There’s a wide range of factors to consider when choosing the best online medical billing and coding associate degrees. Prospective students should consider the course content, accreditation, student-teacher ratio, employment outcomes, and graduation rates.
This guide contains all the information you need if you are considering an online associate degree in medical billing and coding. It outlines different programs, types of billing and coding jobs within the healthcare industry, and whether online medical billing and coding associate degrees are worth it.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree?
The admission requirements for an online medical billing and associate degree are a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED) and high school transcripts. Some schools require standardized test scores, such as SAT or ACT, while non-native English speakers may be required to submit proof of English proficiency.
Prospective students can begin their application on the official school page of the associate degree program. An application fee is sometimes required during the college application process. Less common requirements for an associate in medical billing and coding online program include letters of recommendation and a GPA of at least 2.0.
Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or general education diploma (GED)
- Letters of recommendation
- Standardized test scores
- Proof of English proficiency for non-native English speakers
How to Get a Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Online
You can get a medical billing and coding associate degree online by fulfilling all the education requirements for graduation. This typically includes completing a minimum of 60 credit courses comprising major core courses, general education courses, and electives.
Typical Medical Billing and Coding Degree Requirements
- Major core courses
- 15 credits of general education courses
- Elective courses
- GPA of at least 2.0
Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Central Maine Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding and Electronic Health Records | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Davenport University | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Herzing University | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding | Higher Learning Commission |
| Highland Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding | Higher Learning Commission |
| Indian Hills Community College | Association of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Keiser University | Associate of Science in Medical Administrative Billing and Coding | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology/Coding | Higher Learning Commission |
| Northwest Iowa Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Northwest Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding | Higher Learning Commission |
| Weber State University | Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology | Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities |
Best Schools for Medical Billing and Coding: Top Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Programs
The best online schools for an associate degree in medical billing and coding aim to provide all the hard skills and soft skills you need to land an entry-level job. Keep reading to learn more about some of the top medical billing and coding schools with online associate degree options. Information has been gathered from school websites and from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard as of October 2025.
What Is an Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree?
An online medical billing and coding associate degree is a two-year program that equips students with technical skills and practical experience for entry-level careers in the health information field.
It covers specialized courses such as human anatomy, ethical issues, diagnosis, procedural coding, patient account management, U.S. healthcare systems, and insurance plans and regulations. Getting your medical billing and coding associate degree online can also prepare you to take medical coding certification exams.
Online vs In-Person Medical Billing and Coding Degrees
The main difference between online and in-person medical billing and coding associate degrees is that students do not have to go to campus to attend classes. Students learn through digital instruction and lectures that are pre-recorded or offered live.
Online medical billing and coding degrees can be a great choice for students who want to balance academics with family, work, and other personal commitments. Below are some benefits of both options, to help you decide if you want to earn your associate in medical billing and coding online vs on a campus.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding
- Flexibility. Online degrees offer more flexibility than in-person degrees. Depending on the format, they might even allow you to take classes on your own schedule and at your own pace.
- Accessibility. Online medical billing and coding degrees remove geographical barriers. They enable students to attend university from anywhere in the world.
- Lower tuition rates. In some cases, online programs have more affordable tuition rates. Not only might they spend less on tuition and other educational expenses, but they’re also spared from miscellaneous expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and parking.
- Increased networking opportunities. Attending an online degree program will connect distance learners with fellow students and instructors from different parts of the world.
- Perfect for people with busy lives. Online medical billing and coding associate degrees require a smaller time commitment than in-person degrees.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding
- Interaction with the instructor and other students. In-person students enjoy direct interaction with the instructor and other students. They can ask questions directly and forge close relationships with other students.
- Hands-on training for a hands-on career. Medical billing and coding students need effective hands-on training and professional experience to succeed in their careers. It’s easier to gain hands-on experience in physical classes than in online classes.
