Without the necessary training and credentials, aspiring medical coders may struggle to secure employment in this field, leading to missed opportunities and financial instability. Pursuing an online medical billing and coding certification program can equip you with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of this in-demand profession.

Top Medical Billing and Coding Certification Online Programs

Hutchinson Community College, American Academy of Professional Coders, Dakota State University, American Health Information Management Association, and Penn Foster are among the top institutions offering online medical billing and coding certification programs. These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to accurately assign medical codes to diagnoses, procedures, and services.

Graduates are prepared to sit for certification exams, validating their expertise in billing and coding and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

School	Number of Credits	Cost
Hutchinson Community College	45	$124 per credit hour
American Academy of Professional Coders	35	$2,200-$3,320 (package price)
Dakota State University	34 to 39	$351 per credit hour
American Health Information Management Association	27	$2,993 (package price)
Penn Foster	75	$999 (package price)
Cowley County Community College	65	$145 per credit hour
Miller-Motte College Online	72	$194 per credit hour
Alexandria Technical & Community College	25	$224 per credit hour
Gogebic Community College	42	$15 per credit hour
Indiana University – Bloomington	28	$308 per credit hour
Drexel University	18	$0
Calhoun Community College	44	$1,799 (package price)
Marion Technical College	34	$205 per credit hour
Barton County Community College	44	$115-$160 per credit hour
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis	28	$308 per credit hour
Central Maine Community College	30	$96 per credit hour
University of California-San Diego	40	$4,020 (package price)
DeVry University	6-13	$514 per credit hour
Ogeechee Technical College	35	$100 per credit hour
Dallas College – Cedar Valley College	32	$79 per credit hour
Great Basin College	17	$115 per credit hour
Herzing University	43	$234 per credit hour
Albany State University	27	$118 per credit hour
University of West Florida	35	Available upon request
Davenport University	24	$25-$75 per credit hour
University of Miami	37	Available upon request
University of Cincinnati	30	$296 per credit hour

1

Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson Community College was founded in 1928 with the name Hutchinson Junior College. Institutionally, they underwent a few name changes before they landed on the current one, Hutchinson Community College, in 1980. The primary thing Hutchinson is known for is the Salt Mines that have been there since 1887.

Kelsey Ludeman, an education expert with 15 years of experience in the education sector, shares that this community college is her top choice for earning a medical billing and coding certification online:

“Hutchinson Community College, with its 3-semester program, modest tuition costs, and flexible course scheduling, is an ideal choice for those seeking a medical coding and billing certification. This accredited program is designed to prepare students for a variety of positions within healthcare facilities and insurance companies. Gain in-depth knowledge of the coding systems, medical terminology, and insurance claims processing concepts needed to thrive in your career.”

Hutchinson Community College is one of the best medical coding schools online. This includes their Health Coding Specialist Certificate, for those interested in medical billing and coding. 

• The student body at Hutchinson Community College is close to 14,000, which includes both credit- and non-credit-seeking students.
• The entire program is comprised of 45 credit hours and can be completed in 3 semesters. 
• Students will gain hands-on experience that can be applied to the field in many of their classes, including the Coding Lab, as well as Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare. In the third semester, students will take a practicum called Health Record Coding Practicum. 
• This medical coding specialist certificate is the perfect program for students wanting a quick way to gain the skills for an entry-level position in the field of healthcare as a coding specialist.

2

American Academy of Professional Coders

The Medical Coding Certifications from the American Academy of Professional Coders are designed for beginners with no prior medical coding experience. This renowned membership organization, founded in 1988, is focused on medical coding education.

The comprehensive training, flexible formats, affordable pricing, and strong reputation make AAPC’s medical billing and coding certification a top choice for aspiring professionals in the field.

• Popular certification programs include Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Professional Biller (CPB). The curriculum covers critical coding skills like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II code sets.
• The program also provides training on insurance plans, reimbursement methods, and claims processing.
• Self-paced and instructor-led courses help students develop skills for analyzing medical reports and understanding regulatory compliance.
• Program strengths include high certification exam pass rates, membership discounts, and job search assistance.

