What to Expect from a Medical Billing and Coding AA Degree
A Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree prepares students for entry-level positions in healthcare administration. This program teaches the skills needed to process medical claims, manage health records, and apply standardized codes to healthcare services for billing and insurance purposes. Graduates are qualified to work in hospitals, medical offices, and insurance companies.
Curriculum Overview
Students complete 60 to 102 semester or quarter credit hours depending on the institution. Most programs are structured over 18 to 24 months. Coursework includes general education classes, healthcare-focused administrative training, and specialized coding and billing instruction.
Common Core Courses:
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Medical Law and Ethics
- Health Information Systems
- Electronic Health Records
- CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 Coding
- Medical Insurance Processing
- Billing Software and Reimbursement Methods
- Professional Success and Communication
Hands-on coding practice and simulated billing labs help students apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Some programs also prepare students for certification exams like the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from AAPC.
Program Duration and Format
Programs typically last between 60 and 75 weeks. Students can study fully online, on campus, or in hybrid formats. For example:
- Keiser University’s Medical Administrative Billing & Coding AS program lasts about 18 months.
- Purdue Global’s Medical Billing and Coding AAS is fully online and takes about two years.
- UMA’s online program requires 70–75 weeks of study and 63 credit hours.
Tuition and Cost Estimates
Costs vary by school, delivery method, and state residency. Here are examples:
- UMA: 63 credits at $371/credit = approx. $23,373
- Purdue Global: Tuition depends on transfer credits and financial aid eligibility
- Keiser University: Tuition not published online; students should request program-specific pricing
- Typical total program cost: $15,000–$25,000
Financial aid, scholarships, and military discounts are available at many institutions.
Admissions Requirements
Most programs require the following:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
- Completion of application and enrollment agreement
- Some programs require basic computer or math placement assessments
- Proof of identity and transcripts
Programs may also include orientation or success strategy courses to help students prepare for academic life.
Certifications and Career Outcomes
Many graduates pursue the CPC credential from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Although certification may not be required to graduate, it can improve job prospects.
Common job titles:
- Medical Biller
- Insurance Claims Analyst
- Medical Records Technician
- Coding Specialist
- Health Information Clerk
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for medical records and health information specialists is around $47,180 per year, with faster-than-average job growth projected.
Top Schools
As the healthcare industry continues to expand, the demand for skilled professionals in medical billing and coding is growing rapidly. These roles are critical for ensuring accurate recordkeeping, smooth insurance claim processing, and compliance with healthcare regulations.
Whether you’re looking for a fully online program, a flexible hybrid option, or in-person training with hands-on experience, there are a variety of schools offering associate degrees tailored to meet different learning needs and career goals.
Below, we spotlight some of the top programs across the U.S., each providing comprehensive education, certification opportunities, and real-world preparation to help you step confidently into this high-demand field.
| School | Program Format | Duration | Estimated Tuition | Certifications/Outcomes | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charter College | Online | 15 months | Varies by location | Prepared for entry-level billing/coding roles | New classes every 5 weeks; flexible pacing |
| Wake Technical Community College | Online | Approx. 2 years | $5,016 (in-state) | Certification exam eligibility | Focus on office technology and communication |
| Bryant & Stratton College | Online or On-campus | 16–20 months | Varies by location | CCA, CCS, CPC, CPB preparation | Aligned with AHIMA and AAPC standards |
| Northland Community & Technical College | Online | 2 years | Standard community college rates | Career-ready for various healthcare settings | Laptop-optional, flexible remote learning |
| Chattanooga State Community College | In-person (Hybrid) | 2 years | $11,979 (in-state) | CPC exam eligibility | 100% graduate employment rate |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | Fully Online | 24 months | $305/credit | Prepared for administrative healthcare roles | No application fee; DEAC-accredited |
| Northwest Technical College | Online | 2 years | Standard rates (approx. $199/credit) | Transferable to BAS in Business Admin | Integrated psychology and ethics courses |
| Southeast Technical College | Online & On-campus | Associate: 2 years | $255/credit | CPC, CIC, CCS certification eligibility | Stackable diploma and certificate options |
| Delaware County Community College | Online | 2 years | Standard community college rates | CCA, CCS, CCS-P exam eligibility | Blends synchronous and asynchronous learning |
| Craven Community College | Online with optional in-person | 2 years | Standard community college rates | Career-ready in admin and office roles | Strong emphasis on communication and ethics |
Charter College
https://chartercollege.edu/programs/health-care/medical-billing-and-coding-aas/
AL, CA, MT, NM, NV, UT, WA
Program Format and Curriculum
Charter College offers an online Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Medical Billing and Coding, designed to be completed in as little as 15 months. The program focuses on equipping students with essential skills for managing electronic health records, coding medical diagnoses and procedures, processing insurance claims, and understanding legal and ethical healthcare regulations. Students take classes in topics such as ICD, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and healthcare reimbursement.