- Interpersonal skills. With opportunities for interaction with students and teachers, in-person degrees aid the development of interpersonal skills.
- Distraction-free environment. Universities provide facilities like classrooms, laboratories, and lecture halls. These offer a distraction-free environment for successful learning.
- Sense of motivation. Studying with other students on campus can provide motivation and improve academic performance.
What Types of Online Associate Degrees Can You Get in Medical Billing and Coding?
You can get the following types of associate degrees for medical billing and coding:
- Associate of Science
- Associate of Applied Science
An associate of science in medical billing and coding is primarily a transfer degree that prepares students to earn their bachelor’s degrees. On the other hand, an associate of applied science is more focused on equipping students with the technical skills to gain entry-level positions after the program. You can get either type of degree entirely online.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing and Coding?
The degree type that’s best for you will depend on your ultimate education and career goals. It’s better to get an associate of science degree if you have an interest in pursuing a bachelor’s degree after the completion of the associate degree. If you want to seek employment in a medical coding position immediately after graduation, then you may want to get an associate of applied science degree in medical billing and coding.
How Much Does a Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Cost?
Online associate degrees range in cost, but on average are priced at around $3,500 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.1 When you factor in other expenses such as food, housing, and transportation, the gap between costs can increase even more. These values will also vary depending on the type of school.
It’s also important to remember that you can further lower your online associate in medical billing and coding cost of tuition by applying for scholarships and financial aid! medical billing and coding.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Online?
It takes about two years to get a medical billing and coding associate degree online. The exact number of required credits will vary by program, but it typically adds up to around 60 credit hours consisting of core courses, general education courses, and elective courses. A student will often have to take 15 credit units per semester to graduate in two years.
Are Online Medical Billing and Coding Degrees Respected?
Many online medical billing and coding degrees are respected, though the key is making sure you do your research to find a reputable program. The top online schools are as thorough and intensive as traditional degrees. They also have the same coursework, so online learners and in-person students gain the same knowledge and technical skills. Gaining an accredited online medical billing and coding degree is as good as an in-person one.
Is Medical Billing and Coding Hard to Learn Online?
Yes, medical billing and coding is hard to learn online. There are three major coding systems and learning each system is like learning a new language. Students will also need to learn the tactics of medical billing and become proficient with professional software to code records and bill patients. Many students find it is hard to take medical billing and coding online because it requires hard work to master the industry codes and classification systems.
Why You Should Get a Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Online
You should get a medical billing and coding associate degree online if you’re looking for flexibility, accessibility, networking opportunities, and lower costs. You can often take courses at your own pace and fit classes into your schedule.
One of the main benefits of a medical billing and coding degree online program is that you can study from anywhere in the world. You also might be able to find a flexible program that allows you to work while you study.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Associate Degree Program in Medical Billing and Coding?
The courses you will take in an online associate degree program in medical billing and coding will provide all the knowledge you need to gain entry-level roles after graduation. Here are just some of the associate medical billing and coding courses that you can expect to take.
Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology
This course teaches students about the structure and function of the human body system. It covers biological organization, processes, and organ systems. These include nervous systems, endocrine systems, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory systems, muscular systems, and reproductive systems.
Revenue Cycle Management
The revenue cycle management course introduces students to the revenue cycle systems used in the healthcare industry. It covers revenue cycle audits and reporting, reimbursement methodologies, utilization management, and regulatory requirements.
Foundation of Medical Coding
In this course, students learn about coding and classification systems employed in healthcare delivery. It also covers standards of ethical coding according to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), functions of Standard Nomenclature of Medical-Clinical Terminology (SNOMED CT), coding guidelines, and general equivalence mapping.
Medical Terminology
The essential course teaches students about the prefixes, suffixes, and root words that make up medical terms. Students will learn how to spell, pronounce, explain, and formulate common medical billing and coding technology.
U.S. Healthcare Systems
The U.S. healthcare systems course teaches the history and development of the healthcare delivery system. It also explains the job description of a health information professional and their importance in the healthcare delivery system.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Graduates
For many people, the best path to take with an online medical billing and coding associate degree is to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program. This can provide a deeper knowledge of the subject and improve their resume. Graduates can also go on to pursue a master’s degree or a doctorate in health informatics.
Medical billing and coding associate degree graduates can also write professional and national certification exams including the Certified Professional coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist-Physician (CCS-P), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), and Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC). These will certify them for jobs in the medical system.
What to Look For in the Best Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Programs
For both in-person and online programs, the things to look for in the best medical billing and coding associate degree program include accreditation and learning format. During your online school search, it is crucial to complete a thorough review of the school before you apply. If you’re wondering what to look for in an online medical billing and coding program, check out our list of criteria below.
Accreditation
Inquiring about the accreditation status of the online medical billing and coding programs is a critical factor you should not overlook. Accredited schools have proven that they can provide quality education for success in the field.
You should only select medical billing and coding degree programs that have national or regional accreditation as well as accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). You can use the database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs to check the accreditation status of your choice school.
Learning Format
Prospective students need to be clear on the learning format before they commit to a school. Some online programs employ an online format and require no visits to the school campus, while others may have in-person clinical requirements, which may require you to come to campus. It is best to know how the online degree program works before starting the admissions process.
Student Services
Prospective students should prioritize schools that offer online student services and student support. These may include mentorship programs, internship opportunities, networking events, academic advising, and technical assistance. The level of student services may determine the quality of your learning experience.
Employment Outcomes
Most universities display the employment outcome statistics of graduates on the student’s-right-to-know page. The post-graduation success of students will indicate whether the program is recognized and valued by employers in the job market.
The Reputation of the School
The reputation of the school is important during your school search for an online degree. A good reputation gives credibility to your degree and this will translate to a favorable standing in the job market.
Can I Get a Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a free online associate degree in medical billing and coding. However, there are financial student aid programs that students can apply for to alleviate education costs. These include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Most schools encourage students to sign up for the Free Application for Federal Student Aids (FAFSA).
Students who are looking to learn medical billing and coding for free should consult massive open online courses (MOOCs) and resources such as Coursera, edX, and MIT OpenCourseWare.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Graduates

An online degree in medical billing and coding can set you up for various entry-level careers.
An online medical billing and coding associate degree is the fastest and cheapest way to become a medical coder. Upon completion of the online degree, graduates can seek entry-level positions in the healthcare field at hospitals, rural health clinics, insurance companies, public health agencies, healthcare organizations, and other healthcare providers.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with an online medical billing and coding associate degree. It’s a relatively steady field with consistent demand for skilled medical coding professionals. Online medical coding programs employ a hands-on approach to learning and students gain the necessary practical skills they need to begin their careers immediately after graduation.
Moreover, some schools offer career services to help students position themselves for high-paying roles in the industry. This includes resume and cover letter assistance, exclusive job boards, and internships.
What’s the Average Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a medical billing and coding associate degree is $32,000 per year, according to PayScale.2 The salaries for medical billing and coding associate degree graduates may vary depending on the location, position, and expertise. You can increase your online associate degree in medical billing and coding salary by gaining additional experience.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree?
Some jobs you can do with an online medical billing and coding associate degree are as a health information management supervisor, medical records and information specialist, medical billing specialist, medical assistant, and medical transcriptionist. After you graduate, you will find it is not hard to get a job with an online medical billing and coding associate degree.
Medical Billing and Coding Degree Jobs
Medical transcriptionist
Health information management supervisor
Medical records and information specialist
Medical billing specialist
Medical assistant
How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree?
You can make between $35,850 and $52,101 per year with an online medical billing and coding associate degree. The annual salary will depend on where you work, your location, and your experience. Here are some of the highest-paying online medical and coding associate degree jobs and salaries.
