Finding the most valuable online medical billing and coding program for you depends on a number of factors, including your previous education, your needs as a student, and your career goals. You can either choose an associate degree program that incorporates medical billing and coding or enroll in specific certificate courses for the topics you wish to study.
Before you begin your search for an online medical billing and coding program, you may want to take some time to consider what type of coding you would like to specialize in, as there are multiple coding systems that require individual certification. When you know what you want, you will be able to choose a program that is most valuable to you. It might be that a two-year program will prepare you better for your career. Or, you may be looking for a second income and just want to get certified. However, no matter which program or school you choose, you will need to pass the AHIMA and/or the AAPC coding exams to become a certified coder. Most employers will only hire certified coders.
- The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) provides a helpful overview of the medical coding profession. As you will see, there are many coding systems. This agency offers different certification options based on an individual’s area of expertise.
- The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) also offers certification for those pursuing careers in medical billing and coding. You can check their website for details about which coding systems their exams cover.
Both agencies’ websites also list programs and schools they have accredited to teach medical billing and coding. This includes information about schools with distance-learning programs that teach their respective coding systems. These programs and classes will cover everything you need to learn to pass the credentialing exams.
The Advantages of a Two-Year Medical Billing and Coding Online Program
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most employers require medical billing and coding professionals to have some college education. Although it is possible to gain employment with only a certificate for a specific coding system, the pay scale is lower than it would be for someone with an associate degree.
It takes about two years of full-time study to earn an associate degree. Many community colleges around the country offer Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in areas related to health care. In addition, a number of classes are available online. In terms of financial aid, a state community college generally offers better loan rates for an associate degree than you can expect to pay for a certificate program. Some may still consider a certificate program more economically feasible than a two-year program; however, it’s important to think about the long-term value of your education. With an AAS, you are better positioned to advance to a higher level in health care management and technology. This is not always possible with only a certificate.
Also note, certificate programs do not transfer as college credits. A certificate program can make sense if you already have a college education, but less so if you only have a high school diploma. In the marketplace, employers are more likely to hire someone with an associate degree. In smaller medical offices it may be possible to get a job with only a certificate, but the marketplace will only become more competitive.
Beyond Certification
Medical billing and coding is one of the few fields where education is a constant. Coders must take new courses every year to keep up to date with technology. They must also take annual exams to renew their credentials.
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.
