Graduates of online medical billing and coding programs look forward to an expanding job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 8% job growth rate for medical records and health information technicians from 2019-29, much faster than the national average. The BLS calculates 29,000 future openings for medical billing and coding professionals, crediting the growth rate to an aging population in need of expanded healthcare services and data management.
Students can complete medical billing and coding online programs in about a year and enter the job market with a certificate or diploma. Online medical billing and coding courses cover anatomy and physiology, classification and coding systems, healthcare reimbursement methods, medical terminology, and statistics. These courses teach necessary job skills in the field, such as classifying and managing health information data, and prepare graduates for certification exams.
Distance learners can expect to complete most of their classes and practicum experiences online. Courses may be offered through synchronous live virtual courses, or through pre-recorded lectures that fit any student's schedule.
Methodology
View our ranking methodology here.
Most Affordable Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificates and Diplomas for 2021
1. Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Founded in 2010 through the merger of Sandersville Technical College and Heart of Georgia Technical College, OFTC serves thousands of students annually both on campus and online. OFTC offers more than 100 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs at locations in Sandersville and Dublin, Georgia, and online.
OFTC's online medical billing clerk certificate program requires 20 semester credits for completion. Students can typically complete the certificate in two semesters. Admission requirements include a completed application, official high school transcripts or a GED, and standardized test scores. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
- Campus: Sandersville, GA
- Program Length: 20 semester credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $2,662.00 total
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to College and Computers, Document Production, Health Care Coding, Medical Terminology, Electives
Visit Program Site
2. Ogeechee Technical College
Founded in 1986 as a public, two-year technical college, Ogeechee Tech currently serves almost 3,000 students annually on campus in Statesboro, Georgia, and online. The institution offers more than 100 majors, flexible class scheduling, hands-on learning, and small class sizes.
Ogeechee Tech's completely online medical coding certificate program requires a minimum of 24 semester hours. Students can typically complete the program, which is designed to prepare students for certificate exams, in two semesters. Students must achieve a passing grade of "C" or better on all coursework. Admission requirements include a minimum age of 17, online application and fee, and standardized test scores.
- Campus: Statesboro, GA
- Program Length: 24 semester credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $2,770 total
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Structure and Function of the Human Body, Medical Terminology, Human Diseases, Medical Billing and Coding, Document Production
Visit Program Site
3. Central Texas College
Founded in 1965, CTC currently operates through its Central Campus, Continental Campus, Europe Campus, Fort Hood Campus, Navy Campus, and online. CTC currently offers over 30 degrees and more than 45 certificates completely online.
CTC's completely online certified medical billing and coding specialist program requires 340 course hours for completion at a total cost of under $3,100. Students can expect to complete the certificate in under 12 months over two semesters. Admission requirements include a completed online application, signed oath of residency, official transcripts, and Texas Success Initiative Assessment scores.
- Campus: Killeen, TX
- Program Length: 340 course hours; two semesters
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $3,090 total
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Medical Terminology, Medical Billing and Coding, Health Care Law, Pharmacology for Coders, CPT and HCPCS Level II Coding, Health Care Programs
Visit Program Site
4. West Georgia Technical College
Founded in 1988 through the enactment of the nonprofit West Georgia Technical College Foundation, WGTC currently offers degrees and certificates across eight academic sectors completely online. With nine physical campuses plus online learning, WGTC offers affordability and flexibility to high school students, graduates, and adult learners.
WGTC's completely online medical coding certificate program requires 24 credits for completion at a cost of $100 per credit for in-state students. Students must demonstrate the ability to type at least 30 words per minute or complete a document preparation pre-requisite. Admission requirements include a minimum 16 years of age, official transcripts, standardized test scores, and DD Form 214 for military personnel.
- Campus: LaGrange, GA
- Program Length: 24 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $100 per credit (in-state); $200 per credit (out-of-state)
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Structure and Function of the Human Body, Medical Terminology, Document Preparation, Human Diseases, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Procedural Coding
Visit Program Site
5. Central Georgia Technical College
Founded in 2012 through the merger of Middle Georgia Technical College and Central Georgia Technical College, CGTC offers 39 associate degrees, 50 diplomas, and 124 technical certificates of credit. The college serves 11 counties in central Georgia.
CGTC's completely online medical coding technical certificate provides basic training in anatomy and physiology to be used in the field of medical coding. With this certificate, students can directly enter the workforce or seek an associate or bachelor's degree through the transfer of credits. Admission requirements include high school diploma or GED, official transcripts, and an online application and fee.
- Campus: Warner Robins, GA
- Program Length: 24 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $100 per credit
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Structure and Function of the Human Body, Medical Terminology, Document Production, Human Diseases, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Procedural Coding
Visit Program Site
6. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Founded in 1912 as Industrial, Commercial, Continuing Evening School, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College offers educational coursework for over 100 programs spanning more than 60 career areas. Aspen Institute ranks WITC in the top 150 U.S. community colleges.
