Online Medical Billing & Coding Schools in Ohio: Compare Top Programs

Inside Popular Online Medical Billing/Coding Classes in Ohio

Medical billing and coding is a unique field in healthcare because it doesn’t require lengthy training. In just a few months, you can complete your classes, get certified, and break into the workforce. The key to speeding through is finding a program that’s right for you.

When comparing programs, pay special attention to the curriculum to make sure you’re getting a well-rounded education. You don’t want to finish your medical billing/coding classes only to find you haven’t met the requirements for certification. Additionally, if you’re interested in a specific niche within medical billing and coding, look for programs that offer classes covering that subject.

If your schedule is already jam-packed, checking a program’s format is a must. Taking medical billing and coding classes online, particularly in an asynchronous format, can help you manage your responsibilities. Alternatively, if interacting with peers and professors in person is important to you, look for programs that are offered in traditional or hybrid formats.

Answering Common Questions from Ohio’s Medical Billing and Coding Students

No matter how much research you do, you’re likely to still have questions about medical billing and coding classes online in Ohio. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of some frequently asked questions to fill in any remaining gaps in information and help you finalize your plans.

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

Yes, they are. In fact, most universities in Ohio offer their medical billing and coding classes online both synchronously and asynchronously. However, each school and program are different, so be sure to check the program details when doing your research. Each school’s website will tell you whether the program is available online and if part-time study options are available. For example, Franklin University offers its medical billing and coding program online. The course is self-paced, so you can speed through or take your time, depending on what works best for your schedule.

Are there any prerequisites for medical billing and coding programs?

The short answer is that it depends. Typically, certificate or diploma programs have few (if any) admissions requirements besides age and a high school diploma/GED and don’t require previous coursework. However, if the program you are considering is part of a degree program, such as an associate or bachelor’s degree, you may encounter some prerequisites. Read the admissions requirements carefully, because prerequisites can add both time and expense that you might not be prepared for. Rhodes State University doesn’t require any prerequisites for its online medical billing and coding classes.

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

While each position differs, the mean salary for medical records specialists, one of the most popular positions for certified medical billing and coding professionals, in Ohio is $51,190 or $24.61/hour. The highest salaries are in the largest cities, including Columbus and Cleveland. However the cost of living typically is higher in these cities as well, so consider all the factors. Medical billing and coding lends itself to remote work, so you can maximize your salary by working online and living in a less expensive area. You may find that some job-related expenses are tax deductible, such as courses and certification. If you’re working remotely, postage, office supplies, and software may be tax deductible as well.

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

To enter the billing and coding profession, you’ll need to obtain your certification by taking one — or more — of the certification exams available in Ohio. The two most common certification exams are the CPC certification and the Certified Professional Biller certification, both of which are offered by the AAPC. Certifications can be general, or they can get very specialized. Other more general certifications include Certified Outpatient Coder, Certified Inpatient Coder, Certified Professional Medical Auditor, and Certified Physician Practice Manager. More specialized options include Certified Emergency Department Coder, Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder, Certified Gastroenterology Coder, and Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder.

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

Each program and university will have its own requirements for admission into its medical billing and coding classes, so it’s important that you research each school thoroughly. Some of the most common requirements are a high school diploma or GED, an ACT or SAT score, and sometimes an admission essay. For an undergraduate certificate, you won’t need any kind of college degree or diploma, and most programs don’t require you to complete prerequisite courses. To smooth your path, educate yourself about the resources available to medical billing and coding students, from professional organizations to dedicated online communities.

Ranking the Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Classes in Ohio

So, which programs rise to the top? Our rankings start with the criteria that are most important to you, including accreditation, online courses, academic counseling services, and career placement services. Then we factor in the details, including the number of online programs, the percentage of students utilizing distance education, tuition, financial aid, and student completion rate. All of this is combined to create our rankings. Sort by two-year and four-year schools, compare timeframes and tuition rates, and see which programs give you the best opportunity to work closely with faculty.

Certifications and Continuing Education: Your Options in Ohio

In Ohio, you can choose among multiple certifications to show potential employers that you have a solid foundation in medical billing and coding. If you’re pursuing certification through the AAPC, you’ll have a choice between taking your certification test as an at-home online proctored exam or as a proctored exam at one of Ohio’s 23 testing centers. Regardless of where you test, all exams are electronic. That means you’ll get your results more quickly and be ready to jump into the job market sooner.

Some medical coding and billing programs include a waiver that covers your certification exam testing fees. If you have to pay the fee separately, you’ll find costs ranging from $299 for the Certified Anesthesia and Pain Management Coder to $399 for the CPC exam to $1,199 for the Certified Documentation Expert Inpatient certification.

Once you’ve passed your certification exam, the work continues. You’ll need to earn a specified number of continuing education units to stay up to date with developments in the field and to maintain your certification.

Salary Overview: How Much Can Medical Billers and Coders Make in Ohio?