Earning a medical coding and billing associates degree can help prepare you for industry certification in the growing field of healthcare.
This degree can set students on the path of working in healthcare without directly working in medicine. By maintaining patient and diagnostic information, medical coders and billers play an integral role in patient health and outcomes.
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The skill set of handling information data could also apply to related opportunities in the healthcare field.
Online Medical Coding and Billing Associates Degrees
An associate in medical billing and coding degree program aims to provide you with a foundation of health information technology, medical language, and billing skills.
You can dive into the fundamentals of billing, which covers billing codes for diagnoses and procedures to send to insurance companies. You can also learn how to code for treatment options and medical diagnoses, which ensures accurate patient information and care.
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In an associate program in medical coding and billing, you can expect to be exposed to a variety of subjects related to health information technology and the medical field, such as:
- Medical terminology. This helps provide an understanding of medical language and its unique terms.
- Medical coding. This overviews how coding works and why the coding system is structured in a specific way.
- Anatomy and pathophysiology. This provides students with an in-depth understanding of the body as well as how diseases function.
- Health information systems. This exposes students to data storage, patient recordkeeping, electronic filing systems, and more.
Many students can also choose to focus their studies on a specialty area within the healthcare system, such as psychology, dental, dermatology, radiology, and more. By gaining an understanding of health information systems, codes, and billing processes, graduates may be prepared to enter a variety of healthcare settings as coders and billers.
In addition to non-degree medical billing and coding certification online or on-campus programs, a degree program in this field can also help you prepare for industry certification exams. Graduates may also find opportunities in bookkeeping, medical auditing, data analysis, and more.
Medical Coding and Billing Careers & Salaries
An associate degree for medical billing and coding can help prepare graduates for entry-level positions in a variety of healthcare settings.
Most graduates pursue industry certification and go on to work as medical records specialists or health information technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some of the career paths related to medical coding and billing.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 |
| Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | $55,560 |
| Medical Records Specialists | $46,660 |
| Financial Clerks | $44,760 |
| Bill and Account Collectors | $37,700 |
| Information Clerks | $37,450 |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $37,450 |
| Medical Assistants | $37,190 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | $36,740 |
| Medical Transcriptionists | $30,100 |
More advanced positions generally require experience or professional certification. Graduates typically decide to specialize in a branch of the healthcare field, such as psychology or pediatrics, where they can find a career as a medical billing or coding specialist in a physicians’ office.
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They may also find diverse opportunities within health information technology, such as in medical auditing. Auditors search for errors in medical codes in order to improve the process. Health information technicians, on the other hand, validate records requests, enter codes, and even may handle basic office tasks.
Medical Coding and Billing Associate’s Curriculum
The curriculum of an associate degree for medical billing and coding can vary from school to school, but many core courses are similar. You can expect to take courses related to health information management, coding processes, billing processes, medical terminology, ethics, and more.
Below are some examples of courses that may be found in medical coding and billing associate degree programs:
- Basic Coding: This course introduces coding formats and overviews how and why the coding system is designed as it is.
- Medical Terminology: This course overviews the unique terms used in medical language by doctors and nurses.
- Healthcare Law and Ethics: This course focuses on patient data safety, avoidance of fraudulent activities, and ethical and legal challenges related to billing and coding.
- Coding Auditing: This course focuses on spotting coding errors, which helps keep patients and their records accurate and safe.
- Pathophysiology: This course focuses on the causes of human diseases, along with their diagnoses, treatment options, and management.
- Anatomy and Physiology: This course focuses on the major systems of the human body, along with their medical terminology.
- Health Information Systems: This course focuses on information management in healthcare and includes an overview of electronic health records, filing systems, and data storage.
- Pharmacology: This course focuses on pharmaceuticals and their effects on the human body.
- Health Insurance and Reimbursement: This course explores reimbursement methodologies in the field of healthcare.
- Process Information: This class overviews how to compile categories of codes, calculations, tabulations, and more.
Associate programs in medical coding and billing may also prepare you for industry certification exams.
How to Choose an Online Associate Degree in Medical Coding and Billing Program
When you’re choosing a medical coding associate’s degree online program, it can be helpful to keep these factors in mind:
- Location. Many online programs do not require students to visit the campus, but some may require in-person clinical hours or courses. These can typically be completed somewhere near you, but it’s helpful to double-check these requirements before applying.
- Cost. Determining cost is another factor to consider. You may want to compare programs’ costs as well as different schools’ financial aid opportunities.
- Accreditation. To ensure that your program meets industry standards, you may want to select a program that’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
- Program format. Some online programs offer synchronous courses, which requires scheduled class times. Others offer asynchronous courses, which allows you to complete assignments around your schedule.
