Medical Billing and Coding Archives - The Best Health Degrees

10 Accelerated Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Staff Writer — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 21:55:00 +0000

Key Takeaways:

Top colleges for medical billing and coding include the University of Arkansas Grantham and Northwest Technical College.
Accelerated Medical Billing and Coding Programs quickly prepare students for medical billing and coding careers, typically within 24 months.
Curriculum for fast-track medical billing and coding degrees covers medical terminology, health systems, coding, and billing practices.
Programs for medical billing and coding include internship opportunities, enhancing real-world skills.
Graduates of medical billing and coding programs can sit for certification exams, improving job prospects.

Accelerated medical billing and coding programs offer a fast path for individuals to complete a degree to start work in this growing field in the healthcare industry.

Featured Programs

Patient health information is critical in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of disease and illness. It’s not only clinical practitioners who rely on accurate and timely medical records, but medical coding and billing are necessary for the appropriate reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid, and for-profit insurance companies.

Best Health Degrees has researched community and technical colleges offering associate degrees in Medical Billing and Coding. These online programs have accreditation and will help you become a valuable allied healthcare professional.

Our Method: Ranking the 10 Fastest Medical and Billing Coding Associate’s Degrees

To rank the 10 Fastest Medical Billing and Coding Degrees, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential. We used data from IPEDS, Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.

Note: Due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, many schools have migrated their traditional classroom programs online. School websites will give you more information on the school’s situation.

1. University of Arkansas Grantham

This AAS in Medical Billing from the University of Arkansas Grantham is 60 credit hours, including general education and core degree credits, in about 24 months.

This program is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). It will give you the training needed to sit for the Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) credentialing exam of the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

You’ll study topics in medical terminology, health delivery systems, reimbursement methods, diagnostic and procedure coding systems, as well as medical assisting. There’s a course in CBCS exam prep included in the curriculum. General education coursework will cover English, humanities, science, and social sciences.

Grantham offers life experience credit through its Prior Learning Assessment Program (PLA), which could include work experience, continuing education, volunteer involvement, and internships. You’ll want to talk with an admission advisor to see if you have experience that would qualify.

Fast Fact: Grantham has been offering distance education since 1951 and now offers over 50 degrees online

Degree Awarded: online Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding and Billing

Learn more about this online medical billing and coding degree program at Grantham’s program site!

2. Northwest Technical College

An AAS in Medical Coding from this Minnesota school will take 60 credit hours, or about 24 months. Northwest Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer this online associate degree.

This program will provide you with the professional skills to handle medical coding requirements from organization to reporting. You’ll take classes in Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Medical Billing Procedures, CPT/HCPCS Coding, ICD-10 Coding, US Healthcare Systems, Business Communication, and an Internship. Other courses will help round out your understanding of medical billing and coding.

If you’ve attended a postsecondary school before, you may be able to have transfer credits applied to this program. You’ll want to talk to an admission advisor about possible transfer credits.

Fast Fact: Niche ranks NTC as one of its “Best Community Colleges in America”

Degree Awarded: AAS

Learn more at Northwest Tech’s program site about this medical billing and coding degree program!

3. Ozark Technical Community College

Located in Springfield, Missouri, OTCC has an AAS in Health Information and Technology (HIT) that prepares you to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam. Having that certification will greatly help you in your eventual employment.

You’ll need 66 credit hours to graduate with this degree and Professional Practice Experience. Among the HIT courses are topics in medical coding, health records and records systems, legal concerns in healthcare, medical billing terminology, health information systems, and statistics. The program also requires courses in Technology and Digital Literacy and Computer Apps for Business. These courses are in addition to general education studies.

This online medical billing program is eligible for financial aid for qualified students.

Fast Fact: OTC adjusted online fees as a result of COVID-19

Degree Awarded: AAS

Learn more at Ozark Tech’s program site about this medical billing and coding program!

4. Southwest Tech

A technical diploma may be a great option if you’re looking for a quick way to enter the healthcare field. Southwest Tech offers a diploma in its Medical Coding Specialist program.

This diploma can be obtained in one year and will qualify you to work in a number of healthcare facilities and roles, from outpatient coder to coding and claims analyst. The 33-credit hour curriculum will acquaint you with coding requirements, medical terminology, basic or general anatomy, the foundational basis for health information management, revenue management, and ethics and law in healthcare.

