Medical billers and coders transform patient diagnosis and treatment information into numerical codes that insurance companies and government agencies use to reimburse healthcare providers. Attending an accredited medical billing school can equip you with valuable clinical and clerical skills to manage patient records and ensure claims are processed accurately.
If this career interests you, you can pursue an associate or bachelor's degree in medical billing and coding, healthcare administration, or health information management. You can also get started in months by earning a certificate, available at community colleges and medical billing and coding schools.
Popular Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools
Read About Our Methodology Here
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 The Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools of 2024
GateWay Community College-Central City
Phoenix, AZ - Campus
Program Cost: $4,180
Credits to Graduate: 804 clock hours
GateWay Community College's medical billing and coding program awards a certificate and prepares students for jobs in hospitals, medical treatment facilities, and physician offices.The curriculum also covers anatomy and physiology, compliance standards, health information technology, medical terminology, and pathophysiology and pharmacology.
The program follows a clock-hour format that teaches skills for a quick entry into the workforce. Classes are held at the SouthWest Skill Center in Avondale, Arizona. Students typically finish in 11 months.
#2 The Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools of 2024
Fox Valley Technical College
Appleton, WI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Program Cost: $4,962
Credits to Graduate: 28
Appleton, Wisconsin's Fox Valley Technical College offers a medical coding specialist technical diploma. The online program features full- and part-time options and day and evening courses. The curriculum trains graduates to work in healthcare and insurance settings or to enter a healthcare information technology associate program.
Admission requires a skills assessment or one of the following: a high school diploma with a 2.75 GPA; an associate degree; a 165 on the GED test; or SAT, ACT, or equivalent test scores.
#3 The Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools of 2024
Sinclair Community College
Dayton, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $141-$188
Out-of-State | $344
Credits to Graduate: 24
Sinclair Community College's medical coding and billing program leads to a technical certificate. Graduates emerge prepared for entry-level coding and billing jobs in healthcare settings and insurance offices. Graduates also qualify to take credentialing exams to become certified professional coders.
The Dayton, Ohio-based program offers in-person and online study, where enrollees learn about anatomy, physiology, and disease processes; insurance claim processing; medical terminology; and reimbursement procedures.
#4 The Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools of 2024
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Bowling Green, KY - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State & Online | $186
Out-of-State | $250
Credits to Graduate: 22
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College offers its medical coding certificate program primarily online through its 13 campuses. Coursework covers anatomy and physiology, medical coding, insurance, and terminology, and word processing applications. Graduates gain skills needed to enter the medical administrative workforce, including billing, coding, and transcription.
First-year applicants need a high school transcript, GED scores, or a state-approved equivalent. Transfer students submit college transcripts. All applicants should provide SAT, ACT, or equivalent test scores, or take a placement exam.
#5 The Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools of 2024
South Georgia Technical College
Americus, GA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: $100
Credits to Graduate: 20
Students can earn their medical billing clerk certificate at South Georgia Technical College's main campus in Americus and the Crisp County Center. Coursework includes document production, introduction to computer literacy, structure and function of the human body, and an occupational guided elective.
Applicants submit high school transcripts, GED scores, or, if applicable, college transcripts. New students take a reading, writing, and math placement exam, or provide sufficient PSAT, SAT, ACT, Accuplacer, or GED scores or hold a 2.6 GPA.
#6 The Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools of 2024
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL - 2 years
- Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $111-$238
Out-of-State | $431
Credits to Graduate: 41
Lake Land College's medical coding specialist certificate online program trains students in diagnostic and procedural coding. Graduates can find employment at medical facilities and qualify for national coding certification exams. The program offers internships at clinics and hospitals, or learners can opt for hospital and clinic certificate prep courses. Lake Land features an open-door admission policy.
Coursework includes medical transcription, pharmacology for coders, and principles of different coding methods. Skill-based learning teaches proficiency with Microsoft and code set books.
