Looking for a healthcare career that’s both in demand and pays well? If so, medical coding may be the perfect fit for you! Medical coders translate physicians’ notes and procedures into medical codes, which are then used to bill insurance companies for patient care.
This is a critical role in the healthcare system, and demand for medical coders is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
The good news is that you don’t need a four-year degree to become a medical coder. There are many great medical coding online courses available that can teach you the skills you need to get started in this exciting field.
We’ve compiled a list of the 15 best medical coding online courses with certification in 2024. So whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, read on for more information about these top-rated programs!”
Is It Worth It to Take a Medical Coding Online Course?
Whether it is worth taking a medical coding online course depends on your circumstances and goals. However, there are many potential benefits to taking an online medical coding course, including:
- Flexibility: Online courses offer much more flexibility than traditional classroom courses, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your own time. This can be a great option if you have a busy schedule or want to work while you learn.
- Affordability: Online courses are often more affordable than traditional classroom courses. This can be a major consideration, especially if you pay for your education.
- Convenience: Online courses can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection. This means you can learn from home, at the library, or even while traveling.
- Reputation: Many reputable online schools offer medical coding courses. This means you can be confident that you are getting a quality education.
- Job prospects: The medical coding field is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for qualified medical coders. This means you will have good job prospects after completing your online medical coding course.
What Are The Requirements For Taking a Medical Coding Online Course?
The requirements for taking a medical coding online course vary depending on the specific program, but some general requirements typically include:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Basic computer skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
- The ability to learn and retain information quickly
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Some programs may also require applicants to have previous experience in healthcare or medical terminology.
Check out these 11 best Harvard free online courses- 11 Harvard Free Online Courses for You.
How Long Does It Take to Finish a Medical Coding Online Course?
The time it takes to finish a medical coding online course varies depending on the program and the student’s pace. Some programs can be completed in as little as four months, while others may take up to 2 years.
Here is a breakdown of the average time it takes to complete different types of medical coding online courses:
- Certificate programs: Certificate programs typically take 6-12 months to complete. This is the shortest type of medical coding program, and it is a good option for students who want to get started in the field quickly.
- Associate degree programs: Associate degree programs take 1-2 years to complete. This is a more in-depth program than a certificate program, and it will prepare students for more advanced healthcare careers.
- Bachelor degree programs: Bachelor degree programs take 3-4 years to complete. This is the most in-depth type of medical coding program, and it will prepare students for the highest level of healthcare careers.
What are the Best Platforms That Offer the Best Online Medical Coding Courses in 2024
Udemy, edX, Coursera, and Alison are four popular online learning platforms offering medical coding courses. They all have strengths and weaknesses, so comparing them carefully before choosing one is important.
Udemy
Udemy is a large marketplace with a wide variety of medical coding courses. There are courses for beginners, as well as courses for more experienced coders. Udemy courses are typically affordable; you can often find them on sale. However, the quality of Udemy courses can vary widely, so it is important to read the reviews before you buy.
edX
edX is a non-profit organization that partners with top universities to offer online courses. edX medical coding courses are taught by experienced instructors from Harvard, MIT, and other prestigious schools. edX courses are typically more expensive than Udemy courses, but they offer a higher quality of instruction.
Coursera
Coursera is another non-profit organization that partners with top universities to offer online courses. Coursera medical coding courses are similar to edX courses in quality and price. Coursera also offers specializations, which are collections of courses that can be completed together to earn a certificate.
Alison
Alison is a free online learning platform that offers a variety of medical coding courses. Alison’s courses are not as comprehensive as those offered by Udemy, edX, or Coursera, but they are a good option for those looking for a free or low-cost way to learn medical coding.
All four of these platforms offer good medical coding courses. The best platform for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
If you are looking for a wide variety of courses at affordable prices, Udemy is a good option. If you are looking for high-quality courses from top universities, edX or Coursera are better choices. And if you are looking for a free or low-cost option, Alison is a good option.