Outcomes and Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions as medical office administrative assistants or billing and coding specialists. Charter’s flexible online format—with new classes starting every five weeks—helps students balance school with other responsibilities. The program emphasizes real-world applications through coursework that includes research, presentations, and practical coding exercises. Students leave the program ready to pursue employment in hospitals, outpatient centers, and physicians’ offices.
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
Training Focus and Learning Delivery
Wake Tech’s A.A.S. in Medical Billing and Coding is a 66-credit online program with an estimated in-state tuition of $5,016. The curriculum covers a comprehensive set of skills including medical coding and auditing, electronic health records management, office procedures, and healthcare regulations. Students also gain proficiency in office software, keyboarding, and written communication to ensure they are fully prepared for modern healthcare environments.
Career Prospects and Certifications
Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for industry-recognized certification exams and can pursue careers in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, insurance billing offices, and private medical practices. The program builds a foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and compliance, setting students up for success in high-demand healthcare administrative roles. Classes are delivered online across multiple Wake Tech campuses, providing accessibility and convenience.
Bryant & Stratton College
AAS Medical Reimbursement & Coding
NY, VA, WI
Program Overview and Flexibility
Bryant & Stratton College’s Medical Reimbursement and Coding A.A.S. program is available online or on-campus, and typically takes 16–20 months to complete. Students earn 60 credits while gaining expertise in medical terminology, coding, transcription, data processing, and the use of health information systems. The curriculum aligns with the standards of both the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Certification Prep and Job Readiness
This program prepares students for a variety of industry certifications, including CCA, CCS, CPC, and CPB, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market. Career opportunities include roles such as Medical Coder or Coding Support Specialist in clinics, insurance companies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. With flexible learning options and comprehensive support, Bryant & Stratton’s program offers a strong path into a rapidly growing segment of healthcare.
Northland Community & Technical College
https://www.northlandcollege.edu/academics/programs/medical-coding-specialist-aas/
Northwestern, MI
Comprehensive Online Training for Diverse Medical Settings
Northland’s Medical Coding Specialist A.A.S. program offers a 60-credit, fully online curriculum designed to prepare students for medical billing and coding careers across various healthcare environments such as hospitals, clinics, insurance agencies, and dental offices. Students receive instruction in patient account management, medical coding procedures, and insurance claim processing. The program is laptop-optional and delivers a flexible learning experience ideal for remote learners.
Career-Ready Outcomes and Versatile Opportunities
Graduates from Northland’s program are equipped for careers as medical secretaries, administrative assistants, and health information technicians. This degree offers a solid foundation in healthcare administration, ensuring students can handle real-world tasks in multiple medical settings. With a strong focus on job readiness, the program supports pathways into both clinical and administrative roles in the industry.
Chattanooga State Community College
https://chattanoogastate.edu/health-information-management-aas
Chattanooga, TN
Robust In-Person Program with Certification Prep
Chattanooga State’s A.A.S. in Medical Coding and Billing is a two-year, in-person program combining classroom instruction, lab work, and professional practice. With CPC (Certified Professional Coder) exam eligibility upon graduation, students are trained in documentation regulations, healthcare communication, and deadline management. Unlike many programs, this one requires on-campus attendance at least once per week and is tailored to balance students’ work-life commitments.
High Success Rates and Broad Career Pathways
Boasting a 100% employment rate for several consecutive years, Chattanooga State’s program is highly effective in launching careers in roles such as inpatient/outpatient coders, HIM data analysts, and health record technicians. Estimated in-state program costs total around $11,979, and out-of-state costs are approximately $39,699. The curriculum is aligned with employer expectations and industry standards, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to thrive in professional healthcare environments.
University of Arkansas Grantham
https://www.uagrantham.edu/online-degrees/medical-coding-and-billing/
Little Rock, AR
Flexible and Affordable Online Degree
UA Grantham’s Online A.A.S. in Medical Coding and Billing offers 60 credit hours of industry-relevant education, completed in approximately 24 months. With a cost of $305 per credit and no application fee, this fully online program is accessible and affordable. The curriculum includes HIPAA regulations, medical terminology, and billing software applications—geared toward preparing students for administrative healthcare roles.
Accredited Learning for Growing Healthcare Needs
This DEAC-accredited program prepares students for opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and nursing facilities by focusing on skills like patient data management and insurance coding. With flexible start dates and asynchronous learning, UA Grantham supports students balancing education with personal responsibilities, making it a practical choice for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Northwest Technical College
Bemidji, MN
In-Depth, Transferable Coding Curriculum
Northwest Technical College’s AAS in Medical Coding is a 60-credit program that includes instruction in anatomy, pharmacology, U.S. healthcare systems, and medical billing practices. In addition to technical training, the curriculum integrates communication, psychology, and ethical studies to develop well-rounded professionals. This program is ideal for students seeking a holistic view of healthcare coding.
