[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billing and coding professionals are vital to the healthcare field, ensuring that medical bills are accurate and that payers — including insurance companies — have the correct information.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in medical billing and coding is all you need to enter this field, which pays slightly higher than the national median wage. Another plus: Medical billing and coding is not physically demanding, unlike many other healthcare careers that do not require a four-year degree, though it does require sitting for long periods.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Read on to learn more about earning an associate degree in medical billing and coding and what careers you can pursue with this credential.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability, so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list has been updated for 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is Medical Billing and Coding?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billers and coders help ensure that all the medical procedures a healthcare provider performs are accurately listed on forms using standardized medical codes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While this line of work doesn’t require computer programming or data analysis skills, you must be comfortable with computers and different software systems, have a strong eye for detail, and be able to recognize potential errors.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can I Expect From an Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate in medical billing and coding is a two-year technical program designed to prepare you for entry-level careers in the field of health information. Online accredited medical billing and coding schools attract a variety of students, including high school graduates pursuing their [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/medical-careers/”]first career in healthcare[/hen-ui-link] and working adults looking to change occupations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you pursue an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/”]online associate degree[/hen-ui-link] in medical billing and coding, you’ll complete 60 credits of coursework, including general education classes, major core classes, and electives.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billing and coding degrees can equip you to take the national coding certification exams and compete for entry-level positions. Courses typically feature a combination of lectures, readings, and practical assignments.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Medical Billing and Coding Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Throughout your program, you’ll study topics like medical terminology, human anatomy, and insurance plans and regulations. You’ll also develop skills in medical ethics, patient account management, medical insurance claim processing, and diagnosis and procedure coding.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anatomy and Physiology: A course on anatomy and physiology examines the 12 major systems of the human body, including the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, and lymphatic systems.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health Information Systems: This course introduces you to information management procedures used in American healthcare settings. Topics include filing systems, data storage, and electronic health records.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pathology: This course provides you with an understanding of disease processes and how the human body functions. Coursework introduces research- and evidence-based knowledge about common pathologies and diagnostic testing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Medical Billing and Coding: Associate Degree vs. Certificate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Should you get an associate degree, or is a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-medical-coding-certificates/”]medical coding certificate[/hen-ui-link] enough? The answer depends on your personal interests, timeline, and career goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Associate Degree vs. Certficate[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Factor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Medical Billing and Coding Certificate[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Time[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Factor”]Takes about 18-24 months to earn[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree”]Requires 12 months or less to earn[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Certification Eligibility[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Factor”]Can qualify you to sit for a certification exam[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree”]Can qualify you to sit for a certification exam[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Cost[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Factor”]May be more expensive than a certificate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree”]May be cheaper than an associate degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Transfer Ability[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Factor”]Often easy to transfer into a bachelor’s program[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree”]May not transfer into another degree program[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]What It Prepares You for[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Factor”]Can prepare you to work in a more complex medical environment[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree”]Can help you move from school to the workforce faster than earning a degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you want to save money and time, a certificate may be your best choice, but if you are looking at medical office work as a long-term career, an associate degree is probably the right first move.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Certifications and Licenses Are Required for Medical Billing and Coding?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]AAPC — formerly known as the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/” target=”_blank”]American Academy of Professional Coders[/hen-ui-link] — is the world’s largest training and credentialing organization in the healthcare field, representing more than 220,000 members. Before applying for jobs, consider obtaining professional certification from the AAPC.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because medical coding regulations, requirements, and standards have become increasingly complex, many employers prefer to hire medical billers and coders with AAPC certification. However, some may allow new employees to earn certification shortly after being hired.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Required Certifications and Licenses[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]AAPC Credential[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary (2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Core or Advanced Credential[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certifications/cpc/” target=”_blank”]Certified Professional Biller[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”AAPC Credential”]$64,103[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary (2024)”]Core[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certifications/cpc/” target=”_blank”]Certified Professional Coder[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”AAPC Credential”]$66,415[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary (2024)”]Core[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certification/coc/” target=”_blank”]Certified Outpatient Coder[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”AAPC Credential”]$73,183[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary (2024)”]Core[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certifications/crc” target=”_blank”]Certified Risk Adjustment Coder[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”AAPC Credential”]$74,943[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary (2024)”]Core[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certifications/cic” target=”_blank”]Certified Inpatient Coder[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”AAPC Credential”]$77,511[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary (2024)”]Core[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certifications/cdeo” target=”_blank”]Certified Documentation Expert Outpatient[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”AAPC Credential”]$81,779[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary (2024)”]Advanced[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certifications/cpma” target=”_blank”]Certified Professional Medical Auditor[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”AAPC Credential”]$81,278[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary (2024)”]Advanced[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aapc.com/certifications/cppm” target=”_blank”]Certified Physician Practice Manager[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”AAPC Credential”]$84,787[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary (2024)”]Advanced[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other credentialing organizations you can earn certification from include the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.americanmedicalbillingassociation.com/” target=”_blank”]American Medical Billing Association[/hen-ui-link] (AMBA) and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ahima.org/” target=”_blank”]American Health Information Management Association[/hen-ui-link] (AHIMA).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Medical Billing and Coding Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical billing and coding [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]accredited online schools[/hen-ui-link] prepare you for many entry-level careers in the healthcare industry. Job openings can be found in hospitals, physicians’ offices, or outpatient facilities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most graduates with a medical billing and coding degree seek employment in billing and coding. However, you may also choose to embark on careers as [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-medical-assisting/”]medical assistants[/hen-ui-link], health information technicians, or [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-masters-data-analytics-programs/”]data analysts[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additional education and certification may be required for upward mobility or placement in advanced positions. Take a look at three common career options for graduates below, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Medical Records Specialist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median Salary (2024): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm” target=”_blank”]$50,250[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): 9%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical records specialists manage and organize patient records and other health information data.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Using various classification systems, these professionals code information, assist with insurance reimbursements, manage clinical databases, and maintain patients’ medical histories.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median Salary (2024): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/health-information-technologists-and-medical-registrars.htm” target=”_blank”]$67,310[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): 16%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health information technologists support healthcare systems IT concepts, including storing and retrieving patient records. They usually work in hospitals or physicians’ offices and need at least an associate degree in healthcare information management or a related field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical registrars maintain databases about diseases or conditions for local, regional, or national entities. Some registrars may need disease-specific credentials, such as the certified tumor registrar credential.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Medical Assistant[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median Salary (2024): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm” target=”_blank”]$44,200[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): 15%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/medical-careers/#medical-assistants/”]Medical assistants[/hen-ui-link] handle a variety of administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare facilities. Duties may include recording patient history, measuring vital signs, giving injections or medication, and scheduling appointments.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers typically hire medical assistants with an associate degree or postsecondary certificate, though some workers have only a high school diploma and learn required skills through on-the-job training. These professionals need keen analytical, interpersonal, and technical skills.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Billing and Coding[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are medical coding jobs hard to get?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS projects that the number of medical records specialist jobs will increase by 9% between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than the average growth rate for all jobs in the U.S. during the same period (4%).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a relevant certification in addition to your associate degree in medical billing and coding can help you stand out from the crowd.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the hardest part of being a medical coder?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Potential challenges in medical coding include fast-paced work, learning the different details of various coding systems, and adapting to changes in coding systems over time.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, what is difficult for one person might be easy for another. Attention to detail and a good memory are essential skills in the field of medical billing and coding.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Which medical coding certification pays the most?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to AAPC, the most lucrative coding certification is the certified professional compliance officer credential. The median annual salary for professionals with this certification was $91,075 in 2024.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The organization also notes that certified coders make an average of nearly 18% more than workers without any certifications.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I do medical billing and coding without a degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Technically, yes, you can do medical billing and coding without a degree, but you will almost certainly need a certificate and a credential to secure a job in the field.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some people may start in an entry-level position and work on an associate degree in medical billing and coding online while getting on-the-job experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do medical coders have to be fast typists?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical facilities are often fast-paced, and coders must be quick and accurate. You should be able to produce 50-60 words per minute, but the faster you can type, the more you can focus on the content of your work instead of the keyboard.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”201,338,253″][/hen-ui-article-row]