Key Takeaways:
- The article highlights leading online medical billing and coding degrees, emphasizing curriculum, accreditation, and career prospects for prospective students.
- Insight into job roles, salary expectations, and growth potential in the medical billing and coding field for graduates.
- Details on online program benefits like flexibility, cost, and support services, aiding students in selecting the best option.
In this ranking, we explore our picks for the best colleges offering medical billing and coding degrees online.
Medical billing and coding is a fast-growing field with strong job prospects, and online medical billing and coding programs make it easier than ever to get started. As more healthcare facilities rely on digital records, demand is rising for trained professionals with medical coding and billing certification. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for medical billing and coding specialists are expected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, adding nearly 30,000 new positions. In this list, we rank the top 40 online colleges for medical billing and coding in 2024, providing pathways to a career with strong salary potential and opportunities for medical coding certification.
Specific Degrees Mentioned in This Ranking:
- Online Associate of Science (AS) in Medical Administrative Billing & Coding
- Online AS in Health Information Technology (HIT)
- Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in HIT
- Online AAS in HIT & Management
- Online AAS in Medical Insurance, Billing & Coding
- Online AAS in Medical Coding & Billing
- Online AAS: Medical Coding Specialist
- Online AAS in Medical Coding
- Online AAS in Health Information Systems
- Online AAS in Health Services Administration: Medical Insurance, Billing and Coding
- Online AAS in Medical Coding & Electronic Health Records
- Online Associate’s in Medical Reimbursement & Coding
- Online Associate’s in Insurance Billing & Coding
- Online Associate’s in Medical Billing & Coding
- Online Associate’s in HIT
Rating and Ranking the Top Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Programs
Our editors began with an initial pool of just over 50 colleges offering this distance education credential to develop this ranking of the top accredited online medical billing and coding schools. We then applied a tuition filter to narrow the pool, eliminating schools with tuition costs exceeding $30,000 annually.
Next, the site-wide methodology for trade school programs was applied. During the rating process, there were some ties, which were settled by awarding the higher ranking to the more affordable degree plan. Thus, the ranking below represents our picks for the top 40 online associates for medical billing and coding programs.
#1—Edgecombe Community College
Tarboro, North Carolina
Online Associate in Health Information Tech
Points: 15
The medical billing and coding associate of applied science degree online offering from Edgecombe Community College is an AAS option in Health Information Tech. The medical biller program can be completed entirely via distance education except for three required clinical experiences in the healthcare industry. Medical billing and coding online courses comprising the program’s curriculum include:
- Health Informatics and EHRs
- Diagnostic Coding
- Management Principles in Health Information Tech
- Reimbursement Methodology
This 75-credit hour medical billing specialist program is designed to be completed within five semesters of study. Graduates are prepared to sit for the RHIT exam and the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) test as well as various other certification exams.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Edgecombe Community College to confer medical billing and coding credentials. The coding certification program itself also holds specialized accreditation from the CAHIIM, an accrediting agency for information management education.
Undergraduate Tuition: $2,640
#2—Cosmunes River College
Sacramento, California
Online AS in Health Information Tech
Points: 13
In terms of low-cost medical coding and billing online options, it’s hard to beat the Associate of Science offering in Health Information Tech from Cosumnes River College. The curriculum for this fully online medical biller option is comprised of major coursework such as:
- Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding
- Legal Aspects of Health Information
- Computerized Health Information Systems
- Health Information Tech Review
The medical coder program for online students is accredited by the CAHIIM. Cosumnes River College is also institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Undergraduate Tuition: $1,288
#3—San Juan College
Farmington, New Mexico
Online AAS in Health Information Tech
Points: 13
The online associates for medical billing and coding program from San Juan College is an AAS option in Health Information Tech offered through the school’s Health Science Division. Except for a 40-hour professional practice experience in the healthcare industry, this medical coder program can be completed entirely online. Its degree program features core medical billing and coding classes online, such as:
- Healthcare Reimbursement Methodologies
- Introduction to Data Management
- Health Statistics & Quality Improvement
- Advanced Coding and Revenue Cycle Management
The Higher Learning Commission has accredited San Juan College to award the AAS degree in Health Information Tech. This highly affordable medical billing and coding program also holds accreditation from the CAHIIM. Aspiring medical billing specialists may qualify for financial aid.
