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Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Train for a growing field from home.1

medical biller and coder smiling while reviewing paperwork after completing medical billing and coding training

Start down a fast-growing career path and prepare for certification.1

Get your diploma in 11 months or an associate degree in 18 months.2

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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.

What is medical billing and coding?

Medical billing is the process of sending a bill for payment to an insurance company or another payer. Medical coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnosis procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal alphanumeric codes. The curriculum covers medical terminology, insurance billing, diagnostic codes, medical procedures, and more.

Choose your Medical Billing and Coding online education path

Medical Billing and Coding Diploma Program

11 months2

Prepares you for the field-specific skills needed to pursue entry-level roles. Includes certification preparation.

Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Program

18 months2

Includes soft skills that potential employers may be looking for, plus field-specific knowledge. Includes certification preparation.

a student studying in preparation for a certification exam

Certification Prep

Prepare to sit for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, if eligible.

While graduates will be prepared to take an applicable certification examination to enhance their employment prospects, they are not required to sit for this examination.

medical biller and coder grad smiling while talking on a headset and working at a computer

Working in Medical Billing and Coding

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. Best of all, you graduate prepared to pursue an entry-level position in medical billing or coding.

While employment in the field of secretaries and administrative assistants is experiencing an 10% decline, the medical secretary and administrative assistant field is projected to grow 5% from 2023 to 2033. This field is projected to have 41,300 job openings each year, on average, over that decade.1

medical biller and coder smiling while sitting in front of a computer

How to Become a Medical Biller and Coder

Our in-depth guide provides more information detailing the path to becoming a Medical Biller and Coder.

UMA graduates in this program have found entry-level work in the following environments:

  • CheckPhysicians' offices
  • CheckHospitals
  • CheckHealthcare organiations
  • CheckInsurance companies

They’ve also found roles that include:

  • CheckCustomer Service Representative
  • CheckMedical Office Assistant / Medical Receptionist
  • CheckInsurance Benefits Specialist
  • CheckMedical Biller / Coder
  • CheckBehavioral Technician/Healthcare Technician
  • CheckMedical Assistant
student smiling while sitting in front of her computer and taking online medical billing and coding classes

Why UMA?

Choose a healthcare program at a school that supports the whole student.

Student Support

  • Check1-on-1 academic assistance
  • CheckIndividual help in the job search
  • CheckPotential resource guidance for outside the classroom
  • CheckCommitted advisors from start to finish

Online Learning

  • CheckOur UMA Online programs allow you to complete coursework from the comfort of your home.
  • CheckSelect programs feature on-site externships/practicums, providing real-world experience.
  • CheckYou'll participate in classrooms with a maximum size of 25 students.

Certification Prep

  • CheckOur programs help prepare you to sit for applicable certification exams if you meet eligibility requirements.
  • CheckOur team will help you with exam-focused material and support you in areas where you might need extra help, at no additional cost.
Quotation mark

Elizabeth T.

UMA Graduate

Elizabeth T.

I feel like I am in a position where I can care for others just as much as UMA cared for me.

Program Outlines

Diploma

Medical Billing and Coding Diploma Program

11 month program2

39 Credits

Core Courses

Diagnostic Coding for MBC

4 Credits

Procedural Coding I for MBC

4 Credits

Procedural Coding II for MBC

3.5 Credits

Billing and Coding Application with Simulation

3 Credits

Introduction to Computers

2.5 Credits

Introduction to Healthcare Communication

3 Credits

Medical Terminology

4 Credits

Medical Law, Ethics, and Records Management

4 Credits

Healthcare Settings, Claim Cycle, and Claims Processing

4 Credits

Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology I

4 Credits

Student Success

1 Credits

Career Success

2 Credits

Diploma

Medical Billing and Coding Associate Degree Program

18 month program2

63 Credits

Core Courses

Diagnostic Coding for MBC

4 Credits

Procedural Coding I for MBC

4 Credits

Procedural Coding II for MBC

3.5 Credits

Billing and Coding Application with Simulation

3 Credits

Introduction to Computers

2.5 Credits

Introduction to Healthcare Communication

3 Credits

Medical Terminology

4 Credits

Medical Law, Ethics, and Records Management

4 Credits

Healthcare Settings, Claim Cycle, and Claims Processing

4 Credits

Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology I

4 Credits

Student Success

1 Credits

Career Success

2 Credits

General Education Courses

English Composition

3 Credits

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

3 Credits

College Math

3 Credits

General Biology

3 Credits

Sociology

3 Credits

Elective Courses (9 Credits)

Computer Fundamentals

3 Credits

Interpersonal Professional Communications

3 Credits

Working with People

3 Credits

Quotation mark

Nayeli H.

UMA Graduate

Nayeli H.

UMA really tries to help you find a good career. It feels like I'm wanted.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 a.m.! 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.

Yes. UMA's Medical Billing and Coding programs also teach 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.

Certification in medical billing and coding generally 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 prepare you to sit for the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam. If you meet eligibility requirements and pass this exam, you'll receive 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.

Online courses at UMA are designed to include flexible study time.3Complete your classwork in the morning, at lunch, or in the middle of the night. It's up to you. UMA is also 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.

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 include many 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. To learn about the comprehensive student support services offered by UMA, visit our .Ultimate Student Services page.

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, 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.

Although completion times do vary by individual student, you could earn your Medical Billing and Coding associate degree in 18 months or your diploma in 11 months and be on your way to pursuing a career in the medical billing and coding field.2

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 UMA Catalog or just call us at888-213-4473.

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 a university or college, we offer online diplomas and degrees as well as blended healthcare programs, some of which offer on-site externships/practicums and certification preparation — all intended to put you in a position to pursue a healthcare career after graduation.

The cover of the 2024 UMA Catalog

Browse the 2024 UMA Catalog

Take a look at the UMA Catalog for comprehensive information on programs, course descriptions, admissions, finance, and more.

a student holding notebooks while riding the bus

Advance Your Education

Your associate degree doesn’t need to be the end of your education. UMA maintains agreements with various educational partners where you may be able to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in select areas of study.

a student wearing a backpack and holding a book while smiling and leaning against a wall

Explore Financial Aid

If you qualify for 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 your options.

a mom holding her baby while doing online coursework on a computer

Take the Healthcare Career Quiz

Try our fun and informational Healthcare Career Quiz to better understand which UMA program might align with your goals. In just a few minutes, answer some simple personality questions and get your results instantly!