Whether you’re a high school student, someone seeking to change careers, or looking to get back into the workforce after some time, a Medical Coder position might be an ideal choice. This is especially true if you like working with data and numbers while using interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others.
What Is a Medical Coder?
Medical coders, or Certified Professional Coders, update patient records with standardized data and information required for billing and data management purposes. They assign codes to each procedure performed and diagnoses given by doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and other healthcare providers. Medical Coders also identify missing information, confirm treatment and procedures with healthcare staff, and submit forms for insurance reimbursement to government agencies and insurance companies.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Medical Records Specialist jobs are expected to grow faster than average, at a rate of 7% through 2031. These positions also pay an average annual wage of $47,000, with those in the highest percentage earning over $74,000. Individuals can secure medical coding jobs with hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies, benefits administrators, behavioral health facilities, nursing homes, and more.
How Do I Become a Medical Coder?
Most employers require an associate degree or certification in medical coding for their medical coding positions. Medical coding and billing programs teach the clinical and clerical topics required to find success as a Medical Coder. They also provide you with the knowledge necessary to pass medical coding certification exams.
12 Schools to Become a Medical Coder
Here are some of the top accredited medical billing coding programs to choose from to help you achieve certification and launch or advance your medical coding career. Some are degree programs, while others are certificate programs. Only accredited schools and programs that teach you what’s required to sit for certification exams made the list. Other factors taken into consideration included affordability, flexibility, and education quality.
Please note that the tuition rates provided are estimates based on available data and will vary based on the length of time it takes you to secure the certification or degree, as well as other factors.
Average tuition (in-state): $4,946
Average tuition (out-of-state): $12,482
Program length: 2 years
Program Type: Associate of Technical Study in Coding & Medical Billing
Platform: Online & On-Campus
Average tuition (in-state): $2,400 ($100/unit)
Average tuition (out-of-state): $4,800 ($200/unit)
Program length: 1 to 2 years
Program Type: Medical Coding Technical Certificate
Platform: Online & On-Campus
Average tuition (in-state): $2,880 per year
Average tuition (out-of-state): $5,760 per year
Program length: 1 to 2 years
Program Type: Medical Coding & Electronic Health Records Associates of Applied Science
Average tuition (in-state): $1,610 ($46/unit)
Average tuition (out-of-state): $16,800 ($480/unit)
Program length: 2 years
Program Type: Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate Program
Platform: Online
Average tuition (in-state Cowley County residents): $3,705 ($57/unit)
Average tuition (in-state Cowley County residents): $4,420 ($68/unit)
Average tuition (out-of-state): $5,070+ ($78+/unit)
Program length: 2 years
Program Type: Medical Coding Associate of Applied Science
Platform: Online & On-Campus
Average tuition (in-state): $2,884 ($151.78/unit)
Average tuition (out-of-state): $10,446 ($549.80/unit)
Program length: 1 to 2 years
Program Type: Medical Coding Certificate
Platform: Online & On-Campus
Average tuition (in-state): $2,400 ($100/unit)
Average tuition (out-of-state): $4,800 ($200/unit)
Program length: 1 to 2 years
Program Type: Medical Billing Clerk Technical Certificate
Platform: Online & On-Campus
Average tuition (in-state): $5,000+
Average tuition (out-of-state): $18,800+
Program length: 1 year
Program Type: Medical Coding Certificate
Platform: Online & On-Campus
Average tuition (in-state): $22,000 for 2 years
Program length: 2 years
Program Type: Associate of Science in Medical Administrative Billing and Coding
Platform: Online & On Campus
Average tuition (in-state): $1,748 ($46/unit)
Average tuition (out-of-state): $12,578 ($331/unit)
Program length: 1 year
Program Type: Medical Coding Specialist Certificate
Platform: Online
Average tuition (in-state): $4,800+ per semester
Average tuition (out-of-state): $5,000+ per semester
Program length: 2 years
Program Type: Bachelor in Health Information Management
Platform: Online
Average tuition (in-state): $5,471 for 2 semesters
Average tuition (out-of-state): $16,164 for 2 semesters
Program length: 2 years
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Systems
Platform: Online
Medical Coding Training: You Have Options
The above schools provide you with diverse choices to secure medical coding training, so whether you want to go for a straight certification or secure an associate or bachelor’s degree, you have options. Also, many of the schools listed offer other medical coding-related degrees and certifications, so do your homework and check each one out to identify the best fit and path to align with your career goals and aspirations.