#7 The Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools of 2024
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Program Cost:
In-State | $4,958
Out-of-State | $13,220
Credits to Graduate: 28
The medical billing and coding certificate at Waubonsee Community College teaches the skills required for coding, billing, and processing healthcare claims. Required courses include business information systems, human structure and function, legal/ethical issues in healthcare, and pathophysiology and pharmacology for health information technology professionals.
The Sugar Grove, Illinois-based college offers classes in-person or online and does not have a competitive application process. Applicants who want to transfer credits submit college transcripts for evaluation.
#8 The Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools of 2024
Paris Junior College
Paris, TX - 2 years
- Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $86-$136
Out-of-State | $186
Credits to Graduate: 40
Paris Junior College offers a medical records coding certificate program that prepares students for coding and billing positions or further health information management studies. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy and physiology for medical assistants, integrated and medical software applications, health data content and structure, and introduction to spreadsheets. Graduates qualify to take their coding certification exams.
Admission requires a high school transcript or GED scores, college transcripts, if applicable, references, and immunization records. The main campus is in Paris, Texas.
#9 The Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools of 2024
Barton County Community College
Great Bend, KS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $113-$122
Out-of-State | $151
Online | $155
Credits to Graduate: 44
Completion of Barton Community College's medical coding program leads to a certificate and eligibility to take coding certification exams. The curriculum features courses in business English, computer concepts and applications, keyboarding, and medical administrative aspects.
Students can attend class at the Barton County campus in Great Bend, Kansas, or study online. With Barton's open admissions, applicants submit placement test scores and transcripts. Qualified Kansas high school graduates entering college for the first time can apply for Barton Bound scholarships.
#10 The Best Medical Billing and Coding Schools of 2024
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Fennimore, WI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: $146
Credits to Graduate: 33
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's medical coding diploma online program teaches skills necessary for entry-level coding positions at healthcare facilities. Credits earned in the diploma program can transfer to a health information technology degree.
The curriculum trains enrollees to review healthcare provider documentation and translate it into numeric codes. Courses include digital literacy for healthcare, health revenue management, human diseases for health professionals, and medical terminology.
Applicants submit transcripts and ACT or Accuplacer scores. College transfer credits receive consideration.
Benefits of Attending a Medical Billing and Coding Program
- You can become a medical biller or coder in under one year with a certificate program.
- As of 2022, more than 70% of billing and coding staff work entirely or partially from home.
- The aging U.S. population promises job security — the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for medical billers and medical coders is projected to grow 8% from 2022-2032.
- Certified medical billers and coders can earn $50,000-$80,000 per year.
- With continuing education, billers and coders can advance into senior roles within 10 years.
Does Accreditation Matter for Medical Billing and Coding Schools?
Accreditation can make a big difference in your career. Many employers only consider graduates of accredited programs, and accredited schools generally only accept transfer credits from other accredited medical billing and coding schools.
Types of Medical Billing and Coding Education Programs
There are three primary types of accredited medical billing and coding schools or programs. While each type prepares you for the national certification examination, they differ significantly. The right program depends on your preferred time frame, budget, and career goals. However, credits from accredited programs often transfer to other schools, so you have options as you continue your career.
Medical Billing and Coding Degree Program
A medical billing and coding degree program includes a general education and classes specific to medical billing and coding. An associate degree program typically takes two years for a full-time student, while a bachelor's degree typically takes four years. The bachelor's degree includes more advanced topics and courses in the general healthcare context.
A degree program can be a valuable differentiator if you want to take on a leadership role in medical billing and coding. An associate degree from a community college is typically the most affordable degree option.
- Time to Complete: 2 years for an associate degree, 4 years for a bachelor's degree
- Program Outcomes: Associate or bachelor's degree
Medical Billing and Coding Non-Degree Course
A medical billing and coding non-degree course can provide a faster route to careers in medical billing and coding than a degree program. This shorter timeline may be worth considering if you want to start earning as quickly as possible, have a degree in another subject, aim to transition to medical billing and coding, or are not certain this is your ideal career.
