Best Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degrees Online
To find the best medical billing and coding associate degree online, we ranked our list according to the number of successful program graduates, based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics. We also interviewed two industry leaders: one who emphasized behavioral health billing and documentation integrity, and another who outlined how AI and HL7 standards are reshaping remote and hybrid coding careers.
Key Takeaways:
- Ultimate Medical Academy ranks #1 overall with 3,143 graduates of its online A.S. Medical Billing & Coding.
- Columbia Southern University ranks #8 but has the largest current online student population (another popularity metric), with over 13,000 enrolled remotely.
For a complete breakdown of our selection process, see our full methodology page.
Best Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degrees Online
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Medical Academy | 3,143 | $14,250 | $28,720 | 88% | |
| Bryant & Stratton College Online | 220 | $20,160 | $36,438 | 63% | |
| Ross College | 65 | N/A | $29,443 | N/A | |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | 63 | $9,150 | $28,874 | 60% | |
| San Joaquin Valley College | 57 | $30,175 | $31,944 | N/A | |
| Spokane Community College | 38 | $5,516 | $44,286 | N/A | |
| Laurus College | 35 | $20,000 | $23,080 | 76% | |
| Columbia Southern University | 33 | $8,100 | N/A | 79% | |
| Central Maine Community College | 25 | $5,760 | N/A | N/A | |
| Cowley County Community College | 20 | $5,700 | N/A | N/A | |
| Pennsylvania Highlands Community College | 18 | $11,070 | N/A | N/A | |
| Lake Land College | 15 | $26,583 | $36,702 | N/A | |
| Community Care College | 13 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Three Rivers Community College - MO | 12 | $4,230 | N/A | N/A | |
| Bryan University - MO | 10 | $10,800 | $29,794 | 100% |
Best Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degrees Online - Program Details
- Graduates: 3,143
- Annual Tuition: $14,250
- Median Salary: $25,535
- Recommendation: 88%
Why we like them: UMA emerges as the top-ranked institution for an online associate degree in medical billing and coding due to its high number of program graduates —3,143. UMA’s prep for the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam (along with no-charge extra support for exam areas where help is needed) and optional onsite externships give practical, career-aligned advantages.
- Graduates: 220
- Annual Tuition: $20,160
- Median Salary: $32,113
- Recommendation: 63%
Why we like them: B&SC’s certificate program has a dual accreditation-aligned curriculum, explicitly built to prepare you for both AHIMA and AAPC certification exams. Another aspect we highly value is the availability of stackable learning options: you can start with a diploma and seamlessly transfer those credits toward the associate degree.
- Graduates: 65
- Annual Tuition: N/A
- Median Salary: $26,500
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: Ross' certificate program has a dual-focus curriculum that balances clinical knowledge — such as anatomy, physiology, disease processes, and pharmacotherapy — with in-depth administrative and billing skills. We believe this multifaceted approach equips you to qualify for a broader range of entry-level positions.
- Graduates: 63
- Annual Tuition: $9,150
- Median Salary: $28,113
- Recommendation: 60%
Why we like them: UA Grantham’s medical coding and billing associate degree has a career-focused curriculum, notably its use of coding simulation software and real medical record scenarios as part of certification prep. Uniquely, its dedicated capstone exploring healthcare regulations, law, and ethics provides in-depth preparation around compliance and legal responsibility.
- Graduates: 57
- Annual Tuition: $30,175
- Median Salary: $30,344
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: SJVC's online medical billing and coding associate program can be completed in as little as 14 months (or seven months for the certificate), enabling you to launch or advance your career rapidly. Another aspect we value is the program’s dual focus on technical skills, such s EHR/EMR systems and coding proficiency, alongside professional development topics.
What Makes a Medical Billing & Coding Program Stand Out?
New Data Points to Student Trust, Scaled Support, and Career-Focused Design
For students entering the fast-evolving world of healthcare administration, online associate degrees in medical billing and coding offer a flexible on-ramp to a stable, credential-driven career. But with dozens of online associate degrees available, how can students tell which ones are worth their time?
One answer: popularity.
We analyzed the 15 most popular fully online associate degrees in medical billing and coding, based on the number of successful graduates per program. In this field, where completion equals career readiness, programs that graduate more students offer insight into what actually works in online education. It’s about a school’s ability to scale high-touch support, deliver certification-ready training, and maintain real trust with learners.
That's the list we start with, but let's dig deeper into the data we've collected, so you can make the best choice for you.
