When looking for the best online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degrees, you need to consider what the online programs offer to their prospective students. Compared to an online associate degree program, the online course offered by an online bachelor’s degree will cover a wider area of health information management and in more depth.
Getting a bachelor’s degree might be your ultimate goal, but you may also want to consider beginning with an online associate degree in medical billing and coding or a medical coding certificate and eventually transferring to a bachelor’s degree program. Prospective students should read on to learn more about the different degree programs.
Where Can I Get a Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Online?
Some of the best online schools for medical billing and coding bachelor’s degrees include Arizona State University, Devry University, and Southern New Hampshire University. These schools’ programs offer training to meet your career goals through a wide variety of online courses. The medical billing and coding courses offered by these schools are some of the best in the country.
What Schools Offer the Best Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Devry University
- Drexel University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Florida A&M University
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree vary between online schools. Typically, you must first apply to the school by completing its online application. You must also have completed high school or acquired your GED. If you have attended a different college, you need to provide your official transcripts.
Students may be eligible for financial aid. As such, they should fill out all paperwork for assistance. Some schools may require copies of ACT or SAT scores for admission. You will also need to submit a copy of a government-issued identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Online Medical Billing and Coding Degree Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- ACT or SAT Scores
- Government-Issued ID
How to Get a Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Online
You get a medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree online by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements. You first need to apply to and enroll in an online health information management program. Each medical billing program has different prerequisites. As you finish your degree, you may be required to sit for a certification test to be fully certified as a coding professional.
Medical Billing and Coding Degree Requirements
- Complete all courses and virtual clinicals. The average bachelor’s degree is 120 credits and is divided between general education, elective, and major-specific credits. Most of the credits will be specific to your major. You may also need to complete a clinical experience at the end of your degree.
- Study for the certification exam. As a medical information professional, you will need to take a certification exam to earn the credentials you need to work. The best medical coding schools provide their online students with the study techniques to prepare. You must use these to the best of your advantage.
- Pass national coding certification exams. The success of your future career working with medical code rests on you passing the certification exams required by the state you’re working in. Earning these certifications will ensure that you earn a high median salary working in medical information.
Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Health Care Compliance | Higher Learning Commission |
| Devry University | Health Care Information Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Drexel University | Health Services Administration | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Health Care Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Husson University | Healthcare Administration and Public Health | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Penn State World Campus | Health Policy and Administration | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Regent University | Healthcare Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Health Information Management | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Syracuse University | Healthcare Administration | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Health Services Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Schools for Medical Billing and Coding: Top Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best online schools for a bachelor’s degree in medical billing and coding are accredited, have affordable tuition rates, and provide plenty of support to their online students so they can start their entry-level careers with ease. They work to prepare each student for work as a coding specialist and in coding positions as health information specialists.
What Is an Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree?
An online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree that allows you to understand medical tests, procedures, treatments, and diagnoses located in clinical documents. With training in medical coding programs, you will be able to convert the information into billing codes for insurance reimbursement.
Education classes for medical billing and coding can be found online or in person. Online degree programs are remote learning opportunities that often allow you to work around your current schedule. While a few are self-paced online classes, meaning you can work on them at your own pace, others are instructor-paced with set deadlines for homework and exams.
Online vs. In-Person Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degrees
You can complete your medical billing and coding degree online or in person. There are benefits to going either route. However, you should weigh the benefits of both options to pick the best program for your needs. To get a better sense of what each learning opportunity has to offer, below are some of the top benefits of online and in-person classes.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Billing and Coding
- Flexible schedule. Customizing your schedule is a huge benefit for working adults who want to get a degree. With no set class times, you can flexibly work around your schedule.
- Access anywhere. Going online means that you can log in anywhere to access your courses. All you need is a computer and an Internet connection.
- Cost-effective. Online medical billing and coding degrees are generally cheaper than in-person classes. They also often offer more flexible payment options.
- Self-paced. Unlike in-person classes, you can often set your learning schedule. While many online degrees are instructor-paced, meaning the courses have set-in-stone due dates, others are self-paced and allow you to complete your work on your own time.
- Quality education. You can get a quality education online. Online formats help prepare professional coders through medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology classes.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Billing and Coding
- Hands-on learning. Many medical billing and coding programs offer classes that mimic the environment you will work in. This can help you get a better feel for the environment.
- Interaction with instructors. Online classes have limited ways for you to interact with the instructor. With in-person courses, you can ask questions and get immediate answers.
- Increased interpersonal skills. Understanding how to work with others and developing strong interpersonal skills is not something you can easily do online.
- Networking. Going to class where you can meet others can help you build your network of fellow professional coders and potential employers.
- National certification exams. Both online and in-person classes prepare you for your exams. However, many in-person classes give you the option of taking them at the school.
What Types of Online Bachelor’s Degree Can You Get in Medical Billing and Coding?
