Medical record organization, accuracy, and quality control are part of medical billing and coding. The United States’ aging population necessitates more medical attention. As a result, there is a rising need for various jobs in the medical industry, such as medical billers and coders. As a result, more students are considering enrolling in the top certificate and degree programs in medical billing and coding offered online.
Online medical billing and coding program graduates can anticipate a growing work market. In about a year, students can finish online medical billing and coding programs, at which point they can apply for jobs with a certificate or diploma. Anatomy and physiology, classification and coding schemes, techniques for paying for healthcare, medical terminology, and statistics are all covered in online medical billing and coding courses. These programs train students in the essential employment skills for the industry, including data classification and management, and prepare them for certification tests.
Online Medical Billing & Coding Certificate Programs
1. Southern Regional Technical College
LOCATION – Bainbridge
A state college called SRTC offers an online certificate program for medical billing clerks. People with a high school diploma can access distant learning alternatives through the university’s e-campus platform.
The credits from this certificate program apply toward a degree or diploma. Two semesters of core courses, electives, and occupational courses make up the 22-credit program. Students study topics like allied health sciences, insurance, and medical office billing.
Program Details
Program Name: Medical Billing Clerk, Technical Certification
School Status: Public
Tuition: in-state: $100 per credit; out-of-state: $200 per credit
Credit Prerequisites: 22 credits
Program Length: 2 semesters
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: Not mandated
Need Grants for Higher Studies? Refer to Medical Billing and Coding Grants
2. Oconee Fall Line Technical College
LOCATION – Sandersville, GA
A medical billing clerk certificate program focused on medical insurance and billing is offered online by OFTC. Students can earn a diploma of applied science in business technology by using their collected credits.
This 20-credit program can be finished in two semesters by the students. Seven occupational courses are in the curriculum: document creation, healthcare coding, and medical terminology.
Graduates can pursue careers in inpatient billing and reimbursement, records management, and related fields.
Program Details
Program Name: Medical Bill Clerk Certificate
School Status: Public
Tuition: $135 per credit
Credit Requirements: 20 credits
Program Length: 2 semesters
Admission Prerequisites
GPA: Not mentioned any minimum mark
Standardized Exams: ACT, SAT, ACCUPLACER, or comparable test scores needed
3. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
LOCATION – Shell Lake, WI
An online technical diploma program in medical billing offered by WITC includes studying the billing processes used in healthcare facilities. This program’s credits can apply toward an associate degree for medical administrative professionals.
Part-time students can finish their 26-credit program in three to four semesters. Some notable course subjects include medical insurance claims, medical office management, and medical terminologies. Additionally, the program has a capstone requirement. Graduates can work as revenue cycle representatives, patient account representatives, or hospital medical billers.
Program Details
Program Name: Medical Billing Specialist Technical Diploma
School Status: Public
Tuition: in-state – $165 per credit; out-of-state – $230
Credit Requirements: 26 credits
Program Length: 3-4 semesters (part-time)
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum prerequisite
Standardized Tests: Not mandated
4. Ogeechee Technical College
LOCATION – Statesboro, GA
A medical coding certificate program is available through OTC, giving high school graduates temporary credentials for higher education. The certificate program provides instruction for licensing exams and the development of procedural coding abilities in healthcare informatics. Students can sign up for certification exams after graduation to become certified coding specialists or certified coding associates.
The 24-credit program consists of eight classes that provide fundamental instruction in anatomy, medical jargon, and diagnostic coding. Every course is entirely accessible online. Students in two semesters typically complete the curriculum. Human diseases, document creation, and medical procedural coding are notable courses.
Program Details
Program Name: Medical Coding Certificate
School Status: Public
Tuition: $115 per credit
Credit Requirements: 24 credits
Program Length: 2 semesters
Admission Prerequisites
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Exams: SAT, ACT, ACCUPLACER, or comparable test scores needed
5. Shoreline Community College
LOCATION – Shoreline, WA
Shoreline Community College provides an online certificate program in medical coding and reimbursement specialist. Participants get ready to fill a range of support roles in medical settings. An associate degree in healthcare informatics technology is also available for certificate program graduates.
The 60-quarter-credit program includes hospital and clinic records classes and the fundamentals of health informatics. The final coding course consists of a virtual medical coding practicum in which students code 50–100 medical records. Graduates are qualified to take professional coding certification exams.
Program Details
Program Name: Certificate in Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialist
School Status: Public
Tuition: $165 per credit
Credit Requirements: 60 quarter credits
Program Length: 2 years
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: Not specified
6. West Georgia Technical College
LOCATION – Waco, GA
The public college WGTC provides a certificate in medical coding. The curriculum aids students in developing their diagnostic coding and healthcare informatics skills.
The 24-credit program can be finished in two semesters and is entirely online. The eight occupational courses teach students about human anatomy, coding, billing, and procedures. Students study subjects like document production, human diseases, and medical terminology for allied health sciences.