3

Dakota State University

Dakota State University is located in Madison, South Dakota, in the eastern part of the state, an hour north of Sioux Falls. They are known for their distinctive technology-centered approach to education, which began with a requirement for students to utilize tablets and laptop computers in the classroom. 

As one of the best online schools for medical coding, Dakota State University offers an engaging program that efficiently enables students to achieve their Health Care Coding Certificate in an entirely online format. 

• It has moved on to ensure that all students are proficient in some form of computer science upon completion of their degree or certificate. It was founded in 1881 as a normal school with a distinct mission to train teachers. Since then, it has become a comprehensive institution with many varied course offerings. 
• In 2017, it received donations totaling $60 million in an effort to make the institution an educational hub for cybersecurity. It has several options for distance learning for students at all levels of education and full programs that can be completed entirely online.
• Students will learn how to apply medical codes with accuracy while engaging industry standards like ICD and CPT, as well as third-party reimbursement. Students complete professional practice in the field, which are internships that provide hands-on training in healthcare facilities in the community. 
• Graduates are given the necessary training to sit for the AHIMA’s Certified Coding Associate Exam. This certificate program offering will provide students with the opportunity to enter the workforce as a coding specialist. 

4

American Health Information Management Association

The American Health Information Management Association is a prestigious accreditation organization focused on records and coding. Its Medical Coding and Reimbursement course offers tailored learning formats to fit student goals and preferences.

With its thorough coding education, flexible online format, and AHIMA’s stellar industry reputation, this program stands out as one of the top medical billing and coding certification options.

• Its comprehensive curriculum covers records management, documentation, code assignment processes, and data security.
• The program teaches ICD/CPT/HCPCS code sets, as well as training on medical coding guidelines and ethical standards.
• It’s a self-paced program where you can access and complete the courses for 365 days.
• You can customize course bundles and transfer your course credits for further studies.

5

Penn Foster

Penn Foster College is often called a “career school”. As such, they feature programs that prepare students to walk into the workforce upon graduation within a myriad of disciplines. They are a private institution and are accredited nationally for distance learning. They were first established as what was known as an International Correspondence School in 1890. 

The Penn Foster Career School offers a professional training program in Medical Billing and Coding entirely online. The certificate program can be completed in just ten months. Since it is delivered entirely online, students have the opportunity to study without altering their lives in dysregulating ways.

• Its headquarters are in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and its offerings include associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs. It also offers a few undergraduate certificates in many different fields of study. 
• Its billing and coding career diploma program is fully accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Students will be prepared, upon completion of the program, to take the certification exam to be successful in the field. In fact, tuition covers a voucher for the CBCS Exam. 
• Students will have access to success coaches who are committed leaders and experts in their fields. The online format is customized to students’ needs and features interactive and mobile-friendly coursework with embedded goal-setting and progress-tracking tools.

6

Cowley County Community College

Cowley County Community College was established in 1922, and has its flagship campus in Arkansas City, Kansas, while also operating sites in Mulvane, Winfield, and a downtown Wichita location. 

Cowley offers a Medical Coding Certificate Program that teaches students to effectively and efficiently code medical information for patients in communication with insurance companies. This particular course of study can be completed in the comfort of home at a flexible schedule, as the coursework is entirely online.

• They have a wide array of online course offerings and a physical presence at nine high schools in the Wichita metro area. They are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 
• When they first opened their doors, they were under the direction of the local school district and went by the name Arkansas City Junior College (ACJC). In their early days, they were nicknamed “The Basement School,” because many of their classes were held in the basement of local high schools.
• The electronic system used to teach the class is emulating what students will be using when their skills are applied in the health information management field, giving them first-hand experience. 
• There are a limited number of scholarships for the program offered each year, so students may qualify for assistance. It’s one of the best programs with open enrollment, though students must still apply if they are seeking a certificate or degree.

7

Miller-Motte College Online

Miller-Motte College is also called the Miller-Motte Technical College and is part of a group of professional schools located throughout the southern United States. Their roots lay in the town of Wilmington, North Carolina, where they were first a school designed to train courtroom stenographers, beginning in 1916. 

