When looking for the best online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degrees for you, you’ll need to consider classes, tuition rates, and graduation outcomes.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree vary between online schools. Typically, you must first apply to the school by completing its online application. You must also have completed high school or acquired your GED. If you have attended a different college, you need to provide your official transcripts.
Students may be eligible for financial aid. As such, they should fill out all paperwork for assistance. Some schools may require copies of ACT or SAT scores for admission. You will also need to submit a copy of a government-issued identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Online Medical Billing and Coding Degree Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- ACT or SAT Scores
- Government-Issued ID
How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Billing and Coding Online
You can earn a bachelor’s degree in medical billing and coding online by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements; each medical billing program has different prerequisites.
You first need to apply to and enroll in an online health information management program. As you finish your degree, you may be required to sit for a coding certification exam to be fully certified as a coding professional. Bachelor’s degree programs also prepare students for coding professional certifications, which are essential for advancing in the medical billing and coding field.
Medical Billing and Coding Degree Requirements
- Complete all courses and virtual clinicals. The average bachelor’s degree is 120 credits and is divided between general education, electives, and major-specific credits. Most of the credits will be specific to your major. You may also need to complete a clinical experience at the end of your degree.
- Study for the certification exam. As a medical information professional, you will need to take a certification exam to earn the credentials you need to work. Medical coding schools should provide their online students with the study techniques to prepare.
- Pass national coding certification exams. The success of your future career working with medical code rests on your passing the certification exams required by the state you’re working in. Earning these certifications can ensure that you earn a decent salary as a medical records specialist.
Overview: Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools
The best online schools for a bachelor’s degree in medical billing and coding are accredited, have affordable tuition rates, and provide plenty of support to their online students so they can start their entry-level careers with ease. They work to prepare each student for work as a coding specialist and in coding positions as health information specialists.
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Health Care Compliance and Regulations, BS | Compliance Certification Board® |
| Devry University | Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Health Information Management | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Drexel University | Health Services Administration BS | Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) |
| Husson University | Healthcare Administration and Public Health | New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) |
| Penn State World Campus | Health Policy and Administration | Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) |
| Regent University | Healthcare Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Health Information Management | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
| Syracuse University | Healthcare Administration | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Health Services Management | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) |
Online vs. In-Person Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degrees
You can complete your medical billing and coding degree online or in person. There are benefits to going either route. However, you should weigh the benefits of both options to pick the best program for your needs. To get a better sense of what each learning opportunity has to offer, below are some of the top benefits of online and in-person classes.
Top 4 Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Billing and Coding
- Access anywhere. Going online means that you can log in anywhere to access your courses. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.
- Flexible Tuition Options. Online medical billing and coding degrees are often offered with more flexible tuition payment options.
- Self-paced. Unlike in-person classes, you can set your learning schedule. While many online degrees are instructor-paced, meaning the courses have set-in-stone due dates, others are self-paced and allow you to complete your work on your own time.
- Quality education. You can get a quality education online. Online formats help prepare aspiring professional coders through medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology classes.
Top 4 Benefits of an In-Person Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Billing and Coding
- Hands-on learning. Many medical billing and coding programs offer classes that mimic the environment you will work in. This can help you get a better feel for the healthcare industry and the working environment you may experience once you’ve started your career path.
- Interaction with instructors. Online classes have limited ways for you to interact with the instructor. With in-person courses, you can ask questions and get immediate answers.
- Networking. Going to class and meeting other students can help you build your network of fellow aspiring medical coders and potential employers.
- National certification exams. Both online and in-person classes prepare you for your exams. However, many in-person classes give you the option of taking them at your school—offering you added convenience.
What Types of Online Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Medical Billing and Coding?
You can get different types of online bachelor’s degrees in medical billing and coding. Some options include a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Compliance, a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management, a Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration, or a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Services.
Is It Better to Get an Associate’s or a Bachelor’s in Medical Billing and Coding?
This depends heavily on your career objectives; however, it could potentially be more beneficial to get a bachelor’s degree in medical billing and coding because of the added skills you’ll learn and the increased opportunities you’ll qualify for to move up in the healthcare industry.
