Medical Billing and Coding Degrees
Medical billing specialists and coders usually have an associate degree and certification, which altogether takes two to three years. Certification brings a higher salary and is usually attained after getting on-the-job experience. If you want a management position, you may consider a bachelor’s degree in health-information management or healthcare administration.
Educational options are as follows:
- Diploma/Certificate – Generally nine months to one year. Some associate degree programs for health information technicians also offer certificates in coding. Individuals who choose to specialize in coding or cancer regist may pursue intensive 1- to 2-week training programs from schools or employers.
- Associate’s – A two-year program that also incorporates general education. Students learn how to maintain, collect and analyze patient information within (increasingly electronic) health information systems with confidentiality and security. As a result, professionals with this degree help address current and future technological development, including the growing adoption of electronic health records (EHRs).
- Bachelor’s – Programs in health-information management and healthcare administration take four years to complete. A bachelor’s degree may provide greater career options, including management positions.