Is medical billing and coding hard to learn?

Most people find medical coding and billing fairly easy to learn. You do need attention to detail and to understand medical technology.

How do I prepare for medical billing and coding?

You may find high school biology, human anatomy, technology, and data coursework helpful to prepare for medical billing and coding admission. Some schools may require science or technology coursework.

What computer skills and experience are required for medical billing and coding?

For medical billing and coding, you should be comfortable with technology and understand how to use standard programs, such as word processing and spreadsheets, at least at a basic level. Despite the name, medical coding does not require computer programming skills.

Is medical coding a stressful job?

Whether medical coding is stressful depends on your preferences. Medical coders often work at a computer all day. They must also be detail-oriented and have conflict resolution and time management skills.

Best Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs of 2025

Discover the best online associate in medical billing and coding programs and learn about career options, salaries, and more in this comprehensive guide.

Edited by

Updated December 18, 2024

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Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.

As the healthcare industry converts to digital records, professionals skilled in medical billing and coding are in high demand. An online associate degree in medical billing and coding is one possible pathway to this rewarding career.

This guide will explore the ins and outs of these programs, the jobs you can pursue after graduation, and how to decide whether this path is right for you.

Featured Online Programs

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Best Online Associate in Medical Billing and Coding Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This list is from 2025. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology.

Central Maine Community College

Auburn, ME2 yearCampus + Online

$2,880

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,760

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

83%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

52%

Students Enrolled

3,376

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,880

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,760

Central Maine Community College

Auburn, ME2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,880

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,760

Acceptance Rate

83%

Online Enrollment

55%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

52%

Students Enrolled

3,376

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Mt Hood Community College

Gresham, OR2 yearOnline

$4,245

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,935

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

6,012

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,245

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,935

Mt Hood Community College

Gresham, OR2 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,245

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,935

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

6,012

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Northland Community and Technical College

Thief River Falls, MN2 yearCampus + Online

$5,435

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,435

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

67%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

66%

Students Enrolled

2,495

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,435

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,435

Northland Community and Technical College

Thief River Falls, MN2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,435

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,435

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

66%

Students Enrolled

2,495

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, SD2 yearCampus + Online

$3,720

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,720

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

41%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

2,453

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,720

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$3,720

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, SD2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,720

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$3,720

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

41%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

2,453

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Everett Community College

Everett, WA2 yearCampus + Online

$4,599

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,576

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

46%

Students Enrolled

6,054

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,599

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,576

Everett Community College

Everett, WA2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,599

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,576

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

68%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

46%

Students Enrolled

6,054

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

5 Key Things Medical Billers and Coders Do

Medical billers and coders translate patient information and healthcare services into standardized codes, which are then used to generate bills to make accurate and timely reimbursements from insurance companies.

Accurate coding protects patients from incorrect billing, helps healthcare providers receive the necessary compensation to continue offering quality care, and keeps track of their medical records.

Key roles and responsibilities include:

Reviewing patient records: Reviewing patient records, including physician’s notes, lab results, and radiology reports, to gather all necessary details for coding.
Assigning accurate codes: Selecting and assigning appropriate codes from standardized coding systems like ICD (International Classification of Diseases), CPT (Current Procedural Terminology), and HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) to diagnoses, procedures, and services documented in the patient records.
Ensuring accuracy: Verifying the accuracy of the codes to avoid errors that could lead to claim denials or incorrect patient records. This step is crucial for compliance with healthcare regulations and for preventing financial and legal issues for healthcare providers.
Data entry: Entering assigned codes into medical records and billing systems so that healthcare providers receive proper reimbursement and patients’ medical records are accurate.
Supporting healthcare operations: Checking for accurate and standardized documentation for efficiency in billing, reducing administrative costs, minimizing errors and fraud, and enhancing patient care and satisfaction. They also provide reliable data for healthcare research and policy making.

Medical Billing and Coding Associate vs. Certificate: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to choosing between a medical billing and coding certificate and an associate degree, several factors come into play:

Medical Billing and Coding Salary and Job Outlook

The job outlook for medical billing and coding professionals is promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 9% growth rate from 2023 to 2033 for medical records specialists, which include medical coders.

Several factors are driving this demand, including an increasing aging population pushing the need for healthcare services, the transition from paper-based records to electronic health records (EHRs), and the ongoing complexity of healthcare regulations.

According to the BLS, the median salary for medical billers and coders was $48,780 for 2023, with the highest 10% earning $77,810 and the lowest 10% earning less than $35,080. The highest levels of employment ranged from major hospitals to smaller facilities such as outpatient care centers. Those who get a certificate may get a higher average salary of $54,000.

As of 2023, the top three paying locations were Washington, D.C. ($70,900), Washington State ($64,250), and California ($64,070). Keep in mind that areas with a higher cost of living will sometimes be reflected by a higher salary. States with the highest employment for medical billing and coding were California, Texas, and Florida.

Medical Billing and Coding Salary and Job Growth (2023)
Median Salary	Typical Entry-Level Education	On-the-Job Training	Job Outlook (2023-2033)
Yearly: $48,780 Hourly: $23.45	Postsecondary certificate	None	9%

Source: BLS

Top-Paying States for Medical Billing and Coding (2023)
State	Employment	Average Hourly Wage	Average Annual Salary
District of Columbia	270	$34.09	$70,900
Washington	4,710	$30.89	$64,250
California	20,000	$30.80	$64,070
Connecticut	1,570	$30.41	$63,250
Maryland	3,040	$30.26	$62,930

Source: BLS

Highest Levels of Employment for Medical Billing and Coding (2023)
Industry	Employment	Average Hourly Wage	Average Annual Salary
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals	47,530	$27.69	$57,600
Offices of Physicians	35,910	$22.12	$46,010
Management of Companies and Enterprises	18,930	$28.39	$59,060
Nursing Care Facilities	9,530	$22.79	$47,400
Outpatient Care Centers	7,840	$27.17	$56,510

Source: BLS

States With the Highest Employment Levels for Medical Billing and Coding (2023)
State	Employment	Average Hourly Wage	Average Annual Salary
California	20,000	$30.80	$64,070
Texas	19,870	$23.09	$48,030
Florida	16,470	$24.15	$50,230
Pennsylvania	9,120	$23.88	$49,680
New York	7,860	$29.09	$60,510

Source: BLS

What Jobs Can I Get With an Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding?

An associate degree in medical billing and coding can lead to a few different job opportunities. Here are some potential roles you could pursue, along with their average salaries:

Possible Jobs in Medical Billing and Coding
Job	Job Description	Median Annual Salary (2024)
Medical Records Coordinator	Compiles, processes, and maintains medical records of hospital and clinic patients	$46,000
Medical Records Technician	Manages and organizes patient records to verify accuracy and accessibility	$46,000
Health Information Clerk	Handles data entry tasks, monitors trends in audits and denials from payers, and analyzes clinical data	$43,000
Medical Records Analyst	Organizes, evaluates, and maintains patient medical records to check for accuracy, completeness, and compliance	$46,000
Health Information Technician	Organizes, manages, and disseminates patient health information within electronic health records (EHRs)	$62,990

Source: BLS, Glassdoor

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Yes, it may be worth it if you are interested in a career in healthcare administration and technology. An associate degree program would provide comprehensive training in key areas like coding, electronic records, and billing, which can improve job prospects in various healthcare settings and serve as a stepping stone for further advancement.