You can get different types of online bachelor’s degrees in medical billing and coding. Some options include a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Compliance, Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management, Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration, or a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Services.
Is It Better to Get an Associate or Bachelor’s in Medical Billing and Coding?
It’s better to get a bachelor’s degree in medical billing and coding because of the added skills you’ll learn and the increased opportunities you’ll qualify for to move up in the industry. An associate degree in medical billing and coding will give you the foundation you need to work in entry-level positions to gain experience.
A bachelor’s degree will help you learn to analyze and classify procedures to the correct code in better depth than an associate degree. Your deeper skill set in health information management will allow you to perform a wider variety of jobs and more easily see rapid career growth.
How Much Does a Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
A medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree costs between $20,000 to $30,000. The costs vary from program to program, and most have financial aid available for those who qualify. A few programs also include the cost of the certification test in their tuition costs. Sometimes, these tests can range from $230 to $325 in additional fees.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Online?
It takes four years to complete your bachelor’s degree in health information management when taking classes full time. While most online degree programs have set instruction schedules, some allow you to start classes at your own pace, allowing you to finish early. Some programs also offer accelerated programs, which can shorten the time to three years.
Generally speaking, a bachelor’s degree has 120 credits to complete. As each academic year is divided into two semesters, you can likely expect to take 15 credits per semester to graduate within four years.
Are Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degrees Respected?
Yes, online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degrees receive the same level of respect as in-person programs. They prepare you by offering the same classes, and you can achieve the same certifications. Since accredited medical billing and coding bachelor’s degrees are awarded by accredited institutions, they demonstrate the same level of comprehension as an in-person degree.
Are Medical Billing and Coding Hard to Learn Online?
No, medical billing and coding aren’t hard to learn online. Like learning anything online, you have to be motivated to learn the information. You may feel like you’re learning a new language, but it’s not difficult once you get started. Universities understand that studying online can be more challenging than in person, so they do their best to compensate.
Medical Billing and Coding Bootcamp vs. Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
A medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree is a better option than going through a bootcamp. Medical coding systems are complex and require more than a few weeks of training to understand. That being said, if you have lots of experience coding and are looking to upskill or move laterally in your career, a bootcamp can be a great option.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree
- In-depth study. Medical billing and coding can be complex at first. A bachelor’s degree program goes in-depth on all areas needed to succeed.
- Prepares you for a certification test. By the time you finish your bachelor’s degree, you are fully prepared to take initial certification tests.
- Work as a health information technician. Medical billing and coding are only one small part of the health information career. A bachelor’s degree can prepare you for work beyond the coding field.
- Flexible schedule. Some online degree programs allow you to work at your own pace and complete work when it’s convenient for you.
- Gain professional practice experience. Many bachelor’s degree programs offer practical hands-on experience before graduation.
Top 5 Benefits of a Medical Billing and Coding Bootcamp
- Small class size. Most medical billing and coding bootcamps have limited enrollment to keep class sizes down.
- Perfect for recertification. The focus of bootcamps is to help you get certified. A bootcamp is the way to go if you need a refresher to regain certification or are looking to reskill as a coder.
- Focuses on billing and coding only. Unlike a bachelor’s degree, bootcamps focus only on billing and coding information. You won’t need to take any electives or general education courses.
- Extended access. After graduating, you can still access the information and lectures to help you study for the certification.
- Rule-based learning. Bootcamps focus on the rules associated with billing and coding medical procedures.
Why You Should Get a Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Online
You should get a medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree online because it allows you to obtain your degree while having the flexibility you need to live your life. The profession of medical billing specialists has a projected growth rate of nine percent, which is about average growth for most industries. They earn a median salary of $45,240 annually. You can also work from home as a coding professional.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Bachelor Degree Program in Medical Billing and Coding?
You will take a wide array of courses to complete your bachelor’s degree in medical billing and coding. In addition to learning the different diagnostic codes, you will learn about health information management and medical terminology and even gain practical professional experience in the field.
Introduction to the Healthcare System
An Introduction to the Healthcare System course will give you an overview of the healthcare system’s historical, economic, political, and social context. It also acts as an introduction to health information fundamentals.
Health Systems Management
You’ll learn the different managerial roles in health service organizations in a Health Systems Management class. You will also learn about the various practices performed every day and what to expect in each service area.
Introduction to Medical Billing and Compliance
An Introduction to Medical Billing and Compliance course will explore the practice of coding and billing under federal regulations. You will learn to use the technology used for this purpose and gain a better understanding of stakeholder and regulatory impact on medical billing.
Healthcare Payment
During a Healthcare Payment course, you will learn about different insurance and healthcare providers, their procedures, and their particularities. This course is designed to teach you the issues related to insurance payments to the providers and basic concepts.