Popularity Reflects Program Strength — And Real Student Demand
At the top of our list, Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) reported over 3,100 graduates in a single year, which is more than triple the next-highest institution. That kind of scale is unusual for an allied health program. Plus, when you pair that kind of volume with a verified recommendation rate of 89%, it becomes clear that UMA isn’t just attracting learners, it’s delivering.
Kseniya (Kasy) Barnes, a 2025 UMA graduate in health and human services, said it best:
"I am so glad I signed up to take my courses for Associates for Health and Human Services with UMA. As a single and working mama I can still have my crazy family and work schedule and continue getting my degree...The instructors are so understanding. Best choice for a school I ever made!”
That kind of feedback isn’t an outlier, either. Cassandra Deanne Tyler, who graduates with two associate degrees at UMA in 2024, shared:
"Ultimate Medical Academy has been supportive all the way through my Medical Administrative degree to now my associate in Medical Sciences. Help is one call away if you need anything at all. I am so grateful for Ultimate Medical Academy. I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking to further their career."
These testimonials echo a wider trend in our analysis: programs that attract large cohorts and consistently graduate them tend to be the ones most equipped to support nontraditional learners balancing complex lives.
Certification Readiness Is the New Benchmark
Another key differentiator among top programs is whether they align with national certification standards, such as AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or AHIMA’s CCA and CCS credentials.
Bryant & Stratton College Online (#2 on our list) explicitly trains students for both AHIMA and AAPC certifications — a rare and valuable dual-track offering. Their stackable design lets students begin with a diploma and build toward an associate degree, increasing flexibility for working learners.
Meanwhile, Spokane Community College goes a step further by integrating CPC exam prep into the required curriculum, meaning graduates leave with a ready pathway to licensure.
Certification-aligned curricula show a school’s understanding of the workforce: employers want qualified, credentialed professionals. Schools that build certification directly into their programs are making a clear statement about post-graduation outcomes.
Community Colleges on Our List Quietly Dominate Salary Outcomes
Though they’re less flashy, community colleges show some of the most competitive salaries after graduation in the field of medical billing and coding at the associate level:
- Spokane CC: $34,892
- San Joaquin Valley College (a private career college): $30,344
- Lake Land College: $24,909
Meanwhile, Bryan University - MO ($28,476) also delivers high earnings, showing that schools with focused healthcare training can still offer solid career entry points. Even the University of Arkansas Grantham, with just 63 graduates, posts a median salary ($28,113) notably higher than several schools with larger class sizes.
Community and career-focused institutions may provide better wage-aligned training for students seeking faster ROI, especially when they’re integrated with local healthcare systems or coding apprenticeship pipelines.
Beyond the Code: Industry Experts Weigh in on the Real Skills Employers Need
"AI Can’t Replace What You Don’t Understand": A Physician’s Perspective
Medical Practitioner
"As a physician who's hired for many positions, I'm seeing the move toward AI-driven medical coding is creating hybrid positions for those who understand both clinical workflows and data integrity. I reject 90% of applicants not because they lack technical skills, but because they can't explain how HL7 standards prevent ICU medication errors.
Candidates who demonstrate how SQL queries directly improve patient outcomes, like identifying sepsis patterns from mixed lab/demographic datasets is critical differentiator.
Skills That Make Remote Applicants Irresistible:
-
HL7 Mastery Over Python: Candidates who articulate how HL7 FHIR APIs prevent duplicate medication orders in transplant patients immediately rise to the top.
-
Epic Certification + Telehealth Fluency: Remote candidates with Epic Willow certification earn more in our system due to their ability to navigate both EHR workflows and telehealth reimbursement rules.
-
AI Training Portfolios: For remote positions, we now expect hands-on experience with model refinement rather than just theoretical knowledge. The key is showing your process, not just results.
Actionable Advice for Students:
-
Build SQL projects using MIMIC-IV critical care data
-
Complete Epic's self-service training modules
-
Document HL7 implementation challenges in GitHub repos
-
Shadow CDI specialists during clinical rotations (even virtually)
The future belongs to professionals who stay current with new guidelines and tools as AI systems and standards evolve rapidly."
“Documentation Is a Pillar of Care”: A Behavioral Health Executive on Training Coders for Real-World Complexity
Founder & CEO, Synergy Houses
"When I founded Synergy, billing and documentation were the most overlooked pillars of treatment. With an associate degree, you can enter the field as a coder, reimbursement coordinator, or chart auditor. These are the folks who make sure our clients receive uninterrupted care, and our staff gets paid for their service.
This degree can spark a leadership path. I've seen coders go on to run entire billing departments or shift into care coordination roles.
