Best Online Associate Degrees in Medical Billing and Coding of 2025
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 enter this field, which pays slightly higher than the national median wage. Another plus: Medical billing and coding is not physically demanding, unlike many other healthcare careers that do not require a four-year degree, though it does require sitting for long periods.
Read on to learn more about earning an associate degree in medical billing and coding and what careers you can pursue with this credential.
10 Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degrees
Central Maine Community College
Auburn, ME- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The associate of applied science (AAS) in medical coding and electronic health records at Central Maine Community College (CMCC) prepares graduates to take one of several national medical coding certification exams and pursue a coding career. The program stands out for its competitive tuition rates and out-of-state tuition discounts for regional students under the New England Board of Higher Education Regional Student Program.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 60-62
- Leads to Certification: Yes
Things We Love:
- Offers all coursework entirely online with no on-campus requirements
- Features the lowest college tuition rates in New England
- Provides an average of $5,400 in grants and scholarships to each CMCC student
What to Know Before You Apply:
- An in-person practicum is required as part of the AAS program in medical coding and electronic health records.
- Placement test scores may be required for admission.
- Tuition rates are higher for out-of-state students.
- In-State$2,880
- Out-of-state$5,760
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled3,376
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Mt. Hood Community College
- Gresham, OR
- 2 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
At Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC), the medical office specialist: billing and coding AAS prepares you for a variety of medical billing and coding careers in less than two years. One of the program's main strengths is its practical skill development components, such as the medical office billing co-op course that includes a practicum and a live learning lab.
- Credits to Graduate: 91-94
- Leads to Certification: No
Things We Love:
- Allows you to graduate in as few as 18 months
- Offers entrance into the program without a high school diploma or GED
- Provides the option for local students to take night classes
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Placement tests are required for entry into the program.
- Not all courses run online regularly.
- Computer skills are recommended, but MHCC offers a free computer basics course if you want to brush up on your knowledge.
- In-State$4,245
- Out-of-state$7,935
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,012
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Herzing University-Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
The AAS in medical coding from Herzing University qualifies you to take the exam for several certifications, including certified professional coder, certified coding specialist, certified outpatient coder, and certified inpatient coder. The program offers entirely online coursework options and the flexibility to study whenever suits you best.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 60
- Leads to Certification: Yes
Things We Love:
- Offers six start dates per year so you can enroll when it's convenient for you
- Boasts a high student satisfaction rate of over 90%, indicating students enjoy their educational experience
- Allows you to graduate with your AAS in approximately 20 months
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The optional internship requires in-person attendance.
- You must meet minimum scores on entrance tests, such as the ACT or SAT.
- Herzing has one of the highest tuition rates on this list at $515 per credit.
- In-State$11,820
- Out-of-state$11,820
- In-State$9,520
- Out-of-state$9,520
- Retention Rate51%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled3,473
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
Northland Community and Technical College
- Thief River Falls, MN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The medical coding specialist AAS at Northland Community and Technical College lets you explore the fundamentals of medical coding and insurance claim processing. Northland offers you ample support, including courses with zero textbook costs, over $200,000 in annual scholarships, and the North Star Promise Scholarship, which could give eligible Minnesota residents a tuition-free pathway.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 60
- Leads to Certification: Yes
Things We Love:
- Features medical office simulation courses to provide you with practical, hands-on experience
- Has frozen tuition rates through 2025, so you don't have to worry about rate increases until 2026
- Offers student employment opportunities
What to Know Before You Apply:
- An Accuplacer assessment test is required for admission.
- Out-of-state students should verify that their state recognizes this program.
- In-State$5,435
- Out-of-state$5,435
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled2,495
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Everett Community College
- Everett, WA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The associate of technical arts in medical coding and billing at Everett Community College (EvCC) explores the coding and billing requirements of the medical office administration field. This degree program stands out because of the embedded medical coding and medical billing certificates and the pathway it provides to the certified coding associate exam.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 90
- Leads to Certification: Yes
Things We Love:
- Approved by the American Health Information Management Association
- Offers tuition reduction for some classes through nonresident tuition waivers
- Provides flexible entrance pathways — a high school diploma or GED may not be required for admission
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Some courses are subject to higher out-of-state tuition rates.