While an associate’s degree in medical billing and coding will give you the foundation you need to work in entry-level positions to gain experience, a bachelor’s degree will help you learn to analyze and classify procedures to the correct code in greater depth than an associate’s degree. Your deep skill set in health information management and coding procedures can allow you to perform a wider variety of jobs.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Online?
It takes four years to complete your bachelor’s degree in health information management when taking classes full time. While most online degree programs have set instruction schedules, some allow you to start classes at your own pace, allowing you to finish early.
Generally speaking, a bachelor’s degree has 120 credits to complete. As each academic year is divided into two semesters, you can likely expect to take 15 credits per semester to graduate within four years.
Are Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degrees Respected?
Yes, online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degrees receive the same level of respect as in-person programs. They prepare you by offering the same classes while earning the same credentials. Since accredited medical billing and coding bachelor’s degrees are awarded by accredited institutions, they demonstrate the same level of comprehension as an in-person degree.
Medical Billing and Coding Bootcamp vs. Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
Again, it all depends on your career objectives and what you’d like to do with your credentials. Medical coding systems are complex and require more than a few weeks of training to understand. However, if you have lots of experience coding and are looking to upskill or move laterally in your career, a bootcamp may be a better option for you.
Bootcamps often focus on intensive coding courses and may prepare you for a coding certificate or certified billing credential, helping you gain foundational knowledge and industry-recognized qualifications.
Top 4 Benefits of an Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree
- In-depth study. Medical billing and coding can be complex at first. A bachelor’s degree program goes in-depth into all areas needed to succeed.
- Work as a health information technician. Medical billing and coding are only one small part of the health information career. A bachelor’s degree can prepare you for work beyond the coding field.
- Flexible schedule. Some online degree programs allow you to work at your own pace and complete work when it’s convenient for you.
- Gain professional practice experience. Many bachelor’s degree programs offer practical hands-on experience before graduation.
Top 4 Benefits of a Medical Billing and Coding Bootcamp
- Perfect for recertification. The focus of bootcamps is to help you get certified. A bootcamp is the way to go if you need a refresher to regain certification or are looking to reskill as a coder.
- Focuses on billing and coding only. Unlike a bachelor’s degree, bootcamps focus only on billing and coding information. You won’t need to take any electives or general education courses.
- Extended access. After graduating, you can still access the information and lectures to help you study for the certification.
- Rule-based learning. Bootcamps focus on the rules associated with billing and coding medical procedures.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Medical Billing and Coding?
In addition to learning the different diagnostic codes, you will take a variety of coding courses covering topics such as health insurance, health insurance portability, and the accurate documentation of medical services provided. Coursework also covers processing patient data and maintaining accurate patient records. You will learn about health information management and medical terminology and even gain practical professional experience in the field.
Introduction to the Healthcare System
An Introduction to the Healthcare System course will give you an overview of the healthcare system’s historical, economic, political, and social context. It also acts as an introduction to health information fundamentals.
Health Systems Management
You’ll learn the different managerial roles in health service organizations in a Health Systems Management class. You will also learn about the various practices performed every day and what to expect in each service area.
Introduction to Medical Billing and Compliance
An Introduction to Medical Billing and Compliance course will explore the practice of coding and billing under federal regulations. You will learn to use the technology used for this purpose and gain a better understanding of stakeholder and regulatory impact on medical billing.
Healthcare Payment
During a Healthcare Payment course, you will learn about different insurance and healthcare providers, their procedures, and their particularities. This course is designed to teach you basic concepts about the role of an insurance claims specialist in managing insurance payments and claims.
Medical Terminology
In a Medical Terminology course, you will learn the technical language used to describe visits, procedures, and forms transcribed into billable code. In addition, you will learn the word roots, suffixes, and prefixes that play a part in coding in the medical insurance language.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Like many healthcare careers, you will need to take continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain your certification. Continuing education online through a bachelor’s degree in medical billing and coding program can easily lead to a master’s in health care management, which will take about two years to complete once you’ve finished your bachelor’s degree.
What to Look For in a Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Program
The things to look for in a medical billing and coding degree program are accreditation, graduation rate, flexibility, career services, and continuing education. These factors will give you a good amount of insight into the quality of the education, the institution and its services, and whether or not you will enjoy studying there.
