Find Online Medical Billing & Coding Classes that Provide Laptops
Starting online medical billing and coding classes may feel like an opportunity to move toward a steady career in healthcare. But a crucial detail may be holding you back: Your computer isn’t reliable.
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You’ll be doing all the coursework online, including logging into class, submitting assignments, and gaining billing software experience, so a dependable and accessible computer is a must.
The good news is that some online medical billing and coding programs provide a laptop when you enroll. In some cases, you can even keep the device after graduation. Let’s take a look at a couple of schools that offer this perk and what to consider before enrolling.
Schools Offering Laptops for Online Medical Billing Students
Issues like class format, flexibility, cost, and certification prep are important considerations when comparing online medical billing and coding programs. Many schools mention technology requirements, but some make it easier to get started by providing some of the equipment you need.
Here are two schools that stand out for offering a laptop to their students.
University of Arkansas Grantham (UAG)
With the University of Arkansas Grantham’s Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding and Billing, you’ll work through a comprehensive curriculum that covers medical terminology, International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 coding, health information management, and billing processes.
The 60-credit program takes 24 months to complete and is 100% online. It offers flexibility to work around your schedule. Coursework is designed to prepare you for industry certifications and entry into the medical coding and billing field.
University of Arkansas Grantham provides a new Lenovo laptop to qualifying students enrolled in their degree programs. To qualify, you need to complete the admission process, start classes in the term following enrollment, and provide a valid U.S. mailing address. Laptops ship a couple of weeks into the first term. The computer becomes yours to keep if you complete the first two terms.
Keep Laptop After Graduation: Yes
Duration: 24 months
Cost: $305 per credit | $18,300 total
Format: 100% online, flexible schedule
Preppy
Preppy offers an online, self-paced medical billing and coding certificate program. It’s designed for busy adults who want to train for a new career without disrupting their schedule.
The curriculum prepares you for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. Because it includes the required 80 hours of coding prep, you’ll only need one year of experience (instead of two) to remove the CPC-A apprentice status. The program also includes an externship opportunity and a certificate of completion from an accredited university.
Students who pay tuition in full at enrollment (as opposed to making payments) receive a free laptop, which is theirs to keep after graduation. The program is entirely online and can be completed in as little as 4 months.
Keep Laptop After Graduation: Yes
Duration: As little as 4 months
Cost: $1,599 total
Format: Online | Self-Paced
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Benefits of School-Provided Laptops
In an online program, much of your learning depends on reliable technology. A school-provided laptop can help in the following ways:
- Cost Savings for Students: A laptop that’s built into your tuition means one less thing to budget for, freeing up money for textbooks, exam fees, and living expenses.
- Faster Program Start: Start the program as scheduled without waiting to upgrade your existing computer or save money to buy a reliable laptop.
- Pre-Loaded Medical Software: Many school-provided laptops come with coding software and other billing tools already installed and ready to use.
- Technical Support Included: If tech issues arise, you can generally get help directly from your school’s IT department rather than troubleshooting alone.
- Freedom to Study Anywhere: As you’re managing work, family, and other life responsibilities, having a laptop gives you the flexibility to study anywhere that’s convenient.
FAQs About Programs that Provide Laptops
Affordability isn’t just about tuition. Before choosing a medical billing and coding program, you’ll want to consider all the costs that may stand between you and getting a job in the field. Here are a few factors to consider:
Is there a free online course for medical billing and coding with a free laptop?
There aren’t free medical billing and coding courses that also include a laptop. Schools like the University of Arkansas Grantham and Preppy offer laptops to eligible students at no extra charge, but the programs themselves aren’t free.
Some students qualify for financial aid, though eligibility depends on factors like program type, accreditation, and whether the school participates in federal aid programs.
What is the shortest program for medical billing and coding?
You may be able to find an accelerated four-week online course, but most medical billing and coding students should expect two to six months of training. That time allows you to build a solid foundation in medical terminology, coding systems, and billing practices.
If you plan to sit for a certification exam, you’ll also need enough time to prepare.
Can you do medical billing and coding on a laptop?
Yes. A laptop is often the preferred device for online billing and coding programs. You’ll need it to access course materials and complete assignments.
Many school-provided laptops come pre-loaded with coding software, but you’ll also need reliable internet.
Can I learn medical billing and coding online?
Yes, online learning is fairly common for medical billing and coding students. These programs generally offer the same curriculum as traditional classroom settings, including externship opportunities, and they prepare you for certification and entry-level roles.
Tips for Choosing a Program Offering a Free Laptop
Getting a laptop through a medical billing and coding program can be helpful, but not every school’s device offer works the same way.
It’s worth asking a few questions to understand the requirements and what’s included before enrolling.
Questions to Ask Schools
Is the laptop yours to keep or loaned only while enrolled?
Some schools let you keep the laptop after graduation. Other programs require you to return them upon graduation or withdrawal.
University of Arkansas Grantham, for example, allows students to keep theirs after completing two terms.
You’ll likely need to sign an agreement for the laptop, so understanding the policy can help you avoid surprises later.
Are there requirements (e.g., credit minimums, GPA)?
Most schools have conditions for their laptop offers. You might need to stay enrolled full-time, maintain a certain GPA, or complete a minimum number of credits per semester to qualify.
For instance, some community colleges only extend laptop programs to degree-seeking students with nine or more credits per semester.
How do I access the laptop?
How you access your laptop depends on your school. You’ll generally receive instructions once you’re enrolled. Some schools automatically ship the laptop once eligibility requirements are met.
At the University of Arkansas Grantham, for example, students receive ordering details in the second week of their first term.
Balancing Perks with Program Quality
A free laptop is a great perk, but it shouldn’t be the deciding factor when choosing your medical billing and coding program.
Think of it this way: you’re investing in your career, not just getting a computer. The quality of education and support you receive from the program can directly impact your ability to become certified and land a job in the field.
With that in mind, remember to look at other important factors, such as:
- Flexibility
- Accreditation status
- School reputation
- Externship opportunities
- Certification exam preparation
- Job placement assistance
- Student support
- Instructor accessibility
Keep Learning
Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs: Choosing a School
Online and School Resources for Medical Billing & Coding Students
Medical Billing & Coding Schools Online with Financial Aid