Highest-Paying Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Jobs | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Health information management supervisor | $117,9604 |
| Medical records specialist | $50,2505 |
| Medical billing specialist | $50,2506 |
| Medical assistants | $44,2007 |
| Medical transcriptionists | $37,5508 |
Best Jobs for Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Grads
This section contains a list of the best jobs for online medical billing and coding associate degree holders. It includes related information like the median salaries, job outlook, number of jobs, and highest-paying states. Job outlook and state data has been gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook as of October 2025.
Health Information Management Supervisor | Median Salary: $117,960
Supervising health information management professionals coordinate a team of medical record specialists to ensure good work ethics and maintain the confidentiality of patient records. They transfer patients’ health data and test results to the appropriate departments.
- Job Outlook: 23% job growth from 2024 to 20349
- Number of Jobs: 616,200
- Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, New York, Washington, Hawaii, California10
Medical Records Specialist | Median Salary: $50,250
Certified medical records specialists are responsible for organizing, managing, and coding healthcare data. They employ classification systems to code and organize patients’ medical information for storage, insurance reimbursement purposes, and treatment histories.
- Job Outlook: 7% job growth from 2024 to 203411
- Number of Jobs: 194,800
- Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Washington, Nevada10
Medical Billing Specialist | Median Salary: $50,250
Medical billers are in charge of all billing operations in a healthcare organization. They facilitate billing processes, as they medical codes and perform medical billing procedures using the most up-to-date tools and processes. They also resolve conflicts that arise from billing errors.
- Job Outlook: 7% job growth from 2024 to 203411
- Number of Jobs: 194,800
- Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Washington, Nevada10
Medical Assistant | Median Salary: $44,200
Medical assisting involves performing administrative and clinical duties in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities. These professionals take and record patients’ health information, including health measurement readings, treatment plans, and medical health history.
- Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2024 to 203412
- Number of Jobs: 811,000
- Highest-Paying States: Washington, Alaska, Oregon, District of Columbia, Minnesota10
Medical Transcriptionist | Median Salary: $37,550
Also referred to as healthcare documentation specialists, medical transcriptionists listen to audio recordings by physicians and doctors, converting them into a written format. They transcribe dictations to save medical records into an electronic health records system.
Highest-Paying States: Minnesota, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Maine, Connecticut10
Job Outlook: -5% job growth from 2024 to 203413
Number of Jobs: 43,900
Is an Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Worth It?
An online medical billing and coding associate degree can be worth it for those who want to work in the healthcare field but not be directly involved in medical services. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to work in positions such as not only those listed above, but also medical records auditor, insurance claims specialist, pharmacology medical billing professional, and more.
A reputable associate degree in a medical coding program has lower tuition costs than other degrees in the field, while providing the necessary skills and education to land entry-level jobs in healthcare. Students will also benefit from career services to help them kickstart their careers after graduation.
Additional Reading About Medical Billing and Coding
https://careerkarma.com/blog/medical-billing-and-coding-online-degree/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/medical-coding-certificate-online/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-to-become-a-medical-coder/
Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree FAQ
What certification is best for medical coding?
The best certifications for medical coding are Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Medical Coder (CMC). Medical coding associate degree graduates can also pursue more specialized certificate programs to advance their careers and earn higher salaries.
Do medical coders work from home?
Yes, medical coders can work from home. This depends on the working arrangements with the employer. Working remotely promotes a healthy work-life balance, which helps to improve your job satisfaction.
Can I become a medical coder online?
Yes, you can become a medical coder online by earning an online medical billing and coding associate degree. There is a wide range of online schooling options for people who want to become medical coders.
Sources
1https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_330.20.asp
3https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Certified_Medical_Billing%2FCoding_Specialist/Hourly_Rate
4https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-5
5https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-5
6https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-5
7https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-5
8https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-transcriptionists.htm#tab-5
9https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-6
10https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/
11https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-6
12https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-6
13https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-transcriptionists.htm#tab-6
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.

