According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical records and health information technicians are in high demand. Over the next 10 years, roughly 30,000 new positions are expected to open up in insurance companies, medical facilities, and legal offices. Getting a great education in medical billing and coding now can ensure career stability and upward mobility over the coming decades. Here’s a look at 10 of the top medical billing and coding certificate or diploma programs for individuals interested in attending school for medical assistant training.
Drexel University: Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, PA, opened its online division in 1996. The University now offers more than 100 online degree and certificate programs and has been nationally recognized as a leading online university. Drexel’s online certificate program in medical billing and coding provides students with in-depth knowledge of CPT, ICD-9- CM, ICD-10, and HCPCS medical terminology. The end of the program, students are eligible to complete certificate examinations at the American Medical Billing Association, the American Academy of Professional Coders, or the American Health Information Management Association.
Davenport University: Davenport University is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and offers several online programs for individuals interested in health care administration. Options include certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor degrees in health information management and health insurance claims. Students at Davenport take courses in reimbursement systems, health care delivery systems, and organizational behavior. Davenport has recently added an associate degree for individuals interested in health information technology.
Herzing University: Herzing University, located in Milwaukee, was founded in 1965 as a computer programming school with the goal of providing career-focused higher education. The school offers hands on experience in medical billing and coding and a well-established career development department that works one-on-one with graduates to identify employment opportunities.
Kaplan University: Kaplan University was named one of the best online programs in the 2015 issue of U.S. News and World Report. Kaplan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The school combines traditional teaching and hands-on training to help students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become professional medical assistants.
Kaiser University: Kaiser University offers an Associate of Science degree in Medical Administrative Billing and Coding. The school prides itself on preparing students to assign accurate medical codes for diagnostic procedures and other services. Students are instructed in clerical and administrative functions as they relate to insurance claims, compliance, reimbursement, and the law.
Ultimate Medical Academy: The Ultimate Medical Academy offers both diplomas and associates degrees in medical billing and coding. Diploma programs can be completed in less than a year, while associate programs require roughly 74 weeks. Ultimate Medical Academy has both brick-and-mortar campuses (located in Florida) as well as online offerings.
University of Cincinnati: The University of Cincinnati offers an Online Medical Billing and Coding certificate program through a collaboration with the UC Clermont College campus. The university’s one-year program prepares students to work in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, insurance companies, and law firms. Students learn medical terminology and are required to complete a total of 10 courses. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Allied American University: Allied American University, located in Laguna Hills, California, offers convenient online learning for parents, military personnel, and handicapped individuals. The University offers a diploma in Medical Billing and Coding and is nationally accredited by the District Education and Training Council.
U.S. Career Institute: The U.S. Career Institute is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, and provides online distance education. The school offers a unique program that allows students to take advantage of self-based training that can be studied anytime and anywhere. Students have four months to complete the self-based training, which provides outstanding flexibility for individuals with busy lives.
Penn Foster Career School: The Penn Foster Career School offers one of the most widely recognized online training programs. Located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the school offers 80 different certificates and diplomas in health sciences, education, drafting, and technology. Upon completion of the Penn Foster Career School program in Medical Billing and Coding, students are eligible to take both the American Health Information Management Association and the American Academy of Professional Coders credentialing exams.
Getting a Quality Education: All of the schools above offer top-notch education in medical billing and coding. For individuals interesting in a stable, highly rewarding career that offers competitive pay and top benefits, it is worth taking a look at these schools and completing the medical billing and coding programs they offer. The programs are convenient and offer job placement to their graduates.