Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are the shortest option, typically taking 4-12 months. Costs range from $3,000 to $10,000. Both in-person and online options exist.

Pros of certificate programs:

• Shortest duration: You can start working and earning sooner. These programs cut straight to the core medical billing and coding coursework, so you might finish in well under a year and quickly qualify for an entry-level job​.
• Focused curriculum: The training is tightly focused on medical billing/coding skills (like learning ICD-10/CPT codes, insurance claim procedures, and healthcare regulations) without unrelated coursework. This makes the most of your study time.
• Lower cost: Certificates tend to cost less than longer programs. With a shorter timeframe and fewer credits, you'll generally pay less in tuition than you would for a two-year degree​. (Some online certificate courses can be just a few thousand dollars.)
• Flexibility: There are many online certificate programs available. A lot of them are self-paced or offer evening/weekend classes, which is great if you need to train while working or managing other responsibilities​

Cons of certificate programs:

• Less comprehensive: Because they focus only on the essentials, certificate programs omit broader coursework. You won’t dive into extra topics like general anatomy or advanced health information management beyond what’s needed for basic coding and billing tasks.
• No college degree: You will earn a certificate of completion, but not a degree. This is usually fine for getting a job as a medical biller or coder, but if you later decide to pursue higher education (like a bachelor's in health information management or move into another healthcare role), the certificate itself may not transfer as college credit​. In other words, if you wanted to get an associate or bachelor’s later, you might have to start from scratch.
• Financial aid limitations: Many short certificate programs (especially those at private career schools) might not qualify for federal financial aid. You may have to pay out of pocket or find private loans/scholarships if you choose a program that isn’t eligible for government aid​. (However, some certificate programs at community colleges do qualify for aid, so it varies.)

Here's an example of a certificate program:

MedCerts

• Length: 28 weeks self-paced, plus externship
• Cost: $4,000 total. Monthly payment options are available for those who qualify, with interest rates ranging from 0-12%. MedCerts also has financial aid options for those who qualify through: MyCAA, state workforce funding (including WIOA), and Department of Defense Credentialing Assistance or COOL funding for the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard
• Format: 100% online and self-paced
• NOT available to residents of the following states: Arkansas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin

Diploma Programs

Diploma programs last 9-12 months, putting them between certificates and associates degrees in duration and cost. They can be completed sooner than a full 2-year associate's degree program, getting you into the workforce faster while still gaining some broader education that can transfer.

Pros of diploma programs:

• Relatively quick completion: Diplomas can often be completed in under a year (usually 2–3 semesters). This means you still get into the workforce faster than going for a full associate degree​.
• Focused curriculum with some breadth: Like certificates, diploma programs teach the core coding and billing skills, but they might include a bit more coursework or support classes (for example, an introduction to healthcare IT or a professionalism seminar). This can provide a slightly broader education while still staying career-oriented.
• Financial aid eligibility: If the diploma program is offered by a community college or accredited career college, you might be able to use FAFSA/federal financial aid. This is a big advantage over non-credit certificate courses that often require self-funding​.
• Potential credit transfer: Some diploma programs grant college credits that could later be applied toward an associate degree. For instance, if you complete a 1-year diploma at a community college, you might be able to transfer some of those credits into that school's associate degree program (though not always seamlessly)​. This gives you a bit of a head start if you choose to further your education down the road.

Cons of diploma programs:

• Longer than a certificate: While still relatively short, a 9–12 month diploma is slightly longer than some certificate courses. If your goal is the absolute fastest route, a diploma might feel a few months too long compared to a 4-6 month intensive certificate (though many certificate programs are similar in length to diplomas).
• No degree granted: A diploma, like a certificate, is not a college degree. You will earn a diploma credential for completing the program, but you won’t have an associate degree. If having a degree matters to you or your employer, this is a limitation.
• Credit transfer not guaranteed: Even though diploma programs might carry college credits, not all credits may transfer smoothly into a degree program at a later time​. If you later enroll in an associate degree, you might find that you still need to retake certain general education courses or that only some of your diploma coursework counts towards the degree.

Here's an example:

Peloton College

• Program: Medical Billing and Coding Diploma
• Length: About 36 weeks (9 months long) or 740 hours
• Format: Fully online with class dates. Evening and day options available
• Costs: Financial aid available for those who qualify
• About the program: Peloton College offers a comprehensive Medical Billing and Coding program designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this growing field. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Certification or the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) Certification.

Associate Degree Programs

Associate degrees take 18-24 months and combine medical billing/coding with general education. This provides a broader education.

