Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools: How To Choose (2025)
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Enrolling in an online medical billing and coding program can offer a relatively quick path to a rewarding health care career. Medical billers and coders, also known as medical records specialists, play a vital role in ensuring accurate patient records and proper reimbursement—essential functions that directly impact both patient care and health care facility operations.
This guide will help you select an online medical coding and billing program and highlights programs that meet your criteria. When selecting a program, consider cost, program length, and which certification (e.g., CPC or CCS) the program prepares you for.
Jump down to the program
- Affordable and accelerated online medical billing and coding programs
- Online programs offering financial aid
- PCAP-Approved online medical billing and coding programs
- Official AHIMA and AAPC online prep courses
How to Choose Online Medical Billing and Coding Schools
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Understanding what to look for in an online medical billing and coding school is essential. While there’s no single “best” program that works for everyone, there are thoughtful steps you can take to make the most informed decision.
Total Cost
When evaluating medical billing and coding online courses, look beyond the advertised tuition. Consider additional fees for textbooks, certification exam costs or optional materials. Investigate any financial aid, grants, or payment plans that may reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. In doing so, you’ll get a clearer sense of your real investment in the program.
Scholarships and Funding Options
Certain programs and states offer scholarships or tuition fee assistance for prospective students—especially those transitioning to high-demand fields. Check if your chosen school or your home state has workforce development initiatives that can offset your tuition and fees. Veterans, military spouses, and learners in specific demographic groups may also discover unique scholarship or grant opportunities.
Location
Although you’ll be taking online medical billing and coding courses, your physical location can still matter. Some universities offer in-state tuition discounts, and certain states have dedicated workforce programs paying a portion—or all—of your tuition. Make sure you confirm any regional funding or discount possibilities that could keep your costs low.
Program Length and Schedule
Program timelines can vary significantly. Some schools are entirely self-paced, meaning you can complete them in as little as four months, though they may revoke access after a set period. Others require following a fixed schedule. If speed is a priority, opt for a program you can finish swiftly while still meeting certification requirements.
Certification Exam Preparation
Not all accredited medical billing and coding schools online train you for the same credentials. Common certifications include the AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and the AHIMA’s Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). It’s wise to confirm which exam(s) a program prepares you for. Having a recognized certification can help you stand out to prospective employers—particularly if you’re looking to move into hospital coding or advance more rapidly.
Self-Guided vs. Instructor-Led
Online medical billing and coding schools often offer both self-guided and instructor-led formats. If you’re self-motivated and value flexibility, a self-paced version may be ideal. Otherwise, having an instructor can hold you accountable and provide a more structured learning environment. Before deciding, consider how you learn.
Next, let's delve into some of the top online medical billing and coding programs, categorized to help you find the one that best suits your goals and needs.
Affordable And Accelerated Programs (Programs Less than $1,000)
For those looking to start a career in medical billing and coding, these affordable programs offer quality education without straining your budget.
Wake Technical Community College: Medical Billing and Coding Program
Wake Technical Community College provides an online Medical Billing & Coding program that offers flexible, self-paced coursework ideal for working adults or those with busy schedules. The program includes foundational medical terminology, coding essentials (ICD-10 and CPT), medical billing processes, and a certification exam review for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.
Tuition ranges from $161 to $182 per course, excluding textbooks (approximately $500-700 total) and certification exam fees ($299-$399). Students can progress through the coursework at their own pace.
Pros:
- Affordable tuition
- Financial aid available through workforce development Propel program
- Comprehensive curriculum covering essential medical coding and billing practices
- Offers optional test prep course for AAPC CPC certification exam
Cons:
- Requires additional expenses for textbooks and certification exams
- Not self paced
Piedmont Community College: Medical Billing and Coding Program
Piedmont Community College offers an online Medical Billing & Coding program structured in a series of sequential courses. The curriculum begins with Medical Terminology and progresses to more advanced medical billing, coding principles (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS Level II), and a hands-on practicum. The program prepares students specifically for professional certification exams such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC).
Each course costs $180, excluding textbooks ($500-700 total) and certification exam fees (e.g., $299 for CPC exam). The courses are delivered online but have structured weekly deadlines, making them flexible yet paced.
Pros:
- Prepares students for both AHIMA's CIC exam as well as AAPC's CPC exam
- Affordable tuition relative to many other programs
Cons:
- Additional costs for textbooks and certification exams
- Not self paced
Programs Offering Financial Aid
For students seeking financial support, the following programs provide funding options such as MyCAA for military families, Workforce Funding (WIOA), and state-based initiatives like WIET in Ohio. Be sure to review regional requirements and eligibility criteria, as availability may vary by location.
When exploring financial aid opportunities, check with your chosen program to confirm if they qualify for FAFSA support, as only certain programs meet federal aid requirements.
