Best Medical Billing & Coding Classes Online

In May 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that medical records specialists, which includes medical billers and coders, earned a median annual salary of $48,780, with the top 10% in the field making at least $77,810. The BLS also projects that demand for medical billing and coding professionals will continue to grow faster than other occupations through 2032.

Because medical billing and coding occurs mostly at a desk in front of a computer, online medical billing and coding schools are on the rise. Many online courses can be completed in as few as four weeks, although more robust programs also exist. These classes show students how to “identify diagnoses, medical tests, treatments, and procedures found in clinical documentation” and how to “bill government and commercial payers for physician reimbursement,” according to the AAPC.

See who made our list of the best online medical billing and coding schools for 2024.

Explore Top Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Your State

Online programs are great at removing at geographical barriers for students, but sometimes it can be beneficial to enroll in a program where you live and plan to work. Whether it’s due to certification requirements or other needs, use the following guides to find top online medical billing & coding programs near you:

• Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in California
• Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Florida
• Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Georgia
• Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Maryland
• Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Massachusetts
• Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Michigan
• Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in New Jersey
• Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Ohio
• Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Texas

Profiling an Online Medical Billing & Coding School

School profiles can be a valuable tool to help you narrow down the long list of programs that might fit your needs. We’ve decided to spotlight a popular program and dig into how it works, how much it costs, and what you can expect if you apply and enroll. Get the inside scoop on this online medical billing and coding school.

Southeast Technical Institute

Those who want to explore the possibilities of an associate degree can opt for the Medical Coding: Professional and Facility Applied Associate Degree. In this hybrid program, students take most courses online but are required to visit the campus once per week. The Bring-Your-Own-Laptop curriculum prepares students to review medical documentation, apply coding guidelines, assign proper codes based on different coding systems and understand reimbursement and reporting, among other duties.

Students will complete a total of 67 credits for graduation, which include general education courses. Those courses lay a strong educational foundation that allows you to move into a bachelor’s degree program at some point, if that’s what you choose to do to further your career. Sample courses found within the major include:

• Introduction to Health Information Systems
• Basic ICD Coding
• Basic CPT Coding
• Medical Terminology
• CPC Review
• Compliance/Regulations
• Professional Ethics in Healthcare
• Virtual Practicum

Students can expect to pay tuition, fees, and the cost of books and supplies; during the most recent school year, this came to a total of $18,517. Students can apply for financial aid to cover some of the cost; they can also opt to go with a diploma or certificate program, which can save time and money, but doesn’t provide the educational stepping-stone they would receive through the associate program.

Upon completion, students are prepared to sit for the following exams:

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
• Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

Those seeking the CCS should keep in mind that two years of work experience is recommended, in addition to completing a higher education program, in order to sit for the exam.

Q&A with Laurus College

As you research online medical billing and coding programs, it can be incredibly helpful (and important) to hear directly from the schools who have them. After all, who better to explain the ins and outs of their programs than the schools themselves? We reached out to Laurus College to see what makes its medical billing and coding program stand out from the rest.

University name		location	School type	online programs	Get more info	Program Description
Laurus College		location: San Luis Obispo, CA	School type: Private-for-Profit	online programs: 1	Get more info	Q&A with Dr. Wayne Neale, President & CEO Medical Billing and Coding Occupational Associate Degree Can you describe how online learning works at your college? Laurus College offers a fully integrated virtual learning environment for both distance education and hybrid students, giving students the opportunity for live, real-time interaction, as well as the ability to review archived sessions. Whether a student chooses to attend their class from a campus or via distance education, all students receive the same live instruction and interactive learning experience. The class lecture delivery uses synchronous instruction, allowing the teacher to see and interact in real-time with students across all four campuses and online at the same time via computer webcams. Students are able to not only see and communicate with their instructors, but can also see and interact with each other. What makes your online medical billing and coding program stand out from other programs? Our hybrid learning model gives you greater freedom and flexibility to learn on your own schedule. Students develop the ability to process health insurance claims by learning the many aspects of medical insurance, including plan options, carrier requirements, various regulations, extraction of relevant information from source documents, accurate claim form completion, and diagnosis and procedure coding. Laurus College curricula are kept current with industry trends and health insurance regulations. The Laurus College Advantage includes: Practical, career-focused training that prepares you for an in-demand career. Supportive learning environment where instructors care about your success. Flexible scheduling options that include both day and evening classes. Laptop included – Students attending classes in an occupational associate or bachelor’s degree program are given the opportunity to receive a laptop computer loaded with all of the software needed to complete their program. Job search assistance through our Career Services Department, including resume & portfolio creation, interview preparation, and live workshops. How does your online program prepare students for successful careers in the field? Students prepare for today’s medical environment by advancing in the areas of ICD, CPT, medical terminology and understanding of insurance forms and claims. They will also have knowledge of how a medical office runs, including HIPPA guidelines, scheduling, billing cycles, and insurance payments (EOB/RA). We strive to make our classroom a fun and stress-free environment. All of the instructors in the department have years of experience and are happy to share this knowledge with the students. What support services do you offer students enrolled in your online medical billing and coding program? Laurus College offers an array of student services all available to the student as part of their tuition. The student services include: Job Placement Assistance Library and Learning Resources Academic Counseling and Tutorial Services. Student Study Groups Textbook(s) for each course Tutoring help through Peer Mentors Success Ambassadors will help on-campus students with non-academic tasks Any other information you’d like prospective students to know about your program? Laurus College provides a quality education and quality experience for people who wish to attain their bachelor’s and occupational associate degrees. Our commitment to student success goes above and beyond the typical e-learning experience by using our unique “Laurus Learning” program model. Our program has been refined to accommodate a vast array of learning styles and techniques that will be right for you. At Laurus College, you can complete your degree online through a virtual classroom, or are welcome to attend your classes at any of our campus locations.

Why Medical Billing & Coding Classes Online?

Many people have plenty of obligations, such as a full-time job, a family or community responsibilities that make it tough to take time off to sit in a classroom for several hours each day. Online learning is great for those who need more flexibility while working toward their certificate, diploma, or degree. Plus, there are a ton of helpful online and school resources that medical billing and coding students can take advantage of during their online studies if they need extra support.

Medical billing and coding programs lend themselves well to the online learning world, as most of the courses can be completed entirely through the internet, with no need to set foot in a classroom. Let’s break down the pros:

Types of Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs

Aspiring students have several options for their educational pursuit – you can move into a billing and coding position with a certificate, diploma or associate degree. But what are the differences? Is there something that makes one path better than the other? To put it simply, the path you choose depends upon where you want your career path to lead. Here’s what you need to know about each option:

Medical Billing vs. Medical Coding: What’s the Difference?

Some programs go by the name of “medical billing” while others all themselves “medical coding.” There might be other names, such as “medical coding and insurance billing.” What’s the difference between billing and coding? Let’s take a look:

It’s important to note that medical billers and medical coders serve two distinct functions, but sometimes one person can do both. This is especially true in smaller medical practices, where the patient roster is smaller, the procedures performed are more limited and the billing or coding work is done right there in the office, rather than sent out to a third party.

What You’ll Learn: Medical Billing and Coding Online Courses

Medical billing and coding both require a very specific set of skills and knowledge; it’s something that must be taught through in-depth courses. Though these courses might go by different names, they all focus on the same important aspects of medical billing and coding. Here are some of the courses you can expect to encounter, as well as what skills and knowledge you will have when you complete them.

Finding Low Cost Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs

Remember that low cost or “affordable” can mean something different for everyone. It all depends on the type of payment that makes the most sense for you, as well as the type of program you want to pursue. It also depends on whether you qualify for financial aid or scholarships. Here are a few tips to help you find the most affordable program for you:

How Long Does an Online Medical Billing and Coding Program Take?

The short answer: It depends. The type of credential you seek will dictate the time it takes to complete a program. For instance, a certificate or diploma can take anywhere from a few weeks to a full year to complete, while an associate degree program lasts two years (possibly only 18 month with accelerated courses). Some accelerated medical and billing programs have a very strong, narrow focus and can take less than six months to complete. To get a more detailed look at how long programs last, as well as the courses taken during the program and what else to expect, check out the program profiles above.