Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Maryland: Top Programs

Navigating Online Medical Billing & Coding Classes in Maryland

When beginning a medical billing and coding career in Maryland, it’s important to understand your options. Accelerated billing and coding programs take one year or less to complete, but you can also enroll in a two-year associate degree program.

Additionally, you can choose the program’s method of delivery, depending on if you feel comfortable with online learning, or if you prefer the in-person instruction of a campus-based program. Some schools offer a hybrid format that combines both online and in-person coursework.

Check out three real medical billing and coding programs in Maryland with online learning options. See if one is right for you.

Answering Common Questions: FAQs for Students in Maryland

You may be eager to take your first steps toward a medical billing and coding career but still have lingering questions. Don’t worry, we answer some of most common concerns of prospective students below.

Are medical billing and coding classes ever offered online or part-time?

Yes, you can enroll in an online or part-time medical billing and coding program. Online and hybrid options are available at schools across Maryland and typically feature academic resources for the success of their students, no matter the format.

For example, Morgan State University’s self-paced program is provided entirely online, while the program at Fortis College follows a hybrid format with some coursework completed online and some in-person. Part-time options are less common, likely due to the fact that most programs are already relatively short—generally under one year.

Nevertheless, an online, self-paced program does allow students to study on their own time, so this format offers many of the same advantages as being a part-time student.

Are there any prerequisites for medical billing and coding programs?

Generally, there are no strict prerequisites for medical billing and coding programs, but most recommend applicants have a high school diploma or equivalent prior to enrolling. This is because the certification tests typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, depending on the school, prospective students may have to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in a medical billing and coding program. For example, the Medical Coding Certificate program offered by Anne Arundel Community College, has prerequisites in biology, anatomy and physiology, and digital technology.

What are the pros and cons for becoming a medical biller and coder?

Pros:

• Flexibility of remote work
• Opportunity for continued education
• Growing industry demand for medical billers and coders

Cons:

• Challenging issues with insurance companies
• Difficult billing questions from patients
• Limited patient interaction
• Potential for monotony

As with all healthcare roles, there are pros and cons for medical billing and coding specialists to consider, so your personal preferences will play a big part in choosing this career.

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

None. Because Maryland has no licensing requirements, a certification exam is not required for employment. However, becoming certified proves to employers that you have the necessary skills, potentially increasing your chances of getting hired.

We recommend getting certified in a niche that interests you by choosing from the most common certification exams below:

• Certified Professional Coder
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)

You may also decide to take the certified outpatient coder (COC) or certified inpatient coder (CIC) exams for more specialized skill sets.

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

The application process for a medical billing and coding program may vary between schools. Some are as simple as clicking “Enroll” and following the subsequent steps without completing any type of prerequisite coursework.

Other schools have a more involved process that may require you to take specific classes in preparation for billing and coding program content. For example, Anne Arundel Community College’s application process includes attending an information session, completing prerequisites, and submitting standardized test scores or passing placement tests.

Medical Billing and Coding Certifications and Continuing Education: Your Options in Maryland

You can earn the certifications mentioned above in one of two ways:

• Complete an accredited billing and coding program and pass a certification exam
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of supervised billing and coding work experience

To maintain your certification, you may have to complete continuing education classes. The CPC credential, issued by the American Academy of Professional Coders, requires completing 36 continuing education credits every two years.

How Much Do Maryland Medical Billers and Coders Make?