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Which Universities Provide Best Online Medical Coding Courses With Certification?
Many universities offer online medical coding courses with certification. Here are a few of the top-ranked universities that offer these courses:
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF): UCSF offers a Master of Science in Health Informatics specializing in Medical Coding and Reimbursement. This program is fully online and can be completed in as few as 12 months.
- George Washington University (GW): GW offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics with a concentration in Medical Coding and Reimbursement. This program is offered in a blended format, with some courses online and some on campus.
- University of Denver (DU): DU offers a Master of Science in Health Information Management specializing in Medical Coding. This program is fully online and can be completed in as few as 12 months.
- University of Texas at Arlington (UTA): UTA offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management with a concentration in Medical Coding. This program is offered in a hybrid format, with some courses online and some on campus.
- University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC): UIC offers a Master of Science in Health Information Management specializing in Medical Coding. This program is fully online and can be completed in as few as 18 months.
15 Best Medical Coding Online Courses with Certification in 2024
These courses are selected to cover all of the topics you need to know to be a successful medical coder, and they are regularly updated to reflect the latest changes in the medical coding industry. You can learn quickly and on time to fit the courses into your busy schedule.
They are also affordable and offer certificates of completion. They include:
1. Medical Coding Certification Course: From Zero to Expert! by Instructor.
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: Instructor
- Level: Beginners
- Time: 13 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
This course is designed for beginners who want to learn medical coding from scratch. It covers all the basics of medical coding, including medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines. The course also includes practice exams to help you prepare for the CPC exam.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- Introduction to medical coding
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- ICD-10-CM coding guidelines
- CPT coding guidelines
- Evaluation and management (E&M) coding
- Procedural coding
- Inpatient coding
- Outpatient coding
- Compliance and auditing
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
This course is designed for beginners who want to learn medical coding from scratch.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
You will learn how to:
- Use medical coding software
- Interpret medical records
- Analyze patient diagnoses and procedures
- Assign the correct codes to medical services
- Prepare medical coding reports
2. 2024 CPC Exam Prep: Medical Coding Certification Course by AHIMA.
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: AHIMA
- Level: Intermediate
- Time: 6-12 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
This course is designed to help you pass the CPC exam. It covers all the topics tested on the exam, including ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes. The course also includes practice exams and quizzes to help you assess your progress.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- Introduction to Medical Coding
- ICD-10-CM Coding
- ICD-10-PCS Coding
- CPT® Coding
- HCPCS Level II Coding
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Ethics and Compliance in Medical Coding
- The AHIMA Code of Ethics
- Preparing for the CPC Exam
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
It is designed to help students prepare for the CPC certification exam.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
You will learn the following and more:
- The basics of medical coding, including the different types of codes, the coding process, and the role of a medical coder.
- How to use the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) coding system to code diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures.
- How to use the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) coding system to code procedures.
- How to use the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) coding system to code medical services, procedures, etc.
3. Medical Coding and Billing Boot Camp by Coding Clarified.
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: Coding Clarified
- Level: Intermediate
- Time: 100 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
This course is a comprehensive guide to medical coding and billing. It covers everything you need to know to get started in a career in medical coding, including medical terminology, anatomy, coding guidelines, and billing procedures. The course also includes hands-on practice with real medical records.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- CPT coding
- ICD-10 coding
- Compliance and regulations
- Medical billing
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
It is a great option for students looking to become certified medical coders.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
The course is designed to be comprehensive and prepare students for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, the most widely recognized certification for medical coders.
4. Medical Coding CPC (Certified Professional Coder) Training
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: All levels
- Time: 20.5 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
The Medical Coding CPC (Certified Professional Coder) Training course offered by Udemy is a comprehensive course that covers all the topics you need to know to pass the CPC exam and become a certified medical coder.