A strong online program should train students to recognize gray areas in documentation, not just match codes to diagnoses. Look for programs that expose you to real claims, audit flags, and insurance loopholes. Programs must simulate tension, not just theory.
Online credentials are only impressive when students demonstrate engagement. I've met coders who can recite ICD codes but can't explain what a modifier does. That's a red flag. In hybrid settings, we need professionals who write clearly, update documentation in real time, and troubleshoot errors without supervision.
Students should prioritize learning behavioral health-specific software. TheraNest, AdvancedMD, and DrChrono are common in our space. Also, know how to interpret progress notes, especially in group or telehealth contexts.
A major misconception? That you'll be isolated. You'll be in contact with admissions, therapists, and insurers. You'll have to defend claims and catch errors before they affect someone's sobriety. That takes confidence and heart.
This degree can spark a leadership path. I've seen coders go on to run entire billing departments or shift into care coordination roles. If you stay curious and value process as much as outcome, the ceiling's high."
Final Takeaway
Medical billing and coding may seem technical on the surface, but behind the CPT codes and claims workflows lies a deeper truth: this field is about ensuring care continuity and financial accountability in a system that depends on both.
The best online associate programs prepare students to participate meaningfully in a complex, evolving ecosystem.
From AI-powered documentation to behavioral health reimbursement, today’s coding professionals are expected to blend precision with judgment, and technical fluency with real-time decision-making. For students who want fast entry into healthcare with long-term potential, this degree may be the quiet engine powering much of modern care.
FAQs About Online Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degrees
What Is an Online Associate in Medical Billing & Coding Degree?
An online medical billing and coding associate degree is a two-year program that helps you prepare for jobs in physicians' offices, hospitals, medical clinics, and insurance companies. The curriculum taught in this associate degree program helps familiarize you with medical insurance billing and claims procedures.
In a medical billing and coding program, you'll explore the U.S. medical coding system known as the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (), which includes the Current Procedural Terminology (). You'll also become familiar with the most current International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (), which is ICD-11. These complex systems use unique strings of numerical codes to identify specific diagnoses for insurance claims, billing, and data analysis.
It takes approximately two years for full-time students to complete the required 60 semester credit hours in an online medical billing and coding associate degree program. Coursework generally includes 15 general education, 15 elective, and 30 core program credit hours. Programs typically don't include a capstone project as part of the graduation requirements. Students should qualify for entry-level billing and coding jobs and industry credentialing exams after graduating from a medical billing and coding associate degree program.
Choosing a program at an accredited school is also imperative. Employers often require their applicants to hold degrees from accredited institutions. In addition, it can allow you to transfer credits to another program if you choose to return to school. The U.S. Department of Education can verify a school's .
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Medical Billing and Coding Degree Program?
Courses in an online medical billing and coding degree program support the curriculum that aims to prepare students with a thorough understanding of physiology, anatomy, biology, billing and coding technology, and medical terminology. This knowledge is imperative to understanding how to apply diagnosis and procedure coding to healthcare records, file insurance claims, and bill patients for services rendered by providers.
- Clinical Documentation: Integrity and Quality: Coursework covers the importance of having accurate and complete data for analysis and presentation. Topics may also include quality assurance, utilization review, risk management, reimbursement, and ethics in the healthcare industry.
- Computer Software Applications in Healthcare: Instruction explores the most commonly used software tools and applications used in healthcare data processing (including billing and coding), such as computer-assisted coding. Coursework also addresses the need for security in regard to health information.
- Healthcare Delivery Systems: This course introduces students to organizational, financial, and regulatory issues that may impact different healthcare delivery systems. Topics may include continuum of care, evolution and trends in managed healthcare, staffing, productivity, and quality improvement methods.
- Insurance Claims, Processing, and Adjudication: Discussions acquaint students with the various types of insurance programs available and the billing formats and claim forms used by each. Assignments can help develop students' skills in mastering insurance billing and adjudication and reimbursement methodologies while maintaining regulatory compliance.
What Can I Do With an Associate in Medical Billing and Coding?
An associate degree in medical billing and coding can prepare you for a career as a biller and coder in a variety of health organizations. Although job titles may vary from organization to organization, roles are similar.
are healthcare information specialists compile, process, and maintain patients' medical records and classify and code diagnoses for billing and data analysis. They play an integral role in the revenue cycle.
In smaller offices, may be responsible for coding and billing along with scheduling appointments, recording medical charts, and reporting.
