Medical Billing and Coding Certificate vs. Diploma vs. Degree

Key Insights:

• If you want to work as a medical biller and coder, a certificate, diploma, or degree program can provide the skills required. Each one can help prepare you for this healthcare role, but they also vary in terms of length, prerequisites, cost, and more.
• Deciding whether to pursue a medical billing and coding certificate, diploma, or degree is a personal choice. Consider your situation and career goals to help you select the right one for you.
• If you are interested in online medical billing and coding training and would like to earn your associate degree, Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) would love to help. In addition to gaining an education, our learners also receive academic support and career guidance, even after graduation.

A medical biller and coder helps healthcare providers get reimbursed for products and services. They do this by translating patient health information (like diagnoses and treatments) into universally-recognized codes. These codes are then used to determine insurance companies and other payers' portions of the bill. Medical billing and coding professionals also help support medical record accuracy.

If this healthcare role sounds appealing to you, you have a few education options. You can earn a medical billing and coding certificate, a medical billing and coding diploma, or a medical billing and coding associate degree. What’s the difference? Let’s begin by first explaining what each one is.

What Is a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program?

A medical billing and coding certificate program can teach you about topics such as medical terminology, health information systems, different coding systems, and legal issues related to health information technology. These programs vary in length, with some able to be completed in under six months and others taking longer.

A program that provides a certificate in medical billing may include hands-on training, such as with a virtual training lab. Some might even help you prepare for medical billing and coding certification.

Certificate vs. certification in medical billing and coding

While these two terms sound similar, they’re actually quite different.

• A medical billing and coding certificate says that you’ve completed an educational program that provides the knowledge and skills needed to work in an entry-level role.
• A medical billing and coding certification says that you’ve passed an exam administered by a certification agency, verifying your competency in performing typical job functions. Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC) are examples of medical billing and coding certifications.

What Is a Medical Billing and Coding Diploma Program?

Medical billing and coding diploma programs cover topics similar to those in certificate programs. They can also help prepare you for similar entry-level positions, like medical receptionist, medical office assistant, medical records coordinator or technician, and medical claims processor.

Medical billing and coding diploma programs vary in length but can generally be completed in less than one year. Some provide hands-on training through virtual labs or internships, but not all, and may also help prepare you to sit for medical billing and coding certification exams upon meeting eligibility requirements.

What Is a Medical Billing and Coding Degree Program?

Medical billing and coding associate degree programs also provide the information needed to perform this entry-level role’s duties. One major difference between this educational program and the others is that it includes general education courses such as English, math, sociology, biology, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Because it has more courses, a medical billing and coding associate degree program may take 18 months or more years to complete.¹ Some offer hands-on training opportunities and/or prepare you to sit for a medical billing and coding certification exam.

If you’ve looked for a bachelor’s degree in medical billing and coding, you’ve likely found that there isn’t one. While this type of degree isn’t necessary to work as a medical biller and coder, if you want to earn a higher-level degree, related programs include health information management, health science, or health services administration.

Differences Between a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate, Diploma, and Degree

All three of these medical billing and coding programs have similarities. Each can provide the knowledge and skills needed to work in this job role, or at the very least, provide a solid foundation. They may also all come with hands-on training and/or prepare you to sit for a medical billing and coding certification exam after graduation.

So, how do they differ?

• Prerequisites. To enroll in a medical billing and coding certificate or diploma program, you generally only need a high school diploma, GED, or state equivalent.
• Curriculum. While all three types of programs can cover the information needed to work in an entry-level healthcare role, only medical billing and coding associate degree programs include general education courses. These courses provide a more rounded education, which can help prepare you for more advanced roles, if that’s part of your healthcare career plan.
• Program length. A medical billing and coding certificate or diploma program can generally be completed in one year or less, while an associate degree program can take 18 months or more to complete. (Keep in mind that these are just estimates and can vary based on individual student and program requirements.)
• Program cost. Since medical billing and coding certificate and diploma programs are shorter, they typically cost less than an associate degree program. Financial aid options for those who qualify may vary as well.

Which Medical Billing and Coding Program Is Right for You?

If you’re unsure whether you should pursue a medical billing and coding certificate, diploma, or degree, it can help to consider your career goals. If your goal is solely to work as a medical biller and coder, a certificate or diploma may be all you need. Alternatively, if this role is a stepping stone to another healthcare position, you may want an associate degree because it offers a more comprehensive curriculum.

It can also be helpful to consider the requirements of future employers. Look at medical billing and coding jobs you’re interested in pursuing to see if they specify whether a certificate, diploma, or associate degree is required. If you want to work for a specific employer, this can dictate the type of program you need, too.

Since these options vary in terms of length, also consider how much time you can dedicate to your studies. Because their cost can vary, it’s equally important to look at your budget. Both factors can influence which medical billing and coding program you decide is right for you.

Another consideration is whether you want a program that is available in person or online. If you’d prefer to take classes on campus, your options are limited by the programs available in your geographic area. Conversely, online medical billing and coding programs can leave you with more options due to having fewer (if any) geographic limitations.

Are You Interested in an Online Medical Billing Coding Degree Program?

If you’d like to pursue an associate degree and want to take classes online, Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) offers a Medical Billing and Coding Associate of Science / Associate of Applied Science Degree Program. This program can be completed in 18 months or more¹ and covers topics such as:

• Medical terminology
• Diagnostic and procedural coding
• Healthcare communication
• Medical records management

Learners are also prepared to sit for the CPC certification exam administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), if qualified,² should you decide to pursue this professional credential.

Why pursue your medical billing and coding degree at UMA?

We pride ourselves on our high level of student school support, not only while earning your degree, but even after graduation. We have teams that can provide academic support and career services assistance, including job search support.

Here’s what Jared C. had to say about UMA’s medical billing and coding career training program:

If you have any questions or would like to talk about your healthcare education options, contact us. We can help you evaluate your education options by providing information on this or any of our other healthcare programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does UMA offer a medical billing and coding certificate? No, UMA does not currently offer an undergraduate certificate in medical billing and coding. We strive to provide our learners with an education that prepares them to pursue a career in healthcare. So, our current program options include only healthcare diplomas and degrees.
• Are there benefits to earning a medical billing and coding associate degree versus a medical billing and coding certificate? Yes, because medical billing and coding associate degree programs are more comprehensive than certificate programs. So, if you’re interested in pursuing a medical billing and coding career, an associate degree program like the one offered at UMA can help prepare you for this path.
• Do I have to go to a campus to take a medical coding and billing program? It depends on the educational institution you choose. You can complete UMA’s medical billing and coding program entirely online, for instance. Online medical billing and coding courses offer flexible study time from anywhere that you have internet access.³
• How do I find medical billing and coding programs near me? If you’re interested in taking medical billing and coding training in person, check with local healthcare education institutions to see if they offer this type of program. You can also search for “medical billing and coding classes near me.” If no programs are available locally, online medical billing and coding programs can help prepare you to work in this healthcare role.