Best Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding of 2024

Discover the best online associate degree programs in medical billing and coding — an important and growing field in healthcare.
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Updated February 28, 2024

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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.

Featured Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs

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

Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding Rankings Summary

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 Cowley County Community College
Arkansas City, KS
$2,040 $3,480 Not provided
#2 Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$20,800 $20,800 96%
#3 Mt Hood Community College
Gresham, OR
$4,248 $8,604 Not provided
#4 Everett Community College
Everett, WA
$3,807 $9,342 Not provided
#5 Herzing University-Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
$13,320 $13,320 94%
#6 Southeast Technical College
Sioux Falls, SD
$3,720 $3,720 Not provided
#7 Northland Community and Technical College
Thief River Falls, MN
$5,435 $5,435 Not provided
#8 Northwest Technical College
Bemidji, MN
$6,057 $6,057 Not provided
#9 Central Maine Community College
Auburn, ME
$2,880 $5,760 Not provided
#10 Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Johnstown, PA
$6,660 $10,170 Not provided

Best Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding

Read Our Methodology Here

#1 Best Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding of 2024

Cowley County Community College

  • Arkansas City, KS
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $70-$80
Out-of-State | $90-$130

Credits to Graduate: 65

The online medical coding associate degree at Cowley College prepares students to pursue entry-level roles and sit for national certification exams. Courses cover basic skills like business communications and healthcare finance; computer literacy; and technical requirements, including bioethics, pharmacology, and reimbursement methodologies. Students complete a healthcare coding practicum in a virtual medical office setting. 

Enrollees can apply for Kansas Promise Scholarships, which pays the program expenses in exchange for two years of work in Kansas after graduation. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,040
Out-of-state
$3,480
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,407
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
67% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Best Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding of 2024

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per 0-5.99 Credits:
In-State | $2,867
Out-of-State | $2,867

Credits to Graduate: 60

Keiser University's online medical billing and coding associate degree program trains students to handle coding procedures, compliance, and insurance claims submissions. Graduates can qualify for positions at hospitals, government agencies, long-term care facilities, and physicians' offices. They can also take the American Academy of Professional Coders professional coding exam at the apprentice level. 

Each enrollee completes one four-week course at a time. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, terminology and disease process, computerized medical office management, and medical law and ethics.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$20,800
Out-of-state
$20,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$29,632
Out-of-state
$29,632
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
19,861
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding of 2024

Mt Hood Community College

  • Gresham, OR
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $122
Out-of-State | $247

Credits to Graduate: 91-94 quarter credits

Students take primarily online courses to earn their medical office specialist associate degrees in billing and coding at Mt. Hood Community College. The program teaches skills in assigning proper diagnosis and procedural codes, ensuring medical chart correctness and completeness, managing healthcare billing processes, and adjusting and resubmitting claims.

Enrollees with limited or no computer experience can take a free course in computer basics for college success before beginning the program. The curriculum includes a preparation course for the National Professional Coding exam. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,248
Out-of-state
$8,604
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
53%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
5,893
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
40% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#4 Best Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding of 2024

Everett Community College

  • Everett, WA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $123
Out-of-State | $317

Credits to Graduate: 65

Everett Community College offers a medical coding certificate that puts learners on track for certification and entry-level employment. Students can learn to assign codes to diagnoses, procedures, symptoms, and treatments that inform insurance companies and other third-party payers of medical services.

The college offers the program fully online but charges a fee for learners outside of Washington State. The curriculum includes foundation courses in health information, vocabulary, anatomy, and pathopharmacology. Enrollees also complete coding classes and professional practice experience. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,807
Out-of-state
$9,342
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,682
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#5 Best Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding of 2024

Herzing University-Birmingham

  • Birmingham, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $464
Out-of-State | $464

Credits to Graduate: 60

Students can complete Herzing University's online medical billing and coding associate degree program in 20 months. Enrollees can transfer up to 45 credits and save on tuition with a 10% discount from the school's Financial Commitment Scholarship. Learners prepare for billing and coding certification exams and medical records careers.

The flexible schedule offers day and evening classes to accommodate busier students. A rolling admissions process accepts applications anytime. The program provides virtual advising, tutoring, technical support, and lifelong career coaching. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,800
Out-of-state
$10,800
Retention Rate
50%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
615
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Best Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding of 2024

Southeast Technical College

  • Sioux Falls, SD
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $124
Out-of-State | $124

Credits to Graduate: 61

Southeast Technical College's hybrid associate degree in medical coding uses a Bring Your Own Laptop policy, which encourages students to purchase laptops from the college to ensure they meet the minimum specifications. Applicants can qualify for admission with minimum high school or college GPAs, GED certificates, ACT/SAT scores, and ACCUPLACER scores.

Coding courses include an introduction to coding/reimbursement revenue cycle, health information services, medical language, and a virtual practicum in a simulated medical office environment.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,720
Out-of-state
$3,720
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
66%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,381
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
43% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Best Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding of 2024

Northland Community and Technical College

  • Thief River Falls, MN
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $212
Out-of-State | $212

Credits to Graduate: 60

The online medical coding specialist associate degree program at Northland trains students in diagnosis and procedure coding, medical insurance claim processing, and patient account management. Foundation courses provide an understanding of human anatomy and physiology, human diseases, and medical terminology. Learners examine Medicare, Medicaid, and disability coverage plans. 