While about one-third of work in hospitals, others apply their extensive knowledge of coding classification systems to patient records in physician offices and outpatient care centers. Some may work as registrars in clinics that treat specific populations, such as cancer patients, reviewing patient records and pathology reports for accuracy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary of those in this position is $50,250 and the job growth projection is 9% through 2033.
Earning additional certifications or a four-year degree may help you with career advancement. For example, an online associate degree in medical billing and coding may be only the first step on your career path toward a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or a healthcare management degree. These degrees can help prepare you for medical and health services manager roles. Furthering your education may help you obtain mid- to advanced-level billing and coding positions or other jobs within the healthcare system.
What Certifications Are Available for Medical Billing and Coding Professionals?
According to the BLS, no U.S. state requires medical billers and coders to have certification. However, many employers prefer to hire certified applicants to demonstrate competencies. Additionally, becoming certified may increase your earnings potential and opportunities for job growth. For example, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) notes that 75% of its members who hold certifications annually.
Several organizations offer medical billing and coding certification exams for credentialing. Some of the most popular are the AHIMA, the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and the National Healthcare Association (NHA).
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
- Certified Coding Specialist - Physician-Based (CCS-P)
- Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
- Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
- Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP)
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)
- Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
- Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
- Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)
- Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)
Is a Medical Billing and Coding Program Worth It?
The potential value of a medical billing and coding program will ultimately depend on your financial goals, career interests, and aptitudes.
The skills employers look for when hiring billers and coders include customer service, technical aptitude, data entry, accounting, and attention to detail, to name a few. If these skills are in your wheelhouse and you have an interest or prior experience in the medical field, billing and coding may be a worthwhile pursuit. However, there are other pros and cons to weigh when making this decision:
Benefits
- You can complete a medical billing and coding program online. This can be a convenient way to learn targeted job skills if you have a busy schedule or live far from an accredited school. You can also take your certification exam online.
- Medical billing and coding is a growing field at a critical time. As healthcare becomes increasingly reliant on digital data, more health information specialists will be needed to organize the influx of information. Additionally, as the U.S. population continues to age, people will require more medical services, resulting in additional data needing to be processed.
- Several large national employers hire medical billers and coders, according to data from Burning Glass Technologies. For example, Guidehouse, Anthem Blue Cross, UnitedHealth Group, and Humana employ a majority of billers and coders.
Drawbacks
- Coding is not as easy as it may seem. Tens of thousands of codes have been created to apply to various diagnoses and health conditions, and more are added each year. Each symptom and diagnosis is assigned a code, which are strung together to paint a clear picture of a patient's health. These coding structures often change, and it's up to you to keep your skills current beyond your initial training.
- To land a job, you may need certification and work experience in addition to education. While U.S. states do not require licensure for coders and billers, employers may only employ those who are certified, even for entry-level positions. Others may also want to see practical work experience, such as internships or externships.
- Medical billing and coding is a sedentary job, which can be unhealthy. This type of work requires sitting for long periods and typing, which can be and lead to health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. It'll take active measures to avoid these health risks, such as utilizing a standing desk or taking regular screen breaks.
Student Reviews of Online Medical Billing & Coding Programs
UMA is the best and has some of the greatest instructors and easy to follow classes. I would definely recommend anyone to look into it... They are. Always there to answer your questions no matter the question... I have had nothing but amazing positively commu ications with advisors, instructors and financial aide office... Big thank you to Kimberly in admissions she is definely the best and one of ur biggest cheerleaders...
Review Date: 4/2/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
From the first initial conversation, just learning about UMA, I was won over and excited to become a student. Once the course began and I found a way to manage my time to complete my work, a lot of my nerves calmed down. But I had encouraging, and supportive, advisors and instructors that kept me motivated, letting me know that I could do it and to never give up!!!! I never knew how interesting and exciting the medical field could be, I don't regret my decision to attend UMA and I look forward to... Read More
Review Date: 4/6/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school is amazing it helps you in every area that you fear when you go to college and they treat you like one of the team not like most school teachers do this days just to make a pay check. This school gives you all the help academically and emotionally if life stress gets to hard or overwhelming UMA is there for you no matter what I love this school!
Review Date: 3/13/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Overall I love the support that I have received from everyone at UMA the encouragement and the feeling that we are not alone in this journey. I feel like they genuinely care about you being successful. I love the online platform so easy to use and enjoy the discussions. If you need something that will work around your schedule and have the confidence to get the work done come here
Review Date: 3/14/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am glad to go To a school where you have so many people to help you when you need it. I also like that the new week
Opens on Fridays because that gives me a chance to get on my work for the week so I’m not rushing trying to get everything finished.
