals bachelor's degree-seekers spent an average of $24,623 on tuition, fees, room, and board in 2018-19. Students at public institutions spent just $18,383 on these expenses in the same year.

Students save money on their education by earning their degrees from online medical billing and coding schools. Living at home with a relative and attending school online saves money on room, board, and commuting. Learners should complete the FAFSA to discover whether they qualify for federally subsidized loans or grants. Finally, scholarships lower the overall tuition price, which we discuss more in a later section.

Break down your current financial situation, and receive a college tuition estimate you can afford to pay.

How Much Do Medical Billing and Coding Majors Make?

While exact medical billing and coding degree-holder salaries vary, the BLS provides income data for reference. Medical records and health information specialists earn a median annual salary of $44,090, correlating to $21.20 hourly. The top 10% of earners make more than $73,370, while the lowest 10% earn less than $28,800. Location also influences salary. These specialists earn higher salaries in the District of Columbia, Alaska, and Washington state.

April 2021 PayScale data show how experience influences pay. Certified medical billing and coding specialists with over 20 years of experience average $20.79 per hour. Professionals with less than one year of experience make an average of $15.21 per hour.

Courses in Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Online medical billing and coding schools hone students' communication and technical skills. Enrollees learn how to use software to record patient data electronically, correlate medical terminology with specific codes, and abide by Healthcare Portability and Accountability Act regulations.

The required coursework prepares learners to work in various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and doctors' offices. Most medical coding and billing courses involve multiple-choice exams, short essays, and class discussions. Since this profession requires one-on-one conversations with patients, some professors include group projects to refine participants' interpersonal communication skills.

This section highlights three common courses in medical billing and coding degrees, representing a sample curriculum.

Certifications and Licensure for Medical Billing and Coding Students

Individuals can earn a medical billing and coding certification to position themselves as desirable job candidates. These career accolades usually require professional experience and an exam. In this section, we highlight three standard certifications for medical billing and coding professionals.

This designation recognizes a professional's achievement and expertise in the medical billing and coding field. The American Academy of Professional Coders administers the exam, which takes roughly 5.5 hours to complete. The exam allows a second attempt that applicants must take within one year of the first attempt. The American Health Information Management Association oversees this certification. To earn this title, individuals must pass a two-hour exam covering 90-115 questions. The test costs $299 for association non-members and $199  for association members. To succeed, testers must know the basics of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and diagnostic and procedural coding. The American Academy of Professional Coders recommends that professionals with extensive coding experience pursue this certification. This professional designation requires a 150 multiple-choice exam costing $299 online and $399 in person. The online exam allows only one pass attempt, but the in-person exam allows two.

Medical Billing and Coding Schools and Training Online 2021

#1 Medical Coding and Billing Online Courses

Shoreline Community College

  • Shoreline, WA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Shoreline Community College, a public, religiously non-affiliated institution, enrolls students from its campus in Shoreline, Washington. In addition to on-campus programs, students can select from 24 online programs, including a medical coding and reimbursement specialist certificate. The convenient format appeals to working professionals and busy students.

The online program provides students with a flexible learning environment. The program mixes core courses and elective options to prepare students for medical coding and billing careers. The school reports a 33% graduation rate.

Shoreline Community College Quick Facts:

Certificate Program Count: 49

Total Online Certificate Programs : 15

Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,588
Out-of-state
$6,351
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
5,884
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#2 Medical Coding and Billing Online Courses

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

  • Fergus Falls, MN
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Based in Fergus Falls, Minnesota State Community and Technical College enrolls learners as a public, religiously non-affiliated institution. In addition to on-campus programs, the school offers 41 online programs, including a medical coding and insurance diploma. The program's convenient format appeals to busy students and working professionals.

The program provides online students with a flexible learning environment. Participants take core courses and elective options that prepare them for a medical coding and billing career. The school reports a 41% graduation rate.

Minnesota State Community and Technical College Statistics:

Number of Certificate Programs: 77

Total Online Certificate Programs Available: 25

Applies Transfer Credits: No

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,965
Out-of-state
$4,965
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,086
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
43% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Medical Coding and Billing Online Courses

West Georgia Technical College

  • Waco, GA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Based in Waco, Georgia, West Georgia Technical College enrolls learners as a public, religiously non-affiliated institution. In addition to on-campus programs, the institution has 28 online programs, including a medical coding technical certificate. The convenient program is ideal for busy professionals.

The program provides online learners with a flexible learning environment. The curriculum combines core courses and elective options to build career-ready skills. The school reports a 30% graduation rate.

West Georgia Technical College Quick Facts:

Certificate Program Count: 92

Total Online Certificate Programs : 21

Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,400
Out-of-state
$4,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
51%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
7,074
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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