WITC's completely online medical billing specialist technical diploma requires 26 credits for completion. Program completion typically takes two semesters for full-time students and three to four semesters for part-time students. Admission requirements include an online application and meeting with an admissions counselor, who will help with further requirements.
- Campus: Rice Lake, WI
- Program Length: 26 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $3,904 total
- Program Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Document Formatting, Medical Terminology, Medical Office Administration, Medical Insurance Claims, Medical administrative Practice
Visit Program Site
7. Collin County Community College
Founded in 1985, Collin College has grown to serve nearly 59,000 students annually. The institution offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Collin College's online medical coding certificate series requires eight classes consisting of 352 total hours of study. Students can typically complete required coursework in two semesters. Coursework prepares students for the Certified Professional Coder Exam through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Admission requirements include an online application, official transcripts for proof of diploma or GED, and proof of residency.
- Campus: McKinney, TX
- Program Length: 352 hours across eight courses
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $2,538 total
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Medical Terminology, Basic Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Medical Coding, Pathophysiology, Healthcare Ethics, Medical Coding
Visit Program Site
8. Columbus State Community College
CSCC currently serves over 45,000 students annually with an average class size of 20 students. The school offers a variety of associate degrees and certificate programs.
CSCC's online hybrid medical coding certificate requires 22 credits for completion. Students typically complete the program in three semesters. Coursework includes PPE HIM Field Experience, where students observe professional practice. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED equivalent, completion of HIM certificate with a "C" or higher in related courses, a drug screening and background check, and completion of required prerequisites.
- Campus: Columbus, OH
- Program Length: 22 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $163 per credit (in-state); $333 per credit (out-of-state)
- Program Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Pharmacology, Clinical Documentation and Disease, Fundamentals Human Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Reimbursement, Human Anatomy, Intermediate Coding, PPE HIM Field Experience
Visit Program Site
9. Lamar Institute of Technology
Located in Beaumont, Texas, near the Gulf of Mexico, LIT serves over 8,000 students annually. LIT currently offers 28 associate of applied science degrees, 4 academic transfer associate degrees, and 28 certificates.
LIT's online medical coding specialist certificate program requires 40 semester credits for completion. The recommended degree plan layout spreads over three semesters. LIT utilizes an open-admission policy, built to serve high-school graduates, dual enrollees, readmission students, and transfer students. With two labs and one practicum, LIT offers hands-on learning to better prepare students for job placement upon certificate completion.
- Campus: Beaumont, TX
- Program Length: 40 semester credits over three semesters
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $95 per credit (in-state); $459 per credit (out-of-state)
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Business Computer Applications, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Information, Coding and Classification Sys, Health Care Delivery Systems, Advanced Medical Coding
Visit Program Site
10. Barton Community College
BCC was founded in 1965 to provide local students the opportunity to pursue affordable secondary education. The institution currently serves more than 15,000 students annually both on campus and online.
Barton's medical coding certificate program requires 44 credits for completion. Students can complete the certificate in as little as two semesters. Coursework prepares students to review patient records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis or procedure. The 10 credits of medical coding immerse students in the methods of coding and provide hands-on instruction for immediate application to the workforce. Admission requirements include an online application, official transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores.
- Campus: Great Bend, KS
- Program Length: 44 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $111 per credit (in-district), $118 per credit (in-state), $142 per credit (out-of-state)
- Program Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Anatomy and Physiology, Computer Concepts and Applications, Pathophysiology, Medical Administrative Aspects, Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare, Medical Coding, Basic Pharmacology
Visit Program Site
Recommended Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs
11. Southern Regional Technical College
SRTC offers over 130 degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs, including its medical billing clerk technical certificate. The certificate requires 22 semester hours for completion at a total cost of $2,200. Coursework prepares students for a career in medical insurance and medical billing for reimbursement purposes. Admission requirements include a minimum of 16 years of age, a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and standardized test scores.
- Campus: Thomasville, GA
- Program Length: 22 semester hour credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $2,200 total
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Intro to Computer Literacy, Structure/Function of the Human Body, MedTerm/Allied Health Sciences, Document Production, Medical Office Billing/Coding/Insurance
Visit Program Site
12. Eastern Gateway Community College
Opening its doors in 1968, EGCC's mission statement promises to "provide quality, flexible, innovative, and affordable educational opportunities" to its students.
Eastern Gateway's online medical coding specialist certificate program requires 38 semester credits for completion. The institution advises students to plan for three semesters to complete the program but offers summer semesters, allowing for completion in one year. Admission requirements include an online application, official transcripts, and placement examinations.
- Campus: Steubenville, OH
- Program Length: 38 semester credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $130 per credit (in-county); $137 per credit (out-of-county), $245 per credit (out-of-state)
- Program Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Pathophysiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Introduction to Health Records, Reimbursement Methodologies, Principles of Pharmacology, HIM: Computers, Statistics, and Quality
Visit Program Site
13. Hutchinson Community College
Founded in 1928 as Hutchinson Junior College, HutchCC currently serves almost 5,000 students each semester. With 152 program offerings spanning associate degrees to technical certifications, Hutchinson Community College offers something for every recent high school graduate.