Undergraduate Tuition: $1,618
#4—University of New Mexico- Gallup
Gallup, New Mexico
Online Associate of Sciences (AS) in Health Information Tech
Points: 13
The University of New Mexico-Gallup is home to a comprehensive 72-credit hour medical billing and coding associate of sciences degree online for the aspiring medical biller. The curriculum for the program features a robust 38-credit hour Health Information Tech (HIT) core, including course titles such as:
- Principles of Disease
- Current Procedural Terminology Coding
- Medical- Legal & Quality Management
- Reimbursement Methodologies
Professional practice experience in the healthcare services industry must also be acquired at an offsite medical facility. Upon graduation from this medical billing specialist program, students are well-prepared for the RHIT coding certification exam, as well as various other certification exams.
The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited UMN-Gallup to award the medical billing and coding degree online.
Undergraduate Tuition: $1,932
#5—St. Petersburg College
Clearwater, Florida
AS in Health Information Tech Online
Points: 13
The highly affordable medical billing and coding associate of science degree online option from St. Petersburg College is a fully online offering except for a professional practice experience. Major core courses for the medical coder curriculum:
- Healthcare Informatics Project Management
- Health Law Concepts and Practices
- Electronic Health/Medical Record Systems
- Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis
In addition to these core medical billing and coding online courses, students will also take a credentialing exam review class in preparation for the RHIT coding certification examination. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has institutionally accredited St. Petersburg College to award the medical billing and coding degree online. The program itself holds separate accreditation from the CAHIIM
Undergraduate Tuition: $2,682
#6—Valencia College
Orlando, Florida
AS in Health Information Tech Online
Points: 12
Valencia College offers a very low-cost medical coding and billing online that can be completed within five semesters of study. This Associate in Science (AS) option is comprised of major-specific courses for the aspiring medical coder such as:
- Introduction to Health Information Management
- Health Data Concepts
- Advanced ICD Coding and Reimbursement
- Health Care Statistics and Research
In addition to 68 credit hours of medical billing and coding classes online, professional practice experience in the healthcare services industry is also required for successful program completion.
Valencia College is institutionally accredited to offer the online health information technology degree by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Online learners studying to become a medical coder may be eligible for financial aid.
Undergraduate Tuition: $2,474
#7—Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
Online Health Information Tech AS Degree
Points: 12
Florida State College at Jacksonville’s low-cost medical coding and billing online option features two embedded technical certifications for medical coders:
- Medical Information Coder/Biller
- Healthcare Informatics Specialist
Courses comprising the 70-credit hour curriculum for coding professionals include:
- Medical Terminology for Health Professions
- Health Care Delivery Systems
- Basic Pharmacology for Health Information Management
- Health Data Concepts
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Florida State College at Jacksonville to offer medical billing and coding degrees. The AS in Health Information Tech program is also separately accredited by the CAHIIM. The university offers some financial aid packages to distance learners.
Undergraduate Tuition: $2,878
#8—Anoka Technical College
Anoka, Minnesota
AAS in Health Information Tech Online
Points: 12
The online associates for medical billing and coding program from Anoka Technical College is a 64-credit hour Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Tech (HIT). The program features tracks for both part-time and full-time students, and the degree plan for coding professionals is comprised of coursework like:
- Medical Terminology in Health Information
- Advanced Coding Procedures
- Health Information and Statistics
- Billing and Reimbursement
As a capstone element of the medical biller program, professional practice experience in the healthcare industry is also required. The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited Anoka Tech to confer medical billing and coding credentials. In addition, the program is separately accredited by the CAHIIM. Online associate students are encouraged to apply for financial aid.
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,812
#9—Albany State University
Albany, Georgia
AS in Health Information Tech Online
Points: 12
Albany State University offers a medical billing and coding associate of science degree online through its Darton College of Health Professions and the Division of Health Sciences. The program offers both full-time and part-time tracks for aspiring medical coders and features course titles such as:
- Health Record Content and Structure
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Information Tech
- Healthcare Statistics
- Advanced Coding and Reimbursement
In addition to these medical billing and coding classes online, professional practice experience in coding procedures is also required for program completion. Albany State holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This AS in Health Information Technology is also programmatically accredited by the CAHIIM.
