The Best 30 Medical Billing and Coding Schools

Medical Billing and Coding SchoolsIndividuals interested in a career in medical billing and coding have a wide range of options available to them in this field.

The demand for qualified medical records and medical assistants is growing at a rate that is much faster than other industries.

We have searched for the best medical billing and coding schools so you don’t have to.

Benefits of a Career in Medical Billing and Coding

In 2012, the median pay for an individual working in medical billing and coding was $34,160 per year, with these individuals needing only a postsecondary non-degree award to get into the career field. You don’t need a long-term degree to find work in this field. The US Department of Labor Statistics also notes this field will grow by 22 percent over the period of 2012 to 2022, significantly faster than other areas. For those who want to find a job in which they are in demand without the requirement for extensive education, this is the ideal career field to enter. Obtaining medical coding certification can prove to be a lucrative career move for many individuals.

Getting an Education in Medical Billing and Coding

Individuals who attend medical billing and coding programs including online medical billing and coding classes, can enter into the program without any prerequisites aside from having completed their high school education. Additionally, these students are able to enroll in affordable courses with many of the schools offering lower tuition and payment plans much less than attending a traditional college or university.

There are a wide range of future opportunities that exist for students who are searching for a career in nursing.

The Best 30 Medical Billing and Coding Schools in 2016

Rank: 1

Illinois Valley Community College

The Illinois Valley Community College offers a Medical Billing and Coding program to teach manual claim as well as automated methods. Students will learn the most up to date requirements in this field and will be qualified to sit for the American Academy of Professional Coders Certified Professional Exam upon completion. Some students will continue their education beyond this point. This is a very fast paced program with ample opportunities for students upon graduation.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 80 credit hours
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Tuition: $1,900
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Rank: 2

Lee College

Lee College offers a full medical and billing degree program. It’s program is available both on campus and online. Students can complete this certificate program within 18 months, often times shorter. It is very flexible, but provides the most up to date curriculum to ensure students have the education they need to compete in this field. This includes regulation training, medical terminology, and coding compliance. Additionally, the school offers a modern setup and advanced faculty for students to work with either online or in person. THis program is very much self-paced to meet the needs of the individual.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 2-year, can be completed faster
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; students need to pass a math and science placement exam before entering into the coding field.
  • Tuition: $2.238
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Rank: 3

Hinds Community College

Hinds Community College offers a Health Information Technology degree program that can lead students into the Associate in Applied Science degree. Students will be able to enter into a variety of entry level positions after completing this degree which focuses on medical reimbursement and billing, terminology, and federal regulations. Flexible educational options, a modernized program, and affordability make this school ideal.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 2-year program
  • Admission Requirements: Students must complete at least one year of chemistry in high school or college and have their high school diploma or the equivalent.
  • Tuition: $2,260 annually
  • Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education

Rank: 4

Cowley County Community College

The medical coding program available throughout the Cowley County Community College program is designed to prepare students for local and international professions in this field. The program has a well-established local presence and career opportunities may be available. Students will be able to sit for specialized national certification in many cases. Students benefit from the in-depth level of study in this program.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 18 month program, with additional 18 months optional for Bachelor’s Degree.
  • Admission Requirements: Have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a math and science entrance exam, have taken chemistry in high school.
  • Tuition: $2,666 annually
  • Accreditation: NCACS / THLC

Rank: 5

Barton County Community College

Students who complete the Medical Coding program at Barton County Community College will be able to review patient records, assign numeric codes for diagnosis and procedures, and fill a very important position in a variety of medical offices, doctor’s offices, hospitals, and other care provider officers. These individuals can access the course both at the campus as well as through online programs in most cases. The program is fast paced and designed to be completed within a year or more, depending on the length of time the student enrolls for (full time and part time courses are available). This flexibility makes it easy for students to get into the workforce quickly and still makes it possible to complete educational requirements alongside other responsibilities.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 44 credit hours
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; application to the school approved, and entrance exam passage
  • Tuition: $2,912
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Rank: 6

Central Maine Community College

Central Maine Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Coding and Electronic Records. The program allows students to enter entry-level positions in the healthcare provider industry, prepares them for upper division coursework at colleges if they decide to continue their education, and ensures a lucrative career field. The program is modernized, diverse, and offers a wide range of opportunities both online and at the school itself. A grant supported online version is available to qualified applicants.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours:  2-year program
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED required
  • Tuition: $3,630
  • Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Rank: 7

