8 Medical Billing Degrees To Earn in 2025
Billing Brilliance: A medical billing degree equips students to efficiently manage healthcare billing processes, improving the accuracy of insurance claim management and supporting the financial health of medical practices.
Workflow Warriors: Students learn to enhance administrative workflows, ensuring smoother operations in medical settings and contributing to overall improved efficiency.
Reimbursement Rockstars: With the degree, learners focus on improving reimbursement accuracy, which is crucial for maintaining the financial stability of healthcare providers.
Financial Fitness Boost: The knowledge gained supports the financial health of medical practices, helping them navigate complex financial transactions with ease.
Claim Champions: Students are trained to handle insurance claims meticulously, reducing errors and ensuring timely and precise claim processing.
A medical billing degree equips students with the expertise to handle healthcare billing processes efficiently and ensure accurate insurance claim management. It helps learners improve administrative workflows, enhance reimbursement accuracy, and support the financial health of medical practices.
Here are some of the top medical billing degree programs that provide practical training in billing systems, coding standards, and healthcare compliance to prepare you for a successful career in the medical field.
Best Medical Billing Degree Shortlist
Here's my shortlist of the best medical billing degrees I think are helpful:
- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Medical Billing and Coding (Charter College)
- Medical Billing and Coding Career Diploma (Penn Foster)
- Medical Billing and Coding Diploma (Bryant & Stratton College)
- Medical Billing and Coding Online Diploma Program (National American University)
- Online Medical Coding & Billing Certificate Program (U.S. Career Institute)
- Medical Billing and Coding Certificate (Purdue University Global)
- Medical Billing and Coding Certificate (Rasmussen University)
- Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Programs (DeVry University)
Find more details about each course below.
What You’ll Learn from a Medical Billing Degree
After completing a medical billing degree, you can expect to have a better handling of the following fundamental topics:
- Medical terminology & anatomy: Understand terms, body systems, conditions, and procedures.
- Insurance & claims processing: Learn how to verify coverage and handle claims (Medicare, Medicaid, etc.).
- Medical coding systems: Use ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS codes accurately.
- Compliance & regulations: Study HIPAA, fraud prevention, and billing ethics.
- Billing software & EHRs: Get hands-on with billing systems and electronic health records.
Overview of the Best Medical Billing Degree
Below are my detailed summaries of the best medical billing degrees that made it onto my shortlist.
1. Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Medical Billing and Coding (Charter College)
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Medical Billing and Coding program at Charter College prepares students for careers in healthcare by teaching them to code medical records, process insurance claims, and manage reimbursements.
It provides essential knowledge and practical skills to qualify for entry-level medical billing and coding roles and employment in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking entry-level positions in healthcare billing and coding
- Topics Covered:
- Billing, coding, reimbursement, and processing of medical insurance
- Electronic Health Records
- The healthcare system
- Medical terminologies
- Legal and ethical issues in healthcare
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Duration: 15 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Charter College
2. Medical Billing and Coding Career Diploma (Penn Foster)
Penn Foster's Medical Billing and Coding Career Diploma prepares students for entry-level roles in healthcare administration. It includes exam and certification preparation materials to help graduates pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies.
- Who It’s For: Ideal for those new to healthcare
- Topics Covered:
- Medical terminology
- Coding systems
- Billing procedures
- Patient record management
- Insurance claims processing
- Electronic health records software
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes + 3 graded projects
- Duration: 10 to 14 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Price:
- Full Payment: $1,049
- Monthly Auto Pay Plan: $1,469 ($59/month)
- Monthly Mail Pay Plan: $1,569 ($59/month)
- Take The Course: Penn Foster
3. Medical Billing and Coding Diploma (Bryant & Stratton College)
The Medical Billing and Coding Diploma at Bryant & Stratton College provides a comprehensive education for those aiming to enter the healthcare field. It offers online, on-campus, and live remote classes for various learning preferences. The program allows students to transition into the college’s Associate Degree in Medical Reimbursement and Coding to further their education and career prospects.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking entry-level positions in medical billing and coding
- Topics Covered:
- ICD procedural and diagnostic Coding
- CPT and HCPCS Level II Coding
- Healthcare terminologies
- Introduction to reimbursement and coding
- Survey of anatomy and physiology
- Workplace mathematics
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Duration: Approximately 12 months
- Take The Course: Bryant & Stratton College
4. Medical Billing and Coding Online Diploma Program (National American University)
National American University's Medical Billing and Coding Diploma is a fully online program that combines core courses in medical terminology, coding systems, and healthcare law with general education subjects. Included in this program is a virtual practicum, which offers hands-on experience in a remote setting, allowing students to apply their knowledge in simulated real-world scenarios.