However, it is vital to make sure that the program is offered by an accredited medical billing and coding school or by an accredited organization. Non-degree courses typically suit working students and often use online delivery for added convenience. You may be able to transfer some or all of your credits to a certificate or degree program. If you want to pursue a certificate or degree in the future, check the credit transfer policy at the accredited medical billing and coding school you want to attend.
- Time to Complete: 3-9 months
- Program Outcomes: Eligibility to take the certification examination, possibility of transferring credits to certificate or degree programs
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate or Diploma Program
A medical billing and coding certificate or diploma program can be very quick, with some lasting just four weeks, though most take approximately six months. Shorter courses may require you to attend on a full-time basis. Be aware that a certificate program is different from certification. A school can award you a certificate, but only a certifying body can issue a certification. Like a non-degree program, you may be able to transfer some or all of your credits to an accredited medical billing and coding school.
- Time to Complete: 2-8 months
- Program Outcomes: Eligibility to take the certification examination, possibility of transferring credits to certificate or degree programs, diploma or certificate
Common Medical Billing and Coding Certifications
There are more than 30 medical billing and coding certifications available, primarily from the AAPC (formerly known as the American Academy of Professional Coders) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The following list explores some of the most common and widely offered certifications.
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC): The CPC, from the AAPC, is one of the most popular certifications. The median salary for somebody with the CPC certification is $58,895, according to the AAPC. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions across 17 different areas of knowledge. To qualify, you must be an AAPC member and take the required AAPC course or have relevant experience.
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB): CPB certification demonstrates knowledge and expertise in medical billing processes, coding systems, insurance claims, and reimbursement regulations. Like the CPC, you must take the required AAPC classes or have experience in healthcare or medical billing to take the CPB certification examination. The test includes 135 multiple-choice questions about billing. The median salary for a healthcare worker with CPB certification is $56,981, according to 2023 AAPC data.
- Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC): Risk adjustment coding is a specific area of coding that ensures providers and health plans receive the funding they need to cover healthcare for high-risk patients. This assurance improves healthcare equity. The exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions and is known for its difficulty. The 2023 median salary for CRC-certified coders is $64,192, according to the AAPC.
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA): The AHIMA offers CCA certification for entry-level medical coders. You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify. The AHIMA recommends but does not require either six months of coding experience or a preparation course. There are 105 questions on the examination, and you must bring your own codebook to the exam. The average salary for a CCA is $53,790, according to 2019 data from AHIMA.
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS): The CCS is a more advanced AHIMA certification than the CCA, and the AHIMA recommends either a CCA and one year of experience as a coder or other combinations of experience and education. As of 2019, the average salary for a CCS is $79,060, according to the AHIMA.
Advanced Credentials
Earning even more advanced certifications can help you progress in your career and negotiate a higher salary. These credentials require specialized knowledge of coding and coding administration. For example, the average salary for a CHPS reached $100,560 in 2019, according to the AHIMA, and a certified professional compliance officer (CPCO) earns a median of $81,495, according to 2023 AAPC data.
While advanced certifications like these may not have experience or education requirements to qualify for the examination, the AHIMA and AAPC recommend professional experience, training, or both before taking these exams.
What Courses Do You Take in a Medical Billing and Coding School?
Student billers and coders take hybrid courses in medical and clerical matters. Medical subjects focus on language — the medical Latin and shorthand communications of hospital settings — and how to translate those terms into thousands of codes. Office administration skills focus on billing communications among healthcare providers, insurance companies, government agencies, and patients.
Medical Billing and Health Insurance
The core skills of the medical billing and coding trade focus on the reimbursement processes of health insurance and government agencies like Medicare and Medicaid. Improperly coded claims are regularly rejected, requiring time-consuming resubmission. Students need a solid understanding of coding procedures, payment systems, and fee schedules.
Coding for Hospital Applications/Medical Office Applications
Students learn to submit and manage standard hospital billing claim forms, interpret medical data, and perform basic coding with two or more coding systems. Widely used systems such as CPT, ICD-9, and ICD-10 provide a shorthand for conditions, diagnoses, and treatments.
