Associate Degree
Medical Billing and Coding
Online Associate Degree Program
Associate Degree
Medical Billing and Coding
Online Associate Degree Program
Your career in billing and coding IS possible
Accreditation | Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
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Transfer credit | Up to 45 approved credits |
Certification | Become prepared for several billing and coding certifications from AAPC, AHIMA, and NHA |
QuickPaths | Discover bachelor’s degree pathways to further your allied health college education; transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University |
Overview: Medical Billing & Coding Associate Degree
The Associate of Science/Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist is a 60-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for a career in medical records as a billing and coding specialist.
The online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in key codes (including CPT, ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, HCPCS), medical terminology, the healthcare revenue cycle, pathophysiology and pharmacology, and much more.
Career-focused curriculum
Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.
Flexible schedule
You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We strive to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.
Virtual services
Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.
Lifelong support
We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.
Rolling admissions
No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.
Learn More Today!
Curriculum
Classes & curriculum details
Our degree program provides you with a solid understanding of the medical record and training in the revenue cycle, preparing you to become a qualified billing and coding specialist.
All classes are delivered online with a required internship or research project.
Program | Monthsi | Credits |
---|---|---|
Associate of Science/Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist (ASIBCS/AASIBCS) | 20 | 60 |
i. Average number of months for students to complete program
Required Courses
All courses, 34.00 semester credit hours, are required.
Required Capstone or Internship
4.00 credit hours are required.
Personal and Professional Development Courses
1.00 semester credit hours are required.
General Education Requirements
Students enrolled in this bachelor's degree must complete a minimum of 24.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines.
9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications
6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities
3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics
3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science
3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social and Behavioral Sciences
*This requirement is being met by the programmatic science course requirement, SC 144, above.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition & Cost
The cost of tuition for the Associate of Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist program is $515 per credit.
You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.
Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.
You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.
Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.
Requirements
Enrollment requirements
Enrollment prerequisites for the Herzing University Insurance Billing and Coding associate degree program include:
- Hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent
- Achieve the minimum score on one of several options for entrance testing, including the Wonderlic, ACT or SAT.
- Meet with a Herzing admissions advisor
- Fill out an enrollment application
If you have any further questions, please get in touch and we’ll fill in all the blanks.
Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District Of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.
What certifications will I be eligible for?
Graduate with an associate degree in insurance billing and coding and you’ll be prepared to take three key certification exams, among others:1
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Herzing University’s curriculum includes a course dedicated to help you prep for the exam of your choice, including didactic training and practice test materials.
Additional certification eligibility
After completing your training in a degree program, you can also become eligible for several other billing and coding certifications:i
- Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
- Certified Coding Specialist-Physician (CCS-P)
- Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)
- Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
i. Preparation for these specific certification exams is not part of our curriculum. But your training can help you qualify for certifications in areas of your choosing.
Classes Start January 6th
Waived Enrollment FeeYour career path in medical billing and coding
As a billing and coding specialist you can become a key contributor helping to manage the revenue cycle for healthcare facilities, including hospitals, physician’s offices, clinics, and more.
Graduate with a degree and show employers you’re well qualified for many different types of jobs in medical billing and coding, including (titles vary by employer):
- Medical Biller
- Medical Coder
- Medical Records Clerk
- Medical Records Technician
- Medical Billing Specialist
How can I advance my career? Medical billing and coding represents a steppingstone to many different career opportunities. You may consider degree pathways in health sciences or healthcare administration—or emphasize in the field of health information in a health information management program.
Job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to rise 9% from 2022-2032, faster than the average across all U.S. occupations.*
Position yourself well for career growth in the field of medical billing and coding. Your first step is earning the education you need to compete for the job you really want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your first step is to get educated. Enrolling in one of Herzing’s billing and coding program options will put you on track to graduate with the education you need in 10-20 months.
We are your lifelong learning partner—ready to help you take the first big step towards your new career in healthcare.
There isn’t always a firm requirement for license or certification, and there are no state requirements. Requirements will vary by employer. However, earning certification to become a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) can help you earn an edge over the competition and get the job you really want.
Herzing University offers several undergraduate healthcare degree and diploma options that you may earn online, in addition to medical coding and billing:
- Health Sciences
- Healthcare Administration - Associate, Bachelor's
- Health Information Management - Associate, Bachelor's
- Medical Office Administration - Diploma, Associate
- Medical Assisting - Diploma, Associate
Each program is positioned uniquely to build a foundation for you to pursue the type of job in healthcare you’re looking for—whether it’s directly caring for patients, focusing on day-to-day administrative tasks or leading the way in a managerial role.
With enough experience in the field, many medical billers may find jobs with the option to work from home. However, it can be difficult to find entry-level work-from-home positions. Expect to work your way towards qualifying for these competitive positions after graduating with a degree or diploma.
As a medical insurance billing specialist, you can typically expect a 40-hour work week in an office environment such as a healthcare facility or agency setting. Full-time Medical Insurance Billing Specialists may receive a comprehensive benefit package that includes health insurance, paid vacation, and a retirement savings plan such as profit-sharing or 401(k). Some employers have part-time opportunities available as well.
Medical billers are an important part of the healthcare revenue cycle management process. Medical billers work with medical coders to ensure that providers are paid appropriately for medical services rendered. Billers are responsible for:
- Sending information to the appropriate patients, insurance companies, doctors and medical facilities
- Processing insurance claims for billing and pursuing payment
- Following claims to ensure reimbursement is occurring
Yes!
The Herzing University Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist program features 100% online coursework with an optional internship or search project.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical records specialists earn an average salary of $48,310 per year ($23.23 per hour).*
Learn more details about average pay in medical billing and coding, including a state-by-state breakdown and averages for different types of certified professionals.
While software can automate certain tasks in a medical biller’s day-to-day workflow, there is still need for the human element in the medical billing process, including case-by-case decision making and interpersonal communication.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for medical records specialists is expected to increase 9% from 2022-2032.*
Program Finder
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist Degree Programs
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Accreditation
Accreditation & Disclosures
1. Certification in this program is not a state requirement.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.