MedCerts Medical Coding & Billing Training Online
MedCerts’s medical billing and training course is a 28-week program that covers various topics, including human anatomy, medical terminology, insurance billing and coding essentials, and medical coding. Additionally, the program is completely online, offering video-based training for added convenience.
The program accepts multiple financial aid options, including MyCAA, Workforce Funding (WIOA), and Department of Defense Credentialing Assistance (COOL) for eligible military members and spouses.
The program prepares students for the MCBC, CPC or CCS-P certification exams and will cover the costs. After completing the program, graduates can access career coaches and MedCerts’s career center for a year.
Course Length: 28 weeks
Cost: Approximately $4,000
Pros
- Covers exam fees
- Accepts multiple types of funding, including MyCAA
Cons
- Not available in all states (Louisiana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin)
- Longer completion timeframe (about seven months)
Penn Foster: Medical Billing and Coding
Penn Foster’s medical billing and coding diploma program is self-paced for those hoping to earn a medical coding and billing certificate. On average, students finish the program in 14 months. The course consists of 37 exams and covers allied health, medical terminology, pathology, pharmacology, electronic medical records, medical billing, health insurance, medical coding, and exam review.
Students taking the program will prepare for the Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The tuition covers the CBCS exam fee ($125). Penn Foster also claims the program prepares students for the AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. However, they will not cover the cost of the CPC exam or any prep materials.
Cost: $1,569 (discounts available for paying in full or monthly autopay)
Course Length: As little as ten months
Pros
- Includes the cost of the certification exam is included in the program
- Active-duty military and spouses are eligible for funding
Cons
- No additional guidance from professionals
- CBCS certification is not as widely accepted as the CPC or CCS certifications
University of Cincinnati: Medical Coder
The University of Cincinnati's Online Medical Coder Program helps prepare students for a medical coding and billing career. The curriculum prepares students for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exams. Program participants are eligible for either full or partial reimbursement of their exam fees. Since an accredited university offers he program, they qualify for financial aid.
The course is offered six times a year in either seven or 14-week-long formats. Students will cover topics such as medical coding, pharmacology and physiology during the course. Students can easily transfer credits earned in the medical coder program to other University of Cincinnati programs, such as their associate’s in Health Information Systems.
Cost:
- $11,436 (full-time, non-resident)
- $10,896 (full-time, Ohio resident)
Course Length: The course is offered in seven-week and 14-week formats
Pros
- Faster to complete than similar programs
- Students who complete the program can transfer their credits to an Associate’s degree
- Ohio residents can receive funding through WIET
Cons
- Higher cost compared to other programs
- No self-paced learning
Accredited Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs: AHIMA PCAP-Approved Programs
Programs approved by AHIMA’s Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP) meet recognized standards for quality and rigor in medical coding education. PCAP-approved programs qualify graduates to take AHIMA certification exams, including the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).
Purdue University Global: Medical Billing and Coding Certificate
Purdue University Global’s online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program prepares students for careers in medical coding and reimbursement, with a curriculum aligned to AHIMA standards. The program consists of 10 major courses totaling 44 quarter credit hours, covering medical terminology, coding principles (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS), medical billing, and practical experience through a practicum course.
The tuition is approximately $16,324 ($371 per credit), with additional costs for textbooks and certification exams. The program prepares students for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), and other certifications, offering an on-campus exam during the final term.
Pros:
- AHIMA-approved curriculum
- Opportunity for certification upon graduation
- Structured yet flexible online coursework
Cons:
- Higher tuition compared to similar programs
- Additional costs for textbooks and certification exams
Connecticut State Community College Medical Billing and Coding
Connecticut State Community College offers a Professional Medical Billing and Coding program designed to prepare students for national certification as a Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A). The program consists of five intensive courses totaling 197.5 hours, with an optional 120 hours available for additional training. Courses are available in on-ground, hybrid, and online formats across multiple campuses, including Asnuntuck, Gateway, Housatonic, Middlesex, Naugatuck Valley, Norwalk, and Three Rivers.
The total cost for required courses is $3,494, with optional courses adding up to $1,550, bringing the potential total to $5,044. Please note that exams and textbooks are not included in these prices.
Admission Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- GED or high school diploma
- Preparedness for intensive coursework and effective time management
Pros:
- Flexible Learning Options: Courses are offered in various formats to accommodate different schedules.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program covers essential topics to prepare for CPC-A certification
- Multiple Campus Locations: Available at several campuses across Connecticut.
Cons:
- Additional Costs: Expenses for textbooks and certification exams are not included in tuition.
- Intensive Coursework: Requires significant time commitment and self-discipline.
For more information or to enroll, visit Connecticut State Community College's Professional Medical Billing and Coding program page.
