Top 10 Best Online School for Medical Billing and Coding Under $18,000

If you’re considering a healthcare career, you want the best online school for medical billing and coding! But what makes billing and coding such a popular career path? Healthcare services are dependent on technology. Because it involves patient records and finance, this is a job that requires efficiency. Consequently, the number of students enlisting in medical coder schools online has witnessed a notable upswing.

Medical billing and coding involves processing and managing financial transactions. Specifically those between patients, providers, and insurance companies. It’s the system behind translating medical information into standardized codes, ensuring accurate and timely billing for patient services. This role is pivotal in healthcare revenue management and patient privacy.

A medical billing and coding degree online offers several benefits. It offers a blend of job stability, flexibility, and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare. Furthermore, the training required is relatively short. It’s generally more affordable than other healthcare degrees.

Article Navigation: Become a Medical Biller and Coder Online | Accredited Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools | The Cheapest Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools – Diploma Programs | Best Online School for Medical Billing and Coding – Top 5 Schools | What To Expect From the Top Accredited Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools | Start Your Journey to a Thriving Healthcare Career Today

Become a Medical Biller and Coder Online

The shift towards online learning has delivered unparalleled convenience and accessibility. As a result, you can now pursue a rewarding healthcare career from the comfort of your home. There are three different levels of degree programs that you can pursue to become a medical billing specialist. These options depend on your career goals and interests.

The degree you choose depends on your personal and professional goals. But it can also depend on your current education and experience. Some students start with a certificate or diploma program and then transfer credits to an associate degree. Alternatively, others enroll directly in an associate program if they meet admission requirements. Regardless, graduates can benefit from the growing demand for qualified medical billers and coders in the healthcare industry.

Diploma

The first option is the diploma. Diplomas are short-term programs providing the basic skills and knowledge to process and manage health information data. A diploma usually takes less than a year to complete. It covers topics from medical terminology to coding systems, software applications, and billing regulations.

Aside from helping to explore a career in medical billing and coding, a diploma can also prepare you for certification exams. These exams enhance your credentials and employability in the field. With a diploma, you can become a medical billing specialist, medical record clerk, and other entry-level positions.

Online Certificate Programs

Online certificate programs for medical billing and coding are similar to diploma programs. They are short-term programs. They provide the skills to perform basic medical billing and coding tasks, such as using coding systems, software applications, etc.

An online certificate program also qualifies you for entry-level medical billing and coding positions. For example, being a clerk, going into medical coding, or billing. They also prepare you for certification exams, such as the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or the Certified Professional Coder (CPC).

Online Medical Coding Degree – Associate’s

Finally, most online schools for medical coding offer associate degree programs. These offer more in-depth and extensive education in the field. Associate in medical billing and coding degrees cover specialized and general topics like:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Health information management
• Ethical issues
• Reimbursement methods
• Quality improvement

With an associate degree program, you can advance your career and qualify for higher-level positions. This includes careers as coding specialists, auditors, supervisors, and managers. Furthermore, they can prepare students for more advanced certification exams like the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).

Accredited Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools

Choosing the right institution is crucial for a career in medical billing and coding. Accreditation is one way to recognize quality programs that can shape your future as a skilled professional.

Regionally accredited online medical billing and coding schools have approval for their quality and standards. Accrediting bodies assess school curriculum, faculty, and resources. They are independent groups of experts who ensure schools follow the rules and standards of higher education. A regionally accredited school offers benefits like financial aid, credit transfer, and future licensure.

The best medical billing and coding programs also feature programmatic accreditation. Programmatic accreditation affects the eligibility and recognition of graduates for certifications, employment, and continuing education.

There is one main programmatic accreditor to look for in medical billing and coding programs:

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

CAHIIM accredits degree-granting programs in health informatics and health information management. This group covers different degree levels, ensuring they meet the American Health Information Management Association standards. Overall, CAHIIM accreditation ensures graduates have the knowledge and skills to become health information specialists. It also qualifies graduates to sit for AHIMA certification exams, such as the CCA, CCS, and RHIA. To learn more about CAHIIM accreditation, click here!

The Cheapest Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools – Diploma Programs

These programs are known for their affordability compared to other healthcare fields. However, it’s vital to consider affordable online medical coding degrees that do not compromise quality. This section highlights accredited online medical billing and coding diploma programs that offer a cost-effective pathway to this rewarding career.

1. Penn Foster

   Degree(s): Medical Billing and Coding Diploma
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $1,299 total tuition cost

   Penn Foster’s Diploma in Medical Billing and Coding offers the ideal pathway to explore this in-demand role in healthcare. This program emphasizes the skills that help you take the next step toward a successful career as a medical billing and coding specialist, a medical claim specialist, or a medical biller.

   With this diploma program, students become better prepared to sit for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam. It also incorporates courses relevant to interactive medical billing and coding. This program has an estimated average completion time of 15 months; however, students under the fast-track option can graduate in 11 months.

   Penn Foster implements a proven healthcare learning model emphasizing a flexible, interactive, connected, and supportive learning process. This makes it among the best online medical billing and coding schools available. Obtaining this diploma degree will cost students $1,299 in tuition.