Miller-Motte engages students academically. Its Medical Billing and Coding Program uses a hybrid format of online and in-class to gain the skills necessary to start a new career.

• Currently, they have seventeen sites and a comprehensive online presence that was intended to provide tools for bachelor’s degree completion geared towards adult and non-traditional learners. They specialize in four degrees including criminal justice, Business Administration, Allied Health Management, and Nursing. Formerly, they were accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
• Miller-Motte College Online offers one of the best schools for medical coding. In order for the medical industry to run smoothly in tandem with insurance companies, they rely on the critical discipline of medical coding. 
• Students in the program will learn accurate billing procedures and all of the necessary skills of the trade in under 15 months. The classes include Medical Office Systems, Pathology, Health Information Management, and Health Information Systems and Technology. 
• Students emerge from the information management education program ready for careers as billing, cost, and rate clerks, certified coding associates, coding specialists, or medical records technicians.

8

Alexandria Technical & Community College

The Alexandria Technical & Community College is located in Alexandria, Minnesota, and is a two-year technical college that was founded in 1961. They offer a variety of training and educational opportunities to non-traditional and adult learners, about 50% of whom are enrolled full-time.

The Alexandria Technical & Community College offers a distinct Medical Coding Specialist Program. This focused set of courses engages students in the skills needed for immediate career placement in the field. Alexandria Tech faculty work to synthesize coursework ensuring students are prepared to hit the ground running in the field.

• It has over 50 associate degree program offerings that include Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and Associate of Arts. It prides itself on employing experiential educational techniques as a way of preparing students to apply its skills to real-world scenarios. 
• It’s also known for having a high placement rate for students wanting to transfer to four-year schools, specifically in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.
• Immediately upon graduation graduates should be proficient in terminology, laboratory medicine, coding, medical finance, and anatomy and physiology. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has recognized this particular program. 
• Students have the option to participate in the program entirely online or in the classroom. Each student must take a prerequisite equivalent to Introduction to Computers.

9

Gogebic Community College

The Gogebic Community College was established in 1932 with the original name Ironwood Junior College. Their primary campus is still located in Ironwood, Michigan, and they have an additional campus in Houghton, Michigan. 

Gogebic Community College’s best online medical coding program offers a variety of online business options, including a certificate of completion of the Medical Coding and Billing Specialist Program. This fully online path affords students direct entry into the medical field as healthcare professionals. 

• Its offerings include a variety of two-year associate degree programs, as well as occupational training, and many certifications and enrichment opportunities for community members. It also has many online learning options, geared towards non-traditional students who seek flexible learning outcomes. 
• The community college is known for its student life with many clubs and activities that engage a diversity of students. It operates on a semester schedule.
• The course of study enables students to learn the ins and outs of processing medical claims for insurance companies on behalf of patients in a variety of healthcare settings. This role is critical for healthcare providers to run effectively and efficiently. 
• Students will learn all of the skills required to work in many different environments. Upon completion of this program, students will have the credentials to sit for relevant national health information management examinations.

10

Indiana University - Bloomington

Indiana University in Bloomington was established in 1820, and since then has consistently operated as a public research institution. In fact, they are considered one of the “Public Ivy Universities”. What this means is that their education is considered to be on par with Ivy League schools regarding quality and rigor. 

Indiana University in Bloomington offers a fully online Certificate Program in Medical Coding. Students will learn the universal, comprehensive coding system assigned to diagnosis and medical procedures that are used clinically as well as for education and research.

• They are a member of the Association of American Universities, and they have many schools within the university offering a high selection of opportunities from music at the Jacobs School of Music, and highly regarded coursework and programming in STEM at the School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. 
• They offer programming to students all over the world, though, about half of the students enrolled are from the state of Indiana. 
• These critical skills are imperative for engagement with insurance companies as well as to communicate with other healthcare professionals about life-threatening issues, such as allergies and other health concerns. 
• The medical coding specialist program includes 28 credit hours of coursework, though a few prerequisites must be completed before entering the information management education program, including Physiology for Healthcare Management, Health Information Management, Computer Concepts for Health Information, Medical Terminology, and Anatomy for Healthcare Management.