Review Date: 3/12/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am very happy with my choice of attending UMA. The check in on me periodically to make sure I’m doing ok and don’t need anything and the instructors are very helpful and knowledgeable. I’d recommend 10/10 for anyone looking to pursue a career in the healthcare field. The courses are easy to navigate even for first time students.
Review Date: 4/1/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I was scared to go back to school being a older adult but my experience has been great a lot of interactions with instructors and student advisors I'm glad I made the choice to go back to school. Taking classes every 5 weeks makes is a lot easier to do and accommodating to your personal life
Review Date: 4/1/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I had some family I issues and trouble with come class work and everything I called in everyone was so helpful And instrotor were so understanding. I having trouble with weather i should receive & book or not but everytine I called everyone has been so willing to help get to bottom of the issue. So I would recommend your school and to anyone wanting to get into medical field and look forward to the help I need when finish with putting me in rt direction to finding a job in my field.
Review Date: 1/22/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am currently enrolled at UMA for Medical Billing and Coding. Since I started taking the courses, I have gained knowledge of the medical field. I am still in the beginning of my courses and I am confident I will learn more. I highly recommend UMA to anyone who is considering learning in the medical field.
Review Date: 4/5/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
UMA is amazing, never seen a school like them.Everyone is so nice..Everyone there is so invested in your success, It's Great. I cannot say enough about them.They have Academic services, Learner services, ect. It's just a real good place to be a part of.
Review Date: 2/4/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I'm really glad I decided to change course and join Ultimate Medical Academy. My experience attending the school has been nothing short of AMAZING. The coursed are really fun to learn and the teachers there are magnificent. Always available when needed. All the teams at UMA provide excellent service by providing 100% of their best efforts toward each and every student. I definitely recommend others to come here and soothe UMA family ad I have done! No better place or team I'd rather be with.
Review Date: 4/16/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Since starting my courses at UMA I feel my confident in myself. Everyone that I have interacted with have been so helpful with my new journey in school the instructors and student advisors has been such a pleasure to work with I'm definitely happy that I chose UMA for my career path.
Review Date: 4/22/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I truly have a deep appreciation for UMA. The professors are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely dedicated to helping students succeed. They take the time to work with you individually, making sure you understand the material and feel supported throughout the course. My student advisor has been an invaluable resource as well,always checking in periodically to answer any questions I might have, offer guidance, or even simply acknowledge my hard work and progress. It’s clear that UMA goes beyond... Read More
Review Date: 2/4/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The instructors here and the online platform are amazing . There are plenty of tools and resources for classes and many other topics . You also get quick responses when needing a call back or response in email when there is an issue . They are also very helpful in navigating the platform if needed . All very patient and kind
Review Date: 2/4/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have found the school and everyone that I have had the opportunity to work with has been supportive, encouraging, and pleasant. I have already recommended a few friends to the school and know that once they enroll they will have the same experience that I have had so far. I look forward to continuing my education with Ultimate Medical Academy and will continue to tell everyone that it is an awesome school!
Review Date: 10/29/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am absolutely enjoying attending this school. Everyone is so thoughtful and caring. I always look forward to hearing from my advisors, which is usually around once a week. If I have any questions I never feel like I can't ask. The classroom support is amazingly helpful and understanding. I recommend this school to anyone that has ever thought of getting a medical diploma/degree 150%.
Review Date: 12/26/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I absolutely love UMA!!! My current field of study is Medical Billing and Coding. From the moment I enrolled, I felt supported, inspired, and excited to learn. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about what they teach, making complex topics easy to understand. The curriculum is well-structured and adhere to the latest industry standards, which has truly preparing me for success in my future healthcare field.
Review Date: 5/6/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Love this school. They are always looking out for you, and whatever you may need. Someone is always there when you need help. Amazing staff and instructors. Im only taking online classes, and my student advisor calls once a week to check in on me to make sure I don't need any help, and give me advice if I need it. Instructors always reaching out to let you know how good you are doing, and how you are progressing. Best academy ever!!!
Review Date: 8/20/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am currently taking up the medical billing and coding associate degree program. So far I love all the resources they have available and the fact that they gift you with your own free laptop to keep even after you’ve graduated. The communication they have with their students throughout their courses is excellent. The advisors are very helping and motivating. As well as my instructor are very open and supportive. I am really enjoying this online program and I am really looking forward to graduating... Read More
Review Date: 5/7/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I honestly think this had been one of the best experiences I ever have with being able to attend to a school fully online and being able to get the support and needs for my classes in order to be a successful student. I wouldn’t trade the school for another.
Review Date: 3/22/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes