15 Best Medical Billing Programs For Upskilling In 2025
Medical billing programs teach processing of healthcare claims, coding, and managing reimbursements, making them perfect for anyone looking to delve into the administrative side of healthcare.
The courses cover medical coding systems extensively, ensuring students become adept at navigating complex codes critical for efficient and accurate billing processes.
These programs open doors for career advancement in healthcare administration by equipping learners with essential and in-demand billing skills.
Medical billing programs are specialized educational tracks that teach students how to accurately process healthcare claims, understand medical coding systems, and navigate insurance and reimbursement procedures. These programs are ideal for individuals seeking to enter or advance in the administrative side of healthcare or those aiming to expand their skill set.
Here are some of the best medical billing programs that combine classroom instruction and hands-on experience in billing software, insurance procedures, and regulatory standards.
Best Medical Billing Program Shortlist
Here's my shortlist of the best medical billing programs I think are helpful:
- Medical Billing and Coding Program (American National University)
- Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Programs (DeVry University)
- AHIMA Medical Coding and Reimbursement (AHIMA)
- Medical Billing and Coding (University of Tennessee at Chattanooga)
- Medical Biller & Coder Certificate Program Online (Lehman College)
- Online Medical Coding & Billing Certificate Program (U.S. Career Institute)
- Medical Billing Program (College of DuPage)
- Healthcare Finance and Operations (LaGuardia Community College)
- Medical Billing and Coding (Carrington College)
- Medical Billing and Coding Professional (San Francisco State University)
- Comprehensive Medical Billing Training (American Career College)
- Medical Billing & Coding (University of Georgia)
- California Online Medical Billing & Coding Program (CalRegional)
- Medical Billing and Coding Program (California State University)
- Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program (College of Health Care Professions)
Find more details about each course below.
Overview of the Best Medical Billing Programs
Below are my detailed summaries of the best medical billing programs that made it onto my shortlist.
1. Medical Billing and Coding Program (American National University)
The Medical Billing and Coding Diploma at American National University (ANU) equips students with the skills necessary for administrative roles in the healthcare sector. It helps prepare graduates for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and billing services.
- Who It’s For: Individuals pursuing non-clinical healthcare roles like medical billing or coding
- Topics Covered:
- Medical terminology and disease processes
- Coding principles and guidelines
- Health record compliance
- Medical documentation confidentiality
- Using technology for medical billing, claims, and health records
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Price: $19,344
- Take The Course: American National University
2. Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Programs (DeVry University)
DeVry University offers two online medical billing and coding programs to accommodate varying career goals. Both programs consist of a comprehensive curriculum, focusing on flexibility, practical experience, and certification readiness, and allowing graduates to pursue roles such as coding professionals, insurance claims specialists, and coding educators.
- Who It’s For: Individuals aiming for a career in healthcare administration
- Topics Covered:
- Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical terminology
- Principles and guidelines of ICD-10-CM
- CPT coding
- Health insurance billing and reimbursement
- Health services and information systems
- Medical Billing and Coding - Health Information Coding
- 3M coding software
- Real-world case studies
- Coding practicum with virtual simulation platforms
- Pathopharmacology
- Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 10 months to 1 year and 6 months (Depends on preferred schedule)
- Eligibility Requirements: At least a high school diploma, GED certificate, or equivalent
- Take The Course: DeVry University
3. AHIMA Medical Coding and Reimbursement (AHIMA)
The Medical Coding and Reimbursement Online Courses are for students to gain knowledge and skills for a career in health information management. It consists of 13 foundational courses aligned with the educational requirements for AHIMA certifications. Students can also select specific courses to enhance their knowledge and transition into health information roles.