11

Drexel University

In 1996, Drexel began offering online education programs with the pilot program the Library and Information Science. They then created the online learning subsidiary Drexel e-Learning, also known as Drexel University Online. 

Drexel’s Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding focuses on the four codes that are most frequently used coding manuals–HCPCS, CPT, ICD-10, and ICD-9-CM. 

• Students are also given all necessary preparation to sit for the multiple national certification exams successfully.
• This medical billing and coding program affords students 18 credit hours that can later be applied as elective credits toward an associate degree program in Health Services Administration. 
• The majority of students who take this health information management program complete it within one year, though there is flexibility, and the length is determined by the student’s choice of course load.
• Drexel is located in the University City section of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, on an urban campus, just minutes from Center City.

12

Calhoun Community College

Located in Decatur, Alabama, Calhoun Community College is the biggest of the 27 institutions that comprise the Alabama Community College System. Their mission is driven by accessibility, as they are an open-enrollment admission institution. 

Calhoun Community College offers nearly 50 associate degree programs and 52 career-focused certificate programs. Its Medical Billing and Coding Certification Program can be completed either online or in person. 

• The program caters to the needs of a diverse student body, including non-traditional students and adult learners. 
• One of the benefits of this particular program is that it is limited to 20 students, ensuring that students get personal attention and are prepared to enter the field professionally as medical billers upon completion. 
• Students will learn to solve complex problems related to insurance billing, as well as manually filing claims. 
• Students will be eligible to sit for the AAPC exam upon completion of the information management education program.

13

Marion Technical College

Marion Technical College is a technical school established in 1970 that has since provided over 8,000 associate degrees in a myriad of disciplines. They practice open admissions, making their programming accessible to traditional and non-traditional learners. They also offer transferable programs that make transferring credits to four-year institutions easier. 

Marion offers a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program designed for detail-oriented students interested in working on the technical side of the medical industry. 

• In 2001, they began offering Distance Learning Opportunities for students, a program design that has since flourished. They are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, as well as the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
• Students must first complete the Health IT Program, and then they can pursue the accredited medical billing and coding certification program. You will have the opportunity to continue to achieve your associate degree after completion. 
• The coding courses will train students to recognize and assign codes that are classified for any given diagnosis and procedure in medical records. That way, no matter what procedure a patient undergoes, graduates will accurately code insurance, create accurate billing, and keep perfect records. 
• Upon completion of the certification courses, students are then eligible to sit for the necessary certification exam required to enter the workforce as coding professionals.

14

Barton County Community College

The Barton County Community was established in 1965 and used the name Barton County Junior College. It is located in Bend, Kansas, and primarily serves the surrounding areas of Barton, Ellsworth, Rush, Pawnee, and Russell Counties, as well as Northwestern Rice Counties.

Barton County Community College offers a Certification Training Program in Medical Coding that prepares students to work in various healthcare settings. For added flexibility, this medical coding program can be completed entirely online. 

• The program’s participants will study subjects that provide the skills to classify medical data and understand healthcare terminology. 
• This program is responding to the U.S. Department of Labor’s indication that this is a growing and competitive field. It will lead students toward jobs as professional coders, health information technicians, coding professionals, and medical coding specialists in healthcare records.
• The 44-credit program focuses on medical codes and procedures for insurance claims.
• The people of Barton County founded this institution collectively to provide more educational and professional opportunities for the region. They give many resources to the surrounding communities, including enrichment courses.

15

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Founded in 1969, the Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came about as a result of a merger of the Purdue Indianapolis Extension Center and Purdue University. Located between the White River and Fall Creek, the campus is just across from downtown Indianapolis on a peninsula. 

Through the School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Coding delivered entirely online. It prides itself on serving the most substantial number of minorities who are systemically underserved in the Indiana State University System. 

• Students will gain competencies in medical billing, ensuring that companies that provide insurance have all of the applicable information from patients, as well as engaging in patient care to the degree that patients know the options they have for payment. 
• This field of work requires an excellent level of accuracy, and in this program, like other coding programs, students will be trained in the best practices. 
• This is a 28-credit hour program that draws from a variety of disciplines and was designed with the certification exam in mind that students will be required to sit before entering the field as medical coding specialists and health information technicians.
• Another important fact is that over 75 percent of their classes have less than 25 students enrolled. This enables each student to receive the necessary personal attention required from faculty for successful program completion.