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,934
#10—Cowley College
Arkansas City, Kansas
Online AAS in Medical Coding
Points: 11
The low-cost medical coding and billing online offering from Cowley College is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) option in Medical Coding. The 65-credit hour degree plan for the certified professional coder program includes course titles such as:
- Allied Healthcare Provider Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Health Information
- Reimbursement Methodologies
- International Classification of Disease (ICD) Coding
In addition to this cousework for the medical biller, coding training and a practicum in healthcare coding is also required for successful online program completion.
This program prepares graduates to sit for professional examinations such as the American Health Information Management Association Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam and the Certified Professional Coder (CPS) exam among various other certification exams.
The Higher Learning Commission has institutionally accredited Cowley College to award the medical billing and coding degree online.
Undergraduate Tuition: $3,750
#11—McLennan Community College
Waco, Texas
Online AAS in HIT Technician
Points: 11
A low-cost medical coding and billing online option, the AAS option from McLennan Community College is a fully online degree plan except for the clinical/practicum component in the medical services field. Online coursework associated with the program’s curriculum include:
- Coding Software and Classification Systems
- Health Data Content and Structure
- Coding and Reimbursement Methodologies
- Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement
Students who aspire to become medical billers will also undergo coding training and take a review course in health information data to sit for the Registered HIT Technician (RHIT) coding certification exam. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited McLennan Community College to award medical billing and coding credentials.
The program also holds special accreditation from the CAHIIM.
Undergraduate Tuition: $4,200
#12—Camden County College
Blackwood, New Jersey
AAS in HIT Online
Points: 11
Camden County College offers an online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Health Information Tech for part-time and full-time students. This distance learning option emphasizes critical thinking and features medical billing and coding online courses such as:
- Diagnostic and Procedural Coding
- Health Informatics
- Statistical Methods for Health Information
- Advanced Ambulatory Coding
In addition to online coding training, professional practice experience is also required to obtain the HIT credential and to take certified coding associate exams. Camden County College is fully accredited at the institutional level by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The medical billing and coding degree online is also separately accredited by the CAHIIM, an accreditor of information management education programs.
Undergraduate Tuition: $4,680
#13—Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Shell Lake, Wisconsin
Online Associate’s in HIT
Website – No longer available.
Points: 11
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is home to a two-year, 62-credit hour medical billing and coding associate’s degree online. The program accommodates both part-time and full-time learners. One of the most affordable options for aspiring medical coders in our ranking, this program features certified billing coursework and topics for the prospective student, such as:
- Digital Literacy for Healthcare
- Introduction to Healthcare Informatics
- Healthcare Revenue Management
- Healthcare Law and Ethics
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
- Coding Training
In addition to health information technology courses, a supervised professional practice experience in coding procedures is also required as a culminating element of the associate degree program. After graduation, students are eligible and qualified to take the RHIT coding certification examination through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) as well as other certification exams.
The Higher Learning Commission has extended the necessary institutional accreditation to Wisconsin Indianhead Tech to award the medical billing degree online. The program itself holds separate accreditation from the CAHIIM.
Undergraduate Tuition: $4,860
#14—Indian Hills Community College
Ottumwa, Iowa
Online AAS in Health Information Tech
Website – No longer available.
Points: 11
Indian Hills Community College offers low-cost medical coding and billing online, resulting in an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Tech (HIT). An exclusively online option, the 21-month program prepares students to pass the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam and other certified coding specialist exams.
Once enrolled, students will pursue an 81-credit hour degree plan for coding professionals, featuring course titles such as:
- Essentials of Health Records
- Health Record Systems
- Health Information E-Systems
- Reimbursement Methods
In addition to online coding training, virtual labs and professional experience opportunities in the medical services field add an experiential learning component to the program. IHCC is institutionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. This medical billing degree online is also programmatically accredited by the CAHIIM.
Undergraduate Tuition: $4,917
#15—Texas State Technical College
Waco, Texas
Online Health Information Tech AAS Degree
Points: 11
Texas State Technical College is home to a fully online associate for medical billing and coding program designed to be completed within just 20 months. This Associate of Applied Science option consists of 60 credit hours of coding/medical billing coursework, including coding training classes like:
- Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Information
- Health Information Organization and Supervision
- Advanced Medical Coding in the Healthcare System
- Quality Assessment & Performance Improvement
In addition to these medical billing and coding online courses, a practicum in health information medical records for coding professionals is also a program requirement. Texas State Technical College is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This medical billing and coding program also holds accreditation from the CAHIIM.