The course is taught by experienced medical coders who deeply understand the material. The course also includes practice exams that allow you to test your knowledge and identify areas where you need more practice. The practice exams are a valuable resource for preparing for the CPC exam.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- Introduction to Medical Coding
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- ICD-10-CM Coding
- CPT Coding
- Coding Guidelines
- Practice Exams
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
It is a comprehensive and well-taught course for students preparing for the CPC exam who want to start a medical coding career.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
You will learn the following and more from this course:
- The basics of medical coding include the different types of medical codes, the purpose of medical coding, and the different settings where medical coders work.
- Medical terminology, including prefixes, suffixes, and roots.
- Anatomy and physiology, including the major body systems.
- Pharmacology, including drug names, dosages, and side effects.
5. A Comprehensive Guide to Medical Coding
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: All levels
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
A Comprehensive Guide to Medical Coding is a free online course offered by Alison. It is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of clinical coding, including a clinical coder’s concepts, skills, and responsibilities.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- Introduction to clinical coding
- The different types of clinical coding
- The importance of clinical records
- The ICD-10 coding system
- Coding errors and how to avoid them
- The role of clinical coders in the healthcare industry
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
It is a great course for anyone who wants to learn the basics of medical or clinical coding and prepare for a career in this growing field.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
By the end of this course, you will learn the following:
- You will learn the basic concepts of clinical coding, such as the different types of codes and the importance of clinical records.
- You will gain hands-on experience with the ICD-10 coding system, the world’s most widely used coding system.
- You will learn to avoid coding errors, saving you time and money.
- You will better understand the role of clinical coders in the healthcare industry.
6. Basics of Medical Billing and Coding
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
The Basics of Medical Billing and Coding course Alison offers is a free, 4-5 hour course that teaches the fundamentals of medical billing and coding. The Basics of Medical Billing and Coding course is a great way to learn the basics of this important field. The course is comprehensive and informative, providing learners with the knowledge they need to start a medical billing and coding career.
Online Medical Coding Courses to Take
- The healthcare industry and the role of medical billing and coding
- Medical terminology and abbreviations
- The different types of medical codes
- The coding process
- Medical insurance and billing
- Medical practice management software
- Legal and ethical considerations in medical billing and coding
Who is This Medical Coding Course For?
The course is designed for anyone wanting to learn the basics of medical billing and coding, including healthcare professionals, students, and those interested in a career in this field.
What You’ll Learn From This Medical Coding Course
By the end of the course, you will have a solid understanding of the basics of medical billing and coding. You will be able to:
- Understand the role of medical billing and coding in the healthcare industry
- Use medical terminology and abbreviations
- Apply the different types of medical codes
- Complete the coding process
- Understand medical insurance and billing, etc.
7. Medical Coding: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Training
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Time: 4 hours of on-demand video
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
This course is a comprehensive course that teaches students how to assign ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. The course is taught by a certified medical coder with over eight years of experience in the field.
The Medical Coding: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Training course is a great way to learn how to assign ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. The course is comprehensive, well-organized, and easy to follow.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- The basics of medical coding
- The ICD-10-CM coding system
- How to assign ICD-10-CM codes
- Practice examples
- Chapter quizzes
- Detailed instruction by a certified medical coder
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
The course is designed for students new to medical coding and experienced coders who want to learn the ICD-10-CM coding system.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Learn about ICD-10-CM medical diagnosis codes and how to assign them
- Understand the appropriate code sequencing in ICD-10-CM
- Use the ICD-10-CM Alphabetical Index and Tabular List
- Interpret ICD-10-CM codes
- Use the ICD-10-CM guidelines
- Determine the appropriate ICD-10 code to assign for any given condition
8. Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: University of California, San Diego
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 3-6 months
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
The Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals specialization offered on Coursera is a great way to learn the essential skills of an Insurance Billing Specialist. The specialization is offered by the University of California, San Diego, and is taught by experienced professionals.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- Medical Terminology
- The Revenue Cycle
- Insurance Terminology
- Confidentiality and Compliance
- Medical Coding
- Medical Billing
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
This online medical coding course is a great option for anyone wanting to learn the skills necessary to start a medical billing and coding career.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
You’ll learn the following and more:
- You will learn the essential skills of an Insurance Billing Specialist.