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College offers a Medical Coding Specialist program designed to be fast paced and incredibly detailed. The program allows individuals to graduate with the ability to enter into entry-level coding positions in physicians groups, hospitals, and clinics. Students can take all courses online and can complete them part time or full time. Students will be able to work in positions where they can college health data, apply coding and reimbursement systems, and use electronic components to complete their job.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 1-year program
  • Admission Requirements: Students must apply through an application, complete the Accuplacer entrance assessment exam, have a high school diploma or a GED, complete one year of high school chemistry at least, and complete a computer literacy assessment.
  • Tuition: $3,750
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Rank: 8

Tyler Junior College

Tyler Junior College offers a comprehensive Coding Specialist program designed to provide students with an opportunity to advance their education in this field within as short as 18 months. The program includes training in the most up to date areas of this field, and is one of the more respected programs in the area. The school offers online and local educational opportunities, outstanding faculty, and up to date computer labs for students. In addition, the program allows students to sit for national certificate tests.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 18 months
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; entrance exams in math and science
  • Tuition: $3,762
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Northeast

Rank: 9

Shoreline Community College

Shoreline Community College has a virtual campus available to students who wish to complete its Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialist program. The program teaches students ICD-9 and 10, as well as CPT/HCPCS, to allow them to handle all aspects of claims including the most modern applications. STudents will learn to read medical records, assign diagnostic codes, meet computerized requirements, and respond to needs. Organization skills are also taught.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours:
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, meet the requirements for admittance into the college, sit for a placement exam and meet the goals in math and science.
  • Tuition: $3,987
  • Accreditation: American Health Information Management Association

Rank: 10

Wisconsin Technical College

The Medical Coding Technical Diploma from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offers a wide range of opportunities for students. The program is a one year program focused on providing students with skills for careers in health service research, reimbursement, medical coding, and healthcare planning. This program teaches a great deal of skill while remaining easy to complete especially while employed otherwise.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 1-year diploma, 2-year diplomas available
  • Admission Requirements: High school graduate or the equivalent, entry-level computer skills
  • Tuition: $4,059 per year
  • Accreditation:  Higher Learning Commission

Rank: 11

Jackson College

The Medical Insurance Coder and Biller program available through Jackson College is a quality program designed to provide individuals with a solid background in the field. Students can select between a certificate program, an associate’s degree or more advanced programs of study. The program works with area medical centers and treatment providers, which helps the individual not only to gain important work experience and the most modern curriculum, but it also helps ensure students can find positions after the completion of their education. Students learn the educational skills necessary to perform the tasks of the job while also learning important task management and organizational skills essential to the field.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 2 year program
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; students also need to pass a placement test with a “C” better in math and science.
  • Tuition: $4,704
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Rank: 12

Renton Technical College

Renton Technical College offers a Medical Coding Specialist program with a physician focused curriculum that allows students to enroll in a program meant to prepare them for working in a doctor’s office. The program is a fast paced opportunity to enter into a new career field quickly and it can be one of the more desirable programs in the area. It is available fully online as well. Students will learn ICD 9 and 10, CPT, and HCPCS level II guidelines as well as computerized systems.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 104 credit hours over 6 quarters
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; application into the program can be competitive
  • Tuition: $4,720
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Rank: 13

Weber State University

The Healthcare Coding Certificate from Weber State University is an outstanding opportunity for students who want the most up to date education in the field but also want a very fast paced learning path. This program, which can be completed in just 10 months, provides individuals with the ability to learn all aspects of the medical coding industry so individuals can enter the field and work in healthcare facilities including hospitals, doctor’s offices, and insurance companies.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 10 months
  • Admission Requirements: No college experience necessary, high school diploma or equivalent necessary
  • Tuition: $4,990
  • Accreditation: Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges

Rank: 14

University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an allied health educational program for medical billing and medical coding. The program prepares students to work in clinics, medical offices, and other facilities. They will learn analysis of medical records as well as the proper use of codes for indexing diagnoses and procedures. This comprehensive course of study uses the most up to date curriculum to meet the goals of the student to be ready for this competitive job field. The program preps students for national examinations as well. Students can complete their education both on campus and online in most cases. This is an advanced program at a fully recognized and respected college.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 2  year program, with fast track options available
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED, entrance exam passing
  • Tuition: $4,984
  • Accreditation:  Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Rank: 15

