Who Can Apply: The Daughters of the American Revolution offers this scholarship to students who are currently enrolled in or have been recently accepted to an accredited nursing program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
Amount: $2,500
Accredited Online Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding
Compare Degrees, Coursework and Career Potential
An online associate degree in medical billing and coding provides a relatively quick, practical route into a growing field in a lucrative industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the field of medical records and health technology to grow 13% between 2016 and 2026. An associate degree in this field prepares graduates for entry-level jobs or for transfer to related bachelor’s degree programs.
Detail-oriented individuals who enjoy organizing, prioritizing, tracking, and transferring data typically excel in medical billing and coding careers and programs. The schedule flexibility of online programs also enables professionals to continue working while they prepare to advance in the current career or switch careers.
The page below outlines common career paths, curricula, admission requirements, and professional resources available to students pursuing an online medical billing and coding associate degree.
What is a Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree?
Insurance companies or healthcare providers usually employ medical billers and coders to process medical information by transferring it into codes. These professionals then convert these codes into bills or claims, send bills to insurance companies or patients, and process payments received.
An associate degree program in medical billing and coding provides practical coursework on topics such as medical code and records systems, billing processes, and medical terminology. Learners usually complete most coursework online; however, a required practicum or internship at an approved site near the student’s home gives learners a helpful introduction to medical contexts and operations.
Ideal for individuals interested in gaining a foothold in the healthcare industry, this degree qualifies graduates for entry-level positions at clinics, hospitals, doctor’s offices, insurance companies, or other medical facilities. Eventually, most graduates either obtain coding or billing jobs or advance in related positions. An associate degree can also provide an inexpensive and convenient beginning for those interested in earning a more advanced degree.
The BLS indicates that medical billers and coders made about $40,350 annually in 2018, and it projects that this field will grow 11% through 2028, over twice as fast as the national average.
Why Earn an Online Medical Billing and Coding Degree?
An online associate degree program in medical billing and coding provides graduates with numerous personal and professional benefits. For instance, degree-holders earn the necessary medical and technological expertise to prepare them for continued education or entry-level healthcare work.
Coursework on anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology provides students fundamental medical knowledge applicable to further healthcare study and practice.
By introducing coding systems and software, graduates possess a competitive edge in a rapidly technologizing industry.
Although graduates do not always obtain medical billing and coding jobs right away, many related healthcare positions (outlined further below) become available to them upon graduation.
Some credits earned in accredited medical billing and coding associate degree programs are typically transferable toward a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
An associate degree qualifies graduates for a variety of entry-level jobs, such as those described further down this page.
Career and Salary Potential with an Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding
While earning a degree does not guarantee graduates a career or a high salary, an online associate degree in medical billing and coding creates several career possibilities. Graduates who enjoy working with clients directly may enjoy general administrative support careers as medical receptionists, secretaries, or records coordinators. Conversely, those who like to work independently may prefer specialized positions as medical coders, insurance claims clerks, billing clerks, medical records technicians, and others.
-
Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship
-
Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association Career Mobility Scholarship
Who Can Apply: SThis scholarship supports nursing students who are pursuing an accredited nursing degree at any level. Applicants must be enrolled in an RN-to-BSN program and must hold a current unencumbered RN license.
Amount: $7,500 -
Hope for Healing Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Learners pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree related to mental health or psychiatric nursing can apply for this scholarship from FHE Health (formerly Florida House Experience).
Amount: $5,000 -
National Association of Hispanic Nurses Scholarships
Who Can Apply: NAHN welcomes applications from nursing students of Hispanic or Latino descent who are enrolled in an accredited nursing program at any level. The association offers scholarships for minority students, male nurses, and nurse educators.
Amount: Varies -
National Black Nurses Association Scholarships
Who Can Apply: NBNA offers several scholarship opportunities for African American nursing students. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited nursing program at any level, must have at least one year remaining in their program, and must exhibit committed involvement in the African American community.
Amount: Varies
Popular Resources
Whether you’re looking to earn your online degree or you’re a parent looking for answers, you can find all of your questions covered here. Explore these resources to help you make informed decisions and prepare for whatever is thrown your way.
See All Posts
How Does College Accreditation Work?
Find out if your online school is accredited, and learn about the importance of accreditation.
Colleges That Don’t Require the SAT or ACT
A list of test-optional schools that don't use standardized test scores for admission into their bachelor's degree programs.
How to Find a College That Doesn’t Require the GED or High School Diploma
Even if you don’t have a diploma or your GED, there are still alternatives available if you’re interested in pursuing a college education.
Advertisement
AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Shape your future with an online degree
Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.