Fast Fact: Southwest Tech has established a Cares Emergency Grant to assist students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

Degree Awarded: Technical Diploma

Learn more at Southwest Tech’s medical billing and coding degree program!

5. Herzing University

You can complete this Associate of Science/Applied Science degree in Medical Coding online within 16 months. Additionally, this curriculum will prepare you to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Some of the required studies in this degree includes patient privacy, ethics, medical terminology, ICD-10 coding, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. You’ll also explore anatomy and physiology, consisting of studies in biochemistry, histology, cellular biology, etc. Additionally, communication, math, science, humanities, and more are required general education classes.

You’ll also participate in a case study research project in coding and insurance billing; or, depending on the state in which you live, an insurance and coding internship.

Fast Fact: Herzing University began as a computer training school in 1965, the first of its kind

Degree Awarded: Associate of Science/Applied Science in Medical Coding

Learn more at Herzing’s program site about this medical billing and coding program!

6. Central Texas College

Central Texas College provides a 60 credit hour AAS in Medical Billing and Coding degree you can complete online in four semesters.

Among the 60 hours of study, you’ll cover topics in medical billing terminology, coding and classification systems, human disease, health data content/structure, software applications, healthcare reimbursement, and more. The required courses in this degree curriculum include English composition, English for business, and speech. You’ll choose from electives in social sciences and humanities.

An internship is also necessary for graduation. You can learn more about the requirement by talking with an admission advisor.

Fast Fact: CTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Degree Awarded: AAS

Learn more about this medical billing and coding program at Central Texas’ program site!

7. Moraine Park Technical College

You’re able to take the 63 credit hours for this Health Information and Technology AAS degree online. CAHIIM accredits this program, allowing you to sit for the RHIT credentialing exam.

This well-balanced curriculum includes studies in healthcare informatics, ICD and CPT coding, ethics, law, human diseases, quality management, a capstone project, and professional practice experience. You’ll learn from faculty currently working in the health information field and can take the program full-time or part-time.

The school recommends you consider job-shadowing in the healthcare information profession before applying for admission. You may want to discuss with an admission counselor the best way to do that.

Fast Fact: Moraine Park Technical College graduates have a 100% RHIM exam and have surpassed the national pass rate average for over 25 years

Degree Awarded: AAS

Learn more at MPTC’s program site about this medical billing and coding program!

8. Southwest Tech

We included Southwest Tech again in this ranking because of its Health Information and Technology Management AAS degree, developed with the working adult in mind. It requires 61 credit hours and can be completed entirely online (except for a professional experience).

You may also be eligible to receive academic credit for prior learning, including transfer credits and military experience. Be sure to discuss this with an admission representative.

This curriculum was designed to meet CAHIIM accreditation standards and will qualify you to sit for the RHIT credentialing exam. You’ll study ICD and CPT coding, review foundational basis for HIM, become familiar with human diseases, management of resources, health informatics, medical terminology, as well as a capstone project.

Fast Fact: Forbes ranked Southwest Tech #1 in Wisconsin and #13 overall of its 25 two-year trade schools

Degree Awarded: AAS

Learn more at Southwest Tech’s program in medical billing and coding!

9. Arapahoe Community College

This Colorado school has an online Health Information and Technology AAS degree that you can complete in 64 credit hours. Accredited by the CAHIIM, this degree will give you the skills necessary for an entry-level position in the health information field.

You’ll be able to analyze, code, retrieve data, etc., in many healthcare facilities. Studies include coding, data management, information systems, medical billing terminology, and HIT capstone projects. There’s also a practicum experience required. Before the practicum, you’ll need to submit a criminal background check and vaccination records.

In addition to health information courses, you’ll take general education classes in English, psychology, and interpersonal communication.

Fast Fact: Arapahoe Community College opened in 1966 with over 550 students

Degree Awarded: AAS for medical billing and coding

Learn more at ACC’s program site about this medical billing and coding program!

10. Lehigh Carbon Community College

You can earn an AAS degree in Health Information and Technology in only four semesters from this Pennsylvania college.

The curriculum provides the foundation to work as a HIT technician in a range of healthcare sites. You’ll study anatomy and physiology, clinical documentation, health law, classification systems, HIT reporting, medical terminology, and ICD and CPT coding. The program emphasizes electronic health information and trains students to provide accurate and timely health information records and reports.