Northwest Technical College

The medical program at Northwest Technical College provides students with both classroom and hands-on training in medical office procedures, anatomy and physiology, medical language applications, and inpatient and outpatient coding. Students will be able to work in a variety of fields including patient account management, procedures, and diagnosis areas. Students may be able to sit for a medical coding exam after the completion of the program.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 2 year program, additional courses available
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; maintain a “C” level or higher on math and science curriculum prior to enrollment
  • Tuition: $5,482 annually
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Rank: 16

Northland Community and Technical College

Individuals wishing to complete the Northland Community and Technical College Medical Coding Specialist program will find an advanced program designed to provide students with a modernized educational path. Students will learn medical terminology, a variety of health-based courses, and key medical coding software programs to ensure they have the skills to work in a variety of medical offices and hospital settings. The program allows students to be ready to take the national coding certificate examinations upon completion. The program offers educational opportunities both on campus as well as through online learning.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 25 credit hour program
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; students also must complete an entrance exam and meet math and science placement requirements; students must be able to enroll in the community college.
  • Tuition: $5,517
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Rank: 17

Montana State University

The Montana State University provides a Certificate of Applied Science degree program for students who wish to obtain a high level of education in a short period of time. The program prepares students to sit for the American Health Information Management Associations certificate program. It is available fully online and on campus. Students will learn medical terminology, pharmacology, legal and regulatory aspects of healthcare.This program offers the most advanced curriculum.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 35 credit hours
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; testing into the program with basic math and science education
  • Tuition: $5,745
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Rank: 18

Herzing University

One of the leading online providers of medical bill and coding, Herzing University provides students with a solid level of experience for insurance coding. Student will learn in-depth information about the processes so they can work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, nursing programs, and outpatient care centers. The program offers several options including a BS in Health Information Management, an Associates in Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding, and a Diploma in Insurance Billing and Coding.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 44 credits for diploma program
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, maintain a solid “C” in all courses
  • Tuition: $6,010 per semester
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Rank: 19

Grantham University

Grantham University offers an Associate’s Degree in Medical Coding and Billing that allows students to work in most health care facilities. The program is completed fully online and teaches standard medical coding, ICD-9, and current ICD-10 training, as well as federal regulations. Students will be able to work in most healthcare administration functions after completing this program.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 64 credit hours
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, an entrance exam is necessary; students must maintain a “C” level degree.
  • Tuition: $6,530
  • Accreditation: Council for Higher Education Accreditation

Rank: 20

Cosumnes River College

Cosumnes River College offers a Health Information Technology program that allows students to earn the Health Information Coding Specialist certificate. Individuals who complete this program will learn risk management, facility planning, and much more. Students can work as a health information analyst, consultant, medical staff coordinator, or health information abstractor. This program is available as an online course.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 2-year program
  • Admission Requirements: Students need to complete their high school education and take an entrance exam.
  • Tuition: $7,000
  • Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Rank: 21

Dakota State University

The Dakota State University Health Care Coding Certificate is an ideal option for students looking for a thorough program with many successful graduates. The program prepares students for the workforce, but can also provide an opportunity for students to enter additional programs including a BS in Health Information Technology and the BS in Health Information Administration. Students will be able to work in a variety of fields upon graduation, including internships at various hospitals and medical facilities.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 2-year program
  • Admission Requirements: High school graduate or equivalent
  • Tuition: $7,506
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Rank: 22

Joliet Junior College

Joliet Junior College offers a Medical Coding Specialist program designed to teach students medical terminology and procedures using a variety of formats. Students will learn medical research, data quality, and reimbursement through this program. They will be able to enter into entry level programs within the field and can sit for the national Certified Coding Associate certification exam as well.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 37 semester hours
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; students will need to take an entrance exam
  • Tuition: $8,414
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Rank: 23