Hutchinson Community College's health care coding specialist program requires 465 credits for completion at a cost of $116 per credit for in-state students. Coursework specifically prepares students for coding in ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT. Admission requirements include an online application, high school diploma with minimum GPA of 2.0 in the final six semesters, program-specific application to the health information technology program, and internet access.
- Campus: Hutchinson, KS
- Program Length: 45 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $116 per credit (in-state); $147 per credit (out-of-state)
- Program Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Health Information Processes, Medical Terminology, Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Computers in Health Care, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding, Microcomputer Applications, ICD-10 Coding for Long Term Care, Reimbursement Methodologies
Visit Program Site
14. Shoreline Community College
Founded in 1964, Shoreline Community College offers more than 100 associate degrees, diplomas, and certification programs. More than 10,000 students attend Shoreline annually, with more than 6,000 typically registered per quarter.
SCC's medical coding and reimbursement specialist certificate program requires 60-63 credits for completion and generally takes two years. Students receive hands-on experience in coding and will personally code 50-100 medical charts during coursework. Students must achieve a 2.0 minimum grade in all applicable coursework for graduation eligibility. Admission requirements include a general application, certificate program application, and official transcripts.
- Campus: Shoreline, WA
- Program Length: 60-63 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $152 per credit (in-state); 167 per credit (out-of-state)
- Program Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Principles of Accounting, Health Care Delivery in the U.S., Hospital and Clinic Patient Records, Medical Terminology, Legal Aspects of Health Care, Basic Coding, Outpatient Coding, Pharmacology, Human Diseases
Visit Program Site
15. Cowley College
Cowley College, a vocational and technical secondary school in Arkansas City, Kansas, currently offers over 115 degree programs and certificates. The institution was founded in 1922 and has grown to serve students from around the world via its online platform.
Cowley's medical coding certificate requires 35 credits for completion. Students should expect coursework focusing on coding procedural terminology, reimbursement methodologies, and international classification of disease (ICD) coding, all to prepare students for an entry-level career in medical coding. Participants must complete required coursework with a minimum 2.0 GPA for graduation eligibility. Admission requirements include an online application and official transcripts.
- Campus: Arkansas City, KS
- Program Length: 35 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $57 per credit (in-county); $68 per credit (out-of-county); $116 per credit (out-of-state)
- Program Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Medical Terminology, Pharmacology, Allied Healthcare Provider Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, CPT Coding, Reimbursement Methodologies, ICD Coding, Introduction to Health Information, Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare, Bioethics
Visit Program Site
Applying to an Affordable Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate and Diploma Program
Common admission requirements for medical billing and coding online programs include a high school diploma or GED, minimum GPA, and ACT, Accuplacer, or SAT scores. Some schools may require typing speed tests or keyboarding courses, and proficiency in a particular software program, such as Microsoft Word.
Applicants with prior higher education coursework, professional training, or volunteer experience may be permitted to transfer credits. Programs may also allow students to transfer credits earned for their certificate or diploma toward an associate or bachelor's degree.
Employers tend to prefer medical billers and coders certified as Registered Health Information Technicians, Certified Tumor Registrars, or equivalent designations. Certification typically requires passing an exam, completing an accredited program, such as those listed in this guide, or coding experience hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What do medical billers and coders do?
Medical billers and coders review, document, and maintain patient records, which include medical histories, exams, test results, and treatments. They also use coding software to classify medical services provided for insurance reimbursement and data analysis. Medical billers and coders can become certified in fields like medical coding specialist and cancer registrar.
-
How much do medical billing and coding online courses cost?
Low-cost medical coding and billing online programs may base fees on an annual basis or a per-credit basis. Annual costs range $2,000-$8,000, while medical billing and coding online courses cost $100-$1,000 per credit. Program tuition may vary by residency status and program length.
-
What is accreditation and why is it important?
Accreditation indicates that a program meets rigorous curriculum and student performance standards. Employers look for graduates of accredited programs to ensure that an applicant possesses up-to-date skills. Two main organizations accredit medical billing and coding programs: the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education and the American Academy of Professional Coders.
-
How long does it take to complete a medical billing and coding program?
Many medical billing and coding online programs can be completed in a year or less. Others may take 18 months to two years. Factors influencing time to graduation include full- or part-time enrollment, availability of transfer credit, and program structure. For example, self-paced courses may allow accelerated program completion in as little as four months.
-
What's the difference between a certificate and a diploma in medical billing and coding?
Medical billing and coding certificates often take less time to earn, with most students graduating in under a year. Diploma programs may take up to two years to finish and often focus on a particular specialization. Certificate programs provide skill-based preparation, while diplomas focus on skills and additional technical knowledge.