Official AHIMA and AAPC Programs
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
In addition to administering the Certified Professional Coding (CPC) and Certified Professional Billing (CPB) exams, the AAPC also offers courses to help prepare for the exam. If you want to break into the industry, getting a CPC or CPB certificate is one of the most widely accepted certifications. CPC is more important. The options can be confusing, so here they are in table form.
*Cost as of February 18, 2025
AAPC offers multiple ways to prepare for the exam. You can prepare for the CPC and CPB exams at once or split them up. Depending on your schedule and learning style, you can also decide whether or not you want to take the self-paced or instructor-led version. The CPC prep course provides a comprehensive understanding of health insurance, legal and regulatory issues, and reimbursement methodologies. It includes instruction using three major coding manuals: CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II. The course offers hands-on practice with real-world, redacted medical records and prepares students to handle medical billing for physician’s offices, clinics, insurance carriers, and other health care facilities. Students will be ready to take the AAPC’s CPB certification exam upon completion.:
The CPB course, on the other hand, teaches you about health insurance, legal rules, and different ways to get paid for health care services. You will learn to use three essential coding books: CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II. The course gives you practice with actual medical records and gets you ready for the AAPC’s CPB certification exam. By the end, you will understand different health insurance types, the legal side of health care payments, how to process insurance claims, use coding books, and follow up on claims.
Deciding which one to take can be the hardest part. Bundling will save you money, but depending on your schedule or career goals, you may only need or want to prepare for one of the two exams.
Pros
- 80% pass rate for students who take the AAPC’s prep course, which is higher than the national average
- Ability to choose your learning style and content focus
Cons
- The cost of the certification exams ($499 each) is not included
- Not for complete beginners. The AAPC recommends those without any health care experience to take Fundamentals of Medicine, a 12-week course that costs $2,622.90
- The AAPC is not a traditional school or university, so it cannot offer federal financial aid
American Health Information Management Association: Medical Coding and Reimbursement Online Course Bundle
The Medical Coding and Reimbursement Online Course Bundle is designed to help you start a career in health information management, focusing on medical coding and reimbursement. This course prepares you for AHIMA certification and offers academic credits and continuing education units. You will learn essential topics like anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, health information management, health care delivery systems, and medical coding basics such as ICD-10 and CPT. Additionally, the course covers reimbursement methods, medical law, and ethics and provides career preparation.
Completing the course gives you a certificate from AHIMA, which can help you stand out to employers and access career resources. The course includes hands-on practice and offers cost savings through academic credits and potential discounts. The bundle covers 13 courses and provides one year of access. While textbooks may be required, previous purchasers of Coding Basics courses can obtain the certificate without repurchasing.
Cost: The entire bundle is $2993.25; however, you can choose a single course, which costs around $299.
Course Length: Self-paced course which lasts 365 days from the date of purchase.
Program Structure: It consists of a 13-course program, and you receive a certificate of completion upon completion.
Pros
- Education to meet the CCA or CCS exam's recommendations or requirements
- Transferable to partner institutions
Cons
- It costs an extra $299 to take each certification exam
- Only video course
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I teach myself medical billing and coding?
Neither the CPC nor CCS certification exams require takers to take instructor-led courses. However, medical billing and coding can be complex, so it could be easier to pass the exam with some preparation. Whether purchasing the examination materials or taking a full-fledged course depends on your study habits, budget and schedule.
How long does it take to become a medical coder?
The time it takes to learn coding or billing depends on your program and your schedule. The programs we surveyed took between four months and 14 months. Many of the surveyed programs were self-paced, meaning the completion time will depend on the participant’s schedule.
Are there accredited medical billing and coding schools online?
Yes. Many schools—such as the University of Cincinnati and certain AHIMA-endorsed programs—carry recognized accreditation. Before enrolling, confirm the institution’s accrediting body to gauge how employers will view your credential.
Which certification is recognized most by employers?
The CPC from AAPC and CCS from AHIMA are the most widely recognized coding credentials. For specific career paths:
- Outpatient settings: AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is the standard for physician offices and clinics.
- Inpatient settings: AHIMA's Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) is preferred for hospital positions.
Your certification choice should match your target work environment. Employers typically list required certifications in job postings.
Learn more about medical billing and coding certifications
Can I work from home after completing training?
Many employers allow qualified coders and billers to work remotely. According to a survey by the AAPC, the majority of medical records specialists work remotely—65.7% are fully remote, while 14.1% are hybrid remote.
How much do medical billers and coders earn?
The median annual salary for medical records specialists, which includes medical billers and coders, is $48,780, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). An AAPC salary survey found medical billers and coders earned $66,979 per year if certified.
Explore medical billing and coding salaries by location and certification