- Student support and services. You may want to consider a school’s student support offerings, such as internship and mentorship opportunities. Networking and technical support are also beneficial for students who are enrolled in online programs.
You can determine which factors are most important to you. Your personal schedule and interests may also impact the type of program that you want to pursue.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements can vary depending upon your school, but many have similar requirements, including:
- High school or GED transcripts
- Minimum GPA requirement
- SAT or ACT scores (if required)
- Passing grades in prerequisite courses (if required)
A growing number of schools no longer require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admissions. Some programs may also require letters of recommendation along with your application. It’s helpful to check with your school to make sure you meet and complete their specific admissions requirements.
Accreditation
Before pursuing a medical coding associate degree online, it’s strategic to make sure your college or university is accredited by a regional accrediting organization. Regional accreditation is essentially quality assurance that your academic institution meets pre-defined standards of quality.
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Some employers only recognize degrees from accredited universities. Likewise, many accredited institutions only accept transfer credits from other accredited schools. Your school’s accreditation status can also affect your eligibility to receive financial aid.
Medical Coding and Billing Licensure and Certifications
Earning a professional certification in coding and billing is a way to highlight your professional competency and commitment. Certifications in this field are provided through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA), and the American Health Information Management (AHIMA).
Common certifications include:
- Certified Professional Coder
- Certified Professional Biller
- Certified Coding Associate
- Registered Health Information Technician
There may be even more certifications available depending upon your state and specialization. Due to the expanding complexities of medical coding regulations and standards, more employers are wanting coders and billers to be certified.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many students pursuing an associates degree in medical coding also seek financial assistance. There are a number of options available to students who qualify. You may be able to receive federal aid in the form of student loans, grants, or work-study programs. Loans and grants can also be granted through your state, depending on where you live or where your school is located.
You can apply for government aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may also be eligible for private grants and scholarships from various institutions. In addition, many companies offer employer programs that are designed to allocate a portion of funds to employee education. If you’re currently working, you can get in touch with your HR department to discover more.
What Is a Medical Billing and Coding Associates Degree?
A medical billing and coding associates degree is designed to help students understand and implement medical and billing codes for procedures and diagnoses. This degree focuses on equipping you with knowledge of specific codes and medical language, but it also teaches you about health information systems, biology, pathophysiology, analysis, and more.
Most associate programs in medical billing and coding also prepare you for industry certification exams. Most graduates pursue a variety of entry-level administrative and analytical positions in healthcare, such as that of a medical coder, medical biller, or medical auditor.
What Can You Do with an Associate’s Degree in Medical Billing and Coding?
An associate’s degree in medical billing and coding can help prepare graduates to pursue certification as medical billers or coders. These professionals work in a healthcare or clinical setting. Graduates may also find entry-level opportunities as medical records specialists, health information technologists, bookkeeping and auditing clerks, medical transcriptionists, and more.
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In general, this associate degree exposes you to in-depth study of medical terminology and health information systems. This could help prepare you for many different positions in handling healthcare records and billing systems.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associates Degree in Medical Billing and Coding Online?
The time it takes to complete an online medical billing and coding associate degree depends on a few factors, including your school.
If you follow a standard 16 week semester and attend full-time, it generally takes 2 years to complete an associate degree. If you instead stay continuously enrolled year-round in 8 week semesters, you may be able to finish in less time. Of course, if you enroll part-time, an associate degree could take longer to complete.
What’s the Difference Between a Medical Assistant vs. Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Online?
Medical assisting and medical coding are often grouped together, yet these programs prepare students for varying roles and duties.
- Associates in Medical Assisting: Medical assistants are responsible for performing more administrative duties in the clinical setting, such as scheduling appointments and updating insurance forms. Plus, they may work directly with doctors to conduct basic lab tests, record medical histories, and other tasks.
- Associates in Medical Billing and Coding: Medical billing involves contacting insurance companies and processing medical claims. A medical coder translates diagnoses, treatments, equipment, and other medical processes into alphanumeric codes for medical records.
These associate degrees will vary in their data and skill set focus.
Is an Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding Worth It?
Yes, an associate degree in medical billing and coding is worth it for many students. This degree path exposes you to health information system technologies, medical terminology and anatomy, and billing processes. This knowledge may lead to a diverse set of opportunities in healthcare settings.
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Most graduates pursue certification as a medical billing or coding specialist. They then provide and record the codes that are critical to efficient billing and recordkeeping in healthcare facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical records specialists is also projected to grow 7% over the next ten years.