- You will gain knowledge of medical terminology and insurance terminology.
- You will learn how to use the ICD-10-CM and CPT coding systems.
- You will learn how to verify patient insurance information and submit claims correctly.
9. Medical Terminology
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: Rice University
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 3-6 months
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
The Medical Terminology specialization offered on Coursera by Rice University is a great option for beginners who want to learn the basics of medical language.
The specialization is taught by experienced medical professionals who are passionate about teaching. The instructors use various teaching methods, such as lectures, interactive exercises, and case studies, to keep students engaged and learning.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- Medical Terminology I introduces the fundamental concepts of medical terminology
- Medical Terminology II builds on the concepts learned in Medical Terminology I and covers more advanced topics.
- Medical Terminology III focuses on applying medical terminology to real-world scenarios.
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
The online Medical Coding course is for anyone who wants to learn the basics of medical language and prepare for a career in medical coding. The specialization is also a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of medical terminology for personal or professional reasons.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
You’ll learn the following and more:
- The fundamental medical terminology concepts include word roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
- The structure of an electronic health record (EHR) and how to extract vital information.
- The anatomy and diagnoses are related to all ten main organ systems.
- How to code medical diagnoses and procedures using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes.
10. AI in Healthcare
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: Stanford University
- Level: Beginners
- Time: 3-6 months
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
The AI in Healthcare specialization offered on Coursera is a 5-course program that covers the basics of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in healthcare. The specialization is designed for healthcare providers and computer science professionals, offering insights to facilitate collaboration between the disciplines.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare.
- Machine Learning for Healthcare.
- Natural Language Processing for Healthcare.
- Computer Vision for Healthcare.
- Capstone Project in AI for Healthcare.
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
This online medical coding course is comprehensive for anyone interested in learning about the potential of AI in healthcare.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
- Learn about the basics of AI and its applications in healthcare
- Gain the skills you need to build and train machine learning models for healthcare applications
- Learn how to use NLP to extract insights from medical text data
- Learn how to use computer vision to analyze medical images and videos
11. Medical Billing and Coding Essentials
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 1-4 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
The Medical Billing and Coding Essentials course by Coursera is a comprehensive course that provides foundational knowledge required of an administrative allied healthcare professional. Experienced medical billing and coding professionals teach the course. The course also includes a capstone project where students apply the skills they have learned to a real-world case study.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- Medical terminology
- The revenue cycle
- Basic insurance terminology
- Confidentiality and billing laws, regulations, and standards
- Verification of patient financial responsibility and insurance information
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
This online medical coding course is for anyone interested in a career in medical coding.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
- The ability to read and understand medical records.
- The ability to use medical terminology correctly.
- The ability to apply CPT and ICD-10 codes to medical procedures and diagnoses.
- The ability to verify patient financial responsibility and insurance information.
- The ability to communicate effectively with insurance companies and patients.
12. AI for Medical Diagnosis
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: None
- Level: Intermediate
- Time: 1-4 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
The AI for Medical Diagnosis Specialization offered by Coursera is a three-course program that teaches you how to apply machine learning to concrete medical problems. The courses are designed for learners with some prior knowledge of machine learning, but no prior medical expertise is required.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- AI for Medical Image Diagnosis
- AI for Patient Prognosis
- AI for Treatment Selection
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
The AI for Medical Diagnosis Specialization is a valuable resource for anyone interested in using machine learning to improve healthcare.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
- You will learn how to apply machine learning to concrete problems in medicine.
- You will gain practical experience using convolutional neural networks, statistical methods, and random forest predictors.