Accreditation
Accreditation helps to ensure that you are getting a quality and credible education. Schools are accredited by third parties to ensure standards are maintained. Most certification exams require you to have received a degree from an accredited institution to be able to take the test.
Graduation Rate
Several factors go into graduation rates. While it might not dictate your success with the program, it can be a warning factor to watch. Programs with low graduation rates could be a sign of poor teacher support, lack of student and academic services, or external circumstances.
Flexibility
If you are a working adult, flexibility might be important to you. While having a scheduled class time is nice, it’s not always convenient. Using asynchronous programs may be a better fit for you if you need to work full or part-time.
Career Services
A strong career services team can help you put your best foot forward when finding a job. Counselors can help you find the right program for you and help you navigate your years in higher education. The career services team can also help you find potential employers and assist you with building your resume and job interview prep.
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Continuing Education
Medical billing and coding professionals must take continuing education credits to maintain their yearly certification. Choosing a school that offers continuing education courses can make meeting those requirements easier.
Can I Get a Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you can’t get a medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree online for free. However, you can learn the basics through massive open online courses (MOOCs) such as MB&CC. Its videos cover coding vocabulary and key terms. Also, you can apply for scholarships or federal financial aid to cover the cost of a bachelor’s degree program. Although difficult to obtain, some scholarships do offer a full ride.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Once you’ve graduated with an online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree and completed your certifications, you’ll be ready to apply for jobs in your field. Many graduates work as medical billers, performing both medical billing and coding tasks to ensure accurate reimbursement for medical services in healthcare organizations and physician practices.
What’s the Average Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average medical records specialist salary is $50,250, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.10 Depending on where you work, your position, and the amount of experience you have, you could make up to $80,950 annually.10
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree?
- Medical coder
- Medical biller
- Outpatient coding compliance auditor
- Medical claims processor
- Health information manager
Some graduates may also pursue roles as medical assistants or seek additional training through medical assisting or medical assistant programs.
How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree?
The health information technology career field has many facets. Here are some of the highest-paying online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree jobs available.
Highest-Paying Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
Please note, these salaries were verified in August 2025. All information is subject to change.
| Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | |
|---|---|
| Coding Director | $95.833 |
| Management Consultant | $100,825 |
Clinical Document Specialist |
$82.540 |
Occupational Health and Safety Technician |
$69.911 |
| Health Information Management Coder | $50.587 |
Is an Online Medical Billing and Coding Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
Depending on your career objectives, an online medical billing and coding bachelor’s degree could definitely be worth it. Online programs make it easy for anyone to get the certification needed to work in the medical field. An online school gives you access to all the information you need to land a coding position, and the asynchronous format some programs use lets you take classes without disrupting your schedule too much.
Online Medical Billing and Coding Degree FAQ
Yes, you can work as a coder with just a certificate. Some people begin their medical coding careers with a certificate through short certificate programs. That said, a degree can open up opportunities as a manager or auditor later in your medical coding career.
The medical coding certification that’s best depends on your career goals. Most employers want their medical coding specialists to have the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification. It is the most popular certification for coders working with outpatient charts.
Yes, medical coding can be stressful as it requires attention to detail. It is an essential job that can affect the livelihood of patients. In this profession, you are responsible for ensuring patient accounts are accurate and complete before submitting them to the insurance company for payment.
A day in the life of a medical coder involves a long list of tasks to ensure proper billing and payment. Medical coders may work in a variety of settings, including rural health clinics, where they are responsible for processing patient data such as medical records and insurance information as part of their daily tasks. They must review the information given to them by doctors and nurses and update the medical data and research records with perfect coding accuracy.
Sources:
1 https://nursingandhealth.asu.edu/programs/bs/health-care-compliance-and-regulations
3 https://catalog.drexel.edu/undergraduate/collegeofbusiness/healthservicesadministration/
6 https://www.regent.edu/program/bs-in-healthcare-management/
7 https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/bachelors/bs-in-health-information-management
9 https://www.umgc.edu/online-degrees/bachelors/health-services-management
10 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-1
11 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Coding_Director/Salary
12 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Management_Consultant/Salary
13 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Documentation_Specialist/Salary
14 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Occupational_Health_or_Safety_Specialist_Technician/Salary
15 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Health_Information_Management_(HIM)_Coder/Hourly_Rate
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