With a CAHIIM accredited degree, healthcare professionals qualify to sit for the RHIT exam once you graduate. Lehigh Carbon Community College has a 91% first-time exam pass rate.

Fast Fact: CLCC has an enrollment in excess of 10,000 students and is located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

Degree Awarded: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Health Information and Technology

Learn more at LCCC’s program site about this online medical billing and coding degree!

What is a Medical Biller or Medical Coder?

A medical billing specialist works on insurance claims and patient billing. They verify charges and payments and maintain records. Additionally, they interact with an insurance claims specialist to determine patient financial responsibility.

Medical coders evaluate patient data, electronic health records, and care information and assign them universal codes for billing. Both jobs deal with electronic medical records. And medical billing and coding professional certification programs train individuals in these technical careers.

Medical Coding Degree vs Certificate

Most medical coding Certificate programs qualify students for certification exams. Individuals can earn a medical billing and coding certification online fast. It is one of the fastest medical certifications. Certificate programs are usually 15 to 18 credits and prepare students for entry-level employment. They may be a 4month medical billing and coding program or a 6 month medical billing and coding program.

Online medical billing and medical coding diploma programs usually take 10 to 12 months and are 25 to 36 credits. An associate degree program takes two years to complete and is usually 60 to 70 credits.

Length	You Earn	Credits	Certifications
4-6 months	certificate	15-18 credits	CBCS
10-12 months	diploma	25-36 credits	CCA
24 months	associate degree	60-70 credits	CCS
4 years	bachelor’s	120 credits	/

Will a Certification in Medical Billing and Coding Help My Career?

The short answer is yes. Medical coding credentials are a high priority in healthcare. Many employers prefer to hire those who demonstrate training and expertise in coding and billing requirements which certification assures. Completing a certification program may also increase your earning ability.

There are specific certifications for medical billers and medical coders. The American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offer certifications. Additionally, the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) also offers the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam and the Certified Professional Biller CPB exam. Below are other certifications.

AAPC Credentials:

Certified Professional Biller (CPB^™) – Certification Exam
Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) Certification for medical coding
Certified ASC Coder (CASCC^™) Credential for medical coding
Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam
Certified Anesthesia and Pain Management Coder (CANPC^®) Credential
Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC®) – Certification Exam
Certified Outpatient Coder (COC^®) – Certification Exam
Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC^®) – Certification Exam

NHA Credentials:

Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam

Medical Billing and Coding Accreditation

Most schools offering online Medical Billing and Coding programs have accreditation from the Commission of Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Accredited programs will prepare you to sit for credentialing exams of the Healthcare Information Technology (HIT) designation of the American Academy of Professional Coders^™ or the Healthcare Information Technology Management (HIM) credential of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

This accreditation demonstrates that the program meets specific standards and can lead you to receive professional credentials. Typically, you receive certification by sitting for the Registered Health Information Technology (RHIT), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) exams.

Can You Earn a Fast Medical Billing and Coding Certification Online?

Yes, students can complete a fast medical coding certification online. The proctored exams are typically offered at numerous sites in all states. But, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAPC and AHIMA are now offering the CPC Exam and AHIMA Exam online. In preparation for the exam, you can enroll in a coding course, supplemental courses, and practice exams.

How to Get a Certification in Medical Billing and Coding

It’s possible to earn the medical billers certification without a formal education, but it’s challenging. Your best bet is to obtain a well-rounded technical diploma or associate’s degree in the field. Additionally, an associate degree is great for entry-level positions and is an excellent springboard to a bachelor’s degree, should you want to advance your healthcare career.

As mentioned before, professional associations offer certification by successfully passing exams. You’ll most likely need to join the association before taking the test.

Can You Get a Medical Billing and Coding Certification for Free?

We couldn’t find any CPC or RHIT exams offered at no cost. If you currently work in healthcare, it might be possible that your employer may be willing to pay for the exam. You may want to check with your supervisor or HR department to see if that might be possible.

Depending on your chosen package, the AAPC certification exam for medical billing and coding costs between $399 and $654.95. Packages include the base exam only, online practice exams, study guides, or exam reviews. The AHIMA exam costs $229 for association members and $299 for non-members.

Job Outlook for Medical Billing

Is there a demand for medical billing? The need for qualified credentialed Medical Billing and Coding professionals is expected to grow at 7%, between 2024-2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This job growth is much faster than average.

