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Best Online Medical Coding Degree Programs of 2024
Best Online Medical Coding Degree Programs of 2024
Find your online medical coding program in minutes!
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The demand for medical coders and billers is rising thanks to changing healthcare and insurance regulations, new technology, and increased service demand. Completing a medical coding training program is the key to entering this rapidly growing field.Employment of medical records specialists is projected to grow 8% by 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is faster than the average for all jobs. The median annual salary for this position is $47,180.
Many programs are available to help students prepare for a career in medical coding. To help students find the one that best meets their needs, we compiled this list of the best medical coding degree programs for 2024. Students can also learn more about this program’s duration, cost, and admissions requirements.
What Can I Expect from an Online Medical Coding Degree Program?
For most medical coding jobs, a post-secondary certificate or associate degree is sufficient education, although some bachelor’s degrees in medical coding are available.
Certificate programs typically require less than 30 credits and can be completed in 6-18 months, depending on a student’s pace. Associate degrees require a minimum of 60 credits, which usually takes two years of full-time study.
Regardless of the program type, the medical coding program curriculum will focus on skills needed for accurate data entry in medical settings. Coursework covers basic and intermediate medical coding, records management systems, medical terminology, health insurance, pharmacology, and ethics and confidentiality in healthcare. Most programs also require the completion of a clinical practicum, in which students get hands-on experience working with medical coding and billing. Students should check if their program requires an in-person practicum or if students can complete this requirement remotely.
An essential step in becoming a medical biller and coder is getting certified through an agency like the American Health Information Management Agency (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). They offer nationally-recognized certifications that confirm to employers that you have the necessary training in medical coding and billing. You must pay a fee and pass an examination to earn certification. Many programs will cover the cost of one attempt at a certification exam.
Programs will differ based on whether they are offered at a for-profit career college or non-profit public or private institution. Non-profit schools tend to have more oversight, including accreditation, which can lead to a higher quality of education and student satisfaction. While for-profit institutions may also offer a high-quality medical coding program, students should carefully research schools to learn more about admissions, retention, graduation rates, and program outcomes.
In an online program, students will complete coursework synchronously or asynchronously. Synchronous programs have regular class meetings at predesignated times that students attend remotely. Meanwhile, in an asynchronous program, students can access lessons and complete assignments according to their own schedule. Another option may be a hybrid program that includes in-person and online classes.
This list features some of the best online medical coding degree programs in the U.S. The schools on this list are non-profit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with high-quality standards for post-secondary education.
We evaluated each degree program on tuition costs, faculty, reputation, student resources, and admission, retention, and graduation rates. We also compared our picks to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others. Using this data, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs
What Can I Do With an Online Medical Coding Degree?
Career outlook
An online medical coding program will prepare students for various positions within the fast-growing healthcare field. According to the BLS, there will be an average of 1.8 million new healthcare-related jobs annually through 2032, including administrative support staff like medical coders, billing specialists, and data entry technicians.
Medical coders and billing specialists work in nearly all healthcare facilities, including hospitals, private practices, inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, and urgent care centers.
The most common jobs that individuals with a medical coding certificate or degree include:
Medical records specialists — Manage patient files and enter patients’ medical information into the healthcare industry’s numerical coding system.
Median annual salary: $47,180
Projected employment growth (through 2032): 8%
New jobs projected: 15,000 annually
Health information technologist/medical registrar — Responsible for designing and developing electronic healthcare systems; this position is ideal for individuals who want to be at the intersection of healthcare and information technology.
Median annual salary: $58,250
Projected employment growth (through 2032): 16%
New jobs projected: 3,100 annually
Pharmacy technicians — Help pharmacists fill prescription orders by collecting and entering necessary data and processing insurance claims.
Median annual salary: $37,790
Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
New jobs projected: 44,900 annually
How to Choose the Online Medical Coding Degree Program That’s Right for You
The first step in the process is reflecting on your needs and goals for your online medical coding degree program.
An excellent place to start is your logistical needs. Are you seeking a synchronous or synchronous program? Can you commit to a full-time course load, or do you need a part-time program? Can you participate in on-site clinical requirements?
Consider whether you want an associate degree or a certificate. If you’re interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree, earning an associate in medical coding can provide a good foundation for further study. It can also decrease the amount of time it will take for you to earn a bachelor’s.