The curriculum includes a medical office simulation that gives students hands-on experiences similar to internships and externships. Graduates qualify to take entry-level national coding certification exams and for positions in clinics, hospitals, government offices, and insurance companies.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,435
Out-of-state
$5,435
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,716
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
51% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Best Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding of 2024

Northwest Technical College

  • Bemidji, MN
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $212
Out-of-State | $212

Credits to Graduate: 60

Northwest Technical College's online medical coding associate degree prepares graduates to classify medical diagnoses and treatments professionally. Learners gain marketable skills in insurance claims processing, medical billing, and patient account management. Coursework includes bioethical issues in contemporary society, business communications, pharmacology, and U.S. healthcare systems.

Upon completing the medical coding associate degree, graduates can transfer up to 60 credits toward an online bachelor of applied science in business administration at Mayville State University in North Dakota. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,057
Out-of-state
$6,057
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
58%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
794
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
74% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 Best Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding of 2024

Central Maine Community College

  • Auburn, ME
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Year:
In-State | $2,880
In-Region | $4,320
Out-of-State | $5,760

Credits to Graduate: 60-62

Central Maine Community College offers an associate in medical coding and electronic health records emphasizing personal and professional ethics, laws and regulations, and coding accuracy. The fully online program provides flexibility and access to online advising, tutoring, and research assistance.

Each enrollee completes a practicum with 135 hours of clinical experience and preparation for medical coding credentialing exams. The college maintains a transfer agreement with St. Joseph College for graduates pursuing bachelor's degrees in health information management.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,880
Out-of-state
$5,760
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
52%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,003
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#10 Best Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding of 2024

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

  • Johnstown, PA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $165-$236
Out-of-State | $360

Credits to Graduate: 60

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College's medical coding associate degree program features an online format that includes some in-person components. Students learn to apply codes, submit insurance claims, investigate denied claims, and create electronic medical records. Required major courses include financial management in healthcare, human disease and treatment modalities, medical coding certification prep, and a medical coding and billing simulation practicum.

Penn Highlands holds transfer agreements with Saint Francis University and Seton Hall University for students interested in continuing their medical coding and billing studies.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,660
Out-of-state
$10,170
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
56%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,345
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
37% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

What Is Medical Billing and Coding?

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.

What Is an Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding?

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.

What Else Can I Expect From an Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Program?

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.

Medical Billing and Coding Curriculum

What Certifications and Licenses Are Required for Medical Billing and Coding?

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.

What Careers Can I Pursue With an Associate in Medical Billing and Coding?

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.

Medical Records Technician Median Salary

  • Median Salary: $47,180
  • Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 8%

Medical records technicians manage and organize patient records and other health information data. Using various classification systems, these professionals code and categorize information, assisting with insurance reimbursements, clinical database upkeep, and maintenance of patients' medical histories. They ensure the accuracy, accessibility, and security of both electronic and hard-copy files.

Billing and Posting Clerk Median Salary

  • Median Salary: $44,800
  • Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 1%

Billing and posting clerks compile, compute, and record numerical data related to the sale of goods or services. In a healthcare setting, medical billing clerks primarily work to prepare bills and invoices for medical services. This position involves frequent contact with patients to establish and follow up on payment arrangements.

Education requirements for entry-level positions vary, but employers may prefer candidates with a two-year degree and relevant experience in a billing office. Billing and posting clerks in the medical industry must understand medical terminology and have strong communication and computer skills.

Medical Assistant Median Salary

  • Median Salary: $38,270
  • Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 14%

Medical assistants handle a variety of administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare facilities. Duties may include recording patient history, measuring vital signs, giving injections or medication, and scheduling appointments. In larger practices, these professionals may specialize exclusively in administrative work, providing an attractive career for those with a degree in medical billing and coding.

Employers typically hire medical assistants with an associate degree or postsecondary certificate, though some workers have only a high school diploma and learn required skills through on-the-job training. These professionals need keen analytical, interpersonal, and technical skills.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Billing and Coding

Are medical coding jobs hard to get?

The BLS projects that the number of medical records specialist jobs will increase by 8% between 2022 and 2032, which is comparable to the approximate growth rate for all jobs in the U.S. Earning a relevant certification, in addition to your associate in medical billing and coding, can help you stand out from the crowd.

What is the hardest part of being a medical coder?

Potential challenges in medical coding include fast-paced work, learning the different details of various coding systems, and adapting to changes in coding systems over time. However, what is difficult for one person might be easy for another. Attention to detail and a good memory are important skills in the field of medical billing and coding.

Which medical coding certification pays the most?

According to AAPC, the most lucrative coding certification is the certified professional compliance officer credential. The median annual salary for professionals with this certification was $81,495 in 2022. The organization also notes that certified coders make an average of 17.7% more than workers without any certifications.


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

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