Program Details
Program Name: Certificate in Medical Coding Technical
School Status: Public
Tuition: in-state – $100 per credit; out-of-state – $200 per credit
Credit Requirements: 24 credits
Program Period: 2 semesters
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Exams: SAT, ACT, ACCUPLACER, or comparable test scores required
7. Hutchinson Community College
LOCATION – Hutchinson, KS
A healthcare coding specialist certificate is available online from HutchCC. Students who complete their coursework are prepared to take the necessary certification exams in the field of healthcare informatics. Students can finish the 46-credit curriculum in around two years.
Some course subjects are pharmacology, CPT coding, reimbursement procedures, and health information processes. Students must also conduct a coding practicum at a nearby medical facility as part of the program.
Most certificate credits can apply toward an associate’s degree in health information technology.
Program Details
Program Name: Certificate in Healthcare Coding Specialist
School Status: Public
Tuition: in-state – $115 per credit; out-of-state – $145 per credit
Credit Requirements: 46 credits
Program Period: 2 years
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: Not required
8. Columbus State Community College
LOCATION – Columbus, OH
CSCC provides a hybrid medical coding certificate program for holders of the degree program in health information management technology. The medical coding program offers fundamental statistical analysis, coding, and classification abilities. Although the program is mainly delivered online, some courses require sporadic on-campus attendance.
The nine courses in the 22-credit program have covering across three semesters. Medical terminology, CPT-4 coding, physiology and anatomy, ICD-10-CM/PCS coding, and medical reimbursement are just a few topics that students study. Additionally, the program includes 90 contact hours of valuable time.
Program Details
Program Name: Certificate in Medical Coding
School Status: Public
Tuition: in-state- $163 per credit; out-of-state – $335 per credit
Credit Requirements: 22 credits
Program Length: 3 semesters
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: Not required
9. Central Texas College
LOCATION – Killeen, TX
CTC Public College manages a medical coding and billing certificate program. Those who want to work in healthcare informatics may be interested in this online degree. The certified professional coder (CPC) exam is ready for graduates.
Students who enroll in the program work at their own pace and can have a year’s value of access to the course materials. A few notable courses are:
- Pharmacology for coders.
- Introduction to health insurance terms.
- Medical billing and coding.
- Medical terminology.
A voucher covering the cost of the CPC exam is also included in this curriculum. And also offer a one-year membership to the American Academy of Professional Coders.
Program Details
Program Name: Certification program Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
School Status: Public
Tuition: $3,090 total
Credit Requirements: 340-course hours
Program Length: 12 months
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: Not required
10. Great Basin College
LOCATION – Elko, NV
Students can finish GBC’s online certificate program in coding and billing in less than a year. The AHIMA and the AAPC provide various certification tests that graduates can take.
This two-semester, 34-credit curriculum has a total of 565 module hours. Medical terminology, medical billing and coding, diagnostic coding, and procedural coding are the coverage areas in the course. In their final semester, students also participate in a 45-hour coding practicum.
Program Details
Program Name: Professional Medical Coding and Billing Certificate Program
School Status: Public
Tuition: in-state – $117 per credit; out-of-state – $172 per credit
Credit Requirements: 34 credits
Program Length: 2 semesters
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: Not required
Can I earn a degree entirely online?
You can grow your career online with an authorized certificate program without leaving your home. As part of your program, you can participate in online lectures, study at home, juggle a busy schedule, and communicate online with teachers and other students. An online program may interest those who seek more flexibility in finishing their education or who wish to attend classes while working full-time or taking care of a family.
Part-time students drove the 2.2% increase in enrollment at online higher education institutions during the COVID-19 epidemic in the spring 2021 semester. This spring, part-time enrollment climbed by 5.1% at online colleges, while full-time enrollment increased by less than a percentage point. Older students (aged 20 to 25), whose enrolment rose by 7.1%, also contributed to the growth.
Will employers consider my online degree to be legitimate?
Employers now view online degree programs favorably, thanks to their increased popularity over the past ten years. Technology advancements have only increased the viability of online programs for many students. Employers are now more interested in the reputation of the school and the overall industry experience of the applicants rather than focusing on how they obtained their credentials, even though there is still uncertainty, particularly when hiring recent graduates from online schools.
However, the pandemic has impacted prospective students’ interest. Up to 40% of respondents indicated an interest in pursuing an online course or degree within the next five years, demonstrating the growing acceptance of the sustainability of these programs.
Additionally, the epidemic has increased the demand for various doctors and healthcare professionals.
Are degrees earned online accepted globally?
There are numerous online degree programs available all around the world. As a result, most countries also accept the certifications and degrees these institutions have awarded. By 2026, the online learning market is expected to reach $370 billion, according to EducationData.
In many regions of the world, regulated sectors frequently have a wide range of professional certifications. As a result, it won’t be a problem when you earn your degree, but to be accepted as a professional in your industry, you must pass a certification exam at home.
