Accredited Medical Billing & Coding Schools Online with Financial Aid
Find the right financial and academic resources for your thriving future in medical billing and coding. Read below to learn more about scholarships and financial aid available to you.
If you’re pursuing a medical billing and coding career, know that you’re not alone in being unsure about how to fund your education. Securing financial aid is a common challenge for many students interested in healthcare degrees, which is why it’s important to do your research before you commit to a program. Fortunately, there are many scholarships for medical billing and coding available to help make your program more affordable.
Top Accredited Medical Billing and Coding Schools Online with Financial Aid
To help ease the financial burden for medical billing and coding students, we took a look at some of the most popular schools and dug into their financial aid offerings. We looked only at schools that are accredited – because that’s a vitally important point – and then looked at other factors, all related to financial aid and funding options. Our spotlights give students a real-world overview of the financial scene for each school and what they can expect if they enroll there.
Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology
Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology offers the Diploma/Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding, an online program that can be completed in as little as nine months of full-time study. Courses focus on the points that matter most in the field, such as ICD-9 and ICD-10, computerized practice management, medical office procedures, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, CPT-4, records management systems and the like. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist exam.
All Cambridge locations hold institution accreditation through the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The school also holds approvals through the Florida Department of Education and the State of Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission
In addition to federal and state funds students might be eligible for when pursuing the medical billing and coding program at Cambridge, the school also offers a variety of assistance for those who qualify. Students begin by filling out the FAFSA; they can get help with this from school staff. The school offers a variety of loan types to help students cover any expenses that are not covered by other financial aid, including unsubsidized and subsidized loans. College staff will walk students through loan disbursement, what to expect from financial aid options, interest rates and repayment terms, and any other information necessary to fully comprehend the financial aid package. Students who are interested in this financial aid can speak to an advisor, who will lead them through the process from start to finish.
Everett Community College
The medical coding program at Everett Community College is a 65-credit, fully online program that leads to a Medical Coding Certificate. Students will encounter a variety of classes that prepare them for the rigors of medical coding, including:
- Advanced Diagnosis Coding
- Advanced Procedure Coding
- Health Information & Delivery
- Healthcare Vocabulary
- Pathopharmacology
- Reimbursement & Legal Compliance
Students who satisfactorily complete the program will be prepared to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification exam. Medical Coding students at Everett may complete additional courses to earn both a Medical Billing Specialist Certificate and an Associate in Technical Arts (ATA) degree in Medical Billing and Coding.
Tuition rates vary depending on the student’s residency status and how many credits are taken at a time. The current tuition rates for students taking 11 to 18 credits are $57.11 for Washington State residents, $64.57 for non-residents, and $59.58 for non-residents with fee waiver. Tuition rates do not include additional program fees and the cost of books and supplies. Students are eligible for a number of financial aid opportunities. The Office of Financial Aid is ready to help students through the process, from filling out the FAFSA to figuring out grants, loans, scholarships and other aid that can help fund their education.
Everett Community College holds institutional accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
North-West College
The Online Medical Insurance Biller and Coder program at North-West College provides students with a strong foundation for moving into the field upon graduation. That foundation begins with courses such as Medical Financial Procedures, Secretarial, Seminar for Success, Insurance I and II, Communications/Insurance III and more. The program is divided into eight course modules and includes a hands-on externship that allows students to put their hard-earned knowledge into action. This undergraduate certificate requires completion of 29.5 credits and takes 40 weeks to complete.
Students can expect to pay a total of approximately $18,491 for the entire program (tuition, fees, books and supplies). Students are eligible for federal financial aid, such as the Pell Grant and Stafford Loans. There are several other funding options available through North-West College, including no-interest payment plans (usually for 12 months, but perhaps longer under certain circumstances) and private student loans.
North-West College has institution accreditation through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Alternative Financing for Your Billing and Coding Education
When most students think about financing for college, they think of federal financial aid. Financial aid from the federal government can include grants and loans that help students shoulder the monetary burden. While federal financial aid is a good way to secure funding – and by all means, students should always look into this option – there are other opportunities to ease the wallet, such as state financial aid, payment plans and private scholarships.
Financial aid from the state is often less than what the federal government offers; and it makes sense, since a state’s budget is much smaller. State financial aid often takes the form of loans, which usually have advantageous interest rates and deferred payments, just like what you might expect from federal subsidized loans. Keep in mind that in order to be eligible, students must both live in the state and be enrolled in a school that is located in that same state.
These plans can make it much easier to afford tuition, fees and books by spreading the cost out over the span of several weeks, months or semesters. These plans allow students to break the cost of their education up into smaller, more manageable payments. Depending upon the school, there might be a small fee for implementing a payment plan. Medical billing and coding schools often provide the option for payment plans, especially those that do not offer traditional financial aid options, such as grants.
These scholarships are offered by nonprofits, corporations, schools and the like. Often designed for particular students, such as those who choose to pursue an allied health field, these scholarships can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars for books to a large amount of money that is suitable to pay for tuition. Scholarship requirements can vary widely, and some of those requirements might be very narrow, such as awarding only to those who work for a particular employer or meet certain demographic criteria.
Scholarships Available for Medical Assistant Students
Scholarships for medical billing and coding students can alleviate the stress of student loan debt, allowing you to focus on your studies and gain the skills needed to succeed in your career. Additionally, many scholarships for medical billing and coding come with benefits like mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development resources that can enhance your academic journey.
Below, we’ll explore several popular scholarships for medical billing and coding to assist you in earning an education and meeting new career goals.
1. American Health Information Management Association Merit Scholarships. The AHIMA Foundation offers annual scholarships to student members pursuing degrees in Health Information Management or Health Informatics. This scholarship for medical billing and coding is available for various degree levels, including associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees.
Eligibility:
- Current AHIMA member
- Enrolled in an AHIMA-approved program
- 3.5 GPA or higher
- At least one full semester remaining in the program
2. Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions Scholarship of Excellence. The Scholarship of Excellence program is sponsored by the ASAHP and recognizes academic excellence and future leadership potential for outstanding health profession students. The organization also gives the Elwood Scholar, a second scholarship awarded to the most outstanding Scholarship of Excellence recipient.
Eligibility:
- Enrolled in an ASAHP member school
- Completed at least one term
- Studying a health profession (excluding nursing, public health, psychology, or MOD-VOPP)
- Enrolled in a degree-granting program
3. AvaCare Medical Scholarship. AvaCare is a healthcare provider that offers a variety of medical services and equipment. This AvaCare Medical Scholarship recognizes outstanding students pursuing medical degrees who have demonstrated acts of kindness. AvaCare judges will select finalists whose work will then be posted online for public voting. The final winner will be chosen based on both the number of votes received and the judges’ evaluation criteria.
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or alien registration card holder
- High school senior or enrolled in a U.S. college/university
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Pursuing a medical degree (therapy, nursing, medicine, nutrition, etc.)
- Preference is given to students with physical disabilities
4.California Health Information Association (CHIA) Student Scholarships The CHIA offers scholarships to students enrolled in accredited health information programs through the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. These scholarships are designed to support students in achieving their educational goals and advancing their careers in health information. Additionally, CAHIIM also provides certification exam fee reimbursement to members who pass AHIMA’s health information or coding certification exams..
Eligibility:
- Must be a current CHIA Emerging Professional (Student) or Professional member in good standing
- Enrolled in a CAHIIM-accredited HIA or HIT program, or a health information master’s degree program
- Must have completed at least 50% of the program curriculum or be on track to complete 50% by the scholarship deadline
- Must not have previously received a CHIA Student Scholarship
5.Dr. Donald and Barbara Williams Scholarship The Dr. Donald and Barbara Williams Scholarship, offered by Fort HealthCare, awards deserving employees pursuing healthcare education. This scholarship recognizes the valuable contributions of Fort HealthCare staff and aims to ease the financial burden of their educational journeys.
Eligibility:
- Current Fort HealthCare employee in good standing
- Enrolled in a healthcare field program
- Financial need will be considered
6.Georgia Health Information Management Association Scholarship The Georgia Health Information Management Association (GHIMA) offers scholarships to Georgia pursuing an AS-HIM, BS-HIM, or MS-HIM degree at a CAHIIM accredited program.
Eligibility:
- Enrolled in a CAHIIM-accredited AS-HIM, BS-HIM, or MS-HIM program
- Resides in Georgia
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Involvement in HIM-related activities (association meetings, committees, employment, community work)
7.Medical Billing Service Review Health and Technology International Scholarship The Medical Billing Service Review Health and Technology International Scholarship provides an annual award to a student who demonstrates a passion for health and technology.
Eligibility:
- Enrolled or planning to enroll as a full-time student at an accredited U.S. college or university
- No minimum GPA required
- Applicants of any major may apply
- Domestic, international, and undocumented students are eligible
- Online university students are eligible
- Must have a personal interest in health and technology
8.American Medical Billing AssociationThe AMBA offers hardship scholarships to members facing financial difficulties. Scholarships are granted on a case-by-case, first come, first serve basis, so it’s crucial to get your application in early to be considered.
Eligibility:
- AMBA member for at least two years
- Demonstrated financial hardship
- Meets quantifiable criteria determined by the committee
Application Tips for Medical Billing and Coding Scholarships
Make no mistake: Scholarships are very competitive. There are many people vying for the same award, and only a handful will receive it in any given cycle. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to even the smallest of details. These best practices for applying for scholarships can help ensure you have a fighting chance to stand out from the crowd.
Some scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis; that means the sooner you get the application in, the better. But applying early is also recommended to help ensure you never miss a deadline. Since scholarships are so competitive, those who make the decisions on who gets them might look for any reason at all to narrow down the field of applicants – that means that those who turn an application in late might not get any consideration at all.
The last thing anyone wants is to waste precious time on applying for a scholarship, only to find that they don’t actually qualify for it. Before starting the scholarship application, make sure you meet every criteria required. If you’re not sure, put that scholarship at the bottom of your list and work on those that you know you are eligible to receive. If you have extra time, then work on the one that fell into the “not sure” category.
When filling out the application, make sure to check off all the requirements of the scholarship. For example, if the scholarship application says you must have high school transcripts, get them as soon as possible. If it says you must write an essay, write one – keeping in mind the word count, of course. Bonus points if you make sure that essay ties into medical billing and coding!
Scholarship committees read over hundreds of applications. Make yours stand out by being enthusiastic and honest. If you’re writing an essay, explain why medical billing and coding, or simply working in the healthcare field, matters so much to you. One of the best ways to stand out from the crowd is to simply be yourself and let your uniqueness shine. That’s the kind of application that will get some attention and put you on the short list.
Remember, medical billers and coders must have strong attention to detail. That’s why you want to make sure there are no typos or other embarrassing issues in your essay or application. To that end, ask a friend or family member to read over your work, looking specifically for anything that could be improved or those small things you might miss, such as those annoying little typos. The result will be a more professional, polished application.
Financial Aid & Funding: Q&A for Medical Billing and Coding Students
If you have questions about financial aid and funding for your medical billing and coding education, we’ve got you covered! Below, we’ve answered several of the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate the scholarship process and help you secure funding for your education. Let’s explore some common questions about online medical billing and coding classes with financial aid, eligibility for financial aid or scholarships, and scholarship essay writing tips.
Are there online classes for medical billing and coding with financial aid?
Yes, there are many online medical billing and coding programs that offer financial aid options. In fact, many popular accredited colleges and universities offer online medical billing and coding programs that are eligible for federal financial aid like grants and loans. When evaluating programs, make sure you check the school’s financial aid options to see which forms of funding they accept.
How do I know if I’m eligible for financial aid or scholarships?
Your first step to help find financial aid for your online medical billing and coding program should be to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will help determine whether you’re eligible for federal student aid.
For private or school-based scholarships, it’s important to review the eligibility requirements. Oftentimes scholarships will have a GPA or degree requirement for individuals to be considered. Many scholarships for medical billing and coding also have tight deadlines, so it’s important to have your materials and application submitted on time.
What are some scholarship essay writing tips?
Some scholarships for medical billing and coding may require an essay, which is often a crucial component in evaluating candidates’ suitability for the award. The essay prompt can vary widely, but it typically focuses on the applicant’s academic achievements, career goals, and personal qualities. To ensure your essay is well-written you should:
- Make sure you clearly understand the prompt
- Highlight your unique qualities and demonstrate your passion for the field
- Be specific and back up your statements with evidence
- Proofread and ask for feedback
Additional Financial Aid Resources for Medical Billing and Coding Students
Although we’ve tried to answer the biggest financial questions you might have on your journey to medical billing and coding school, there are many other sites out there with great content and pertinent information. You should explore every one to ensure you have the best, most up-to-date information available. Check out these 10 resources on financial aid for students looking to complete their medical billing and coding training online.
- Accreditation: Universities and Higher Education. This page from the Department of Education serves as a great start for those who want to understand accreditation and how it applies to federal financial aid.
- CollegeScholarships.org. This site offers scholarships in many areas, such as Health Informatics or Health Information Technology.
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Students curious about finding a CAAHEP program can start their search here.
- Edvisors. This helpful site discusses various forms of financial aid, including tuition payment plans.
- Federal Student Aid. This government page provides a wealth of information on various financial aid options for students in all programs.
- National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. This site offers in-depth information for parents and students, including state financial aid options, tax breaks and more.
- Sallie Mae. This government organization help students understand, obtain and manage student loans.
- Scholarships.com. This clearinghouse of scholarships available online allows students to search by majors, including things like Medical Technology.