However, students with bachelor’s degrees in another field and are looking to enter medical coding may find that a post-secondary certificate is an efficient, convenient way to acquire the necessary skills.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
Once you look more closely at medical coding programs, check the accreditation status of the schools and programs you’re researching. An institution’s accreditation status impacts the quality of education it provides and a student’s eligibility for financial aid, future jobs, and further educational opportunities. Additionally, medical coding programs may be accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
During the research phase, gather as much information as possible about the schools and programs you’re considering, which will help you identify which programs best meet your needs. Common questions to ask include:
What does the curriculum consist of? Are there opportunities for electives or specializations?
Who are the faculty, and what are their credentials?
Are courses delivered synchronously or asynchronously?
How do online students interact with classmates and faculty?
What kind of hands-on experience does the program provide?
What support services are available for online students, such as tech support, tutoring, academic and career advising, and counseling?
Students can find this information on a school’s website or by contacting an admissions counselor. Online programs may host virtual open houses or information sessions to allow prospective students to meet current students and faculty. Some programs have social media pages students can follow to get additional insight.
Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests
Confirm their application procedures, including deadlines, for any programs you’re interested in. Application processes vary by school, so contact the school’s admissions office if you need clarification. Requirements may also vary based on whether you’re enrolling in a certificate or associate degree program.
A standard application for an associate degree includes:
Completed application and required fees
Official transcripts showing completion of high school diploma or GED
Certificate programs have a more minimal application process or may even allow students to enroll simply by paying a course fee.
Step 4: Select your program
Based on your gathered information, determine which program or programs best suit your needs, and submit your applications. There’s no right or wrong number of schools to apply to, but remember that most schools charge application fees, which can add up quickly.
If you apply to and are accepted by multiple schools, compare them to your priorities, including curriculum, faculty, financial aid, cost, and completion time. If necessary, make a pros and cons list to select the program that best meets your needs.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
While researching schools and programs, find out as much information as possible about the program’s total cost (including fees) and what financial aid resources the school has available.
Financial aid for education comes in two forms — need-based and merit-based. In most cases, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for need-based financial aid. This aid includes federal student loans, grants, scholarships, work-study, and assistantships.
Merit-based aid, like scholarships and grants, is awarded to students based on their achievements and aptitudes. Students can access merit-based assistance from their school, professional organizations, or community and religious groups.
Students who plan to work while studying medical coding should inquire about employer tuition assistance benefits to help subsidize their education. Active-duty military members and veterans may be able to get discounted tuition or use GI Bill benefits to pay for their degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Medical Coding Degree Programs
Should I get a medical coding degree in person or online?
Both learning formats have advantages and disadvantages, but how to earn a medical coding degree ultimately comes down to what works best for your learning style and logistical needs.
Online programs are ideal for students who need flexibility and convenience to complete their studies. They can also make medical coding education more accessible for students who can’t learn in an on-campus environment or don’t live near a school that offers this program. However, students in online programs must have strong organizational, time management, and self-motivation skills to keep themselves on track.
Students who need more support and structure or who learn best by engaging with classmates and faculty may find an in-person program a better fit.
How do I apply to an online medical coding degree program?
Talk to an admissions counselor or visit the school’s admissions page to learn more about their application and enrollment procedures.
For certificate programs, students may only need to submit transcripts and pay an enrollment fee, while associate degrees typically require an application. Most schools accept application materials electronically through their website’s application portal.
Also, find out if there are any eligibility requirements, such as a minimum high school GPA, prerequisite coursework, or professional experience.
What is the average cost of an online medical coding degree?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average tuition during the 2021-22 academic year was $3,564 at public two-year institutions and $18,480 at private two-year institutions.
Several factors can influence how much students pay for their medical coding degree or certificate. Students attending a public institution should note whether the school has different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students or if distance learners pay the same tuition. Also, it’s common for schools to charge additional fees for virtual classroom technology, labs, background checks, or other resources, which students must factor into their budgets.
Students should speak with a financial aid counselor for the most accurate information about a program’s cost.
How long does it take to complete an online medical coding degree program?
The amount of time it takes to complete studies in medical coding depends on the type of program a student enrolls in. Associate degrees, which require a minimum of 60 credits, typically take two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study to complete.
Certificate programs are usually worth 12-24 credits and can be completed in less time than an associate degree. Full-time students can finish a certificate program in as little as six months, depending on the program’s pace.
Is an online medical coding degree worth it?
Earning an online medical coding degree can be highly valuable to students who want to work in an administrative support position in a medical setting. It’s an efficient, industry-recognized way to acquire the skills needed for entry- and mid-level medical coding positions.
There is a growing demand for individuals with medical coding skills as new technologies emerge for maintaining electronic health records, and an aging population requires more medical care.
Students can also use this degree as a foundation for further education and additional employment opportunities at the bachelor’s degree level.