- Who It’s For: Newcomers to healthcare and healthcare professionals new to medical coding
- Topics Covered:
- Biomedical Sciences:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Medical Coding:
- ICD-10-CM Coding and ICD-10-PCS Coding for beginners
- Fundamentals of outpatient procedure coding
- Health Information Management
- Healthcare delivery systems
- Healthcare data content and structure
- Introduction to healthcare technology
- Medical law and ethics
- Reimbursement methodology
- Biomedical Sciences:
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Starts at $299 per individual course or as a discounted 13-course bundle
- Take The Course: AHIMA
4. Medical Billing and Coding (University of Tennessee at Chattanooga)
The Medical Billing and Coding Academy is structured to provide practical applications and real-world scenarios, preparing students for the CPC certification exam and professional practice. It contains insights from experienced professionals and comprehensive training for the AAPC CPC exam.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking administrative roles in healthcare without direct patient interaction
- Topics Covered:
- Introduction to healthcare systems and insurance
- Medical terminology and anatomy
- Coding systems and guidelines
- Claims processing and reimbursement
- Medical legal, ethics, and regulatory compliance
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 20 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 4 hours a week; Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $3,245 (includes materials, CPC exam fee, and one-year AAPC membership)
- Take The Course: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
5. Medical Biller & Coder Certificate Program Online (Lehman College)
The Medical Biller & Coder Certificate Program equips students with skills to manage patient data, insurance claims, and coding systems, preparing them for healthcare administration roles. Each course is closely aligned with the other, ensuring a thorough understanding of the topics and materials.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to start a career in health information management
- Topics Covered:
- Medical terminology for billing and coding
- Introduction to coding systems
- Advanced coding practices
- Fundamentals of medical billing processes and insurance
- Advanced billing techniques and insurance claim processing
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Eligibility Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Take The Course: Lehman College
6. Online Medical Coding & Billing Certificate Program (U.S. Career Institute)
The U.S. Career Institute (USCI) offers a fully online, self-paced Medical Coding and Billing Certificate Program for individuals preparing for industry-recognized certifications. Students have access to one-on-one career coaching and instructor support throughout the program, and graduates can pursue entry-level positions in various healthcare settings.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking a career in medical coding and billing
- Topics Covered:
- Medical terminology and anatomy
- Medical coding systems
- Health insurance and billing
- Claims processing
- Electronic health records and technology
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required: Yes
- Duration: 5 to 12 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- Full Payment: $1,599
- Monthly Payments: $1,999 ($79 per month)
- Take The Course: U.S. Career Institute
7. Medical Billing Program (College of DuPage)
The Medical Billing Certificate is a perfect option for working professionals because of its evening classes in both online and hybrid formats. Its curriculum aligns with industry standards and emphasizes practical skills and actual applications, ensuring graduates are competent to manage medical billing processes.
- Who It’s For: Individuals aiming to enter the medical billing field
- Topics Covered:
- Health plans and reimbursement basics
- Legal rules for billing and payments
- ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS coding
- Medical insurance claiming
- Handling denials, appeals, and follow-ups
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: Possible in less than a year
- Eligibility Requirements: At least a high school, GED, or equivalent
- Price: $2,604.00 (Textbooks not included)
- Take The Course: College of DuPage
8. Healthcare Finance and Operations (LaGuardia Community College)
The Healthcare Finance and Operations Training Program from LaGuardia Community College is an initiative to equip New York City residents with the skills necessary for entry-level, non-clinical healthcare settings. The program emphasizes practical training and hands-on experience, preparing participants for positions such as Billing Coordinator, Revenue Cycle Specialist, and Patient Access Coordinator.
- Who It’s For: New York City residents seeking to launch a career in non-clinical healthcare roles
- Topics Covered:
- U.S. healthcare system
- Medical billing and electronic health records
- Introduction to MS Excel and healthcare data analysis
- Healthcare accounting and revenue cycle management
- Business communication, customer service, and job readiness
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 6 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 10 to 20 hours per week
- Eligibility Requirements:
- At least 18 years old or older
- Resident of one of the five boroughs of NYC (Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, or Staten Island)
- At least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Must make $30,000 a year or less (individual income)
- Price: Free
- Take The Course: LaGuardia Community College
9. Medical Billing and Coding (Carrington College)
Carrington College's Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program combines online coursework with practical experience. It includes a 180-hour externship at an approved healthcare facility to provide students with hands-on experience. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam to enhance their employment prospects.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking entry-level positions in medical or dental offices
- Topics Covered:
- Core medical billing and coding skills
- Communicating billing and coding information
- Ethical and legal standards in healthcare billing
- Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online with an in-person externship
- Exam Required?: Yes
- Duration: As few as 9 months (Depends on preferred schedule)
- Take The Course: Carrington College
10. Medical Billing and Coding Professional (San Francisco State University)
San Francisco State University's Medical Billing and Coding Professional program provides comprehensive training to prepare students for national certification exams and entry-level healthcare positions. It consists of interactive modules, learning exercises, and a student portal with career resources, allowing them to study at their own pace.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking careers in medical billing and coding
- Topics Covered:
- Healthcare and insurance foundations
- Medical coding systems and classification standards
- Diagnostic and procedural coding practices
- Specialty and system-based coding
- Regulatory compliance and electronic standards
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: Up to 9 months
- Price: $1,799
- Take The Course: San Francisco State University
11. Comprehensive Medical Billing Training (American Career College)
The Comprehensive Medical Billing Training from ACC combines flexible online coursework with practical, in-person experience. It has a 180-hour in-person externship, providing hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare environment. Upon completion, graduates receive a diploma and access to ACC’s career services, which offer assistance with job placement, resume writing, and interview preparation.
