Why Online Medical Billing and Coding Courses Are Worth It

Medical billing and coding is the intersection of technology and healthcare. In this field, you'll use various technology systems to help with the billing and reimbursement procedures that are utilized throughout the healthcare industry. You may also manage billing and electronic health records for your employer.

The medical billing and coding field is vital in healthcare because it provides patient-facing professionals the information they need to provide quality care and help maintain organization in an industry that requires it to function effectively.

Medical billing and coding courses can provide the industry knowledge you need to break into the field or upskill for your career. The skills you’ll learn can unlock new career opportunities and provide career advancement potential, said Catina Flagg, MBA, MS-HIM, RHIA, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CPMA-I, LSSGB, a clinical faculty member at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

“Medical coding provides you with choices. You can easily work full- or part-time, and you may even be able to work out of the office,” Flagg said. “Some healthcare providers are outsourcing their medical coding and coding work, which means you may be able to work from home — once you’ve gained some experience and credentials.”

What Should You Expect From Medical Billing and Coding Courses? 

In medical billing and coding courses, you'll learn what medical billing and coding is, focusing on both the skills and knowledge required for a career in the field. But what skills, exactly, are essential for health information management professionals? In her 38 years of industry experience, Flagg has identified quite a few.

"Attention to detail is crucial, as accuracy in coding and billing ensures proper reimbursement," she said. "Effective communication and problem-solving abilities are also key, as professionals often work with healthcare providers, insurance companies and patients to resolve issues."

In addition to learning skills like these, medical billing and coding courses also cover essential areas of study. These include:

• Coding classification systems
• Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and evaluation management
• Level two of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
• Modifiers and terminologies
• The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM)

These areas of study will introduce you to the “necessary medical terminology, the cycle of healthcare claims and the medical coding system,” Flagg said.

The time it takes to complete medical billing and coding courses depends on a couple of factors, such as where and how you take the courses. At SNHU, for example, you can take courses online, which are only eight weeks long. That means you can gain medical billing and coding skills in as little as eight weeks.

What Types of Jobs Are Available in the Medical Billing and Coding Field?

The jobs available may vary based on your education level and experience. But the job requirements in this field support various education levels. So, whether you are just getting started or already have a degree, there are an array of career paths that might fit your experience and goals.

Some roles to consider:

• Health information technologists
• Medical and health service managers
• Medical records specialists
• Medical registrar personnel

The role of medical records specialist is one option if you're just getting started in the field. To be a medical records specialist, you'll typically need at least a postsecondary nondegree award, such as a certificate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median pay for the position in 2024 was $50,250, and jobs are expected to grow 9% in this field through 2033, BLS reported.*

How to Get Into Medical Billing and Coding

If you're interested in getting your medical billing and coding certificate online, you have options. There are many websites, such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), that offer exams available to those looking to get certified in medical coding, such as:

• Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
• Certified Outpatient Coding (COC)
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
• Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)

Other roles in the industry may require a degree, such as an associate degree. For example, health information technologist and medical registrar roles typically have an associate degree for entry, according to BLS. In 2024, they had a median salary of $67,310, and the field is expected to grow 16% through 2033 — much faster than average, BLS reported.*

There are also opportunities such as management positions for those with a bachelor's degree. For example, medical and health service managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree, and their median pay in 2024 was $117,960, according to BLS.* In addition, this field is expected to grow 29% through 2033 — much faster than average, BLS said.*

Before earning her bachelor's degree in health information management from SNHU, Bridget Tomlinson '23 started her healthcare career in medical billing.

As she finished her degree, she advanced into a senior medical coder role, and is ultimately interested in moving into a leadership position. She noted that having her bachelor's has helped her feel equipped with the skills she needs to do just that.

"To be able to sit in those rooms that make changes in our healthcare system — I need to be a part of the decisions that are being made," she said.

No matter your education level, there are career options available in this growing field that medical billing and coding courses can help you achieve.

Should You Take Medical Billing and Coding Courses?

Taking medical billing and coding courses allows you to explore the area of study before committing to a full degree program. Although, if the medical billing and coding field interests you, you may wonder what degree options are available. At SNHU, the medical billing and coding course is a part of the health information management (HIM) bachelor’s degree program.

What is HIM? HIM focuses on health data and regulations, clinical systems management, data collection and storage, and evaluating information system applications, among many other subjects.

If you're considering a HIM degree, then medical billing and coding courses are likely included within the program. You may also be able to transfer any credits you earn into a different program of your choosing.

So, are online medical billing and coding courses worth it? In Flagg's perspective, they are.

Whether you take medical billing and coding courses individually or as part of a degree program, you'll have the benefit of learning “(the) valuable skills and knowledge needed in the many healthcare business and administration roles,” she said.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Nicholas Patterson ’22 is a writer and alumnus of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing. He is currently honing his craft further as he pursues an MFA in Creative Writing from SNHU. Connect with him on LinkedIn.