16

Central Maine Community College

Central Maine Community College was established in 1863. Its main campus is located in Auburn, Maine, and has residential offerings for students to live on campus. They offer a variety of online programming, as well as additional sites in Oxford, Lincoln, and Frankford Counties.

The Central Maine Community College offers a certificate program in Medical Coding and Electronic Health Records. This course of study can be completed within one year. 

• The program was designed to train students to successfully sit for the exams that are inroads into the field of medical coding. 
• Graduates of the healthcare coding specialist certificate program will have all of the skills to adequately provide a variety of healthcare institutions with health information management that is imperative to the success of the medical industry. 
• The other critical skills students will gain are related to record keeping in relation to medical diagnostics and billing.
• The school is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

17

University of California-San Diego

The University of California-San Diego was established in 1903 as the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. It’s the seventh oldest institution of the 10 University of California System. Their campus is beside the Pacific Ocean on over 1,000 acres of land.

The University of San Diego Extension School provides over 100 certification and professional programs geared towards non-traditional and adult learners, as well as community members interested in furthering their careers or merely enriching their lives. These include the Certificate Program in Medical Coding delivered entirely online. 

• Students will learn to be intermediaries between clinical professionals and billers or medical staff and insurance companies. 
• Before entering the program, applicants must first have a high school diploma or GED, and prerequisite coursework including Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health, Health Information Management, Introduction to Medical Coding, Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Information Technology, and Medical Terminology: An Anatomy and Physiology Approach. 
• Coursework includes new requirements and emerging tools for recording patient information.
• The program was designed to meet the requirements associated with all of the national exams. Graduates should take approximately 12 months to complete the medical coder program, not including the prerequisites.

18

DeVry University

DeVry University was founded in 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. Institutionally, they are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It has nearly 52 campuses throughout the country, though they are in the process of closing some sites to restructure and strategize a new future plan. 

Additionally, they have a variety of online courses and program offerings geared towards students requiring flexibility in their educational endeavors. These include an accredited Medical Billing and Coding Certification Program that can be accomplished entirely online. 

• The required examination preparation required for this career path is embedded into the program, as well as hands-on learning opportunities in a virtual lab environment that utilizes authentic patient records. 
• The classes begin every eight weeks, making it easy to get started. 
• Students will also have access to resume and job-searching support services. 
• Courses include Pathopharmacology, Healthcare Terminology, Health Information Technology, Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Current Procedural Terminology Coding with Lab, and International Classification of Diseases.

19

Ogeechee Technical College

Ogeechee Technical College is a two-year post-secondary school that is under the direction of the Technical College System of Georgia. Many of the programs that they offer are accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.

Ogeechee Technical College offers an entirely online Certificate Program in Medical Coding, designed for students seeking an entry-level career in the medical industry. 

• Though the coursework is delivered online, students will need to come to campus to take proctored exams throughout the program. 
• The coursework features the necessary medical terminologies for students to sit for the exams required for entrance into the fields that utilize medical coding. 
• Students will learn the CPT manual and the ICD-10-CM for codes used for diseases, medical conditions, treatments, and surgical procedures. This knowledge can help you look for jobs in clinics, public health facilities, laboratories, insurance agencies, and nursing homes.
• You can get real-life training in organizing, processing, evaluating, and analyzing healthcare information and patient records while protecting data privacy in a highly electronic environment.

20

Dallas College - Cedar Valley College

Established in 1977, Cedar Valley College is a community college situated in Lancaster, Texas. It has worked extensively with the Dallas Independent School District and the Cedar Hill Independent School District to open two campuses that specialize in early college for high school students. 

Cedar Valley College offers a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program, designed for students interested in learning the ins and outs of the industry to achieve an entry-level position in the field. You can also apply for financial aid for this program.