Medical Terminology
Translating medical services into code requires familiarity with medical terms, including the names of obscure ailments and surgical jargon. Student medical billers learn the origins and fundamentals of medical Latin, along with the terminology and shorthand used in laboratories and pharmacies. Courses cover vocabulary for basic anatomy, body systems, and specific fields.
Medical Contracts, Ethics, and HIPAA
Medical billers and coders handle private information, requiring training in ethics. Topics include care contracts, protected health information and disclosure under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and electronic health record incentives offered under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act.
Medical Office Procedures
Medical office administration includes managing electronic, telephone, and print mail; business letter writing; logistics planning; and task management.
How Much Can You Make as a Medical Biller and Coder?
Attending an accredited medical billing and coding school can be a good investment, especially if you want to earn an above-average salary without having to earn a college degree. The BLS reports a median salary of $47,180 per year for all medical records specialists, compared to the $46,310 median across all jobs.
The BLS also projects a job growth rate of 8% from 2022-2032, which is above the average rate. Some specialty certifications can earn much more. For example, according to the AAPC, certified professional practice managers earn a median income of $75,699 as of 2023, while certified professional compliance officers earn a $81,495 median salary.
Q&A With a Real Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Q: Is there a lot of technical change to keep up on in the medical billing and coding field? What is the continuing education experience like?
"[In medical billing,] every year we receive new and/or updated ICD-10 Diagnosis code changes October 1 and new or updated CPT changes January 1, so every year you will need to have new manuals. […] There are also continual CMS (Medicare) updated guidelines throughout the year. In addition, you would need to earn continuing education units (CEUs) yearly to renew your certification. In my case, it's 36 CEUs every two years for a Certified Professional Coder with the AAPC. This can be done with conferences, webinars, local meetings, etc."
Q: In your experience, what are the most valuable credentials a medical biller and coder can receive?
"I would say the CPC for professional coding and the CPB for professional billing. Certification already starts you off at a higher salary level, and, of course, any experience you have before your certification will also add to your compensation. There are many other certifications if you are interested in other areas, such as inpatient hospitals, risk management, auditing, and compliance. There are also specialty certifications within the medical coding field that can increase your compensation and promotion."
Q: What are the most rewarding aspects of medical billing and coding?
"The appreciation of the physician group that I work for with employee acknowledgments throughout the year. Also, the opportunity to work from home is huge."
Q: What are the most challenging aspects of medical billing and coding?
"In my day-to-day, it's staying focused reading operative reports and deciphering the procedure(s) that the physician performed. Insurance company appeals can be very challenging when a code is denied. And also staying up to date on coding guidelines."
Q: What advice would you give someone looking to enter the field?
"Definitely get your basic certification to get your foot in the door. Many employers will not hire without having at least a CPC designation. I have many co-workers who left other fields to learn medical coding and love it. It's a great field to get into."
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Billing and Coding Schools
What's the difference between medical billing and medical coding?
The primary difference lies in the professional responsibilities. Billing involves preparing bills to be sent to payers, such as insurance companies or patients. Conversely, medical coding assigns standardized codes to different procedures to simplify medical records and billing.
Can you do medical coding without a degree?
You can do medical coding without a degree, but many employers prefer or require certification. You can earn certification by attending an accredited medical billing and coding program or through a mixture of experience and study.
How long does it take to become a medical coder?
Some accredited medical billing and coding schools offer medical coding programs that take approximately one month of full-time study. You can also attend longer programs, including full degrees.
What is the difference between a medical billing and coding associate degree and a certificate program?
An associate degree includes general classes to provide a more well-rounded education. In contrast, certificate programs focus solely on medical billing and coding.
How long does it take to complete a medical billing and coding program?
A medical billing and coding program can be completed as quickly as four weeks or take four years as part of a bachelor's degree. The right program depends on your goals and preferred time frame.
What is the starting salary for medical billers and coders?
The average starting salary for medical billers and coders with CPC certification and less than one year of experience is $45,701, according to 2023 AAPC data. However, your location, previous healthcare experience, certification, and education all affect your salary.