   Find Out More:
   Medical Billing and Coding Diploma

    

2. Guilford Technical Community College

   Degree(s): Medical Billing and Coding Diploma
   Tuition (in-state): $76 per credit hour
   Tuition(out-of-state): $268 per credit hour

   GTCC offers a low-cost medical coding and billing online program with the Medical Office Administration – Medical Billing and Coding Diploma. This option prepares students for employment in healthcare settings as they relate to medical billing and coding. The coursework includes:

   – Medical terminology
   – Medical insurance and billing
   – Electronic health records
   – Microsoft Office
   – Medical coding systems

   All coursework provides hands-on learning to prepare students for administrative work in healthcare. The program qualifies graduates for clerical/managerial positions in various settings. Furthermore, successful students have the opportunity to sit for the AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.

   This diploma program’s average tuition is about $76 per credit hour for in-state students and $268 for out-of-state students. GTCC also offers several financial aid options for students to learn without the burden of debt associated with obtaining a college degree.

   Find Out More:
   Medical Billing and Coding Diploma

    

3. Edgecombe Community College

   Degree(s): Coding Diploma
   Tuition (in-state): $76 per credit hour
   Tuition(out-of-state): $268 per credit hour

   Edgecombe Community College offers a highly regarded medical coding diploma program. This diploma program provides the essential knowledge and practical skills required to excel in medical coding and healthcare administration.

   The program covers a wide range of the best online medical coding courses. For example, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, insurance, and CPT coding. Students also receive hands-on training in medical coding software and real-world coding scenarios. The program’s curriculum meets the industry demands, ensuring graduates are prepared to work in different settings.

   Another key advantage of this diploma is that it is cost-effective. The average tuition in-state is about $76 per credit hour, while the average out-of-state tuition is about $268. This makes ECC one of the cheapest online medical billing and coding schools.

   Find Out More:
   Coding Diploma

    

4. Wayne Community College

   Degree(s): Diploma in Medical Office Administration / Medical Coding
   Tuition (in-state): $76 per credit hour
   Tuition(out-of-state): $268 per credit hour

   Medical Office Administration is one of North Carolina’s ten fastest-growing occupations. You can explore this career path with Wayne Community College’s diploma in medical office administration with a specialization in medical coding.

   Students can complete this diploma program in three semesters or less. It covers topics from anatomy to medical coding systems, insurance and billing, and medical office software. With a class size of about 25 students, WCC offers a focused learning experience. Most students consider it the best online school for medical coding in North Carolina.

   Furthermore, this diploma program prepares students for the CPC exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders. The program comes with an average tuition fee of $76 per credit hour for residents. Those from out-of-state can expect to pay around $268 per credit hour on average.

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   Diploma in Medical Office Administration / Medical Coding

    

5. Pitt Community College

   Degree(s): Medical Auditor Diploma; Medical Billing & Coding Diploma
   Tuition (in-state): $76 per credit hour
   Tuition(out-of-state): $268 per credit hour

   Pitt Community College offers two accredited online medical coding programs. The first is the Medical Auditor diploma. Then, the Medical Billing & Coding diploma. The Medical Auditor Diploma program trains students to perform coding quality audits and reviews of clinical documents, billing records, administrative data, and coding records.

   On the other hand, the Medical Billing & Coding Diploma teaches students how to transform diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and equipment into alphanumeric codes. This program is ideal for those interested in processing and following up on insurance claims and refunds. Both programs consist of 36 credit hours of coursework, including courses in legal issues, medical insurance, and more.

   Pitt is a good choice for a quality, low-cost medical coding and billing online program. The average tuition in-state is about $76 per credit hour, while out-of-state students will pay an average tuition of about $268.

   Find Out More:
   Medical Auditor Diploma
   Medical Billing & Coding Diploma

    

Best Online School for Medical Billing and Coding – Top 5 Schools

Identifying the best online medical billing and coding schools is paramount for those seeking a successful education. To help your search, we list the top five online schools that excel in prestige and program offerings.

1. CareerStep

   Degree(s): Medical Coding and Billing Professional
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $3,699

   CareerStep is all about complete online training that prepares students for stable and well-paying careers. This particular program, the Medical Coding and Billing Professional, offers benefits such as preparation for CPC certification and self-paced studies. Other benefits of this program include:

   – Simulations and real-world, virtual scenarios
   – Excellent support from faculty
   – Flexible schedule

   The online advanced medical billing and coding career certificate is great to become certified industry professionals. You’ll learn about medical coding, electronic medical records, transcription fundamentals, and more through. This CareerStep program also offers the chance to work with actual medical records, so you’ll be prepared for your new career.

   CareerStep is definitely one of the best online school for medical billing and coding. The full tuition for these certificate programs is about $3,699. have over 12 months to wrap up their courses, subsequently taking on an AAPC Practicode course..

