Best Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding of 2024

Medical billing and coding professionals are vital to the healthcare field, ensuring that medical bills are accurate and that payers — including insurance companies — have the correct information.

An associate degree in medical billing and coding is all you need to get started with this career, which pays slightly higher than the national median wage. Additionally, unlike many other healthcare careers that do not require a four-year degree, medical billing and coding is not physically demanding, though it does require sitting for long periods.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Medical billers and coders help ensure all medical procedures performed by a healthcare provider are accurately listed on forms using standardized medical codes. While this line of work doesn’t require computer programming or data analysis skills, you must be comfortable with computers and different software systems, have a strong eye for detail, and recognize potential errors.

An associate program in medical billing and coding provides training in standard billing procedures and different coding systems.

An associate in medical billing and coding is a two-year technical program designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in the growing field of health information. Online accredited medical billing and coding schools attract a variety of students, including high school graduates pursuing their first career-track jobs and adults looking to change occupations.

Degrees in medical billing and coding prepare students for national coding certification exams and entry-level positions. Courses typically feature a combination of lectures, readings, and practical assignments.

Throughout your program, you’ll study topics like medical terminology, human anatomy, and insurance plans and regulations. You’ll also develop skills in medical ethics, patient account management, medical insurance claim processing, and diagnosis and procedure coding.

If you pursue an online associate degree in medical billing and coding, you’ll complete 60 credits of coursework, including general education classes, major core classes, and electives. The curriculum prepares students for professional certification through the study of medical terminology, procedure coding systems, and software applications in healthcare.

AAPC — formerly known as the American Academy of Professional Coders — is the world’s largest training and credentialing organization in the healthcare field, representing more than 200,000 members. Because medical coding regulations, requirements, and standards have become increasingly complex, many employers prefer to hire medical billers and coders with AAPC certification. However, some may allow new employees to earn certification shortly after being hired.

AAPC provides credentials for medical billing and coding professionals, including the certified professional coder and certified professional biller certifications. Certification exams consist of 150-200 multiple-choice questions, which assess an individual’s ability to apply codes and procedures correctly. AAPC recommends that test-takers hold an associate degree before sitting for these exams.

AAPC also offers specialized certification options like certified outpatient coder (COC) and certified professional coder-payer. COC candidates must have at least two years of medical coding experience.

Continuing education is required to maintain AAPC certification.

Medical billing and coding accredited online schools prepare graduates for many entry-level careers in the healthcare industry. Prior to pursuing employment, many graduates obtain professional certification from AACP, AMBA, or AHIMA. Job openings can be found in hospitals, physicians’ offices, or outpatient facilities.

The majority of graduates with a medical billing and coding degree seek employment in billing and coding. However, they may also choose to embark on careers as medical assistants, health information technicians, or data analysts. Additional education and certification may be required for upward mobility or placement in advanced positions.

Take a look at three common career options for graduates below.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the TBS Rankings Team.