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How to Earn Your Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Online in 2026 

If you’re considering a career in medical billing and coding, the timing has never been better. The BLS projects employment of medical records specialists to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 14,200 openings projected each year.1 

Yes, you can earn your certificate entirely online through an accredited university without ever stepping into a classroom. 

What does a medical and billing program cover? How long does it take to complete? What are the certification exam requirements? What career doors does it open? We’re answering those and more below.  

What Is a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program?

medical billing and coding certificate is an undergraduate college-level program designed to prepare you to sit for your national certification exam and enter the workforce as a qualified coder or biller. 

While curriculum varies by school, most programs cover the foundational knowledge you’ll use every day on the job. What does that include? Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathology & pharmacology, and electronic health records (EHR). 

From there, coursework expands into healthcare reimbursement and insurance, electronic recordkeeping, and the major coding systems you’ll work with professionally, like Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and International Classification of Diseases (ICD).  

Some schools, including Bryan University, stack their programs so you can pursue your Medical Billing and Coding Certificate and your Associate Degree in Health Information Management and Support Services at the same time. That means you can enter the workforce sooner while continuing toward your degree.  

How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Biller or Coder?

The timeline depends on how far you take your education and which school you choose. 

Accelerated undergraduate certificate programs can often be finished in eight to 10 months, while others can be 15 months or longer. The program type, format, enrollment ability, and externships can all vary per program.  

At Bryan University, our programs are accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); they’re also accelerated so you can finish as quickly as possible. The undergraduate certificate takes roughly 10 months online.  

Can You Earn a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Online?

Yes, and for many students, online is the better option. Why? It’s the same quality education, saves time commuting, saves money like miscellaneous campus fees, and it lets you learn on your schedule.  

Accredited online programs are held to the same academic standards as traditional colleges. You’ll be fully prepared to sit for your AHIMA certification exam and enter the workforce with the skills employers are looking for. 

No commute, no campus fees, no parking. Many online programs include books and courseware in the cost of tuition, which eliminates a significant added expense semester after semester. 

Online programs offer flexibility that traditional colleges can’t. If you’re working, raising a family, or managing other responsibilities, you can still work toward your certificate without putting your life on hold. 

You can move faster. At Bryan University, students take two courses at a time in eight-week sessions, which means the path from enrollment to graduation is as efficient as possible.  

What Is the AHIMA CCA Certification?

The AHIMA Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is a nationally recognized entry-level credential for medical coders. It’s one of several credentials offered by AHIMA. It’s described as an ideal credential for early-career professionals ready to start their journey in the healthcare industry. 

The only eligibility requirement to take the exam is that you have a high school diploma. It’s recommended to take a coding training program or have six months of coding experience before taking the exam. See the exam content outline here.  

Bryan University’s Medical Billing and Coding Undergraduate Certificate program includes preparation for the CCA exam and covers the cost of your first exam attempt. The exam cost, as of this publication, is $199 for AHIMA members and $299 for nonmembers.  

Where Do Medical Billers and Coders Work?

One of the advantages of this credential is how broadly it’s accepted across healthcare settings.  

Graduates go on to work in settings like:  

  • Physician’s offices 
  • Hospitals 
  • Urgent care clinics 
  • Surgery centers 
  • Nursing homes 
  • Rehabilitation facilities 
  • Home health agencies 
  • Public health agencies 
  • College health departments 
  • Insurance companies 
  • Health product vendors 
  • Military facilities 
  • Law offices 

Remote and work-from-home coding positions are also increasingly common, making this one of the more flexible careers available in healthcare.  

How Much Do Medical Billers and Coders Earn?

The median annual wage for medical records specialists was $50,250 in May 2024, according to the BLS.¹  

Earnings vary based on certification level, years of experience, employer type, and location.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to work in medical billing and coding?

No, a certificate program is enough to qualify for many entry-level positions and to sit for the AHIMA CCA exam. That said, an associate degree expands your career options and earning potential. Completing both at the same time, like you can at Bryan University, is the most efficient path. 

Is the AHIMA CCA exam hard?

According to the AHIMA, the 2025 CCA exam pass rate was 62%, while in 2024 it was 67% and in 2023 it was 70%.2  

The exam isn’t considered very difficult for candidates who have completed a coding training program. Preparation through an accredited program and practice with the required code books makes a significant difference in first-attempt pass rates. 

Can I work from home as a medical biller or coder?

Yes. Remote coding positions are available and have grown substantially across the industry. Hospitals, health systems, and third-party billing companies all hire remote coders regularly. 

What is the difference between medical billing and medical coding?

Medical coders translate clinical documentation into standardized codes. Medical billers use those codes to submit claims to insurance companies and process reimbursements. In many entry-level roles, especially in smaller practices, one person handles both functions which is why most training programs cover both together. 

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Records Specialists,
    at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm. ↩︎
  2. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), Certified Coding Associate (CCA®) Exam Specifications. https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certifications-overview/cca/ ↩︎

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