In addition, the median salary expectation for medical billing and coding, per the BLS, is $50,250 annually. Of course, your salary will depend on where you live and work.

15 Medical Coding and Billing Associates Degree Online

Staff Writer — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 05:55:00 +0000

The best Medical Coding and Billing associate degree online offer a great way to get into the growing healthcare industry to start a new career. Medical Billing and Coding is about more than just reimbursement for health services.

Physicians, nurses, and other clinicians rely on certified coders to maintain accurate and timely medical records for their patients. Healthcare providers use these records in diagnostic and also procedures related to a patient’s care. A medical billing and coding associate degree is the quickest and also most affordable way to get into the field.

Featured Programs

Our Method: Ranking the 15 Best Medical and Billing Coding Associate Degrees

Best Health Degrees reviewed several associate degree programs in this field and identified 15 programs that may help you in your school search. Programs with accreditation can lead to certification.

To rank the 15 Best Fastest Medical Billing and Coding Degrees, Best Health Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked the best online schools for medical billing and coding according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential. We use data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.

1. Northwood Technical College

You can complete your Medical Administrative Professional Associate degree online with WITC’s program. Students can complete the 60-credit hour coding associate degree program in two years as they continue working.

This online medical billing and coding program will provide you the tools to work in a variety of healthcare settings, accurately managing medical records. Courses you’ll take include quality management, medical terminology, healthcare statistics, healthcare informatics, ethics and law, human diseases, insurance reimbursement, ICD, and CPT coding. Students also take general education courses to round out their degrees.

Northwood Technical College (formerly Wisconsin Indianhead Technology Institute) holds accreditation from Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) for this program. This accreditation will allow you to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam.

Fast Fact: NTC had a 100% RHIT exam pass rate.

Degree Awarded: AS

School: Click to learn more about the medical billing and coding program!

2. Indian Hills Community College

This Iowa school offers an online Health Information Technology, A.A.S. degree and you can complete the 81 credit hour program in 21 months. The curriculum will qualify you to sit for the industry standard, Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credentialing exam.

You’ll take a broad range of coursework which includes studies in health records systems and management, reimbursement systems and methods, CPT and ICD coding, compliance, and risk management. The program includes virtual labs where you’ll learn to create and maintain patient health records, utilizing appropriate coding and a variety of computer systems.

A professional experience is part of the curriculum and will provide you with real-world coding and record-keeping experience. Prior to this experience, applicants must provide a background check, drug screen, and dependent adult or child abuse record check.

Fast Fact: IHCC has a 100% graduation rate and a 73% RHIT exam pass rate

Degree Awarded: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Health Information Technology (HIT)

School: Click to learn more about the medical billing and coding program!

3. Northwest Iowa Community College

Here’s a 60 credit hour, online AAS Health Information Technology degree which is a CAHIIM program. You can also choose a health records certificate option with this program.

The school accepts full-time students only in the fall semester. But, part-time students can start any term once they complete the prerequisites. Among the online classes are Allied Health Statistics, Medical Coding, Human Anatomy and Pathophysiology, Business Communication, and Legal Aspects of Health Information. Additionally, there are two HIT practicum experiences in this course of study.

The school reports that 100% of students finishing their final practicum experience demonstrated entry-level HIT competencies as determined by their practice supervisor.

Fast Fact: NICC ranks #4 in Niche’s “Best Community Colleges in America”

Degree Awarded: AAS Health Information Technology (HIT)

School: Click to learn more about the medical billing and coding program!

4. Camden County College

This AAS in Health Information Technology at New Jersey’s Camden County College has an impressive 100% student satisfaction rate. The 67 credit hour online medical billing and coding degree will prepare you to analyze and maintain healthcare statistics, coding, and patient records.

CAHIIM accredited, the curriculum encompasses all aspects of HIT requirements. You’ll take coursework in coding including diagnostic, procedural, and ambulatory. Additionally, students take reimbursement, ethics and regulatory issues, anatomy and pathophysiology, and more. A professional practice experience is required in your last semester and may require successful completion of a criminal background check and other records.

Graduates are eligible to take the RHIT certification exam. The school reports a 71 percent first-time exam pass rate.

Fast Fact: Niche reports Camden County College has a 100% acceptance rate

Degree Awarded: AAS

School: medical coding program

5. Central Maine Community College

Central Maine Community College offers a 100% online AAS in Medical Coding and Electronic Health Records.

