While Medical Billing and Medical Coding are two separate professions, both fall under the banner of Health Information Technician. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth rate for Medical Records and Health Information Technicians from 2014 to 2024 is projected to be 15%, much higher than the average growth rate. A high rate of growth, combined with a median pay of $35,900 a year makes entering the fields of Medical Coding and Billing an incredibly enticing prospect.
While neither profession requires a degree, Coding does require certification through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
What follows is a list of 25 Online Programs (in alphabetical order) that award degrees, diplomas, or certificates and instill in students the required knowledge and skills necessary to become professionals in the fields of Medical Coding and Billing.
Berkeley College
Program: - Tuition and fees: $24,300
Courses for Berkeley’s Medical Insurance, Billing, and Coding program are designed to prepare students not only for the rigors of working in the fields of health care, but also to ensure that they have the required knowledge and skills to become nationally certified. To that end, students will experience a course of study that emphasizes the use of technology in information collection and management, and offers practical learning through faculty-monitored internships. Graduates of Berkeley’s program are required to sit for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) certification examination.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Bryant & Stratton College
Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) for Medical Reimbursement and Coding
- Tuition and fees: $34,380
Bryant & Stratton’s Medical Reimbursement and Coding program aims to instill students with knowledge on the core concepts and skills that are required to achieve national coding certification from either the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Some of these concepts include: Data processing and record keeping, Medical terminology, transcription, and common pharmacological treatments.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Central Maine Community College
Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) for Medical Coding & Electronic Health Records
Tuition and fees:
In-State: $3,750
Out-of-State: $6,450
CMCC’s Online Associate’s in Applied Science program is designed to not only provide students with the knowledge and skills required for work in the various fields of healthcare, but also to establish the necessary foundation for a transition into Bachelor’s degree programs at other universities. Despite assignments, exercises, and other aspects of coursework having structured due-dates, students have 24-hour access to e-Racer, CMCC’s web based delivery system, allowing them to work around their schedule.
Accreditation: The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.
Cosumnes River College
- Tuition and fees:
- In-State: $5,480
- Out-of-State: $7,440
Students in CRC’s Health Information Technology program are required to complete an unpaid internship, prior to which the student may be required to undergo a physical exam and/or a criminal background check and/or drug screen prior to placement at the facility. The courses at CRC are designed to prepare a student for employment in hospitals and other healthcare settings, such as state and federal health agencies, home health care agencies, consulting firms, and mental health facilities.
Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Cowley County Community College
Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Coding
- Tuition and fees:
- In-State: $2,914
- Out-of-State: $4,371
Students graduating from Cowley Community College’s AAS program will be prepared to analyze, manage, and utilize patient care data, as well as utilize the CPT, HCPCS and the ICD 9 / ICD 10 coding system. Should students desire to continue their education, all credit from Cowley will be accepted at Southwestern College to be put towards their Bachelor’s degree.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission and by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR)
Dakota State University
Program: Associate of Science in Health Information Technology
- Tuition and fees:
- In-State: $3,987
- Out-of-State: $5,277.75
With a faculty active in professional health information organizations, and a program director will fellowship status in the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the program at Dakota State University is well suited to those aspiring to enter the field of Medical Coding. The online courses at DSU include: Legal Aspects of health Information Management, Healthcare Procedure Coding Systems, and Fundamentals of Disease & Diagnosis Coding, all of which are aimed at preparing students to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) national certification exam.
Dakota State’s commitment to providing an enriching environment can be seen via their Health Information Management Club, which is involved in community service and social activities in the area.
Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Davenport University
Program: Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) in Health Information Technology (HIT)
- Tuition and fees: $15,952
Over the course of this undergraduate degree program students will utilize state-of-the-art technology, like the American Health Information Management Association’s Virtual Lab, to gain the analytical and management skills required to succeed as professionals in the health care industry. Students graduating from this program are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Grantham University
Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Coding and Billing
- Tuition and fees: $6,500
Unlike some schools which only offer either Medical Billing OR Medical Coding, Grantham’s program combines the two into a single course of study. Grantham’s AAS in Medical Coding and Billing can be completed entirely online, allowing students to study, research, and work anywhere. Over the course of the program, students will learn to use the current industry standard ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems – ICD) coding system.
Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Herzing University
Program: Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist
- Tuition and fees: $6,160.00
Herzing’s Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist program is a 20 month, 63 credit course that provides students with comprehensive training in physiology, anatomy, coding, and medical terminology. Graduates of this program can enter the professional world equipped with the skills to analyze medical documentation, use appropriate coding format and guidelines to assign both diagnosis and procedure codes, as well as apply medical billing and reimbursement methodology.
This program requires that students first complete the Diploma in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist program. The diploma program offers specialized training in Insurance Billing and Coding, while the Associate program adds the required general education classes needed for an associate degree.
Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Idaho State University
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
- Tuition and fees: $14,708.00
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
Idaho State University offers two methods of attaining an education in Medical Coding, a year-long Health Information Technology Medical Coding Intermediate Technical Certificate course, and a two-year long program leading to an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology degree. Upon graduating students have the knowledge and skills to work in a variety of healthcare fields, such as: Marketing, Risk Management, and Medical Coding.
Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Indian Hills Community College
Program: Medical / Insurance Coding, Diploma
- Tuition and fees:
- In-State: $3,840
- Out-of-State: $5,760
Only offered online, this one-year technical diploma from Northcentral Technical College prepares students for employment in health care facilities such as long-term care facilities, medical offices, hospitals, or surgery centers. The program spans four terms and can be completed within 12 months. Prospective students are required to provide high school transcripts and college transcripts (if applicable), and take the ACT or COMPASS test. Prior to beginning the practicum course, students must undergo criminal background and dependent adult and child abuse record checks.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Kaplan University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (HIM)
- Tuition and fees: $66,780.00
The Health Information Management program from Kaplan University spans 180 total credits, with courses on Health Care Administration, Reimbursement Methodologies, and Research Methods for Health Sciences. Those who have received CAHIM-approved Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology degrees may be eligible for a fast track to their Bachelor’s.
Note that a warning on the program website states,
“At this time, residents of the following states may not enroll in the online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management program: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia.”
Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Lincoln College of New England
Program: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology
- Tuition and fees: $16,700
The Health Information Technology program at LCNE is designed to teach students the technical aspects of the industry, its courses cover advanced health information coding, human resource management, as well as basic anatomy, physiology and medical terminology. Students at LCNE also have the opportunity to participate in a Professional Practice Experience, allowing students to benefit from both the flexibility of online courses and the hands-on experience that an internship provides.
Accreditation: The Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology/Coding
- Tuition and fees: $ 199.00/credit
The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology/Coding program at M State is offered entirely online through eCampus. The 64 credit program teaches students how to interpret and verify health information data, apply CPT/HCPCS and ICD-9-CM coding systems, and practice within the AHIMA Code of Ethics. In addition, students that graduate from the program are prepared and eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) certification exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Northcentral Technical College
Program: Medical Coding Specialist Technical Diploma
- Tuition and fees: $5,951 approximately
The Medical Coding Specialist program from NCU aims to prepare students for positions as entry-level coding specialists, teaching them the skills necessary to find employment in a variety of health care institutions. The 27-28 Credit long program is delivered in a mostly-online format, and features classes on Health Care Management, ICD Diagnosis Coding, and Introduction to the Medical Health Record.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Northwest Technical College
Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Coding
- Tuition and fees: $5,480
Prospective students for this program are expected to take an Accuplacer assessment exam, their score will be used to determine whether the student will be required to enroll in college readiness courses for reading, writing and math. The program utilizes comprehensive training and courses such as general psychology, and bioethical issues in contemporary society, to prepare students for a career in medical coding. Should students decide to progress their studies further, 60 credits from this program are eligible for transfer to Mayville State University’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration program.
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission.
Rasmussen College
Program: Health Information Technician (HIT) Associate’s Degree
- Tuition and fees: $21,660.00
Rasmussen’s The Health Information Technician program can be completed either entirely online or through blended courses that combine online and in-class learning. The program’s curriculum is career-focused, aiming to give students the skills they need through hands-on practical experience.
Beyond the standard online learning experience, Rasmussen offers a Flex Choice option, which allows students to take self-paced classes in addition to their teacher-led ones, allowing students a greater degree of flexibility in terms of working around their schedule.
Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Rochester Community and Technical College
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Program: Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology
- Tuition and fees: $192.00/credit
RCTC’s Health Information Technology program not only teaches students the fundamentals of Medical Coding, its courses also encompass using technology to analyze and maintain patient health information, process reimbursements, and protect patient data privacy. In addition to the AAS degree, Rochester Community and Technical College also offers two other programs for students interested in similar fields- a Coding Specialist Diploma program, and a Healthcare Informatics Certificate program.