Universities Offering Online Associates in Medical Coding and Billing Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
The Associate in Health Services Administration program at Berkeley College offers a specialization in Medical Insurance, Billing, and Coding. The program is designed for students pursuing administrative roles in healthcare. On average, students can complete the degree in 2 years of full-time attendance. Many graduates work in settings like clinics, hospitals, nursing facilities, and insurance companies.
Berkeley College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Bryant & Stratton College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Reimbursement and Coding. Classes cover topics like diagnostic coding, electronic health records, clinical documentation, communication, and computing skills. The program requires the completion of 39 credit hours. Students can choose to attend the program fully online or at one of three campuses.
Bryant & Stratton College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Central Texas College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding and Billing. Potential courses include Medical Terminology, Coding and Reimbursement Methodologies, Medical Software Applications, and Pharmacology. The program requires the completion of 60 credits. Students can attend fully online, though some courses are available in traditional in-person formats.
Central Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Cowley College offers a 100% online program for a Medical Coding Associate of Applied Science. The program aims to help students develop the proficiencies needed to succeed in entry-level coder positions in healthcare.
Students must complete a minimum of 65 credit hours to graduate. Courses cover core concepts like procedural terminology, pathophysiology, reimbursement methodologies, healthcare finance, and bioethics.
Cowley College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University offers a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding. For students interested in pursuing administrative healthcare roles, this certificate may be an excellent complement to an associate degree program. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours. Potential courses include Diagnostic Coding, Procedural Coding, Medical Terminology, and Pathophysiology for Medical Billers and Coders.
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
East Mississippi Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing and Coding Technology. Graduates often pursue careers as medical transcriptionists, physician office administrators, health insurance managers, and medical coders. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours. Students can attend all classes using the program’s flexible online learning model.
East Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Herzing University offers an Associate in Medical Coding. This program seeks to graduate competent coders who can meet the growing need for technological professionals in the field of healthcare. On average, students can complete the 60 credits required by the program in 20 months of full-time attendance. All classes meet entirely online.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Highland Community College offers an online program for an Associate in Applied Science for Medical Coding. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge needed to complete coding procedures in a variety of healthcare settings. Students attending full-time can typically complete the requirements in 2 years. Upon graduation, many students take the certified coding specialist exam.
Highland Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Laramie County Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology. Students can specialize in Medical Office Essentials, Medical Claims Coding, or Health Information Technology Management. Most students can complete the program in 2 years. Classes meet online and cover topics like terminology, healthcare technology, coding, and reimbursement methodologies.
Laramie County Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Northland Community & Technical College offers a Medical Coding Specialist Associate of Applied Science. This program aims to prepare students for successful administrative roles in settings like hospitals, physicians’ offices, insurance companies, and clinics. The curriculum introduces students to key concepts like medical terminology and procedures, insurance plans, and coding skills. Classes meet 100% online.
Northland Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northwest Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding. Potential classes include Medical Language Applications, Inpatient Billing, Healthcare Leadership, and Bioethical Issues. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours. Upon completion of the degree, students often pursue entry-level coding roles or further study in the discipline.
Northwest Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Associate of Science in Healthcare Management program at Pennsylvania Institute of Technology offers a concentration in Medical Billing and Coding.
Classes cover topics like insurance claims, healthcare informatics, and medical coding. This specialization requires the completion of 29 credits. The concentration can typically be completed in 9 months, while the healthcare management associate degree can usually be completed in 2 years.
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
San Joaquin Valley College offers an Associate in Medical Billing and Coding. Many graduates pursue fulfilling careers in settings like dental offices, public health clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. On average, students can complete the degree requirements in 15 months of full-time attendance. All classes meet conveniently online.
San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Southeast Technical College offers an Associate in Medical Coding and Billing. The program seeks to graduate students who can serve as an essential connection between healthcare providers, medical facilities, patients, and insurance companies. The program requires the completion of 61 credit hours. Students can complete their coursework either fully on-campus or using a hybrid in-person and online format.
Southeast Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Wake Technical Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing and Coding. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for diverse administrative roles in healthcare. This program utilizes a 100% online learning model to accommodate busy working students. Students can typically complete the 66 required credit hours in 2 years of full-time study.
Wake Technical Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Getting Your Medical Coding and Billing Associates Degree Online
Completing a medical coding and billing associates degree program is a convenient way to gain specialized skills related to health information and medical billing and coding.
Receiving training in these areas could help prepare you for opportunities as a medical coding or billing specialist in healthcare settings. Medical billers and coders play a key role in patient records, which also serves as a foundation of patient health outcomes. Some graduates even go on to become medical auditors, medical registrars, health information technologists, medical transcriptionists, and more.
If you are ready to develop your skills in this growing sector, you could start exploring accredited schools today to discover the low-cost medical coding and billing online program that’s right for you.