This robust curriculum includes studies in English composition, math, and biology. You’ll study reimbursement systems and methods, ICD, CPT, and HCPS coding, business, and interpersonal communication, and statistics for healthcare. You’ll also be able to participate in a practicum experience with this program design.

The 60-62 credit hour degree is designed to meet the standards for medical billing and coding as described by the American Hospital Association, World Health Organization, and American Medical Association. Once you complete the degree, you’ll be eligible to sit for certification exams offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Fast Fact: CMCC is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

Degree Awarded: AAS in Medical Coding & Electronic Health Records

School: Learn more about the medical billing and coding program!

6. Northland Community and Technical College

Northland Community and Technical College offer an online AAS in Medical Coding Specialist. The online medical billing and coding degree requires 60 credit hours and will qualify you to sit for entry-level certification exams.

The program covers a range of coding topics with studies in ICD, CPT, and HCPCS coding, medical language, computer technology, medical billing, and coding ethics, writing composition, as well as electives in history and communication. Another course, titled Job Seeking and Keeping, gives you an overview of what employers are looking for, trends in the field, and employment principles you’ll find throughout your career.

You’ll also become familiar with insurance reimbursement ranging from worker’s compensation, third party payers, disability coverages, Medicare, Medicaid, and the military health benefit known as TRICARE.

Fast Fact: NCTC dates to 1949 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Degree Awarded: AAS Medical Coding Specialist/medical coding associate’s degree online

School: Click to learn more about the medical billing and coding program!

7. University of New Mexico Gallup

Under the University of New Mexico is the Gallup community college campus. You can earn an online associate Health Information Technology degree which is accredited by CAHIIM.

The medical billing associate degree online program begins in the Summer or Fall semesters and, as the website says, is offered on a “first-come, first-serve basis.” You’ll need to first be accepted into UNM Gallup before applying to the HIT program. The degree requires 71 credit hours for completion, which includes a professional practicum experience.

Among the studies in this degree are health sciences courses (medical terminology, allied healthcare pharmacology), natural sciences (biology, pathophysiology), basic ICD/CPT coding, legal issues in coding, methods of reimbursement, as well as HIT principles. The professional practicum will be conducted in a healthcare facility. If you live outside the UNM-Gallup area, you should discuss your placement with the HIT director.

You may qualify for scholarships through the New Mexico Health Information Management Association, American Health Information Management Association, and American Health Information Management Association Veterans Scholarship.

Fast Fact: Founded in 1968

Degree Awarded: AAS Health Information Technology

School: Click to learn more about the medical billing and coding program!

8. Valencia College

Located in Orlando, Florida, Valencia College has an online AS degree in Health Information Technology. The program focuses on patient record coding and management, legal and ethical issues in coding, and the security of patient health records.

This program is a great stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree at Valencia College in Business and Organizational Leadership which will prepare you for a managerial or supervisory role in HIT.

In the 70 credit hours required for this degree, you’ll study not only CPT/ICD coding, but algebra, disease principles, computer fundamentals, supervision and management, human anatomy, physiology, as well as a practicum. Some courses may require prerequisite study.

Fast Fact: Valencia College holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

Degree Awarded: AS

School: Click to learn more about the medical billing and coding program!

9. Dakota State University

This Health Information Technology degree prepares students for RHIT certification once they graduate.

Accredited by the CAHIIM, this program can train you for a variety of healthcare positions as a coding specialist, health data analyst, or physician practice manager, among others.

The 64 credit hour curriculum offers studies in 18 hours in general education courses (English, biology, algebra, etc.) and 46 credit hours in HIT classes. Some of the classes you’ll take include Basic Medical Terminology, Physiology, Fundamentals of Disease and Diagnosis Coding, HIM Quality Management, Revenue Cycle Management, and more. You’ll also complete a Supervised Professional Practice experience.

Fast Fact: 100% of graduates working in healthcare within 6 months of graduation

Degree Awarded: AS

10. Washburn University

This Topeka, Kansas University has a Health Information Technology associate degree offered through its Department of Allied Health. The 73 credit hour curriculum provides a strong foundation for HIT education.

