Medical Coding and Billing Online Courses

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.