• Those who complete the program are eligible to sit for the Certified Professional Coders Exam (CPC), through the AAPC. 
• Most classes are available online, and students can generally complete the program in two semesters. The courses required include Medical Terminology, Health Information Technology, Anatomy and Physiology/Pathophysiology for Health Professionals, Health Information Systems, Coding and Classification Systems, and Certified Coding Exam Review.
• You’ll learn to accurately assign CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10-CM/PCS codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services.
• Students can improve their computer, typing, and organizational skills. As a specialist, you can review and process medical claims for insurance claims and reimbursements.

21

Great Basin College

Great Basin College was established in 1967 in Elko, Nevada. In August of 1969, GBC became part of the University of Nevada System. It’s currently a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Great Basin College offers a Certification Program in Medical Billing designed for students who are interested in fast-tracking their way into an entry-level position in the medical field and have a knack for numbers and accuracy. 

• Students are required to complete the program in a particular sequence over the course of two semesters.
• The instruction includes the use of standard medical terminologies, the completion of typically used health insurance forms, claims and processing for reimbursement, and a variety of other coding and billing tasks. 
• Students will also be required to participate in a practicum in the fall semester, giving them hands-on professional experience.
• Their offerings include career-centered coursework and financial aid, as well as a variety of technical and academic degree programs at the associate degree and bachelor’s level instruction. They are also known for short-term training programs that can be applied to a variety of industries and career paths.

22

Herzing University

Herzing University is a non-profit university headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. It was founded in 1965 to be an option for non-traditional students in Milwaukee who were interested in attending a computer training institute. Since then, it has grown into an 11-campus or fully online option for students to earn an online associate degree or certificate in dozens of focuses. 

The healthcare industry would not function without skilled medical billing professionals to submit insurance claims and collect payment for the services provided. An Online Medical Coding Certificate from Herzing University can open doors for you without a big disruption in your current life.

• They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for financial aid. They also hold business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) for the various business and accounting programs they offer. 
• Few coding schools are as dynamic and flexible for students who need financial aid. Graduates from Herzing go on to select their careers with training and confidence to succeed.
• This program is a 12-month, 43-credit course of study that prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce upon completion. 
• Perhaps the greatest part is with Herzing’s accredited medical billing classes, students have the flexibility to earn this certificate and improve their job outlook as a medical biller from work, home, or any place they have an internet connection.

23

Albany State University

Albany State University is a Historically Black University (HBCU) in Albany, Georgia, and is the biggest of the three HBCUs in the state. It’s known for being a member school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Albany State is also home to an extensive chapter of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

Albany State University offers a Certificate Program in Medical Coding, designed for students interested in entering the medical field with an entry-level position. 

• Students will learn how to review and understand patient records, as well as assign numeric codes for every medical procedure and diagnosis. 
• Students will learn the ins and outs of the International Classification of Disease and Current Procedural Terminology Coding Systems. 
• Those who complete the program will be prepared and eligible to take the national credentialing exam for CCA (Certified Coding Associate), along with other exams that will be beneficial for employment in a variety of healthcare settings.
• Students will learn advanced concepts and techniques for organizing, storing, and retrieving health record systems. You can also learn qualitative and quantitative analysis of healthcare data and forms.

24

University of West Florida

The University of West Florida was founded in 1963 after a feasibility study was conducted in the area, determining a great need for an institution of higher learning in the region. It became the sixth school in the State University System of Florida, and they have the third largest campus among their counterparts. 

The primary campus is considered a nature preserve and uniquely borders two rivers, as well as Escambia Bay. The University of West Florida offers a fully online Medical Billing and Coding Program that can be taken at the pace set by the student, over 12 months. 

• They are a space grant institution and offer federal financial aid.
• Students will learn the skills to tackle the complexities of medical billing problems. Being a self-paced course, they will also learn about the critical quality of self-starting that coders need to be an asset in busy medical practice. 
• They will learn the methods of filing claims manually, medical terminologies, the completion of common insurance forms, and how to appeal claims that are denied by insurance companies. 
• Once students complete the health information technology course, they are eligible to sit for the certified coding associate exams required for entry into the field of medical billing and coding.

25

Davenport University

Davenport University is a private institution for higher learning that was founded in 1866. They have locations scattered throughout the state of Michigan, as well as a comprehensive online program.

Davenport University offers a Medical Billing & Coding Certificate for prospective students to become professional coders. This course of study is geared towards passing the CPC exam, for students to gain entry into the medical billing and coding industry.

• Students completing the healthcare coding specialist certificate may also take the four-week terminology course. Students will learn the necessary medical prefixes and suffixes. 
• This coding program cuts right to the chase, and only teaches the vital information, so those who complete the course of study can hit the ground running as medical office professionals.
• Their acceptance rate is 78 percent, and they are known for their low student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 as well as federal financial aid. They are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
• Their main campus is situated in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It’s the only one that acts as a full-service university, including student organizations and residence halls, as well as athletic programming.

26

University of Miami

The University of Miami was established in 1925, as a citizen-driven enterprise to further art education, develop inter-American studies, and further research and education in the field of tropical studies. 

The University of Miami Division of Continuing & International Education offers a comprehensive accredited Medical Billing and Coding Certificate. After completing the program, you’ll be confident in interpreting medical documentation.

• Students will be trained to sit for certified coding associate exams, which are necessary to enter the field of medical coding. 
• Prospective students will learn various health informatics coding practices, including differentiating disease pathology, physiology, and anatomy to interpret medical documentation to assign proper codes. The coursework will focus on proficiency in medical coding terminology. 
• Though the health informatics coursework can be completed entirely online, students will engage with 60 contact hours and will be expected to dedicate 210 hours of their time to complete the coding program.
• They are a private research institution of higher learning with its main campus in Coral Gables, Florida. Their offerings include over 116 undergraduate and associate degree programs, close to 105 master’s degree programs, and 63 doctoral degree programs.

27

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati was founded in 1819 and is the oldest institution of higher learning in the region. They are known for being the second-largest institution in the state, with a total enrollment of 44,000 students. It is also among the 50 largest postsecondary institutions in the country. 

They offer over 100 bachelor and associate degree-granting programs, and over 600 programs of study total, including professional and certificate programming. The University of Cincinnati Clermont College Medical Coder Certificate trains students for work in different healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing care facilities, physicians’ offices, and outpatient clinics, among others. 

• Students who engage in this health informatics course should be detail-oriented, able to sit at a desk for long periods, and possess excellent communication skills. 
• This coding program teaches medical office professionals proficiencies in medical terminology, bill preparation, and medical care reimbursements, utilizing direct contact with insurance companies. 
• Students will learn the universal codes that document what procedures and medical interventions were performed.
• Aside from three regional campuses, it also has four research facilities that are off-campus in the community, including the Cincinnati Observatory. Their strategic plan includes their new buildings designed by “signature architects.“

Ranking Medical Billing and Coding Certification Online Programs

Sometimes, narrowing down the best online medical coding and billing schools to consider is the hardest part of getting started with a new job path. At Value Colleges, our we hope to help people by locating that starting point with school rankings.

Getting the best return on your investment could also mean the program has the best reputation that could impress potential employers. The Value Colleges ranking of the best value online medical billing and coding certificates is based on three metrics:

• Program price according to the program website
• Reputation according to niche.com
• Graduate outcomes based on collegescorecard.ed.gov

What Do I Need to Know if I Want to Be a Medical Coder?

Most people will go to the doctor, sit through an uncomfortable procedure, and then come home and wait for the bill. They do not even think about what happens in between, from the doctors’ notes to the mailbox. However, the person who thinks about it is the medical coder. 

Patient records are valuable. Medical offices, hospitals, and clinics everywhere need detail-oriented medical billers who know their way around computer and electronic health records. 

They must take these complicated medical office procedures notes, accurately submit claims to the insurance company for reimbursement, and finally collect payment from the company and from the patient.

What Is the Job Outlook for Medical Coders and Billers?

Medical coding is a growing profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for medical records and health information technologists, including medical billers and coders, will increase by up to 13% by 2026. 

Many of the programs featured on this list can be completed in 12 short months and all offer coursework that is 100% online. Beyond these common traits, each of these coding programs’ schools is regionally accredited, and many feature rolling admission. 

This means that any time is a great time to start your school search, train for a position, and earn a medical coding salary.

Why Get a Medical Coding Certificate Online?

Pursuing an online medical billing and coding certificate offers a flexible and convenient path to entering this in-demand field. With the healthcare industry’s consistent need for skilled medical coders, earning your certification through an online coding school allows you to prepare for this lucrative career from the comfort of your own home and schedule classes around your lifestyle.

• Study at your own pace by taking classes asynchronously in a self-paced online format.
• Avoid relocation by enrolling in a fully online medical billing and coding program from anywhere.
• Continue working while you complete your online coding certificate courses.
• Access top medical billing and coding programs not locally available through online options.
• Develop technical skills using the latest coding software and simulated records.

Some of the most affordable coding programs for certificates come directly from community colleges’ online coding programs. As the cost of tuition at many four-year schools is rising, obtaining a professional certificate from a reputable two-year school sometimes makes more sense. 

Why not get credit for the same courses, that cost up to five times as much as a four-year university? The best online medical coding schools that made this list have something special too. 

Their great reputation and ability to offer graduates high salaries mean their online medical coding certificate programs can compete with community college tuition rates in terms of the value they offer students.

What Are the Disadvantages of Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs?

Online medical billing and coding programs offer a convenient and flexible path to earning your professional certification. However, there are some potential disadvantages to consider.

• Lack of in-person interaction can make online learning feel isolating at times. The good thing is that many programs build in video discussions, online student collaborations, and opportunities to interact directly with instructors virtually.
• Staying self-motivated in an asynchronous online format requires discipline. However, the ability to create your own flexible schedule can be a motivating factor for self-driven learners.
• Employers may have historically favored campus-based programs. As online education gains more acceptance and top schools offer robust medical billing and coding online degrees, this stigma is fading from reputable online programs.

These drawbacks can be mitigated by choosing a well-designed online program. Ultimately, the advantages of being able to work full-time while studying, learning at your own pace, and accessing top programs from anywhere often outweigh the potential downsides for students pursuing a medical billing and coding professional certification.

How Can I Choose an Online Medical Billing Program?

When selecting a medical billing and coding program to become a professional coder, there are several key factors to consider. These include:

• Delivery format (hybrid/blended vs fully online) based on your preferences and ability to attend in-person components
• Learning pace (self-paced vs scheduled class times) that aligns with your learning style
• Cost and availability of financial aid options to make the program affordable
• Accreditation status, as most employers require professional certification, which is tied to attending an accredited program
• Exam preparation for certifications like the AAPC’s CPC credential

By evaluating the program delivery methods, cost, accreditation, exam preparation, and learning pace against your personal needs, you can identify the best online medical billing and coding program to launch your career.

Related Questions

Which Certification Is Best for Medical Billing and Coding?

When it comes to online medical billing and coding, the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification offered by the AAPC is widely regarded as one of the best and most comprehensive credentials in the field.

Do I Need to Pass Certification Exams to Become a Professional Medical Coder and Biller?

The certification exams are voluntary, although some jobs may require them. These exams include the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) Exam, the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate Exam, and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder Exam (CCA).

What Is the Shortest Program for Medical Billing and Coding?

The shortest program option for those pursuing an online medical billing and coding career is typically a diploma or certification program. Some schools let you complete this program in less than a year, providing you with the necessary coding guidelines and skills for entry-level positions.

What Is an AAPC Certification?

The AAPC certification exam, formally known as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential, is a nationally recognized certification offered by the AAPC. It validates an individual’s expertise in medical coding and adherence to industry-standard coding guidelines set by the National Healthcareer Association.

Are Online Master’s in Special Education Degree Programs Also Available as Certificates in Medical Billing and Coding?

Online master’s in special education degree programs do not generally offer certificates in medical billing and coding. These programs primarily focus on preparing educators to teach students with special needs. However, there are separate online certificate programs available specifically for medical billing and coding, which provide comprehensive training in this field.

Conclusion

Certified professionals contribute to the efficient operation of healthcare facilities by guaranteeing accurate coding and billing practices. Pursuing an online medical billing and coding certification opens doors to a rewarding career while maintaining a vital role in maintaining accurate patient medical records.