Pathways to Career Advancement
Graduates can pursue positions in hospitals, government health agencies, and long-term care facilities. The degree also offers transferability to a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration through Mayville State University, opening doors for further advancement into medical office leadership roles. It’s a strong choice for those planning to grow beyond entry-level roles.
Southeast Technical College
https://www.southeasttech.edu/programs/healthcare/medical-coding-and-billing/index.php
Sioux Falls, SD
Flexible Pathways and Comprehensive Training
Southeast Technical College offers a flexible and comprehensive Medical Coding program with three educational tracks: an associate degree (61 credits), a one-year diploma (35 credits), and an 18-credit certificate. Students study at the state-of-the-art Terrence Sullivan Health Science Center and learn to apply coding for both professional and facility services. Tuition is approximately $255 per credit hour, and all program tracks are stackable, allowing students to start with a certificate and progress toward a diploma or degree. The associate program covers both inpatient and outpatient code sets, while the diploma focuses on professional services related to patient visits.
Certifications and Career Outcomes
Graduates of Southeast Tech’s program are eligible to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exams. With Sioux Falls serving as a regional healthcare hub, students have access to employment opportunities at institutions like Avera, Sanford Health, and the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System. Whether choosing to enter the workforce quickly or pursue long-term advancement, students benefit from Southeast Tech’s industry-aligned training and strong regional employer connections.
Delaware County Community College
https://catalog.dccc.edu/academic-programs/programs-study/medical-coding-billing-aas
Media, PA
Rigorous Curriculum with Online Flexibility
Delaware County Community College’s Medical Coding and Billing A.A.S. program delivers a robust 60-credit curriculum blending general education with specialized courses in coding, health information systems, and medical office management. Key subjects include CPT/ICD coding, anatomy, pharmacology, and electronic health records. The program is available 100% online, offering a flexible learning model that combines synchronous and asynchronous formats. Students must earn a minimum 2.0 GPA and “C” grades in Allied Health courses to graduate.
Industry Certifications and Workforce Readiness
Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam from AHIMA, with further opportunities to earn CCS or CCS-P certifications after field experience. The program’s emphasis on accurate coding, ethical healthcare practices, and revenue cycle management equips students to pursue roles in hospitals, physician practices, and medical claims review. This program is ideal for those seeking to transition into a high-demand healthcare administrative role with strong national credentialing potential.
Craven Community College
https://cravencc.edu/program/medical-office-administration-medical-billing-coding-aas
New Bern, NC
Administrative Focus and Flexible Learning
Craven Community College’s Medical Office Administration: Medical Billing & Coding AAS program is ideal for students interested in the administrative side of healthcare. The program prepares graduates for employment in medical offices and healthcare-related settings by building essential office and medical support skills. Students gain knowledge in medical terminology, records management, billing and insurance processes, and patient interaction. The program is designed for flexibility, with most courses available online, along with optional in-person classes for those who prefer a classroom setting. In addition to the associate degree, Craven offers related diploma and certificate pathways for further customization of educational goals.
Skill Development and Career Outcomes
Throughout the program, students learn to produce business and medical documents that meet healthcare standards, use medical-specific software, and prepare accurate outpatient documentation. Emphasis is placed on ethical conduct and strong interpersonal communication—key skills in today’s diverse medical office environments. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for positions in hospitals, dental and medical offices, insurance companies, laboratories, and other healthcare-related organizations. With broad career applicability and the convenience of online learning, Craven’s program offers an accessible and practical route into the fast-growing field of medical billing and coding.
How Long to Pay it Off?
When considering the financial commitment of pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing and Coding, it’s important to understand how long it will take to pay off your student loans. For this calculation, let’s assume an average tuition of $10,000 for the program, and an average starting salary of $40,000 per year for graduates in the field.
Using the average starting salary, we can estimate the time it would take to pay off a $10,000 loan by dedicating 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of your salary each month toward repayment.
- 5% of Salary:
- Monthly payment: $167 (5% of $3,333 monthly salary)
- Estimated loan payoff time: 5 years and 7 months
- 10% of Salary:
- Monthly payment: $333 (10% of $3,333 monthly salary)
- Estimated loan payoff time: 2 years and 11 months
- 15% of Salary:
- Monthly payment: $500 (15% of $3,333 monthly salary)
- Estimated loan payoff time: 2 years and 0 months
- 20% of Salary:
- Monthly payment: $667 (20% of $3,333 monthly salary)
- Estimated loan payoff time: 1 year and 6 months
These estimates provide a helpful framework for understanding how long it might take to pay off your student loan depending on how much of your salary you dedicate to repayments. Of course, your actual repayment timeline will depend on factors such as interest rates, any additional fees, or changes to your salary over time. However, these calculations show that with focused effort, you can pay off your student loan in a relatively short time, especially if you increase the percentage of your salary dedicated to repayment.
By budgeting strategically, you can achieve financial freedom and fully benefit from your education and career in Medical Billing and Coding.