Why This Matters
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STATES WITH HIGHEST EMPLOYMENT RATES INCLUDE CA, TX, FL
The states that hire the most medical records specialists are California, Texas, and Florida — followed closely by Ohio and New York.
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8% EXPECTED JOB GROWTH FOR MEDICAL RECORDS SPECIALISTS
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects jobs for medical records specialists to increase at around double the average rate for other careers through 2029.
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EARN MORE THAN $44,000 PER YEAR
The average medical records specialist makes $44,090 per year, according to the BLS. Those in the top 10% earn more than $73,000.
Our Research
Most of the programs on our list award a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding or a Certificate in Medical Coding. There are also programs that award a Certificate in Medical Coding and Insurance. All our options can be completed entirely online, but a few have hybrid delivery formats as well.
To ensure the quality and rigor of the certificate programs on our list, we only considered schools that were accredited at the national or regional level. Common accreditations include those by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- 64 hours to write this article
- 78 universities and colleges we assessed
- 139 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
If you’re considering an online certificate in medical billing and coding, you may also be interested in similar options such as a certificate in medical assisting. The main difference between these two is that medical billing and coding involves dealing mostly with insurance companies and providers, while medical assisting involves direct patient care.
Programs that are accredited at the regional level are usually considered the most competitive and the highest quality. However, programs that have national accreditation are also good and will be accepted by employers. If you will eventually want to pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree, it’s best to look for a regionally accredited program to increase the odds of credits transferring.
Job growth in this field is expected to be above-average due to the increased demand in the healthcare industry.
There are no specific licenses required for this degree, but you will want to pass the test to be a Certified Professional Coder (CPC).
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to consider when researching online certificate in medical billing and coding programs:
- How long does it take to complete this online program? The programs on our list range from 18 to 72 credits, with the average being closer to the 30 to 35 range. This means you can complete this certification in around one year if you’re attending full-time.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Courses for medical billing and coding are usually offered asynchronously, so you can complete coursework as your schedule allows. You’ll still need to be mindful of deadlines and due dates, but this is an attractive option for those who have work or family responsibilities.
While many online certificate in medical billing and coding programs have rolling admissions, others have specific deadlines for application materials that you’ll need to keep track of. It’s also a good idea to check with the financial aid office on when your FAFSA is due and any other dates to keep in mind for scholarships, grants, and loans.