Online Medical Billing and Coding Program

Prepare for your career in medical billing and coding online.1

Online Medical Billing and Coding Program

Prepare for your career in medical billing and coding online.1

Earn your diploma in 11 months or degree in 18 months — all online2

Enjoy flexible study from the comfort of your own home while earning your diploma or degree in Medical Billing and Coding.1 Ultimate Medical Academy’s online Medical Billing and Coding programs offer both diploma or an associate degree to help you get the career training needed to pursue an entry-level job in the field. Our 11-month diploma program offers a faster route toward completing your education by diving right into the core courses.2 In 18 months, you can earn an associate degree that builds on the core courses of the diploma program with additional degree requirement courses.2 If you have good organizational skills and enjoy focusing on billing details, you may be a good fit for this essential healthcare role, which involves understanding medical terminology and translating that to the proper billing codes. Start down a fast-growing career path that is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 - 2030.13

What is medical billing and coding?

Medical billing is the process of sending a bill for payment to an insurance company or other payer. Medical coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnosis procedures, medical services and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes. People in these roles typically translate treatments, diagnoses, and medical procedures into ICD-10, CPT and HCPCS coding systems.

Classes start Monday, Mar 25, 2024

Let’s talk about it.

You have questions. We have answers.

Complete this form and we’ll email you info on how to get started at UMA, financial aid if qualified, selecting a program, and more. We’ll also give you a call to ensure your questions are answered so you can decide which program is right for you.

By clicking the Request Info button, you agree to be contacted by phone, text message, or email via automated systems by Ultimate Medical Academy about your education at the email addresses and phone numbers you provided above, including any wireless number(s). You are not obligated to agree to automated contact to enroll; instead, you may call us at 888-205-2510. Note that even non-automated calls are recorded for quality assurance.

Medical Billing and Coding Program Expectations

When you enroll as an online Medical Billing and Coding student at UMA, you’ll learn medical terminology, the insurance billing process, medical diagnostic codes, and more. Flexible study helps with balancing the rest of the responsibilities in your busy life.1 Best of all, you graduate prepared for an entry-level position in medical billing or coding.

Working in Medical Billing and Coding

People working in this field are trained for entry-level employment in medical billing and coding roles that involve patient encounters, scheduling appointments, handling patient files and other medical office business procedures in physicians’ offices, hospitals, insurance companies and a variety of settings. Job titles include billing specialist, coder, medical biller and coder, medical insurance verifier, medical reviewer, records clerk, and more.

Helping You Prepare for The AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam

Our online degree and diploma programs help to prepare you to sit for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. If you meet eligibility requirements and pass this exam, you’ll get your certification which can help you stand out as an applicant. This certification is considered separate from the career training you receive at UMA and is not required to graduate. Our student support team is ready to help you focus on exam-focused material and to support you in areas where you might need extra help, at no additional cost.

Program Curriculum

UMA’s online Medical Billing and Coding associate degree program offers courses that give students the opportunity to gain industry competencies while enhancing their skill set in areas of learning. This is done with a combination of additional degree requirement courses as well as field-specific courses also offered in our diploma program. UMA also offers a Medical Billing and Coding diploma program which can typically be completed in about 11 months.2

Please see the UMA Catalog for required courses in Arkansas, Kansas, and Minnesota.

Diploma Program

Credits: 39 Approx. time to complete: 11 months2

Core Courses (39.0 Credits)

  • Diagnostic Coding for MBC 4.0 credits
  • Procedural Coding I for MBC 4.0 credits
  • Procedural Coding II for MBC 3.5 credits
  • Billing and Coding Application with Simulation 3.0 credits
  • Introduction to Computers 2.5 credits
  • Introduction to Healthcare Communication 3.0 credits
  • Medical Terminology 4.0 credits
  • Medical Law, Ethics, and Records Management 4.0 credits
  • Healthcare Settings, Claim Cycle, and Claims Processing 4.0 credits
  • Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology I 4.0 credits
  • Student Success 1.0 credits
  • Career Success 2.0 credits

Associate Degree Program

Credits: 63 Approx. time to complete: 18 months2

Core Courses (39.0 Credits)

  • Diagnostic Coding for MBC 4.0 credits
  • Procedural Coding I for MBC 4.0 credits
  • Procedural Coding II for MBC 3.5 credits
  • Billing and Coding Application with Simulation 3.0 credits
  • Introduction to Computers 2.5 credits
  • Introduction to Healthcare Communication 3.0 credits
  • Medical Terminology 4.0 credits
  • Medical Law, Ethics, and Records Management 4.0 credits
  • Healthcare Settings, Claim Cycle, and Claims Processing 4.0 credits
  • Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology I 4.0 credits
  • Student Success 1.0 credits
  • Career Success 2.0 credits

Additional Degree Requirements (9.0)

  • Computer Fundamentals
  • Interpersonal Professional Communications
  • Working with People

General Education Course (15.0 Credits)

  • English Composition
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • College Math
  • General Biology
  • Sociology

Work Environments

Professionals in this field typically work in settings like:

  • Physicians' offices
  • Hospitals
  • Medical facilities
  • Healthcare companies
  • Insurance companies

Why choose UMA?