- You will learn how to evaluate the performance of your models.
- You will be able to interpret the results of your models.
- You will be able to recommend treatments for patients with cancer.
13. Guide to ICD-10: Classifying Medical Data
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
The Guide to ICD-10: Classifying Medical Data course Alison offers is a free online course that introduces the ICD-10 coding system. ICD-10 is a medical classification list that codes for diseases, injuries, and other health-related conditions. The Guide to ICD-10: Classifying Medical Data course is a great way to learn the basics of medical coding. The course is well-organized and easy to follow. The instructors are knowledgeable and helpful. The course also includes a variety of resources that students can use to further their learning.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- Introduction to medical coding
- Medical records and terminologies
- ICD-10 coding system
- General coding standards
- ICD-10 codes for the 5th edition
- Medical billing and coding software programs
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
This online medical coding course is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about medical coding, including medical coders, billers, and healthcare professionals.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
You will learn the following and more:
- You will learn the basics of medical coding, including the ICD-10 coding system.
- You will gain the skills and knowledge needed to start a career in medical coding.
- You will learn to contribute to the healthcare industry by helping to ensure that patients receive accurate and timely treatment.
14. Medical and Clinical Administration
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
The Medical and Clinical Administration course offered by Alison is an online course that teaches students the skills and knowledge they need to work in medical administration. The course also includes a community forum where students can ask questions and get help from other students and instructors.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- Medical terminology
- Medical records management
- Patient scheduling and appointment management
- Medical coding
- Health insurance
- Risk management
- Leadership and communication skills
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
The course is designed for students who want to work in various medical administrative roles, such as medical records clerk, medical secretary, or medical coder. It is also a good choice for students who want to learn more about the healthcare industry and its workings.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
- You will learn the basic medical terminology that is used in healthcare settings.
- You will learn how to organize, store, and retrieve medical records.
- How to schedule appointments for patients and manage patient calendars.
- How to code medical procedures and diagnoses using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes.
- You will learn about the different types of health insurance and how they work.
15. Diploma in Medical Coding and Billing
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 15-20 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
The Diploma in Medical Coding and Billing offered by Alison is a free online course that provides learners with the skills and knowledge they need to enter the medical coding and billing field. The course is self-paced and can be completed at the learner’s own pace. It comprises ten modules, including video lectures, interactive exercises, and quizzes. Upon completion of the course, learners will receive a diploma from Alison.
Online Medical Coding Course to Take
- The fundamentals of medical coding and billing
- The different types of medical codes
- How to use medical coding software
- How to file medical claims
- How to manage medical records
- The ethical and legal considerations of medical coding and billing.
Who is This Online Medical Coding Course For?
This online medical coding course is designed for learners interested in a medical coding and billing career.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Medical Coding Course
- The different healthcare settings where medical coders work
- The different types of medical coding jobs
- The salary potential for medical coders
- The steps involved in getting certified as a medical coder
By the end of the course, you will be well-prepared to enter the field of medical coding and billing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of becoming a medical coder?
There are many benefits to becoming a medical coder. Medical coding is a high-demand field with good job prospects and salaries.
What are the costs of medical coding online courses?
The costs of medical coding online courses vary depending on the course provider, the curriculum, and the instructor(s). However, most courses cost between $1,000 and $5,000.
What are the job prospects for medical coders?
The job prospects for medical coders are excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical coders will grow 12% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
What is the future of medical coding?
The future of medical coding is bright. The demand for medical coders is expected to grow in the coming years as the healthcare industry continues to evolve.
Conclusion
Many online medical coding courses are available, but this article has provided the 15 best of them for you to choose from. Go through the article to find the one that fits your needs. Good luck!
References
- shiksha.com– Medical Coding Online Courses & Certifications
- alison.com– Free Online Courses to Become a Medical Coder
- freeonlinetutorial.com – 11 Best Medical Coding Classes with Certification Online