Medical Terminology
In a Medical Terminology course, you will learn the technical language used to describe visits, procedures, and forms transcribed into billable code. In addition, you will learn the word roots, suffixes, and prefixes that play a part in coding in the medical insurance language.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Like many health care careers, you will need to take continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain your certification. Continuing education online through a bachelor’s degree in medical billing and coding program can easily lead to a master’s in health care management, which will take about two years to complete once you’ve finished your bachelor’s degree.
Related Online Medical Billing and Coding Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best medical billing and coding degree programs are accreditation, graduation rate, flexibility, career services, and continuing education. These factors will give you a good amount of insight into the quality of the education, the institution and its services, and whether or not you will enjoy studying there.
Accreditation
Accreditation helps to ensure that you are getting a quality and credible education. Schools are accredited by third parties to ensure standards are maintained. Most certification exams require you to have received a degree from an accredited institution to be able to take the test.
Graduation Rate
Several factors go into graduation rates. While it might not dictate your success with the program, it can be a warning factor to watch. Programs with low graduation rates could be a sign of poor teacher support, lack of student and academic services, or external circumstances.
Flexibility
If you are a working adult, flexibility might be important to you. While having a scheduled class time is nice, it’s not always convenient. Using asynchronous programs may be a better fit for you if you need to work full or part-time.
Career Services
A strong career services team can help you put your best foot forward when finding a job. Counselors can help you find the right program for you and help you navigate your years in higher education. The career services team can also help find you potential employers and assist you with building your resume and job interview prep.
Continuing Education
Medical billing and coding professionals must take continuing education credits to maintain their yearly certification. Choosing a school that offers continuing education courses can make meeting those requirements easier.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree program is offered by Florida A&M University. Florida A&M offers a medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree program for $5,785 per semester, which amounts to around $11,755 a year. For the full four-year program, it costs $47,020.
Can I Get a Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor Degree Online for Free?
No, you can’t get a medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree online for free. However, you can learn the basics through massive open online courses (MOOCs) such as MB&CC. Its videos cover coding vocabulary and key terms. Also, you can apply for scholarships or federal financial aid to cover the cost of a bachelor’s degree program. Although difficult to obtain, some scholarships do offer a full ride.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Once you’ve graduated with an online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree and completed your certifications, you’ll be ready to apply for jobs in your field. Luckily, a bachelor’s degree will give you plenty of options to choose from in the healthcare information management field.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with a medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree. The education requirements for this degree prepare you for the certifications you can pursue once you graduate, such as the American Health Information Management Association certification. Many entry-level jobs are open to those with associate degrees, so having a bachelor’s will help you stand out.
What’s the Average Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree is $51,840. Depending on where you work, your position, and the amount of experience you have, you could make up to $105,690 annually. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical coders earn the highest salaries by working for the government.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can do with an online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree include medical coding, medical claims processing, or health information management. You can become a medical coder by completing your degree and becoming certified.
Medical Billing and Coding Degree Jobs
- Medical coder
- Outpatient coding compliance auditor
- Medical claims processor
- Billing coordinator
- Health information manager
Potential Careers With an Online Medical Billing and Coding Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree?
You can make between $29,130 and $105,690 with an online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree, depending on your workplace position. For example, the average annual salary of a coding director sits just under $100,000, while entry-level careers start much lower. The health information technology field is a career field that has many facets. Here are some of the highest-paying online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree jobs available.
Highest-Paying Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Coding Director | $92,980 |
| Management Consultant | $90,107 |
Clinical Document Specialist |
$76,283 |
Health and Safety Technician |
$61,577 |
| Health Information Management Coder | $49,569 |
Best Jobs for Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor Degree Grads
The best medical billing and coding jobs are available to people who have completed their medical billing and coding bachelor’s degrees. Entry-level workers should look to the future to see if their career paths will require any additional education, such as a master’s degree or a doctorate program.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree is worth it. Online programs make it easy for anyone to get the certification needed to work in the medical field. An online school gives you access to all the information you need to land a coding position and the asynchronous format some programs use lets you take classes without disrupting your schedule too much.
Additional Reading About Medical Billing and Coding
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Online Medical Billing and Coding Degree FAQ
Yes, you can work as a coder with just a certificate, although it’s not common. Some people begin their medical coding careers with a certificate through short certificate programs. That being said, you’ll be quite limited in terms of career growth with only a certificate. A degree will open up opportunities as a manager or auditor later in your medical coding career.
The medical coding certification that’s best depends on your career goals. Most employers want their medical coding specialists to have the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification. It is the most popular certification for coders working with outpatient charts.
Yes, medical coding can be stressful as it requires attention to detail. It is an essential job that can affect the livelihood of patients. In this profession, you are responsible for ensuring patient accounts are accurate and complete before submitting them to the insurance company for payment.
A day in the life of a medical coder involves a long list of tasks to ensure proper billing and payment. They must review the information given to them by doctors and nurses and update the medical data and research records with perfect coding accuracy.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
