One of the most popular healthcare classes on Dreambound, Medical Billing and Coding is an excellent entry point into healthcare. Medical Billing and Coding classes cost on average $5945 and can range from 6-12 months long.
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
$4,075 total
$2,995 total
No cost info
No cost info
No cost info
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
No cost info
No cost info
$3,699 total
Medical Billing and Coding is one of the most popular program types on Dreambound, and for good reason. This essential role serves as the backbone of healthcare administration, bridging the gap between medical services and financial processes. Its popularity stems from several factors including job stability, the potential for career advancement, and the ability to work in a rewarding field that contributes to the overall efficacy of healthcare systems.
One other big reason why it's popular is that Medical Billing and Coding classes can be completed totally online! In this guide we'll dive into everything related to online Medical Billing and Coding classes, including what to look for in a program and what to expect.
Medical Billers and Coders play a critical role in the healthcare system. They translate medical records and procedures into standardized codes for billing and insurance purposes. This ensures smooth operations and accurate financial transactions within healthcare organizations. Some responsibilities include:
Translates Medical Procedures: Converts medical procedures, diagnoses, and equipment into standardized codes for billing purposes.
Data Entry: Enters these standardized codes into billing software or databases.
Invoice Generation and Payment Tracking: Creates and submits invoices to insurance companies or directly to patients.
Claim Verification: Verifies insurance claims to ensure they align with coding and billing standards.
Audit Support: Assists in audits by providing appropriate documentation and billing records.
Compliance Monitoring: Ensures all coding and billing activities comply with healthcare laws, regulations, and standards.
By performing these tasks, Medical Billers and Coders play an essential role in the healthcare financial ecosystem, ensuring accurate and timely transactions. Read more on our post: What is Medical Billing and Coding.
Entering the field of Medical Billing and Coding has pretty minimal requirements compared to other programs in healthcare. A Medical Billing and Coding class typically requires:
A high school diploma or equivalent
State or federal ID
MBC classes usually take several months, ranging from 6-12 months depending on the program. While some employers hire untrained individuals and then provide on-the-job training, most prefer candidates who have completed an accredited training program and obtained certification.
When considering an online class, pay attention to its curriculum, duration, and accreditation status. Choose a program that covers both billing and coding, as well as the relevant software tools used in the industry. Platforms like Dreambound can help you find classes that best match your needs.
Classes generally cost around a few thousand dollars. Schools may offer financial aid for those who qualify or payment plans where you can split the cost of class into several payments.
There are two types of online classes:
Asynchronous: Asynchronous courses can be completed on your own time. If you have a work or life schedule that isn't predictable, async classes could be best for you. However, it takes a lot more discipline as you don't have the accountability from a live instructor.
Cohort-based: Cohort-based courses are great for those who are externally motivated. The accountability from a live teacher, homework assignment deadlines, and a group of classmates who are learning at the same rate as you can make a huge difference in completion/understanding of the material.
While online classes offer convenience, they require a level of self-discipline that not everyone possesses. Be wary of scams and make sure to choose an accredited program. Remember that not participating in the class or failing to complete assignments can hamper your progress.
Online courses offer flexibility but still require discipline and commitment. You'll learn through a combination of video lectures, reading assignments, and hands-on exercises. Active participation in forums and completion of quizzes and assignments are often necessary to pass the course.
After completing your training, you will need to pass a certification exam from a recognized certifying body. Certification not only demonstrates your skills but also gives you an edge in the job market. Some popular certifying organizations are AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) and AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association).
Once you're certified, you're ready to start working! Networking, job boards, and healthcare institutions are good places to start your job search. Your school should also support with job placement.
The Medical Billing and Coding field offers various paths for career advancement. With experience, you could move into supervisory roles, become a consultant, or even start your own billing and coding service. Continuous education and networking are key to career growth.
Once you're certified, you can also further specialize by taking courses in medical auditing, compliance, or data analysis, among others. Advanced training can open doors to more specialized roles and potentially higher earnings. Some common classes after Medical Billing and Coding include Medical Assistant and Patient Care Technician.
Not sure if Medical Billing and Coding is for you? Hear from students:
"The work from home part is amazing. But it can be a stressful job since you are paid by the amount of charts you can code in an hour."
"The job can be hard to break into without certification or experience. The job is good though once you get enough experience. You are never going to be rich, but it's a good job and can get your foot in the door for other healthcare roles."
Join other students using Dreambound to find Medical Billing and Coding classes online:
"Its truly amazing! Life changing actually. Im so grateful for dreambound helping me start my career journey for medical billing and coding. Highly recommend to anyone who is looking to further their career path!!! Thank you dreambound" - Candise W., Atlanta, Georgia
"I wasnt quite sure where or how to look for my options and i found dreamboud where they introduced me to the portal of options and am looking forward to start my new career with dreamboud" - Maricela E., Los Angeles, CA
Medical Billing and Coding is a rewarding career with abundant opportunities. Online classes offer an accessible entry point into this field. Platforms like Dreambound make it easy to find the perfect vocational training program tailored to your needs. Do your research, stay committed, and the path to a fulfilling career in Medical Billing and Coding will be yours to take.
For more information on finding the best vocational training programs, visit Dreambound. Dreambound's mission is to provide all the information students need to find the perfect class in areas like allied health or industrial trades.
If you're looking for city-specific information, you can check each of our guides below. And, if you don't see your city listed, you can always search by zipcode.
Dreambound's platform allows prospective students to find the right educational program for them through searching, filtering, and connecting with our extensive selection of career & technical education partners.
Dreambound has over 70 programs across healthcare, technology, business, and industrial trades. This includes programs such as Medical Billing, Cybersecurity, and welding.
Some of our schools offer financial aid for those who qualify. Many others offer payment plans, where you can pay the cost of class over time.
Yes, Dreambound offers many online programs. On Dreambound's search, you can filter by online, in-person, and hybrid (part online, part in-person).
Dreambound is completely free for you to use! We are supported by schools and organizations who pay to advertise on our website, so we can offer all of our career resources for free.