Pros of associate degree programs:

• Comprehensive education: You get a well-rounded education, including not just medical coding and billing classes, but also general courses in English, math, computer applications, or even business communications. These courses can build critical thinking, writing, and other soft skills that employers value​. In addition, the coding/billing courses might dive a bit deeper into anatomy, physiology, or health information management concepts than shorter programs do.
• Degree credential: Completing an associate program awards you an Associate's degree, which can carry more weight for some employers. Having a college degree might open up additional opportunities down the line, such as supervisory roles or positions in health information management that prefer a degree. It also provides a stepping stone if you ever pursue a bachelor's degree later. You could apply your associate degree credits toward a 4-year degree in a related field (like Health Information Management or Healthcare Administration) more easily than if you only had a certificate​.
• Financial aid: Since associate degrees are offered by accredited colleges, students can usually utilize federal financial aid (Pell grants, student loans) if eligible. This can make the program more accessible financially, especially if you qualify for grants or scholarships that don’t have to be repaid​.
• Career advancement: With a degree, you might have an edge for certain positions. While entry-level medical coder jobs might not require a degree, if you aim to advance into roles like medical records supervisor, coding auditor, or healthcare documentation specialist, an associate (or higher) can be beneficial. Employers may view a degree as a sign of greater expertise or commitment, and some higher-paying jobs in the health information field ask for an associate or bachelor's.

Cons of associate degree programs:

• Longer time investment: At about 2 years, an associate degree means you’ll spend significantly more time in school before entering the job market compared to a 6-12 month program​. If your goal is to start earning quickly, this longer timeline could be a drawback.
• Higher cost: More courses and more semesters mean higher overall tuition and fees. When you factor in textbooks and other expenses over two years, the total cost is typically greater than that of a certificate or diploma program​. For example, one analysis found that an associate degree in medical coding can cost anywhere from about $10,000 up to $40,000 depending on the school​. This is a big range, but even at a community college, two years of tuition will likely exceed the cost of a short-term program (though financial aid can offset this).
• Includes general education courses: Some students find it a con that they have to take classes like English Composition, College Algebra, or other electives that aren't directly about medical billing or coding. These courses, while beneficial for a well-rounded education, do not directly apply to day-to-day coding work​. If you prefer only job-focused training, the additional coursework might feel unnecessary.
• Delayed entry into workforce: Because of the longer duration, you are postponing starting your career. Those extra 12+ months in school could have been time gaining real job experience. However, it's a trade-off since you come out with a degree.

Here's an example:

Herzing University

• Program: Associate of Science in Medical Coding
• Length: Minimum 20 months long or 60 credit hours
• Format: Fully online with class dates and some self-paced material. There are class starts about once every other month
• Costs: Financial aid available for those who qualify
• About the program: The program covers a broad range of topics, including medical terminology, coding methodologies, billing and reimbursement, and ethical considerations in healthcare. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in medical coding.

Which Type of Program is Best for Getting Started?

With several training options available, you might wonder which type of program is best for you as a newcomer to medical billing and coding. The answer depends on your personal circumstances, goals, and how quickly you want to start working:

• If your top priority is to start your career quickly, a certificate or diploma program is often the best choice. These programs allow you to learn the necessary skills and join the workforce in a matter of months. Many students who want to transition into a new career fast (for example, those coming from unrelated fields or needing a job as soon as possible) choose the certificate/diploma route. You’ll gain the core competencies to get an entry-level job as a medical biller or coder, and you can always pursue more education later while working. In fact, some people start with a certificate, get a job, and then continue to take classes toward an associate degree while already employed in the field. This way, you get practical experience and income, and possibly even tuition assistance from your employer for further education.
• If you value having a college degree or think you might pursue higher education in the future, an associate degree program could be the better fit. This is also a good path if you want a more in-depth academic experience or if you are aiming eventually for roles that prefer a degree. For example, if you aspire to become a health information manager or a coding supervisor someday, having an associate (and later maybe a bachelor’s) can be important. An associate program is also suitable for those who don’t mind spending extra time in school and who may want the full college experience along with their technical training. Keep in mind that the first job you land with an associate degree might be very similar to what you’d get with a certificate. The degree’s benefits often come into play over the longer term of your career (advancement, adaptability, etc.).
• Consider a diploma as a middle ground if you want a quick program but through a college. Diploma programs can offer a balance – short duration with some ability to transfer into a degree later. This might be ideal if you’re on the fence: you want to start working soon but also want the option to easily continue your education.

Medical Billing and Coding Class Requirements

Requirements for Medical Billing and Coding professionals are generally consistent across the United States. One common question from prospective students is whether a high school diploma is required. While a high school diploma or equivalent is not strictly mandatory, most training programs do require it. All diploma and Associate's programs require a HS diploma or GED.

Additional prerequisites may include:

• Passing a background check (often required by employers)
• Passing a drug screening (often required by employers, almost never required by schools)
• Being at least 18 years old (employer requirement)
• Possessing basic computer skills
• Some programs require placement testing if no high school diploma

Learn more about the Medical Billing and Coding certification