Can I Get a Medical Coding and Billing Certificate Without a College Degree?

Technically, a high school diploma is all that is required to be eligible to take a medical billing and coding certification exam. Professional organizations and schools regularly administer these exams, which test for competency in the field of medical billing and coding. Preparation for examination usually requires study in a medical billing and coding course or fairly extensive field experience.

However, most billers and coders have an associate degree, which can secure them a higher salary and more employment options, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many employers prefer to hire billers with Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Those seeking RHIT certification must:

  • Be graduates of a two-year associate degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
  • Pass the AHIMA-administered certification exam.

Preferred coders are certified through:

  • The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or specialty coding organizations
  • The Professional Association of Health Care Coding Specialists (PAHCS)
  • The Board of Medical Specialty Coding (BMSC)

As in any other profession, the level of education you receive correlates to the salary you will earn and your opportunities for advancement. But, education aside, certified billers and coders are more highly paid than their uncertified counterparts. According to a 2010 salary survey by the AAPC, credentialed coders received an average salary of $45,404, compared to $37,746 for non-credentialed professionals. In addition, highly regarded credentials offer better job security and mobility, even in a tough job market. So while it is your decision whether you want to invest your time in an associate degree program or simply take individual courses in order to gain certification, keep in mind how this will affect your salary and career path in the long term.

About our expert.
Jan Jacobs has worked in medical offices since the early 1980's. Ms. Jacobs has worked for M.D.'s and D.O.'s in primary care and specialty care. She is employed as a senior medical biller and has been at her current job for nearly 10 years, where she uses three different billing systems.