Medical Billing & Coding Degrees

Medical Coding Degree Options

Medical coders have a wide range of education options, including diploma, certificate, associate's and bachelor's degrees. For many prospective students, the choice involves complex tradeoffs between finances (such as the need to support a family), age (high school graduate vs. mid-life career change) and future career plans.

Most coders entering the field have an associate's degree. If you are interested in management positions, you should consider earning a bachelor's degree in health information management or a related subject.

1-Year Certificate and Diploma in Medical Billing and Coding

Certificate and diploma programs generally take nine months to one year to complete. These programs are offered by career colleges and community colleges. Career college programs usually have a faster time to completion.

2-Year Associate's Degree in Medical Billing and Coding

Associate's degree programs last two years and provide other general education curriculum. Both career colleges and community colleges offer associate's degree programs. If you are planning on advancing your education later in your career, the credits you earn while in your associate's program courses will count toward earning a bachelor's or master's degree.

4-Year Bachelor's Degree in Medical Billing and Coding

At the bachelor's level, colleges and universities offer programs in health information management and health care administration which may be used to begin a career in medical coding and billing. Bachelor's degree programs take four years to complete and provide other general education curriculum. Earning a bachelor's degree will provide you with greater career options and can qualify you for management positions.