South Suburban College

The Coding Specialist Certificate (HIT.CERT) program from the South Suburban College is a highly valued, competitive program that teaches students health information technology, medical terminology, human body structure, and ICD-10, as well as much more. The program is designed to provide students with a fast method of getting into the career they desire in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and other medical settings. Students will learn outpatient billing and reimbursement, legal and compliance matters, and CTP / HCPCS coding as a part of the program.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 41 credit hours
  • Admission Requirements: Students must submit a high school or equivalent transcript to the school take the SSC college placement test and met the goals for math and reading with a “C” or higher. Students also must submit identification and proof of their health care coverage.
  • Tuition: $10,073
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Rank: 24

College of Dupage

The College of Dupage provides a Physician Office Coding and Billing program that provides students with an extensive education under its Health Information Technology program. The program allows individuals to enter into careers in doctor’s offices, billing companies, and insurance companies. Students will provide a wide range of experiences in the most up to date curriculum in the field. Students will be able to sit for the Certified Coding Specialist for Physicians exam.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 2 year, full time program
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, entrance exam passage
  • Tuition: $10,464
  • Accreditation: higher Learning Commission

Rank: 25

Wright Career College

Wright Career College provides a comprehensive Medical Insurance Coding Diploma for students interested in working in this field. Students can complete their education at the Wichita, Omaha, Oklahoma City, or Tulsa locations or online. The program allows individuals to work in doctor’s offices and other health care facilities with medical terminology and medical office procedure training. Students will get hands-on learning through this program.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 36 credit hours
  • Admission Requirements: Students will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. No other prerequisites are required.
  • Tuition: $12,700
  • Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools

Rank: 26

Davenport University

Davenport University offers an Associate’s in APplied Sciences in Health Information Technology, which is a higher level of education in this field. The program is ideal for those who want to take a fast paced educational program to prepare them for medical billing and coding as well as leadership careers in these fields. This undergraduate degree program is located in Grand Rapids. Some courses can be completed online.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 4-year program, 80 credit hours
  • Admission Requirements: Gain admission into Davenport University; maintain a “C” or higher
  • Tuition: $14,096 annually
  • Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Rank: 27

Keiser University

Keiser University offers an Associate’s of Science degree in Medical Administrative Billing and Coding. This program allows students to take the American Academy of Professional Coders examination to begin working in the field. Students learn claim form information, insurance plan management, and terminology. This fully online program is designed to be fast paced and intense to prep students for their education in the field.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 60 credit hours
  • Admission Requirements: Completion of high school or the equivalent; meeting admission requirements for the college itself
  • Tuition: $26,624 per year
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Rank: 28

San Joaquin Valley College

San Joaquin Valley College offers an online medical billing and coding program. The program is fast paced, with completion as fast as nine months. The program students will be able to take the Certified Professional Coder exam after the completion of the program, which is administered through the American Academy of Professional Coders. A secondary option is the Associate’s Degree, which is a 17 month program.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 9 months or 17 months
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; entrance exam passage
  • Tuition: $28,830 for 9 month program
  • Accreditation: Council for Higher Education Accreditation and US Department of Education

Rank: 29

St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University’s coding specialist program is available to students who want to continue their career in the field and need afternoon and evening courses. The program provides outstanding opportunities including daytime professional practice experience, something most schools in this area do not offer. Students will gain a high level of competency in this program.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 4-year program, shorter programs are available
  • Admission Requirements: Students will need to apply to the school and gain admission through basic qualifications. Some prerequisite courses in math and science are necessary.
  • Tuition: $34,744
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Rank: 30

Drexel University

The Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding available from Drexel University is an ideal opportunity for students who wish to work in a non-patient healthcare position in area hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. This program is shorter, but the school also encourages students to remain in the program to complete a BS in Health Service Administration. This is a four year program that allows students to sit for various national qualification exams including the American Medical Billing Association, American Academy of Professional Coder’s, and the American Health Information Management Association.

  • Program Length or Credit Hours: 4- year program, 120 credit hours
  • Admission Requirements: A “C” level or higher on all prerequisite courses, gain admittance into the college, pass entrance exam
  • Tuition: $37,505
  • Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools

To complete this ranking of medical billing and coding schools online as well as physically, we looked at a variety of factors including how affordable the program was, its accessibility to students both online and in person, it’s advanced curriculum, and the length of the program. Key factors in the selection of schools also included the experience of faculty, the types of included classes, as well as the types and levels of programs offered. These are the top rated medical billing and coding schools in the United States based on these factors.

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