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,169
#16—Metropolitan Community College
Omaha, Nebraska
Online AAS in Medical Coding and Billing
Points: 10
Metropolitan Community College offers a low-cost medical coding and billing online option that results in an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding and Billing credential. The program also leads to professional certification for medical coders from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Curriculum details include coding system, billing process, and health insurance instruction as well as course requirements such as:
- Medical Office Applications
- Disease Processes
- Introduction to Health Insurance
- Clinical Coding
A coding certification preparation course is also included in the curriculum to prepare students to take the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) examination. MCC is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer medical billing and coding credentials.
Undergraduate Tuition: $3,195
#17—Laramie County Community College
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Online Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Tech & Management
Points: 10
As one of the nation’s top accredited online medical billing and coding schools, Laramie County Community College offers diploma and certificate options and online associates for medical billing and coding programs. This latter offering is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in Health Information Tech & Management comprised of 63 credit hours of coursework.
Sample course titles and topics prescribed for aspiring health information technicians include:
- Health Information Application Skills
- Disease Processes for Coding
- Health Care Quality and Performance Improvement
- Coding Software for Medical Office Professionals
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
In addition to online education, professional practice experience is also required to graduate and become a medical coder, which may mandate in-person attendance at a nearby healthcare facility for access to patient records.
Laramie County Community College’s medical billing and coding programs are made possible through its institutional accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission.
Undergraduate Tuition: $4,432
#18—University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Online AAS in Health Information Systems
Points: 10
The medical billing and coding associate of applied science degree online from the University of Cincinnati is a 66-credit hour Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Systems. Course titles associated with this flexible medical records degree plan include medical terminology instruction as well as:
- Healthcare Quality, Statistics and Research
- Health Information Ethics
- Health Information Administration Practices
- Advanced Coding Applications
- International Classification of Disease
The school’s passing rate for graduates on the RHIT coding certification exam is higher than the national average. UC is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. This medical billing and coding option is also programmatically accredited by the CAHIIM.
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,138
#19—Northwest Iowa Community College
Sheldon, Iowa
Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Health Information Tech
Points: 9
The online associates for medical billing and coding program from Northwest Iowa Community College is a flexible option for aspiring coders that can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis. All coding system courses required for the program are available online, and titles include:
- Health Records in Acute Care
- Health Information and Information Management Systems
- Electronic Applications for Health Care Data
- Legal Aspects for Health Information
- International Classification of Disease
Northwest Iowa Community College boasts a nearly 100% pass rate for its graduates on the RHIT coding certification examination. The school holds its institutional accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission. Programmatic accreditation for this medical billing and coding degree online has been extended by the CAHIIM.
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,390
#20—Clarkson College
Omaha, Nebraska
Online Associate of Science (AS) in Health Information Tech
Points: 9
The medical billing and coding associate of science degree online from Clarkson College is a fully online option designed to be completed within six semesters of study. The medical records program is also versatile and features optional tracks in:
- Revenue Management
- Data Management
Core courses required for the degree include:
- Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Information
- Managing Healthcare Departments
- Healthcare Delivery Systems
- Introduction to Informatics
- International Classification of Disease
Upon graduation, students are poised to take the Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) coding certification exam. This medical billing and coding associate’s program is accredited by the CAHIIM. Clarkson College is also institutionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Undergraduate Tuition: $14,496
#21—Berkeley College
New York, New York
Online AAS in Health Services Administration
Points: 9
The medical billing and coding associate of applied science degree online from Berkeley College emphasizes industry-specific technology and patient records software in the medical services field. The 60-semester hour AAS program addresses the coding system for health insurance claims and features core course titles like:
- Ethical and Legal Aspects of Health Services
- Hospital Coding
- Clinical Documentation and Compliance
- Medical Billing and Reimbursement Methods
- International Classification of Disease
A capstone and seminar in insurance, billing, and coding must also be completed, and the above online education coursework prepares students to become certified professional coders.
Internship opportunities with healthcare providers are also available for eligible students as is financial aid. Berkeley College is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to offer medical billing and coding degrees.
Undergraduate Tuition: $27,000
#22—Highland Community College
Highland, Kansas
Online AAS in Medical Coding
Points: 8
The medical billing and coding associate of applied science degree online from Highland Community College is a comprehensive 65-credit hour offering for prospective medical coders. The program is offered full-time and can be completed within two years and prepares students to work in a medical office or dental offices, for instance. Course titles comprising the program’s curriculum include:
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
- Current Procedural Terminology Coding
- International Classification of Disease
- Healthcare Computer Applications and Electronic Encoder
A practicum in healthcare coding is also required before graduation and to become a certified professional coder or insurance claims specialist. Graduates of the program are prepared to sit for national medical coding and billing examinations administered by the America Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to become a certified coding specialist.
The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Highland Community College to award this medical billing degree online.
Undergraduate Tuition: $3,600
#23—Central Maine Community College
Auburn, Maine
Online AAS in Medical Coding & Electronic Health Records
Points: 8
As one of the nation’s top accredited online medical billing and coding schools, Central Maine Community College offers both an associate’s degree and one-year certificate program for professional coders in the medical services field. The former option is an Associate of Applied Science degree plan that requires four semesters of study. Medical billing and coding courses required for the credential include:
- Medical Specialties and Pathophysiology
- Medical Ethics and Law
- Reimbursement Methodology
- Health Care Statistics
- Medical Terminology
Coursework comprising the program’s curriculum can be completed entirely online. CMCC is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award the online associates for medical billing and coding credential for the aspiring certified professional coder.
Undergraduate Tuition: $3,844
#24—Northwest Technical College
Bemidji, Minnesota
AAS in Medical Coding Online
Points: 8
Northwest Technical College is home to a comprehensive medical billing and coding associate of applied science degree online for prospective health information technicians. This AAS option in Medical Coding requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework, including medical records classes such as:
- Bioethical Issues in Contemporary Society
- Introduction to Health Careers
- Advanced Medical Coding
- Medical Office Procedures
Upon graduation from this coding course of study, students are prepared for entry-level careers as healthcare providers in the medical services field or further study in a bachelor’s degree program. Northwest Technical College is institutionally accredited to offer medical billing and coding programs for the prospective certified coding associate.
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,731
#25—Weber State University
Ogden, Utah
AAS in Health Information Tech (HIT) Online
Points: 8
One of several medical billing and coding schools online accredited by the CAHIIM, Weber State University offers an AAS in HIT from its Dumke College of Health Professions that can be pursued via distance education. Core requirements for successful completion of this medical records degree plan include:
- Healthcare Database Management & Security
- Ambulatory & Physician Office Coding
- Classification Systems Topics & Reimbursement
- Computer Applications in Health Care
- Current Procedural Terminology Coding
Prospective medical coders will also take support classes like:
- Pharmacology Principles & Clinical Applications
- The Health Care System
- Computer Literacy
- Epidemiology & Biostatistics
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has institutionally accredited Weber State to offer medical billing and coding programs online for the aspiring certified coding associate.
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,956
#26—Dakota State University
Madison, South Dakota
AS in Health Information Tech Online
Points: 8
The dynamic medical billing and coding associate of science degree online from Dakota State University features two distinct tracks:
- Data Management
- Revenue Management
The bulk of the medical records curriculum is dedicated to core coursework for medical billers, including instruction in coding software as well as classes such as:
- Basic Medical Terminology
- Basic Foundations of Health Data Systems
- Healthcare Procedures Coding Systems
- Fundamentals of Disease and Diagnosis Coding
In addition to the online coding course of study, professional practice experience with healthcare providers is also required for graduation and to become a certified coding associate. As one of the top accredited online medical billing and coding schools, Dakota State holds institutional accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission as well as programmatic accreditation from the CAHIIM.
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,536
#27—Peirce College
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
AS in Health Information Tech Online
Points: 8
The online associates for medical billing and coding program from Peirce College is a 61-credit hour offering that can be completed 100% online. Required courses and topics for the innovative degree plan include:
- Introduction to Health Information Management
- Statistical Applications in Healthcare
- Information Systems for Health Information Tech
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Health Insurance Portability
A professional practice experience demonstrating knowledge of coding software and insurance claims is also mandated prior to graduation from this associate degree program. Peirce College is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Learning to award medical billing and coding degrees for the prospective health information technician. Moreover, the CAHIIM has accredited the program itself.