You’ll study courses in physiology, healthcare statistics, health information coding, healthcare policies, human disease, anatomy, reimbursement methodologies, principles of HIT, and others. General education subjects for this program will cover math, technical and business writing. There’s also a practicum experience required for this degree.

Washburn University’s HIT program is accredited by CAHIIM and has impressive RHIT exam and first-time pass rates.

Fast Fact: Program RHIT pass rate 75% and a national pass rate of 73%

Degree Awarded: AS

School: Click to learn more about the medical billing and coding program!

11. Northeast Iowa Community College

Here’s a 68 credit hour, CAHIIM accredited, AAS in Health Information Technology you can complete online. You can enroll at anytime, but the course sequence begins in the fall semester.

The curriculum covers Human Anatomy and Physiology, appropriate Medical Terminology, Health Records Management, ICD-10 Coding, Introduction to CPT Coding, CPT-4 Coding, and Legal Aspects of Health Information. You’ll also take courses in information systems, reimbursement methods, and professional practice experience. The program requires 15 credit hours of general education coursework in math, science or social science, humanities, and communication.

When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit for the RHIT certification exam.

Fast Fact: Niche recognizes NICC as one of its “Best Community Colleges in America”

Degree Awarded: AAS

School: Click to learn more about the medical billing and coding program!

12. Weber State University

Located in Ogden, Utah, WSU has a Health Information Technology you can, as the website says, “…study in your pajamas.”

This program (and the school’s BS degree) is accredited by CAHIIM to prepare you for the RHIT exam. The curriculum gives you the required education in medical terminology, health information systems, ICD-10 and diagnostic coding, healthcare records privacy, healthcare informatics, as well as other topics. You’ll also need to complete a professional practice experience.

Prior to your practical experience, you’ll need to provide a criminal background check, health records, and drug test results.

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report places Weber State University at #40 in its “Top Public Schools” rankings

Degree Awarded: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Health Information Technology (HIT)

13. Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Known by students as M State, this school has an online, AAS Health Information Technology and Coding degree.

The program is accredited by CAHIIM and requires 64 credit hours for completion. Designed to train you in the various aspects of HIT, you’ll learn the requirements of ICD and CPT/HCPCS coding, strategies and concepts for EHR (electronic health record) establishment and maintenance, policies governing EHR such as privacy, federal regulations, ethics, and laws. You’ll also be taught the maintenance and information sharing of EHR, verification of records and interpretation.

Following successful completion of the AAS degree, you’ll be qualified to sit for the RHIT credentialing exam. If you qualify, this program is eligible for M State’s Workforce Development Scholarship, up to a maximum of $5,000 over four semesters. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, and recipients are announced on May 1.

Fast Fact: M State ranks in the top 30 of Niche’s “Best Community Colleges in America”

Degree Awarded: AAS Health Information Technology and Coding

School: Learn more about the medical billing and coding program!

14. Fresno City College

Fresno City College has two associate degrees in Health Information Technology. The programs offered in Health Information Technology include an Associate of Science degree in HIT or an AS in Health Information Technology: Revenue Management.

The HIT program requires 49 credit hours of foundational health information courses, including CPT coding, disease processes, biology, healthcare terminology, pharmacology, quality improvement measures, reimbursement, etc. Both tracks have accreditation from CAHIIM and allow you to sit for credentialing exams, such as RHIT.

There is a directed practice with this degree and you’ll need to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screen prior to placement.

The Associate program requires 60 credit hours for completion along with the 49 credit hours for your major. These hours will include general education coursework.

Fast Fact: Fresno City College started in 1910 and is California’s first community college

Degree Awarded: AAS

School: Click to learn more about the medical billing and coding program!

15. Laramie County Community College

Wyoming’s Laramie County Community College supports an AAS in Health Information Technology and Management through its distance education programming.

The school describes this as a “multi-level, or stacked” program, allowing you to obtain a Medical Essentials diploma, a Medical Claims Coding Associate program, or an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology. The AAS in HIT combines components of the diploma and AS degree which will provide you with leadership and managerial training.

In four semesters, you can complete studies in medical terminology, basic ICD-10-CM/PCS coding, and disease processes. reimbursement, communication, and more. There’s also professional practice experience which will require background checks and drug screening. Students must also complete a course in either the US or Wyoming Constitution.

Fast Fact: LCCC holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

Degree Awarded: AAS

School: Visit the program

How Do You Choose the Best Medical Billing Associate Online?

