Demand for medical coding and billing employees is growing quickly due to an aging population and the digitization of medical records.
Medical records specialists maintain patient files and earn an average yearly salary of $47,180. A major part of maintaining accurate patient files is assigning clinical codes to medical services for billing, insurance reimbursement, and data analysis. There are certificate and associate degree programs that prepare graduates for a career as a medical coding and billing employee or medical records specialist. You can complete a certificate program in as little as nine months. The credit requirements range between 28 and 60 credits, and the yearly cost is $3,885 at a two-year college.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best Medical Billing and Coding degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 20 Accredited Medical Coding and Billing Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Keiser University
Intelligent Score: 99.7In-state: $19,808
Out-of-state: $19,808
In-state: $27,162
Out-of-state: $27,162
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Keiser University's Associate of Science in Medical Administrative Billing & Coding is a 60-credit program that teaches you how to assign accurate medical codes for diagnostic procedures and other services offered by health care providers. These skills are in high demand and can lead to a stable career path. You'll take courses like Introduction to Healthcare, Pathophysiology, Medical Law & Ethics, and Medical Office Procedures with Insurance. You'll also take a balance of general education courses in natural science, mathematics, humanities/fine arts, English, computers, communications, and behavioral/social sciences. These liberal arts and sciences courses aim to develop your critical thinking and can potentially earn you transfer credits if you decide to earn your bachelor's degree down the road.
$764
On-Campus, Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Weber State University
Intelligent Score: 96.62In-state: $5,090
Out-of-state: $15,272
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Resident: $492
Non-Resident: $1,455
On-Campus, Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
27
Eastern Gateway Community College
Intelligent Score: 95.07In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Eastern Gateway Community College's Medical Coding Specialist certificate program is a 38-credit program that can be completed in one calendar year (fall semester, spring semester, and summer semester). The program prepares you for entry-level jobs in medical coding at a health care practitioner's office and offers instruction in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, health care law and ethics, billing and reimbursement, ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS II coding, electronic health records, quality/performance health information workflow, and professional ethics/communication based on CAAHEP-required standards. Courses in this program include Reimbursement Methodologies, Medical Terminology, Principles of Pharmacology, and Legal and Ethical Concepts in Healthcare.
Resident: $131 - $137
Non-Resident: $138
On-Campus, Online
Higher Learning Commission
38-60
Cowley County Community College
Intelligent Score: 94.28In-state: $16,500
Out-of-state: $18,000
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 730
ACT: 31
Cowley College offers two ways to prepare yourself for a career in medical coding: a Medical Coding Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding. Whichever route you choose, you will benefit from the 100% online format, which enables you to learn at home and on your own time. Both programs are competency-based, meaning you will have gained the skills needed to enter the job market upon completion of the certificate or degree. You even have access to some scholarships that can make the program even more affordable and accessible. After completing your Associate of Applied Science at Cowley, you can elect to continue your education at Southwestern College; all of your Cowley credits will transfer seamlessly toward your bachelor's degree.
Resident: $145 - $165
Non-Resident: $205
On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
65
Dakota State University
Intelligent Score: 93.96In-state: $7,541
Out-of-state: $10,611
In-state: $5,939
Out-of-state: $5,939
SAT: 1010-1190
ACT: 19-26
Resident: $295
Non-Resident: $398
Hybrid
Higher Learning Commission
31
Washburn University
Intelligent Score: 93.49In-state: $8,652
Out-of-state: $19,656
In-state: $9,416
Out-of-state: $9,416
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Resident: $338
Non-Resident: $731
On-Campus, Online
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
32
Idaho State University
Intelligent Score: 92.24In-state: $5,928
Out-of-state: $22,550
In-state: $7,982
Out-of-state: $7,982
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$311
On-Campus
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
38
East Mississippi Community College
Intelligent Score: 91.97In-state: $13,745
Out-of-state: $16,745
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 1060-1300
ACT: 16 or higher
East Mississippi Community College's Medical Billing and Coding Technology degree is a 60-credit program that can be completed either on campus or entirely online, depending on your schedule and preferences. While completing your degree, you can earn credentials that enhance your employability. After completing 30 program credits, you may be awarded a career certificate, and after completing 45 credits, you may be awarded a technical certificate. To make your degree more affordable, EMCC offers a range of competitive scholarships that recognize academic achievement, leadership and ability. From departmental scholarships to awards for high school valedictorians and accomplished drum majors, EMCC has an impressive suite of scholarship money available to students like you.
Resident: $165
Non-Resident: $265
On-Campus, Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30-60
Peirce College
Intelligent Score: 91.15In-state: $25,034
Out-of-state: $25,034
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$600
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
22
Fortis College-Centerville
Intelligent Score: 89.71In-state: $34,111
Out-of-state: $34,111
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$296
Hybrid
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
62
Sinclair Community College
Intelligent Score: 88.9In-state: $15,526
Out-of-state: $19,273
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$141
On-Campus, Online
Higher Learning Commission
24
Northwest Technical College
Intelligent Score: 87.16In-state: $28,490
Out-of-state: $28,490
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$197
On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
60
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Intelligent Score: 85.86In-state: $18,466
Out-of-state: $20,170
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: 14 or higher
Resident: $186
Non-Resident: $250
On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
15-28
South Georgia Technical College
Intelligent Score: 84.64In-state: $12,267
Out-of-state: $15,267
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: 17-19
$100
On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
24
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Intelligent Score: 83.99In-state: $17,008
Out-of-state: $27,928
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: 16-22
$147
On-Campus
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
34
Waubonsee Community College
Intelligent Score: 82.87In-state: $29,576
Out-of-state: $30,446
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 19 or higher
In-District: $135 Out-of-District: $383
Out-of-State: $428
On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
28
Paris Junior College
Intelligent Score: 82.44In-state: $16,324
Out-of-state: $17,824
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
In-District: $86 Out-of-District: $136
Out-of-State: $186
On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
40
Ivy Tech Community College
Intelligent Score: 81.81In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$170
On-Campus, Online
Higher Learning Commission
34
How to Choose a Medical Billing and Coding Program
Choose your area of study
Many medical coding and billing employers require certification for job placement. Base certificates include:
Advanced certificates require one or more of the above, plus a related associate or bachelor’s degree:
- Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
- Registered Health Information Assistant (RHIA)
- Certified Coding Specialist – Physician (CCS-P)
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
Consider your career goals before choosing your path. Certificate holders find work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinics, pharmacies, research facilities, and legal offices.
Programs vary from online to on-campus, with and without labs, and with or without work experience requirements. Your study schedule can also impact your decision, whether you want to complete it quickly with full-time studies or continue working while attending classes part-time.
Research schools and programs
The program you choose can influence your career path. Select from accredited schools to ensure you meet the required courses to sit for your certification exams and that your credits are transferable if you plan to continue your education later.
Schedule an in-person or video chat appointment with the admissions counselor or program representative. They can answer your questions and follow up in real time, giving you an idea of the support systems in place for their students.
If possible, attend an in-person or virtual information session and talk to the instructors and past graduates.
Prepare for tests and applications
Many schools that offer medical coding and billing programs have a high acceptance rate. The minimum requirement for admission is proof of high school graduation or equivalency (GED), proof of associate degree, or self-certification acknowledgment. A letter of recommendation, relevant employment history, and a short essay detailing why you’d be a good candidate for their program may be additional requirements.
Program graduates may need to sit for a separate certification exam with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The process for each school will vary. Contact the admissions counselor for the most current information and confirm their program meets the certification requirements for the chosen career path.
Select your program
Many schools offer suitable programs, and the high acceptance rate suggests you’ll have several options. Once you receive your notices of acceptance, review your career and personal goals and make adjustments as needed before selecting your final choice.
Set parameters for your study load and other logistical needs in your criteria list. Consider your learning style to maximize your chances of success. Do you work better in a self-directed course delivery method? Can you work full-time and complete online studies? Are you able to attend in-person labs? Do you learn better in a synchronous or asynchronous learning model?
These considerations and your home situation can significantly influence your ability to complete the program and your overall career success.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Financial considerations are the final determination in your program selection. You can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. The results of your application help institutions determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.
If you currently work in medical billing, your employer may be willing to pay for part or all of your education.
You can also look for community groups, non-profit organizations, and private foundations that offer relevant program funding. Be prepared to submit an essay detailing how your values align with their organization and why you are a good candidate for a grant or scholarship.
What Can You Expect From a Medical Coding and Billing Program?
Medical coding and billing graduates can expect to learn the core-level medical information required to advance their careers in medical administration. Graduates learn anatomy, medical law and ethics, medical terminology, and classification systems to code procedures and diagnoses. Some programs require biology labs or workplace internships.
It takes about two years of full-time study to complete the 60 credits required for an Associate of Science in medical billing and coding. Some options are shorter, requiring only 28 to 31 credits — these programs usually take between nine months to one year to complete.
Potential courses you’ll take in a medical coding and billing program
- Anatomy: Students learn human anatomy and physiology. The main focus is on muscles, bones, organs, and the circulatory, digestive, immune, nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems.
- Medical terminology: Medical terminology courses help students become familiar with terms and pronunciations they are likely to encounter in the medical field.
- Medical office procedures with insurance: Students learn to communicate with medical insurance companies, prepare and process medical documentation, and use computerized medical billing.
- Technical and professional writing: These courses introduce students to writing in a business environment. This includes composing emails, replying to emails, drafting referral letters, and other professional documents.
Medical Coding and Billing Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a medical coding and billing program?
Most programs require you to apply online. Visit the school’s website for specific details and to start the application process. Have digital copies of your transcripts, high school diploma or GED, and proof that you completed any related courses or certifications.
A resume or CV can further your application if it contains related work experience.
A well-written essay detailing why you want to take the program may also be a requirement. Include details about your values, why you want to attend their school, and what makes you a good candidate for the program.
How much does a medical coding and billing program cost?
Medical coding and billing program costs vary by institution and course delivery method. Other considerations include whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student, the course length, and whether you’ve enrolled in full-time or part-time studies.
The average cost is $3,885 per year at a two-year college. Additional costs include uniforms, lab fees, and online classroom technology fees. Your total out-of-pocket cost will also depend on your ability to get funding, including grants, loans, and scholarships.
How long does it take to earn a medical coding and billing certificate?
The length of time it takes to complete a medical coding and billing program depends on several factors, including whether you study full-time or part-time and the program length. Some certificate programs only require 28 to 35 credits, while an associate degree in medical coding and billing requires 60 credits.
You can earn a medical billing and coding certificate in as few as eight months and an associate science degree in two years.