- Who It’s For: Ideal for individuals with attention to detail and data analysis skills
- Topics Covered:
- ICD diagnostic and procedural coding
- Insurance claim processing
- Healthcare documentation and records management
- Medical terminology and anatomy
- Legal and ethics on healthcare
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: Knowledge and skills in data analysis
- Take The Course: National American University
5. Online Medical Coding & Billing Certificate Program (U.S. Career Institute)
The Medical Coding and Billing program from U.S. Career Institute (USCI) offers training in medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems, preparing students to accurately process claims and support healthcare reimbursement. It also includes prep for certifications like CBCS and CPC-A, boosting job prospects in clinics, hospitals, and insurance companies.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking careers in medical coding and billing
- Topics Covered:
- Medical terminology and anatomy
- Medical coding systems
- Medical billing procedures
- Electronic health records and technology
- Healthcare laws, ethics, and compliance
- 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/month)
- Take The Course: U.S. Career Institute
6. Medical Billing and Coding Certificate (Purdue University Global)
Purdue University Global's Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program is approved by the AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP), ensuring a curriculum aligned with industry standards. Graduates can pursue various certifications, including CBCS, CCA, CCS, and CCS-P, to enhance their employment prospects. It has a 40-hour practicum experience so students can apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.
- Who It’s For: Individuals aiming for entry-level roles in medical billing and coding
- Topics Covered:
- ICD-10 and CPT coding systems
- Insurance claim processing
- Computerized billing systems
- Medical terminology and anatomy
- Healthcare laws, ethics, and compliance
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 12 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 15-18 hours a week
- Eligibility Requirements: High school diploma, GED certificate, or other equivalent diploma
- Price: $16,324
- Take The Course: Purdue Global
7. Medical Billing and Coding Certificate (Rasmussen University)
The Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program integrates with AHIMA virtual labs, providing students with hands-on experience using industry-standard health information software like 3M and Clintegrity. The program offers flexibility with 8 start dates per year for students balancing education with other commitments.
- Who It’s For: Individuals looking to enter the healthcare field
- Topics Covered:
- Coding systems
- Billing technology
- Healthcare ethics
- Information security
- Foundational healthcare knowledge
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Duration: As few as 9 months
- Price: $13,302 (includes tuition and fees)
- Take The Course: Rasmussen University
8. Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Programs (DeVry University)
DeVry University offers two online Medical Billing and Coding certificate programs that prepare students for entry-level healthcare roles. Each includes a free exam prep course and voucher for the CCS or CPC certification, helping students earn recognized credentials upon graduation.
- Who It’s For: Individuals aiming for careers in healthcare administration
- Topics Covered:
- ICD-10 and CPT coding systems
- Medical vocabulary, anatomy, and physiology
- Health insurance billing and reimbursement
- Electronic coding and electronic health records management
- Healthcare laws, ethics, and regulatory standards
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Duration: 10 months to 1 year and 2 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Varies depending on full- and part-time schedules
- Eligibility Requirements: At least a high school diploma, GED certificate, or equivalent
- Take The Course: DeVry University
Medical Billing Degree FAQs
Here are some questions people also ask me about getting a medical billing degree, what you can expect to learn, and what skills you need to succeed:
What job titles will I get with a medical billing degree?
A medical billing degree will open up a variety of different job titles and positions to you, including: Medical Biller, Medical Coder, Medical Billing and Coding Professionals, Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, Coding Specialist, Health Information Technicians, Billing Coordinator, Revenue Cycle Specialist, Claims Analyst, Accounts Receivable Specialist (Healthcare), Compliance Auditor (Medical Billing), Medical Claims Processor, or Clinical Coding Specialist.
Many of these job titles have the same or similar responsibilities, so be sure to read the job description fully as you apply to be prepared for job duty nuances between healthcare providers and healthcare industry roles.
How does a medical billing degree relate to the healthcare industry?
A medical billing degree is directly tied to the healthcare industry, supporting healthcare providers by ensuring accurate billing for services tied to patient care. The degree teaches students how to manage the revenue cycle, a critical process for sustaining financial health in clinics and hospitals.
Knowledge of pharmacology is often included to aid in understanding billed procedures and prescriptions. As the demand for administrative roles in healthcare increases, medical billing continues to be in demand, with promising job growth projections.
Do I need certification after earning a medical billing degree?
Yes, after earning a medical billing degree, many graduates pursue a certification exam to become a certified billing or certified coding associate. Earning credentials such as certified professional coder (CPC) demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field. Most employers look for a national certification that validates your skills and enhances job prospects in competitive environments.
Here are some medical billing programs and certifications you might consider:
- 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.
- Medical billing programs can often lead to specialized certification, without the time commitment of a degree.
What organizations support medical billing professionals?
Several key organizations support medical billing professionals. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offer education and certifications that are highly respected in the industry.
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) also provides resources and credentials for students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals with certifications from these groups often see better job placement and salary outcomes.
What should I know before enrolling in a medical billing degree program?
Before enrolling, it’s important to review the program’s admission requirements, understand how it aligns with your career goals, and explore available financial aid options.
Make sure the institution offers proper accreditation, which ensures your education meets industry standards and qualifies you for certification. Enrollment in an accredited program sets the foundation for a rewarding and structured entry into the medical billing profession.
What technical standards will I learn in a medical billing degree program?
Students in a medical billing degree program study key standards like ICD-10-CM, the coding system used to classify diagnoses and procedures. They also gain a solid understanding of HIPAA regulations, which govern patient privacy and secure data handling.
These technical skills are essential for producing accurate, compliant claims that ensure proper reimbursement for medical services.
What's Next?
To stay updated on the latest trends, best practices, and solutions related to your medical practice, subscribe to The Medical Practice newsletter.