You’ll probably want to look for several things during your program search for a coding degree online.

Accreditation

You should look for programs that have accreditation. This designation will let you know the online program meets the educational quality of national programs. In the case of Medical Billing and Coding, you may want to look at programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) which will help you prepare to sit for credentialing exams.

Schools should have regional accreditation from organizations such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The programs we listed all hold regional accreditation.

Cost and financial aid

Tuition cost is always a concern. Accredited, online degree programs qualify to receive federal financial aid. You’ll want to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which will determine your eligibility. Also, schools will frequently offer scholarships and grants and will use the FAFSA in making final decisions.

Nearly 20 states offer free tuition for in-state students at community and technical colleges. You’ll want to see if your state is one of them.

Curriculum

What you study is important. So, find a program that prepares you to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exams. Two-year degrees usually include general education courses in topics such as English, humanities, and social science, along with core studies in your major.

Look for medical coder programs that offer classes in ICD-10 and current procedural terminology coding (CPT), reimbursement methodologies, records management, report writing, etc. A program with professional practice experience is also a good idea.

What If You Don’t Want a Degree?

It’s possible to study to enter the Medical Billing and Coding field by taking training courses offered by either the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

That said, the health care industry values education. So an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree will often give you a leg up in terms of employment.

Can You Get a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Online?

Both the AAPC and AHIMA, in response to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, developed online certification programs. These coding programs will allow you to access study guides, practice tests, and resources in addition to taking the proctored exam online.

What Do you Learn in a Medical Coding Program?

A medical biller degree or medical coding program provides students with entry-level medical coding positions. Students learn basic and advanced coding methods, ethical conduct, and also principles of patient privacy. Additionally, graduates should have a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and disease processes.

Listed below is some common coursework in a two year medical coding and billing program.

Patient Privacy
Procedure Coding
Current Procedural Terminology Coding
International Classification of Diseases
Health Systems
Certification Review
Health Insurance Portability
Current Procedural Terminology Coding II
International Classification of Diseases
Healthcare Law
Coding Procedures
Health Information Management Concepts
Body Systems
Advanced Coding
Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
Ethics and Professionalism
Insurance Claims, Processing and Adjudication
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

What are Common Coding Certifications?

Most medical billing and coding programs prepare graduates for industry certification exams. Two popular medical coding certificate associate exams are listed below.

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) – American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) – American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

What is the Job Outlook for a Medical Biller and Coder?

Is medical billing and coding a good career? The BLS projects the addition of around 34,000 new jobs each year in this profession. Furthermore, the job growth rate from 2020 to 2030 is 9 percent for medical records and health information specialists. Furthermore, a certified coding associate can earn more than an individual with no certification.

How Much Can I Make in Medical Billing and Coding?

According to the May 2021 BLS information, professional coding specialists earn earned a median annual salary of $45,240. Salaries for CPC and/or RHIT certified coders can range, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between $35,520-$40,350 annually. Entry-level job salaries may be around $26,550 a year, with some experienced coders earning $66,260 annually.

Where Do Medical Billers and Coders Work?

Of course, medical assistant programs estimate what you earn can be dependent on where you work and live. Coders can find jobs in most places that offer medical services. Listed below are some examples.

physician offices
healthcare organization
hospitals and other medical facilities
outpatient clinics
home health agencies
long-term care facilities
insurance companies
government agencies (i.e., Medicare or Medicaid)

Your overall compensation may also include benefits such as retirement, sick leave, child care, and also paid time off. Some medical coders and medical billers work independently and freelance their services. Of course, that also impacts earning potential.

What Jobs Can you get in Medical Billing and Coding?

There are many jobs available for individuals with a degree in medical billing and coding. Some titles for these medical office professionals are medical records technician, insurance claims specialist, and certified inpatient coder,

Health Information Technician

Health information technicians enter codes, validate records requests, and handle legal requests. They may also handle additional basic office tasks.

Median Annual Salary: $39,490

Medical Billing Specialist

This job focuses exclusively on medical billing. These professionals deal with insurance companies and third-party vendors to resolve problems and provide clarifications.

Average Salary: $39,910

Medical Auditor

An auditor goes through numbers with a sharp eye to find abnormalities or errors. These professionals make the coding system more efficient and are expected to make recommendations for improvements.

Average Salary: $58,970

Related Medical Billing and Coding:

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