- Who It’s For: Individuals interested in a career in medical billing
- Topics Covered:
- Medical billing procedures
- Claims processing and hospital billing
- Reimbursement and denial management
- Managed care and private health plans
- State and government health plans
- Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online with an in-person externship
- Duration: 7 months
- Eligibility Requirements:
- At least a high school diploma or equivalent
- Entrance examination passing score
- Price: $16,870
- Take The Course: American Career College
12. Medical Billing & Coding (University of Georgia)
The Medical Billing & Coding program consists of 370 hours of instruction, ensuring a thorough understanding of the medical billing and coding process. It prepares graduates for entry-level positions and equips them with knowledge and skills on efficiently processing medical claims and reimbursements.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking a career in medical billing and coding
- Topics Covered:
- Medical terminology and body systems
- Coding systems and manuals
- Legal and ethical guidelines
- Medical billing and coding foundations
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 12 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: At least a high school diploma or equivalent is recommended
- Price: $2,995 (includes a certification exam voucher)
- Take The Course: University of Georgia
13. California Online Medical Billing & Coding Program (CalRegional)
CALRegional's Billing & Coding Specialist Program offers a streamlined, fully online training pathway for individuals seeking to enter the healthcare administration field. It equips students to pursue entry-level positions in clinics, insurance companies, and remote work environments and prepares them for certification exams.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking entry-level positions in healthcare administration
- Topics Covered:
- Medical coding systems
- Healthcare insurance and claims
- Medical terminology and anatomy
- Compliance and fraud prevention
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 11 weeks
- Eligibility Requirements: None, though previous healthcare or front office experience is recommended
- Price: $1,995
- Take The Course: CALRegional
14. Medical Billing and Coding Program (California State University)
The Medical Billing and Coding Program is an 80-hour, non-credit professional training course that provides a structured learning experience delivered entirely online via Zoom. The course is led by a Certified Professional Coder who brings industry experience to the virtual classroom.
- Who It’s For: Individuals with a high school diploma or GED interested in medical billing and coding
- Topics Covered:
- Insurance billing
- Delinquent claims and appealing denied claims
- Coding systems proficiency
- ICD-10 and CPT-4 coding protocols
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Duration: 3 months
- Eligibility Requirements: At least a high school diploma or GED
- Price: $2,650
- Take The Course: California State University
15. Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program (College of Health Care Professions)
The Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program provides flexible learning options and practical experience to prepare students for entry-level healthcare positions. It offers the skills needed for a vital role in the healthcare industry. CHCP also offers career services to assist graduates with job placement, resume writing, and interview preparation.
- Who It’s For: individuals seeking a flexible, online path to enter the healthcare industry in administrative roles
- Topics Covered:
- CPT, HCPCS, and ICD coding systems
- Billing procedures
- Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
- Healthcare delivery systems
- Healthcare law, ethics, and regulations
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Duration: As few as 48 weeks
- Eligibility Requirements:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Minimum Scholastic Level Exam score of 13
- Take The Course: CHCP
Why Enroll in a Medical Billing Program?
Here’s a practical list that outlines why someone might join a medical billing program, especially if they’re considering a coding career or a role in a medical office. I’ve seen firsthand how beneficial these programs can be for anyone looking to break into the healthcare field or grow within it.
1. Build a Foundation for a Career in the Healthcare Field
Enrolling in a medical billing program is one of the most direct ways to enter the healthcare field without needing years of clinical training. Whether you're planning to become a medical assistant, billing specialist, or pursue a coding career, this is often the first step.
2. Gain Knowledge in Medical Records and HIPAA Compliance
Understanding medical records management and HIPAA regulations is critical in this line of work. These programs teach you how to manage sensitive patient information, something that’s essential for working with healthcare providers and payers.
3. Meet Industry Standards with an Accredited Program
Choosing an accredited school or course—especially one recognized by the American Health Information Management Association—ensures your training meets industry expectations. This credibility can help you qualify for national certifications like the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential.
Here are some more medical billing programs and certifications you might consider:
- Medical billing degrees are more traditional 2- or 4-year educational programs found at many universities and colleges.
- Medical billing and coding training can be useful for upskilling your talents yearly.
- Medical billing and coding courses will work in tandem with your degree, indicating which actually classes and sessions to enroll in.
- Healthcare finance courses are similar to the above, but may detail more about financial management and revenue cycles.
4. Prepare for Valuable Credentials and Certifications
Most programs help you prepare for certifications that increase your job market value. Earning a credential like CCA or completing an associate degree can open doors to better-paying roles or support future continuing education goals.
5. Flexible Enrollment Options and Financial Aid Availability
You can usually enroll in part-time or online programs, making it easier to work while you study. Many also offer financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans—something I always encourage candidates to explore when researching a degree program.
6. Learn Medical Coding Essentials
Programs train you to work alongside medical coders, if not become one yourself. You’ll study prerequisites like anatomy, physiology, and ICD-10 coding systems that are essential for accurate claim submissions and insurance reimbursements.
7. Strong Job Outlook According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady job growth in health information roles, including medical billing. These programs can help you qualify for entry-level roles and scale up as you gain experience.
8. Career Versatility in Clinical and Administrative Settings
Whether you want to work in a hospital, outpatient center, or private medical office, this training gives you the versatility to adapt. You’ll support patient care indirectly by ensuring accurate billing and smooth financial operations.
9. FAQs and Support for Career Planning
Most reputable programs offer FAQ sections and student support services that guide you through course content, exam prep, and job applications. This support is invaluable if you're new to the field or uncertain about your next steps.
If you're considering a healthcare admin path, this type of program is one of the smartest investments you can make—especially if you want a solid return in terms of stability, salary, and job satisfaction.
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