   Find Out More:
   Medical Coding and Billing Professional

    

2. East Mississippi Community College

   Degree(s): Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing & Coding Technology; Technical Certificate in Medical Billing & Coding Technology
   Tuition (in-state): $165 per credit hour
   Tuition(out-of-state): $184 per credit hour

   EMCC is known for offering medical billing and coding certificate programs online. They equip students with the knowledge to excel. The AAS and certificate programs in medical billing and coding technology offer a well-rounded curriculum that covers various aspects of the field.

   The AAS program incorporates topics in accounting, transcription, coding, and computer software applications. The curriculum also complies with exams for Certified Medical Transcriptionists and Certified Coding Associate Competency Statements. Those seeking a more focused approach can choose the certificate programs. They provide a strong foundation and equip students with a comprehensive skill set to enter the workforce.

   EMCC’s commitment to quality and affordability makes it one of the top accredited online medical billing and coding schools. The tuition is about $165 per credit hour in-state and $184 out-of-state.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing & Coding Technology
   Technical Certificate in Medical Billing & Coding Technology

    

3. Northwest Technical College

   Degree(s): Diploma in Medical Coding; Certificate in Medical Coding; Associate in Applied Science in Medical Coding
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $211.55 per credit hour

   Northwest Technical College provides rigorous, career-focused programs. There are diverse technical programs for careers in industries including healthcare. NTC provides three options for students who want to pursue a career in medical coding: a certificate, diploma, and AAS degree.

   The medical billing and coding online certificate program is the shortest. It requires 29 credits of coursework in core coding topics. The diploma program is longer, requiring 40 coursework credits. It includes additional courses in pharmacology, healthcare systems, and advanced medical coding. NTC’s AAS degree program is the most extensive, requiring 60 credits of coursework.

   All three programs provide training using nationally recognized coding systems to classify procedures and diagnoses related to medical treatment. The tuition in-state and out-of-state for these programs is about $211.55 per credit hour.

   Find Out More:
   Diploma in Medical Coding
   Certificate in Medical Coding
   Associate in Applied Science in Medical Coding

    

4. Rasmussen University

   Degree(s): Certificate in Medical Billing & Coding
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $279 per credit

   Rasmussen University also focuses on career-relevant education programs across diverse fields. One such program is the Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding. This program provides studies in coding systems, billing technology, information security, and general healthcare knowledge.

   This certificate program features ten courses and can take just nine months. Within this timeframe, students will learn to utilize coding and billing technology, understand health information ethics, and develop solid foundational healthcare knowledge. You can apply this program towards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in medical billing as well.

   Rasmussen’s medical billing and coding school can also prepare you for AHIMA’s Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). It’s one of the most affordable medical coder schools online. Tuition costs about $279 per credit in-state and out-of-state.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Medical Billing & Coding

    

5. University of Arkansas Grantham

   Degree(s): Certificate in Medical Coding & Billing; AAS in Medical Coding & Billing
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $295 per credit hour

   The final entry in the best online school for medical billing and coding list is the University of Arkansas Grantham. Specifically, the certificate and an associate’s program in medical coding and billing.

   The certificate program prepares students for a basic, entry-level medical coding support position. Students develop skills applicable to office administration in any healthcare environment. In addition, this program provides students access to the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam.

   The associate’s program emphasizes medical and insurance coding, as well as maintaining patient data and privacy. This program requires 60 total credits and takes about 24 months to complete. Students can transfer up to 75% of credits into this degree.

   UAG has one of the lowest tuition rates, with both coding programs costing $295 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state students.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Medical Coding & Billing
   AAS in Medical Coding & Billing

    

What To Expect From the Top Accredited Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools

Online medical billing and coding schools offer the skills and knowledge to work in the health information technology field. These schools feature several regional and programmatic accreditations.

One of the main benefits of online programs is that they can be self-paced. Most top online medical coding programs can take just a year, depending on the coursework and level of prior education.

The structure of these programs generally features core courses covering essential topics and skills for medical billing and coding. Students also choose from different subjects and specialties related to the field. These elective courses cover topics in pharmacology, pathology, administration, and health informatics, to mention a few.

Most online coding programs are entirely remote, without any in-person classes or sessions. However, some programs feature in-person requirements. Students may be required to complete a practicum or an externship at a local healthcare facility. These in-person requirements allow students to gain hands-on experience and apply skills in a real-world setting.

Online medical billing and coding schools also prepare students for certification exams. These exams test students’ knowledge and skills in the field and their ability to adhere to industry standards and regulations. Some of the most common certification exams are:

• (CCA) Certified Coding Associate offered by the American Health Information Management Association
• (CPC) Certified Professional Coder offered by the AAPC
• (CCS) Certified Coding Specialist provided by the AHIMA

Start Your Journey to a Thriving Healthcare Career Today

The best online school for medical billing and coding can help you break into or advance your career. These schools provide comprehensive support, flexible learning options, and relevant degree programs to facilitate a career in medical coding.

Whether you’re embarking on a new career or seeking to enhance your existing skills, these online schools serve as gateways to success. This makes them the optimal choice for a future filled with opportunities and professional growth. Ready to take the first step? Become a medical biller and coder online today!