2023 Best Online Medical Billing & Coding Certificate Programs

Overview of Online Medical Billing & Coding Certificates

Medical coding and billing certificate programs are characteristically hands-on and practical. They help students develop basic typing and word-processing skills as well as familiarity with technology in general. Students will use technology to navigate electronic health records, including software applications and healthcare informatics.

To enter either field, you'll need either a certificate or associate degree in medical billing or coding, either of which you can earn online.

What Is Medical Billing & Coding?

Billing and coding are actually separate practices, but they work in tandem — often with one individual performing both tasks. Each function relies on a complex, global classification system of codes, which build patient health records by categorizing illnesses, injuries, and medical procedures. A medical coder's primary role is to read patient records, as transcribed by clinicians, and apply the correct codes to capture patient data. These codes translate information numerically for billing and analytical purposes, serving as a language between medical, insurance, and government entities. Medical billers are responsible for the financial side of the business. They decipher these codes to create patient bills and file insurance claims for payment.

To enter either field, you'll need either a certificate or associate degree in medical billing or coding, either of which you can earn online. Students who opt for certificates will learn about medical terminology, code systems, healthcare administration, healthcare information privacy laws and procedures, billing, and bookkeeping fundamentals. The most affordable certificate programs are usually offered through community or technical colleges, but some four-year colleges also feature online certificates.

Educational Requirements for Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificates

Because medical coding and billing careers only require certificates, they often appeal to individuals who don't have the time, finances, or desire to pursue associate or bachelor's degrees. Whether you are enrolled online or in person, certificate programs are typically designed to take 27-30 credit hours. This works out to 9-12 months of full-time study. Additionally, these certificate programs require only a high school diploma or GED.

What Can I Do With an Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate?

An online certificate in medical billing and coding can open the door to entry-level positions within the field and are often the first stepping stone to higher credential levels and specializations. Medical billers and coders are necessary in nearly every healthcare setting, from hospitals and urgent care clinics to long-term care facilities. Some graduates may go onto work outside of patient care at major insurance companies, government organizations, or in healthcare consulting. Medical records specialists earn a median of  $46,660 per year, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical billing and coding is an industry with a variety of different career paths and education options. Many professionals continue their education with associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in medical billing and coding and related fields. Earning further certifications can also help boost salary and unlock new job opportunities.

Career Opportunities in Medical Billing and Coding

Although "medical coder" and "medical biller" are generic titles for some jobs in the healthcare industry, the range of actual titles and duties can vary depending on an employee's certifications, workplace setting, and amount of experience. 

In general, the 2022 American Academy of Professional Coders member survey shows that those with core credentials, such as Certified Professional Billers (CPB) or Certified Professional Coders (CPC), tend to earn median salaries between $56,652 and $64,995. Those with advanced credentials, including Certified Professional Medical Auditors (CPMA) and Certified Professional Compliance Officers (CPCO), earn median salaries of up to $80,550 per year.

Earning an associate or bachelor's degree can help professionals boost their salary and progress their careers, but those with master's degrees see the highest salary increase as they qualify for advanced positions. Furthermore, the survey shows that those who work in large health or hospital systems earn the highest average salaries.

Industry Certifications

Students interested in niche areas of medical billing and coding can choose from over 20 specialty certification programs. Through these programs, students can become  certified Ambulatory Surgery Center Coders, Certified Family Practice Coders, Certified Rheumatology Coders, and more. Because billing and coding graduates have so many choices of certifications, it's important to discuss the options with faculty and professionals currently working in the field.

Several professional organizations provide specialty certifications for medical coders and billers, so it can be difficult to know which one to obtain. Each group has different requirements for its certifications, but most require students to graduate from an accredited coding or billing program, work a set amount of time in the field, and join the organization as a dues-paying member.

We've detailed the two largest certification organizations below:

• The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) has 200,000 members and offers one biller certification and six coder certifications. AAPC exam requirements include current AAPC membership and two years of coding or billing experience for entry-level credentials. An associate degree is recommended but not required. 
• The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is the second-largest medical coding and biller certification body, with 103,000 members. It provides three certification options. First, AHIMA offers a Certified Coding Associate credential for professionals with at least six months of experience. It also offers two Certified Coding Specialist credentials for those with at least two years of experience.

Continuing Education

For those interested in continuing their education after earning the core medical billing and coding certification, there are specialized industry certifications and advanced degree programs to consider.

When researching programs, only consider certificate programs offered through accredited institutions. Accreditation signifies that a school meets high academic standards and only hires qualified instructors. To determine whether a certificate-granting institution is accredited, you can review the database for the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

In addition to specialty certifications, there are associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in medical billing and coding to consider. Furthering your education in the field can qualify you for higher positions and increased salary. 

How Much Does an Online Medical Billing and Coding Program Cost?

Most of the certificates on our rankings cost between $4,000 and $7,000. The cost of a medical billing and coding certificate will vary depending on where you go to school and how many credits your program requires. For example, community colleges and vocational schools may cost less than four-year universities. Tuition rates for degree programs at the associate and bachelor's degree levels are similar, though some programs may take longer to complete. Therefore, students may end up incurring more tuition costs.

One potential benefit of online certificate programs is that they usually cost less than comparable in-person higher education degrees because schools can enroll more distance learners without making costly infrastructure upgrades to their campuses. However, online students may still need to pay certain fees in addition to a program's overall cost. They will also have to buy books and other supplies, which may include coding and billing software.

Prospective students may find it cost-effective to enroll in an online certificate program in their state, which would allow them to qualify for state-funded financial aid. Some states may also award scholarships or grants to residents pursuing certificates, but they must attend an in-state school to be eligible.

Is a Medical Billing and Coding Program Worth It?

Whether or not an online medical billing and coding program is worth it depends on your career goals and how much time and money you want to invest. There are many upsides to earning a medical billing and coding certificate. Graduates of these programs can enter the healthcare field, which will likely continue to grow as our population grows and ages. There are also strong opportunities for career advancement, salary growth, and continuing education in the industry.

However, medical billing and coding may not be a good fit for everyone. Those who prefer an active job or enjoy working with their hands may not enjoy spending their work day in an office setting working on a computer. Medical billing and coding also requires an eye for detail, and professionals may need to participate in continuing education to ensure they are up to date on changing industry standards and knowledge.

An online medical billing and coding certificate can open the door to strong job opportunities at a lower price point and in a shorter amount of time than earning an associate or bachelor's degree. This might be a good option for someone who is interested in the field but not sure if they want to commit to a longer program.

FAQs about Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificates