Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Ohio: Finding a School
How do medical billing and medical coding programs in Ohio work online? How much do they cost and will they prepare you for a rewarding career after graduation? Let EduMed’s guide answer these questions and more, and help you go from potential to professional in just a few weeks.
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Inside Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs in Ohio
Medical billing and coding programs in Ohio provide a tremendous opportunity. Many offer fast completion times, affordable tuition rates, and online components to make earning a credential easier. In addition, some programs are asynchronous, meaning you can work at your own page.
If you live in Ohio and medical billing or coding piques your interest, review the online programs below to see if one might be right for you.
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate — Rhodes State College
Rhodes State College offers a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate that helps to prepare students for certification. Students learn to manage insurance claims, handle electronic health records, and utilize coding systems. The certificate consists of 22 to 23 credits; if you have previous healthcare experience, you can gain credits by taking an exam and complete the program in even less time.
Several scholarships are available to offset the cost of attendance. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to take the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) national certification exam of their choice. Rhodes State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: Two semesters
Mode: Online
Cost: $190/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- ACT/SAT scores or ACCUPLACER results
- Transcripts are not required for admission, but they may be required for federal financial aid
Curriculum:
- Basic Human Structure and Function
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Medical Terminology
- Microbiology
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist — Terra State Community College
Terra State Community College offers an online Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program that prepares students for entry-level positions in healthcare. Students learn to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System and Current Procedural Terminology Category II and International Classification of Diseases-10 codes. Upon completion, students receive a voucher for one of three certification exams: Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate, or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist.
Terra State offers scholarships, grants, and student employment to help you finance your education. If you wish to complete an associate degree, you may need up to three years to finish your studies. Terra State Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: One year
Mode: Online
Cost: $199/credit in state, $322/credit out of state
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent (some programs are open to those who have not graduated from high school)
- Transcript from your high school or college
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
- Introduction to Health Insurance
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate — Franklin University
Franklin University offers a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist certificate that allows you to finish all of your classes and obtain your certification in just three to four months. The course is self-paced; upon completion, students are prepared to sit for the Medical Coder and Biller Certification (MCBC) exam.
This program includes a combination of virtual scenarios, traditional textbook readings, interactive games, and 3D animations. You’ll earn up to 13 credits; if you choose to continue your education, you can apply your credits toward an associate or bachelor’s degree. Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: Three to four months
Mode: Online
Cost: $2,000
Meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Proof of graduation from high school or an equivalent document
- An associate, bachelor, or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, an institution recognized as a candidate for accreditation, or an institution recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation
Curriculum:
- Professionalism in Allied Health
- Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology
- Insurance and Billing, and Coding Essentials
FAQs for Ohio’s Medical Billing and Coding Students
No matter how much research you do, you may still have questions about online medical billing and coding classes in Ohio. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of frequently asked questions to fill in remaining gaps and help you finalize your plans.
Are any online medical billing and coding classes in Ohio part-time?
Yes. In fact, many colleges in Ohio have online medical billing and coding classes available both synchronously and asynchronously. However, each school and program are different, so be sure to check the program details when doing your research.
Each school’s website will tell you whether the program is available online and if part-time study options are available. For example, Franklin University has a self-paced online program so you can speed through or take your time.
Are there any prerequisites for medical billing and coding programs?
The short answer is: it depends. Typically, certificate or diploma programs have few (if any) admissions requirements besides age and a high school diploma/GED and don’t require previous coursework. However, if the program you are considering is part of a degree program, such as an associate or bachelor’s degree, you may encounter some prerequisites.
Read the admissions requirements carefully, because prerequisites can add both time and expense that you might not be prepared for. Rhodes State University doesn’t require any prerequisites for its online medical billing and coding classes.
How much do medical billing and coding professionals make in Ohio?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical billing and coding specialists earned a median salary of $51,190, or $24.61/hour, in Ohio in 2024. The highest salaries are in the largest cities, including Columbus and Cleveland.
Medical billing and coding lends itself to remote work, so you can maximize your salary by working online and living in a less expensive area. You may find that some job-related expenses are tax deductible, such as courses and certification. If you’re working remotely, postage, office supplies, and software may be tax deductible as well.
What certification exam(s) do I need to take before working in Ohio?
To enter the billing and coding profession, you’ll need to obtain your certification by taking one — or more — of the certification exams available in Ohio. The two most common certification exams are CPC certification and Certified Professional Biller certification, both of which are offered by the AAPC.
Certifications can be general, or they can get very specialized. Other more general certifications include:
- Certified Outpatient Coder
- Certified Inpatient Coder
- Certified Professional Medical Auditor
- Certified Physician Practice Manager
More specialized options include:
- Certified Emergency Department Coder
- Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder
- Certified Gastroenterology Coder
- Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder
What is the process for applying to a medical billing and coding program?
Each program and university has its own requirements for admission into its medical billing and coding classes. Some of the most common requirements are a high school diploma or GED, an ACT or SAT score, and sometimes an admission essay.
For an undergraduate certificate, you won’t need any kind of college degree or diploma, and most programs don’t require you to complete prerequisite courses. To smooth your path, educate yourself about the resources available to medical billing and coding students, from professional organizations to dedicated online communities.
Ranking the Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs in Ohio
Which programs rise to the top? Our rankings start with the criteria most important to you: accreditation, online courses, academic counseling services, and career placement. Then we factor in the details, including the number of online programs, the percentage of students utilizing distance education, tuition, financial aid, and student completion rate. Click on About the Ranking to read our full methodology.
James A. Rhodes State College
Lima, Ohio
Why We Selected James A. Rhodes State College:
- The program offers specialized training in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems.
- The curriculum includes practical skills in electronic health records and medical terminology.
- The program provides focused training for entry into the medical billing and coding field quickly.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,325
- Average Institutional Aid$1,271
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course35%
- % of Students Receiving an Award51%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, Ohio
Why We Selected Columbus State Community College:
- The program offers professional practice experiences at healthcare facilities, enhancing practical skills.
- The curriculum includes specialized courses like Advanced Medical Terminology and Introduction to Medical Coding & Reimbursement.
- Students can transition into the HIMT Associate's Degree program upon completing the certificate with a "C" or higher in each course.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$5,038
- Average Institutional Aid$1,216
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
- % of Students Receiving an Award26%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Washington State Community College
Marietta, Ohio
Why We Selected Washington State Community College:
- The program offers a fully online format, allowing students to complete it in just three semesters.
- The curriculum includes built-in credentials, preparing students for immediate employment in medical billing and coding.
- Students can seamlessly transition to an associate degree in Health Information Management Technology after completing the certificate.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,008
- Average Institutional Aid$1,631
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course58%
- % of Students Receiving an Award38%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
Stark State College
North Canton, Ohio
Why We Selected Stark State College:
- The program offers a flexible schedule with morning and evening tracks to accommodate different lifestyles.
- The medical coding certificate can be applied towards an associate degree in health information on a space-available basis.
- Students gain hands-on experience in a virtual environment, mimicking real-world coding settings.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$3,036
- Average Institutional Aid$977
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course57%
- % of Students Receiving an Award15%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
How Much Do Medical Billers and Coders Make in Ohio?
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,780 | $50,250 | $80,950 |
| Ohio | $37,470 | $51,420 | $82,080 |
| Akron, OH | $37,470 | $48,760 | $73,780 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $34,470 | $46,040 | $70,630 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $38,460 | $51,630 | $76,230 |
| Cleveland, OH | $40,160 | $61,230 | $103,650 |
| Columbus, OH | $39,040 | $49,560 | $78,570 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $37,370 | $46,110 | $73,520 |
| Lima, OH | $33,430 | $43,520 | $65,790 |
| Mansfield, OH | $31,440 | $43,440 | $68,460 |
| Sandusky, OH | $38,250 | $46,240 | $60,900 |
| Toledo, OH | $36,370 | $45,550 | $76,380 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $33,930 | $46,360 | $69,870 |
Source: Medical Records Specialists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 194,300 | 210,900 | 16,600 | 8.50% | 15,000 |
| Ohio | 8,260 | 8,770 | 510 | 6.20% | 610 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
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