Top 10 Accredited Medical Billing and Coding Online Programs
Medical coders and billers are essential, non-patient-facing facets of the healthcare system. They secure proper reimbursement for medical professionals' services and maintain up-to-date patient records.
With an accredited medical billing and coding online program, you can enter this rapidly growing field in as little as four months. To help you get started right away, we compiled the top 10 online medical billing and coding programs nationwide. Keep reading to find a suitable program for your professional development.
We Found The Following Schools with Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs
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Top 10 Accredited Medical Billing and Coding Online Certification Programs
When selecting an accredited medical billing and coding program, you should consider several factors. Our ranking system considers the following:
- Accreditation
- Acceptance rates
- Certification pass rates
- Graduation rates
- Post-graduation employment rates
- Student-faculty ratio
- Transfer credits
OSU offers a fast medical coding class online that students can complete in just six weeks. As a low-cost medical coding and billing school online, OSU offers four convenient start dates annually, which is ideal for those who want to start working immediately.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (405) 945-3383
- Email Address: okc.tdc@okstate.edu
UTC's fully online medical billing and coding program lasts roughly 18 weeks. The courses hold optional synchronous Zoom sessions. However, instructors record and disseminate each class to students so they can study at their own pace.
While UTC's tuition is higher than other programs, it includes a one-year AAPC membership, all required textbooks, and a CPC certification exam study guide. Students also get one free retake for the CPC exam.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (423) 425-4344
- Email Address: cpe@utc.edu
If students earn a national certification, Davenport University allows them to transfer six credits from its Certified Professional Coder Certification towards a bachelor's degree. The university offers synchronous online classes via Blackboard Collaborate and encourages students to attend the live sessions.
The tuition includes all course workbooks, the CPC exam fee, and one retake. In addition, students get a one-year student membership to AAPC.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (616) 233-2589
- Email Address: info@davenport.edu
We Found The Following Schools with Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs
Siena Heights offers a 28-week online dual-certification program in both medical billing and coding. The program is ideal for recent high school graduates and those looking to expand their knowledge and career in healthcare. SHU estimates that students must devote 15-29 hours of study weekly throughout the program.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (877) 559-2799
- Email Address: admissionsoffice@sienaheights.edu
Resident: $136 per credit hour
Out-of-state: $408 per credit hour
DCCC's medical coding and billing certificate program has earned accreditation from the AHIMA Foundation's Approval Committee for Certificate Programs. This committee acknowledges coding programs that have been evaluated by a peer review process against the national set of standards for entry-level coders. Students can complete this entirely online program in just 28 weeks to quickly become a medical biller or coder.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (610) 359-5050
- Email Address: wecare@dccc.edu
MCCC offers its students several medical billing and coding programs. Its most popular certificate program prepares students for entry-level medical coding jobs. After completing the 100-credit-hour course, students can sit for the NHA (CBCS) Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (609) 586-4800
- Email Address: admiss@mcc.edu
Students can complete Central Penn's 18-credit online medical billing and coding program in nine months. Upon graduation, students can take the AAPC national certification exam, increasing their chances of finding a job. At $509 per credit, this online medical coding and billing program is perfect for busy students on a budget.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (800) 759-2727
Lackawanna is a small private college offering a fully online certificate program that local students can choose to attend in person. With a high acceptance rate and open enrollment, the school caters to the adult learner.
In addition to the excellent program, Lackawanna added a Spanish for the Medical Front Office component that teaches students crucial phrases to help communicate with Spanish-speaking patients.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (877) 346-3552
- Email Address: admissions@lackawanna.edu
Resident: $149.50 per credit hour
Out-of-state: 224.25 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (920) 735-5600
Like other programs on this list, BCC allows students to earn their medical billing and coding certification entirely online. Additionally, they can transfer the credits earned in this program toward a degree in the future.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (620) 792-2701
- Email Address: smithc@bartonccc.edu
What to Expect in an Accredited Medical Billing and Coding Online Certification Program
Online medical billing and coding certification programs provide students with a basis of knowledge for entry-level jobs. They build a solid foundation in medical billing, anatomy, coding, and relevant terminology.
After graduation, you can take a medical billing and coding certification exam, including the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) certification.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for online medical billing and coding certification programs are minimal. They include:
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Drug Test
- Background Check
Classes & Coursework
Courses will vary based on the certification program. However, accredited medical billing and coding programs tend to have similar courses to prepare students for national certification exams. Some classes you can expect to take include:
- Coding Foundations
- ICD-CM Coding
- ICD-PCS Coding
- Ambulatory Coding
- Medical Office Procedures
- Medical Office Capstone
- Health Information Research
- Health Information Law and Ethics
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Billing and Coding Practices
- Health Information Pathophysiology
- Computer Applications
- Business Systems Concepts
How to Choose an Accredited Medical Billing and Coding Online Certification Program
Unlike other healthcare professions, medical billing and coding certification programs can be completed in just four months. Despite the appeal of a fast-paced program, ensuring that it is accredited and that you will be eligible to sit for certification upon graduation is imperative.
Other factors to consider include:
- Program Length
- Program Reputation
- Career Opportunities
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- Accreditation
- Graduation Outcomes
- Pass Rates
- Cost
- Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
We Found The Following Schools with Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs
FAQs
-
What is the shortest program for medical billing and coding?
- Oklahoma State University offers the shortest accredited online medical billing and coding certification program. Students can complete the course in just six weeks.
-
Is medical billing and coding online hard?
- Although all healthcare professions are challenging, many consider medical billing and coding an “easier” profession because of how short the programs can be.
-
Can you really work from home with medical billing and coding?
- Yes! Some companies will allow you to work from home if you have the proper computer access and home working space.
-
How much can you make as a medical biller and coder?
- According to the BLS, medical billing and coding specialists can earn $48,780 annually or $23.45 per hour.