When you pursue a degree from Ultimate Medical Academy:

  • You gain a strong foundation for pursuing your new career.
  • You have a UMA staff dedicated to your success.
  • You have a career services team committed to getting you interview ready so you can jumpstart your search for a career.
  • You receive an education that allows for flexible online studying and coursework.1

At UMA, you won’t feel like just another number. In fact, you’ll participate in classrooms with a maximum size of 25 students. Our student support teams can help you with academic support, technical assistance, job search guidance, mock interviews, financial aid if qualified, and more.

Our programs also include 24/7 tech support that helps you become comfortable with computers and in the UMA online environment. Receive guidance from your instructors and learn what it takes to pursue your career.

An associate degree can open doors to lifelong learning and set the groundwork for your newfound passion and career path. Let UMA help you change your future.

Continuing Education After UMA

Your associate degree doesn’t need to be the end of your education; UMA maintains agreements with various educational partners who share our values and our missions. Through these partnerships, alumni with an associate degree from UMA who meet a partner’s admissions requirements have an opportunity to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in select areas of study.11 Find more information on UMA’s partner schools.

What kind of financial aid options are available?

If you qualify for applicable financial aid, we’ll walk you through the process. Multiple resources may be available to help pay for the cost of your education. Our Student Finance advisors are committed to helping you understand the options you qualify for and can assist you in applying for various forms of financial aid to see if you qualify.

To learn more about financial aid possibilities, contact a Student Finance advisor at 888-212-5421.

Not sure which program to choose?

Try our fun and informational healthcare careers quiz for inspiration. Just answer a few simple personality questions and learn which program may best suit you!

In their words…

FAQs

  • How does an online program differ from on-campus?

    Online courses typically have the same recurring deadlines you would experience in a traditional classroom. For example, assignments and tests may be due on a specific day. However, other than these deadlines, you will have the flexibility to complete your work, even at 2 AM! Night owls rejoice. These deadlines enable you to stay on track with your coursework while also allowing you to schedule study time around your busy life. In addition to avoiding a daily commute to campus, taking classes online provides more flexibility to study and complete assignments around other responsibilities you may have throughout your day and night.

  • Will I learn other skills in this program besides medical billing and coding?

    Yes. UMA’s medical billing and coding program also teaches medical billing and coding concepts, diagnostic coding, medical terminology and skills that may help you become a more well-rounded candidate for employment. Additionally, students gain an understanding of healthcare settings, medical law and ethics, claims processing, records management, and more.

  • Do I have to become certified or licensed to work in medical billing and coding?

    Generally, certification isn’t required for entry-level positions, but some employers may require it. In addition, it can help you stand out as a candidate. Our degree and diploma programs help to prepare you for the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam. If you meet eligibility requirements and pass this exam, you’ll get your certification. Our student support team is ready to help you focus on exam-focused material and to support you in areas where you might need extra help.

  • What’s it like to take medical billing and coding courses online?

    Online courses at UMA are designed to include flexible study time.3 Complete your classwork in the morning, at lunch, or in the middle of the night. It’s up to you. And UMA is here to help you every step of the way with online academic support, a student-friendly online library, 24/7 tech support, and more. Visit the UMA Online page to learn more.

  • What should I look for in top schools for medical billing and coding career training?

    While UMA is not considered a "medical billing and coding school,” we offer both medical billing and coding diploma and associate degree online programs that includes robust student support services. Different people have different ideas of what to look for in schools that offer medical coding and billing programs. To us, top schools that offer medical billing and coding programs should provide personal assistance every step of the way with services like one-on-one academic support and academic assistance. At UMA, we believe that providing career assistance such as interview preparation and job search help are essential support services to offer our students.

  • What’s the best online program for medical billing and coding?

    Of course, you’re looking for the best education — for you. So, we recommend taking a look at your individual needs. If you’d like to talk, you could get the education needed to pursue an entry-level job in 18 months.2 Call us at 888-213-4473. UMA is here to listen and walk you through deciding which program is right for you. The more we understand about your unique situation, the more we can try to help.

  • How long does it take to get an associate degree in medical billing and coding?

    Although completion times do vary by individual student, you could earn your medical billing and coding associate degree in 18 months and be on your way to pursuing a career as a coding specialist.2

  • Can you get an associate degree in medical billing and coding?

    UMA’s medical billing and coding career path offers options for earning a diploma as well as an associate degree. You can find more information about UMA’s medical billing and coding diploma and associate degree programs in our catalog or on our website. Or, just call us at 888-213-4473. UMA is here to listen and walk you through deciding which program is right for you. The more we understand about your unique situation, the more we can try to help.

  • Is UMA Accredited?

    Ultimate Medical Academy is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES.org), a national accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Though UMA is not your traditional 4-year university or local community college, we offer online diplomas and degrees in 11 healthcare programs, some of which offer on-site externships and certification preparation — all intended to put you in a position to pursue a healthcare career after graduation.

  • Where can I find more info about medical billing and coding?