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission and The Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Stratford University
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Medical Insurance Billing and Coding
- Tuition and fees: $370 per Quarter Credit Hour
Stratford University provides students with a multitude of ways to achieve their desired degree, whether in class, online, or using a combination of both. The requirements for graduation are 90 credits and 20 classes. With an estimated time of 50-10 weeks to complete a class, and 24 months to earn an Associate’s degree, Stratford offers an expedient way of continuing your education.
Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Tuition and fees:
- In-State: $7,200
- Out-of-State: $12,256
UAMS’s Associate of Science in Health Information Management degree program requires that students complete a 3-semester credit computer fundamentals course prior to enrolling in the HIT program. On top of that, students must either have completed 35 SC of general education courses prior to enrollment in the program, or finish those courses before they complete the health information management program.
The majority of the program’s classes are done online, leaving great room for student’s requiring a flexible schedule. There is a physical presence requirement however, as students will listen to guest speakers, and participate in clinical rotations.
Accreditation: The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
University of Northwestern Ohio
Program: Associate of Applied Business in Health Information Technology
- Tuition and fees: $9,930
The Health Information Technology program at the University of Northwestern Ohio aims to provide a learning experience that will help students develop the skills and requisite knowledge to succeed in the professional world. Being an Associate of Applied Business rather than an Associate of Applied Science, it is easy to understand that the 108 credit hour program is evenly distributed between healthcare and business/managerial courses. With the rigorous nature of their online courses, the university highly recommends that only students with an accumulative G.P.A of 3.0 take them.
Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Virginia College
Program: Associate of Science for Healthcare Reimbursement
- Tuition and fees: $13,932
Aspiring Medical Coders will look forward to the comprehensive and challenging course of study at Virginia College. Over the course of the 24-month program students will be instructed in utilizing Current Procedural Terminology (CPT-4), International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS) and the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). To better prepare students for real workplaces, they will participate in a supervised externship in a health care workplace.
Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
Vista College
Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Coding and Billing
- Tuition and fees: $15,680
The AAS Medical Coding and Billing program at Vista College focuses on teaching students the core concepts and procedures that lay the groundwork for nearly all tasks associated with working as a Medical Coder, such as, translating complex medical terminology into standardized codes, evaluating health insurance claim forms, and using the correct codes to ensure proper billing. It is estimated that the program can be completed in as little as 18 months. Enroll in a New Future at Vista College to earn a Certificate, Diploma, or Associate Degree to launch or improve your career! Vista College offers numerous educational programs in Business, Healthcare, Technology, and several other trades. Get the edge you need when looking for a new career or seeking to move up in your current occupation. The focused instruction and hands-on training offered at Vista helps prepare you for the day-to-day challenges you’ll face in the real world. Estimated Expenses for Full-Time Beginning Undergraduate Students (those entering postsecondary education for the first time) for Academic Year 2017-2018 are: Tuition and Fees $14,450, Books and Supplies $150, Off Campus Room and Board $6,928, Other $3,408, Off Campus With Family Other $1,336. Total expenses for 2017-2018: Off Campus $26,166, Off Campus With Family $17,166.
Accreditation: Vista College Online Campus is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302 Arlington, VA 22201. Vista College is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300 Suite 325 Atlanta, Georgia 30350, (770) 396-3898.
Weber State University
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
- Tuition and fees:
- In-State: $5,321
- Out-of-State: $14,235
With courses on Diagnosis Coding, Ambulatory and Physician Office Coding, and training with the ICD-10 PCS coding system, students that graduate from Weber State’s online Associate of Applied Science Health Information Technology degree program are well equipped to enter the field of Medical Coding. Second year students will be required to attend Professional Practice Experience courses, focusing on hands-on experience in the field, as well as a PPE course focused specifically on Coding. Utah residents are required to undergo a background check, drug screen, and submit proof of immunizations prior to attending the PPE courses or the internship.
Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Wright Career College
Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Insurance Coding
- Tuition and fees: $13,100
Wright’s Associate of Applied Science in Medical Insurance Coding is designed to give students the necessary training and experience to succeed as Medical Insurance Coders, who are responsible for coding and categorizing patient information. The course can be completed either online, or at one of their five on-ground campuses. For those choosing the online method, Wright offers students a blended learning experience, combining online courses with a residential laboratory class.
Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