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program: Online vs. Traditional
An online certificate provides a clear entry point into the healthcare industry in medical billing and coding. Prospective students who flourish in this position should have strong interpersonal skills in addition to analytical and detail-oriented attitudes. Students can typically complete an online medical billing and coding degree within two years; however, the particular structure and requirements vary depending on the school. Most programs require between 18 and 30 credits. Students gain knowledge of health insurance and reimbursement, how to correctly record patient and medical data, and how to report healthcare services and procedures using the CPT system.
Flexibility
Simply put, online education is a flexible option for busy schedules and may be completed from any place at any time. Students can schedule their class time. However, they see fit on the weekend or in their free time.
Education on campus provides less flexibility. Students should attend class at particular times, which may interfere with working hours, parenting commitments, and other routines. Many programs will offer night classes to suit students’ other obligations. This could be a significant barrier for people without reliable transportation or who live in places without access to a college campus.
Additional Program and School Choices
You will have virtually unlimited degree program options if you attend an online institution, which is another benefit. When you enroll in online medical billing and coding degree programs, you can choose any college that provides the program you want, whether in a different state, another part of the country, or even another continent. As a result, you can pick a medical billing and coding degree online that is customized to your goals, interests, and intended career path.
The fact that local institutions’ course offerings restrict students’ alternatives is one of the most critical disadvantages for those considering on-campus programs. Although adult learners who have established lives, careers, and relationships may choose to relocate, this is generally not a practical option. Most adult learners who want to enroll in on-campus courses have few options due to geography, and those possibilities may or may not offer the program they’re seeking for.
Classroom encounters
On-campus education follows a familiar format:
- Have physical classrooms.
- Professors present lectures and lead discussions.
- Students participate in in-person conversations about the subject matter.
Some students may initially find the online learning environment unusual and even unsettling, mainly if they are not used to communicating in writing. But by the conclusion of their first term, most pupils had fully adjusted to this new teaching strategy. Their interactions with teachers and classmates have evolved into something very natural.
Refer: Medical Coding Certification: A Complete Guide 2022
Are online degrees less expensive?
All prospective students considering attending a traditional or online school are concerned about affordability. Additionally, it is a factor that differs significantly amongst educational institutions, making it challenging to say that one style of education is considerably less expensive than another. However, students can anticipate some savings from online education in general because there aren’t any costs associated with on-campus instruction, like transportation, textbooks, and room and boarding houses. Due to the lack of overhead required to run online programs, tuition is often reduced.
You should carefully examine the total cost of the program at the universities you are considering. It is crucial to find out if there are any additional, unforeseen costs associated with items like technology, online libraries, materials, or student activity fees. When calculating the price of your education, all of these costs must be considered and could quickly add up.
Read More : Cost of Medical Billing and Coding Online Courses
Is an online degree just as valuable as a traditional one?
Although some students might worry that their degree won’t be respected since they got it online, this is different for many employers. The degree is equally valid as one earned through traditional learning if the college that issued it is genuine and approved. In some professions, the degree’s attainment in a particular field—rather than its location—is more important.
In some circumstances, a traditional degree is less desirable to prospective employers than an online degree. When pursuing an online degree, exercising excellence shows a high commitment, intelligence, and a solid work ethic. Additionally, it shows prospective employers that the student is independent and competent to work hard without close supervision.
How much does a medical billing and coding certificate program cost online?
There are several reasons why people opt for online degrees. For instance, they might have to schedule their studies around their full-time jobs or family responsibilities. Some students avoid making long commutes to class or favor the comfort of doing their homework at home. Others prefer online courses because they cost less.
Also, consider whether your chosen school is accredited and whether online learning suits your learning preferences.
Net Cost of Tuition
The net cost of an online degree is often defined as the sum of your tuition costs. For online students, tuition is frequently calculated based on credit hours. An institution can charge undergraduate students $300 in education for each credit tried. Students at that institution must pay $36,000 in tuition for their online medical billing and coding certificate because most bachelor’s programs require 120 credits.
Various Fees
In addition to tuition, most students also have to pay other expenses. Most colleges and universities charge an application fee, typically a little more than $100. In some universities, specific student groups, such as veterans, people in the military on active service, or members of their families, may not be required to pay this fee.
Books and Materials
The textbooks and other course materials are among online and on-campus students’ most frequent indirect expenses. Instead of buying physical copies of books, several schools’ students can pay charges for virtual entry to all of their needed study materials. Colleges typically charge students an annual fee to access a collection of articles, videos, book chapters, and problem sets through computers, tablets, or smartphones. Keep in mind that you can lose access to online materials at the end of the year.
Fees for Certification
Depending on your medical billing and coding route, you can become certified through one of two associations. The first regulatory body that offers certificates in health information management and medical coding/billing is the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
In contrast, the Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers certificate programs centered on professional services like inpatient/outpatient coding and billing.
The AAPC and AHIMA are both widely respected organizations. Therefore, it depends on your goals whether one is “better.”
Some coders hold certificates from both organizations, even though you can pick between the two, as some hospital coding positions only accept particular credentials. By pursuing certifications from both organizations, you can increase your pool of work alternatives.