- Professional practice courses require in-person attendance.
- Placement tests may be required.
- In-State$4,599
- Out-of-state$9,576
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate46%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,054
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Bryant & Stratton College-Online
- Orchard Park, NY
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
Meeting the standards of the American Health Information Management Association and the American Academy of Professional Coders, Bryant & Stratton College's (B&SC) AAS in medical reimbursement and coding prepares you for several professional coding certifications from those organizations. In addition, the B&SC program stands out for the access it gives you to internship opportunities and industry partner connections.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 60
- Leads to Certification: Yes
Things We Love:
- Offers the program entirely online in an asynchronous format, allowing you to complete your courses when it's convenient for you
- Features multiple start dates throughout the year, every 8-16 weeks
- Allows you to graduate in as few as 16-20 months
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Internships require in-person attendance and may take place at a local site.
- You need to meet technology requirements to participate.
- The professional coder practicum requires in-person attendance.
- In-State$15,146
- Out-of-state$15,146
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate22%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled9,050
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
- Johnstown, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
In the AAS in medical coding and billing program at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, you will learn how to oversee the electronic and reimbursement requirements of a medical office. If you wish to pursue a bachelor's degree afterward, the school's transfer agreements with Saint Francis University and Seton Hill University will help make the transition easy for you.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 60
- Leads to Certification: No
Things We Love:
- Offers fully asynchronous classes that allow you to work at your own pace
- Requires no test scores for admission, only high school transcripts or a GED
What to Know Before You Apply:
- In-person attendance may be required for the practicum and simulations.
- Penn Highlands charges higher tuition rates for out-of-district and out-of-state students.
- In-State$6,870
- Out-of-state$10,470
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,270
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Keiser University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Along with preparing you for professional certifications from the American Academy of Professional Coders, Keiser University's associate of science (AS) in medical administrative billing and coding provides you with the knowledge and skills to enter the medical coding and billing workforce. The school stands out for its small class sizes, flexible schedules, and the hands-on experiences offered to online students.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 60
- Leads to Certification: Yes
Things We Love:
- Offers the program entirely online as well as on 17 campuses throughout Florida
- Features monthly start dates throughout the year
- Provides the option to take one class at a time if you're working or have other commitments
What to Know Before You Apply:
- In-person coding practice experience is part of the program.
- A high school diploma or a GED diploma is required for admission.
- In-State$22,048
- Out-of-state$22,048
- In-State$30,032
- Out-of-state$30,032
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled19,019
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Cowley County Community College
- Arkansas City, KS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Prepare for medical coding certifications and careers with Cowley College's AAS in medical coding. The asynchronous online program integrates a virtual medical office practicum, offering you practical, hands-on experience even as an online student.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 65
- Leads to Certification: Yes
Things We Love:
- Prepares you to take the American Health Information Management Association certification exams
- Features no in-person or travel requirements
- Offers Kansas residents the opportunity to qualify for the Kansas Promise Act Scholarship
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Out-of-state students pay significantly higher tuition rates than in-state students.
- Certain prerequisite courses may be required to be considered for admission.
- In-State$2,250
- Out-of-state$3,750
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled2,230
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Northwest Technical College
- Bemidji, MN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Northwest Technical College's AAS in medical coding provides you with the skills and expertise to use nationally recognized coding systems in various medical offices across the country. Through a partnership with Distance Minnesota and other schools in the state, this program runs entirely online.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 60
- Leads to Certification: No
Things We Love:
- Allows the transfer of completed credits to a bachelor's program in business administration at Mayville State University in North Dakota
- Offers free tutoring and access to library resources
- Provides in-state tuition rates to all students regardless of where you live
What to Know Before You Apply:
- There is no built-in practicum that requires you to travel.
- An Accuplacer assessment test is required for admission.
- The program does not directly lead to professional certification.
- In-State$5,896
- Out-of-state$5,896
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate49%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled721
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
What Is Medical Billing and Coding?
Medical billers and coders help ensure that all the medical procedures a healthcare provider performs 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 be able to recognize potential errors.
What Can I Expect From an Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Program?
An associate in medical billing and coding is a two-year technical program designed to prepare you for entry-level careers in the field of health information. Online accredited medical billing and coding schools attract a variety of students, including high school graduates pursuing their first career in healthcare and working adults looking to change occupations.
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.
Medical billing and coding degrees can equip you to take the national coding certification exams and compete for entry-level positions. Courses typically feature a combination of lectures, readings, and practical assignments.
Medical Billing and Coding Curriculum
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.
- Anatomy and Physiology: A course on anatomy and physiology examines the 12 major systems of the human body, including the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, and lymphatic systems.
- Health Information Systems: This course introduces you to information management procedures used in American healthcare settings. Topics include filing systems, data storage, and electronic health records.
- Pathology: This course provides you with an understanding of disease processes and how the human body functions. Coursework introduces research- and evidence-based knowledge about common pathologies and diagnostic testing.
Medical Billing and Coding: Associate Degree vs. Certificate
Should you get an associate degree, or is a medical coding certificate enough? The answer depends on your personal interests, timeline, and career goals.
| Factor | Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree | Medical Billing and Coding Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Takes about 18-24 months to earn | Requires 12 months or less to earn |
| Certification Eligibility | Can qualify you to sit for a certification exam | Can qualify you to sit for a certification exam |
| Cost | May be more expensive than a certificate | May be cheaper than an associate degree |
| Transfer Ability | Often easy to transfer into a bachelor’s program | May not transfer into another degree program |
| What It Prepares You for | Can prepare you to work in a more complex medical environment | Can help you move from school to the workforce faster than earning a degree |
If you want to save money and time, a certificate may be your best choice, but if you are looking at medical office work as a long-term career, an associate degree is probably the right first move.
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 220,000 members. Before applying for jobs, consider obtaining professional certification from the AAPC.
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 Credential | Average Salary (2024) | Core or Advanced Credential |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Professional Biller | $64,103 | Core |
| Certified Professional Coder | $66,415 | Core |
| Certified Outpatient Coder | $73,183 | Core |
| Certified Risk Adjustment Coder | $74,943 | Core |
| Certified Inpatient Coder | $77,511 | Core |
| Certified Documentation Expert Outpatient | $81,779 | Advanced |
| Certified Professional Medical Auditor | $81,278 | Advanced |
| Certified Physician Practice Manager | $84,787 | Advanced |
Other credentialing organizations you can earn certification from include the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Medical Billing and Coding Salary and Career Outlook
Medical billing and coding accredited online schools prepare you for many entry-level careers in the healthcare industry. Job openings can be found in hospitals, physicians’ offices, or outpatient facilities.
Most graduates with a medical billing and coding degree seek employment in billing and coding. However, you 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, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Medical Records Specialist
- Median Salary (2024): $50,250
- Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): 9%
Medical records specialists manage and organize patient records and other health information data.
Using various classification systems, these professionals code information, assist with insurance reimbursements, manage clinical databases, and maintain patients’ medical histories.
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
- Median Salary (2024): $67,310
- Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): 16%
Health information technologists support healthcare systems IT concepts, including storing and retrieving patient records. They usually work in hospitals or physicians’ offices and need at least an associate degree in healthcare information management or a related field.
Medical registrars maintain databases about diseases or conditions for local, regional, or national entities. Some registrars may need disease-specific credentials, such as the certified tumor registrar credential.
Medical Assistant
- Median Salary (2024): $44,200
- Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): 15%
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Billing and Coding
The BLS projects that the number of medical records specialist jobs will increase by 9% between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than the average growth rate for all jobs in the U.S. during the same period (4%).
Earning a relevant certification in addition to your associate degree in medical billing and coding can help you stand out from the crowd.
