Medical Billing and Coding Degree Guide
Contributing Writer
Managing Editor
Contributing Writer
Managing Editor
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
Medical billing and coding specialists play a critical role in modern healthcare. These professionals oversee the translation of patient charts to standardized codes and manage insurance claims, invoices, and payments. But why bother getting a degree in medical billing in coding?
Well, the job market is strong for qualified medical billing and coding specialists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 8% job growth for medical records specialists over the next 10 years, which is notably higher than the average for all jobs. With this in mind, there will be far more opportunities and potential for growth in this field.
So how do you get started? We've got you covered. In this guide, we go over whether you need a degree in medical billing and coding to break into this field. We also explain the types of classes you can expect to take and provide tips on how to maximize your earning potential.
What Is Medical Billing and Coding?
Medical billing and coding are related, but distinct, roles in healthcare.
Depending on how a healthcare provider structures their office, medical billing and medical coding may be combined into one responsibility — especially in smaller practices. Larger providers, meanwhile, often divide these responsibilities into two separate positions.
Medical coders translate medical providers' notes into standardized healthcare codes to extract billing information. Determining the procedure code to indicate what service was performed and the diagnosis code of why that service was performed is essential to ensuring the provider will be reimbursed appropriately.
Medical billers, in contrast, use these translated codes to generate healthcare claims and then submit them to insurance companies. The medical biller then follows the claim to ensure the healthcare provider receives reimbursement for the services.
Featured Online Health Services Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Can You Get a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Billing and Coding?
There are very few bachelor's programs in medical billing and coding. Most entry-level positions in this field require, at a minimum, a high school diploma or a postsecondary certificate.
Still, earning an associate degree in medical billing and coding — or a bachelor's degree in a related field like health services, health science, or health information management — can greatly benefit your medical billing and coding career.
First, by increasing your level of education, you can open doors to a larger job market. With the rapid growth of the healthcare industry, holding a degree can make you more desirable to potential employers.
Secondly, having a degree increases your opportunity for career advancement. Opportunities like becoming a health service manager who oversees the business activities of healthcare providers and having the potential to earn higher salaries.
Explore Related Bachelor's in Healthcare Programs
Medical Billing and Coding Classes: What to Expect
Medical billing and coding courses cover the natural sciences, digital healthcare, medical coding, and personal and professional development.
At a glance, here are some examples of medical billing and coding classes you may take:
-
Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology
Learn about the anatomy of the human body and its functions. -
Pathopharmacology
Understand how pharmaceutical therapies work and how they treat prescribed conditions. -
Basic Medical Terminology
Gain introductory knowledge of medical terminology and how to understand medical documentation. -
Medical Ethics, Compliance, and Patient Privacy
Examine the legal, regulatory, and ethical standards concerning patient privacy rights. -
Health Insurance and Reimbursement
Gain knowledge about healthcare payment and reimbursement systems. -
ICD Coding Application
Learn guidelines for using the International Classification of Diseases in coding diagnoses and procedures. -
Professional Skills for Healthcare
A review course of understanding medical documents, diagnosis and procedure coding, and regulatory guidelines
Earning a Medical Billing and Coding Degree Online
Online programs can be great alternatives to traditional institutions. Unlike typical standalone schools with more rigid class structures and schedules, online degrees often provide flexible options with rolling admission.
Multiple term dates can help you get a quicker start on the path of becoming a medical biller and coder.
Additionally, earning your medical billing and coding degree online may allow you to adjust your pacing and course load. Working students and parents can find this flexibility especially helpful.
Examples of popular online medical coding degree programs are Herzing University and Purdue Global. Even traditional brick-and-mortar schools like the University of Houston understand the benefits of online medical billing degree and certificate programs.
Featured Online Medical Coding Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Certifications After Your Degree in Medical Billing and Coding
Certification is a great way to establish expertise and set yourself apart in medical billing and coding.
But first, you'll need to determine which medical billing and coding certification you want to earn. Companies often seek out certified billers and coders so they can avoid worrying about on-the-job training.
Certified professionals also have more opportunities for professional growth in the medical billing and coding field.
To earn a certification, you need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Next, you'll need to prepare for your credentialing exams, which many states require.
Some students earn an associate degree in medical coding or a medical coding certificate to ensure they've already mastered the material on their certification exam and can easily pass.
The most popular medical billing and coding certifications are:
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers additional certifications in more specialized areas of medical billing and coding, such as outpatient coder, professional compliance officer, outpatient manager, and risk adjustment coder.
What Can You Do With a Certificate or Degree in Medical Billing and Coding?
You can get many jobs with a certificate or degree in medical billing and coding. With an associate or bachelor's degree, you can qualify to become a coding auditor, medical records specialist, health information technologist, registrar, or even health services manager.
As you can see in the table below, the job outlook for medical billers and coders with specialized skills is generally higher than the 8% average growth for the job as a whole. Also, having a degree in a related healthcare field can increase your career advancement potential.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2022) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $104,830 | 28% | Bachelor's degree |
| Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | $58,250 | 16% | Associate degree |
| Medical Records Specialists | $47,180 | 8% | Certificate or associate degree |
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Billing and Coding Degrees
What degree is best for medical billing and coding?
The best degree for medical billing and coding is an associate degree, specifically an associate of science (AS) in medical billing and coding. This is because AS programs in this field are far more common and readily available at colleges than bachelor's programs.
Very few schools specifically offer a bachelor's in medical billing and coding. Instead, if a four-year degree is your goal, you should consider earning a bachelor's in a related healthcare field. This way you can diversify your skill set and raise your earning potential.
Is medical billing and coding a major?
A bachelor's degree in medical billing and coding is rare. Instead, you might pursue an associate degree in medical billing and coding or a bachelor's degree in a related medical field while working toward billing and coding certification. One example of a field of study that complements medical billing and coding is health information systems.
Earning an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field provides you with more career opportunities and carves out a stronger path for future professional advancement.
Can I do medical billing and coding without a degree?
Medical coders and billers are not required at the state or federal level to have a degree in order to work. Many states do require, however, proof of minimal training in the form of a high school diploma or certificate.
Although a certificate can suffice for entry-level medical billing and coding roles, many employers are actively seeking qualified candidates who are certified in a particular area.
Is medical coding hard?
Medical coding is not typically considered hard, as long as you are detail-oriented, have strong communication skills, and have a great recall of medical terminology. The career is best suited to those who are meticulous and able to work independently.
Your primary responsibility as a medical coder is to translate provider notes into healthcare codes to help with the billing process. There are a lot of nuances to healthcare documentation, so someone who has strong critical thinking skills would thrive in this field.
Why type of medical coder makes the most money?
A certified medical coder with advanced credentials typically makes the most money in the industry.
According to a 2023 salary report by AAPC -- the largest credentialing organization for medical coders -- medical coders with core credentials earned a salary of $56,00-$64,000, while those with advanced credentials earned $72,000-$81,000.
