An online associate degree in medical billing and coding can be the first step on the way to a career in healthcare. These programs normally have between 60 and 90 credits and take an average of two years of full-time study to complete. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing and Coding and are prepared to take on entry-level roles as medical billers and coders in hospitals, physician’s offices, skilled nursing facilities and other healthcare facilities.

Medical billers and coders are professionals who have the responsibility of taking the details of a patient’s medical visit, test or other procedure and turning them into medical diagnostic codes. These codes are used to create bills that detail the procedures the patient has received. Once complete, the coded bills are sent to health insurance companies so that medical providers can be paid for their services and charted so that other healthcare providers can see what procedures the patient has received.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals in these roles earned a median annual salary of $50,250 in 2024. The BLS predicts about 15,000 new roles will open annually in the field through 2034. That’s a total job growth of 7.1%, faster than the national average for all jobs.

Earning an online associate degree can prepare you to join the field.

Exploring medical billing & coding online associate’s

An online associate degree in medical billing and coding is designed to prepare students to step into billing and coding roles. To achieve this, programs teach courses dedicated to medical terminology, billing processes, insurance systems, medical records systems and medical codes. General education classes are also required as part of earning an associate degree. Some programs have additional requirements, such as fieldwork experience at a local healthcare facility.

The application process

Exact admission requirements will vary depending on the online program you’re interested in. However, most programs offer a relatively quick application process. Often, programs have rolling admissions. This means that they’ll accept applications all year long.

You’ll generally need a high school diploma for enrollment, but many programs will accept a General Educational Development (GED). Some programs will also allow you to complete your high school diploma requirements as part of your associate degree. In addition to your high school diploma, you’ll likely asked to submit:

• An application: Typically, this will include personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth and citizenship status.
• Transcripts: Most schools will want to see transcripts of any previous education. Some schools have GPA requirements for medical billing and coding applicants, but many others do not.
• Test scores: It’s common to be asked for the results of the SAT or any other standardized tests you’ve taken. Although schools will often look at these scores, there isn’t normally a minimum score requirement.

With some programs, there might be prerequisites before you can begin medical billing and coding coursework. This can look different depending on the school and your educational background. For instance, sometimes students who didn’t take advanced science or math courses in high school need to take one of these courses at the college level before they can take medical billing and coding coursework, such as anatomy and physiology. However, not all programs require this.

Do you need a degree to start a medical billing and coding career?
You don’t need a degree to work as a medical biller or medical coder, but earning one may help your career. A degree can give you the knowledge and skills you’ll need on the job, and it may help you stand out when you apply for roles. Plus, some employers require or prefer degrees.

Receiving financial aid

The costs of an online associate degree vary depending on the school and factors such as the exact program length and number of credits required for graduation. However, in the 2022-23 school year, tuition at two-year public colleges granting associate degrees cost an average of $3,970, says EducationData.org. Tuition at for-profit private two-year institutions granting associate degrees cost an average of $17,735 in the same school year.

Many schools offer financial aid packages. This can include grants, scholarships and loans. The first step to see how much aid you might be eligible for is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA deadlines can vary by state, so it’s important to look up the dates that apply to you.

Once you’ve filled out the FAFSA, it’s a good idea to look into additional financial aid opportunities. For instance, some locations offer reduced or even free tuition at community colleges if you meet specific requirements. Other schools have scholarships available for specific programs, such as medical billing and coding degrees. Finally, if you already work in the healthcare industry, your employer might cover some of your tuition costs. This isn’t always an option, but if you work for a large hospital or healthcare organization, it’s worth checking with your human resources department.

Earning your online associate degree

Online associate degree programs in medical billing and coding are often designed with working adults in mind. However, it can still be stressful to juggle your coursework along with the demands of your job, family and other obligations. Many programs offer support resources to help students manage their time and their studies. This can include online study groups, academic advising, tutoring sessions and more. It’s a good idea to take advantage of these resources. They’re often a great way to ensure you’re fully grasping all the course material and that you’re prepared for upcoming exams.

In your own time, it can help to take steps such as:

• Studying without distractions: Making your study time free of distractions such as television, social media and texts or phone calls can be a big help.
• Having a plan for each course: It often helps to have a plan and schedule for each course. This allows you to keep track of when you’ll be working on specific assignments or studying for specific exams. It can allow you to focus.
• Breaking down tasks: Many people find that breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable tasks is a good way to get through challenging material. For instance, you could divide a chapter into sections and take a break between each section you read. Similarly, strategies such as the Pomodoro technique or the 52/17 method suggest breaking the amount of time you spend studying into manageable periods. 
• Using flashcards: Flashcards are a classic study technique because they’re effective for many students.
• Taking practice tests: If you can find practice tests in your courses, taking them can be a great way to study. You can also use the practice test questions as a study guide as you prepare for your exam.

Do you need certification to work as a medical biller or coder?

There is no required certification or licensure in the medical billing and coding field. However, organizations such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offer multiple certifications for medical billing and coding professionals. These certifications can help you advance your career and might be required by certain employers. Widely recognized certifications from AHIMA include:

• Certified Coding Associate (CCA): The CCA is an entry-level certification that can help recent graduates show competency.
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS): You’ll need at least a year of professional experience before becoming eligible to take the exam for CSS certification.
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT): Students who graduated from a Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education-accredited associate-level program or higher are eligible for this exam and certification.
• Certified Coding Specialist–Physician-based (CCS-P): This certification is tailored to professionals who work in physicians’ offices. You’ll need a year of experience for eligibility.

Resources for your career

Joining a professional organization can help medical billers and coders make career connections, find new job opportunities, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. As a medical billing and coding student, professional organizations can be a good way to meet fellow students and learn from professionals already working in the field. You can check out leading organizations, such as those listed below.

Joining a professional organization can help medical billers and coders make career connections, find new job opportunities, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field.

• The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)—AHIMA is the largest and oldest association for health information professionals, such as medical billers and coders, in the nation. They offer certification, online education courses, student resources, career planning assistance, and a wealth of other online resources.
• American Medical Billing Association—The American Medical Billing Association provides networking opportunities, online webinars, and educational opportunities.
• The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)—AAHAM is an organization for healthcare professionals who take on administrative tasks such as billing, revenue cycle management and coding. They offer resources such as conferences, networking opportunities and certifications.
• The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)—The AAPC offers industry surveys, news and other data. You’ll also find certification and other learning opportunities.

How to choose the right program for you

There are several key factors to consider when you’re looking into online associate medical billing and coding degrees. The right program for you depends on features such as cost, coursework, schedule flexibility, career placement assistance and overall alignment with your career goals. If you know a specific factor will be especially helpful for you, it can be a good idea to start your search by identifying schools that can meet your needs. For instance, if you need schedule flexibility due to your current job or other obligations, you can look for online associate programs that offer a part-time track. If you have a set budget in mind for your educational costs, you can look for programs with affordable tuition and financial assistance packages.

Summing it up

An online associate degree in medical billing and coding can help you start your career in healthcare. The flexibility of an online program can allow you to earn your degree quickly while you work, and financial aid packages can help keep your education affordable. Courses in medical topics such as healthcare terminology and anatomy pair with courses in healthcare administrative topics, such as medical billing and ICD-11 coding, to prepare you to take on entry-level roles in the field.

If you’re interested in earning a degree that can serve as a strong foundation for your healthcare career, an online associate in medical billing and coding degree can be a great choice. When you’re ready to start researching, you can use our Find Schools button to discover the best school for you.

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