Online Georgia Medical Billing & Coding Schools: Program Comparison

Georgia’s Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs Uncovered

Various online and hybrid medical billing and coding (MBC) programs are available to Georgia students. As you begin to consider which one might be best for you, you’ll have to deliberate not only curriculum and cost but also program type, as some online MBC programs offer certificates while others work toward associate of science (AAS) degrees. Schools sometimes provide a certificate on the path toward an associate’s degree.

Apart from program type, you’ll also want to consider which medical billing and coding career you’re interested in and whether it requires earning a specific certification. Most programs aim to achieve one or more credentials and cater their curriculum to prepare students to pass those particular exams. In many cases, the program costs include a voucher for the price of the first exam attempt, as well.

All in all, you have many factors to weigh before choosing an MBC program. Below, we’ve outlined a few high-quality online medical billing and coding programs in Georgia to give you a baseline for comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions from Georgia MBC Students

It’s natural to have a few questions before you decide to start applying to an online medical billing and coding program — in fact, most prospective students do. We’ve compiled a few of the most commonly asked questions and their answers below to help start your research.

Are there any prerequisites for medical billing and coding programs?

Most medical billing and coding schools in Georgia have no entry prerequisites. However, since a high school diploma or equivalent is required to take certification exams, schools generally recommend completing this before enrollment. If you do not already hold a high school diploma or plan to by the time of your enrollment, you might consider a GED. That said, a few schools, likeAlbany State University, have formal admissions requirements and prerequisites, including a minimum GPA of 2.5 and completion of specific courses in anatomy and physiology, computer applications, and medical terminology.

Do medical billing and coding programs offer online or part-time options?

Most medical billing and coding schools in Georgia offer online options, including fully online programs that do not require you to set foot on campus. And because most of these online offerings are asynchronous and self-paced, students can complete their studies at their convenience. Part-time options aren’t typical because medical billing and coding programs are already relatively short and do not require a significant time investment, with many programs lasting one year or less. For example,Kennesaw State University’s in-person, 13-week program is taught Monday and Wednesday nights.

How much do medical billing and coding professionals make in Georgia?

According to wage estimates from theBureau of Labor Statistics, the statewide mean annual wage for medical billing and coding professionals in Georgia is $44,720. With some exceptions, this aligns with the state’s top metropolitan areas. For example, billing and coding professionals in the Atlanta area, which has some of the highest average wages in the state, earn roughly $49,260 per year, and those in the Augusta-Richmond County area earn about $46,030 per year. In other metropolitan areas, such as Columbus, individuals in the profession earn a slightly lower average annual wage of $39,610.

What certification exam(s) do I need to take before I can start working?

Technically, there are no certification requirements to begin working as a medical billing/coding professional in Georgia. However, holding a certification relevant to the specific niche you are interested in will make you much more attractive to employers because it shows that you have proven competent in the appropriate skills necessary for the job. There are many different certification exams that you can consider. Some of the most common are the certified professional coder (CPC), certified coding associate (CCA), and certified billing and coding specialist (CBCS). Other, more specialized certifications include thecertified outpatient coder (COC),certified inpatient coder (CIC), andcertified professional coder + certified professional biller (CPC+CPB).

What is the process for applying to a medical billing and coding program?

The application process/admission requirements differ slightly for each medical billing and coding school/class. Many of the schools that do not have formal prerequisites have a simple online checkout process. You can gain entry by clicking “enroll” or “register” and following the checkout procedure. However, other schools maintain formal entry requirements, such as gaining acceptance to the university or college, submitting proof of GPA and test scores, and completing prerequisite courses. If you are looking to earn a degree, such as in an AAS program, you may have to submit proof of your previous educational qualifications, such as a high school diploma or GED, as well as filling out an application online.

Georgia’s Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Our rankings system is designed to evaluate medical billing and coding programs on various criteria. While everyone’s definition of “best” is personal, we’ve found particularly strong Georgia online medical billing and coding programs and weighted them based on online program offerings, ease of online learning, average tuition and aid packages, and more. For full details, see “About the Rankings,” or continue reading to learn more about the programs themselves:

Medical Billing and Coding Certification Made Simple

At present, Georgia does not require any particular form of certification or licensure to work in medical billing and coding. While most hospitals and other clinical settings will want to see that you’ve completed some form of education or training before you apply for a medical billing or coding job, there is no requirement to hold a diploma, certificate, or AAS specifically. Generally, higher-level roles prefer candidates with a degree, like an AAS, and/or relevant work experience.

That being said, you may want to consider a national qualification, such as completing a Certified Professional Coder or CPC exam from the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC). This type of qualification can help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs, and some schools will offer exam prep as part of their medical billing and coding program.

Medical Billing and Coding Salaries in Georgia