The honest answer is: it depends on the path you pick. Programs range from 12 weeks to two years, and that spread stacks up enormously when you're weighing time, money, and job market timing.
Program Length by Credential Type
Certificate Programs (The Fast Track)
Short-term certificate programs are by far the most popular entry point into medical billing and coding. They typically run anywhere from 8 weeks to 12 months, depending on the provider, and most do not require any prior healthcare experience or college coursework to enroll.
These programs cover the core competencies employers care about:
- ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding.
- CPT procedure codes.
- Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II.
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance.
- Healthcare reimbursement processes.
- Medical terminology.
The goal is certification eligibility.
The specific credential you're targeting will shape how long you study. The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), is one of the most employer-recognized credentials available.
Health Tech Academy's 12-week Medical Billing and Coding Bootcamp is built around this certification – making it one of the shortest, most focused paths to a job-ready credential on the market.
Hear from One of Our Students
Compare that to programs preparing students for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC's) Certified Professional Coder (CPC), which tend to run 4 to 6 months due to the exam's broader scope across 30+ medical specialties.
The CPC exam requires apprentice status (CPC-A) for candidates without two years of documented work experience. That means even if you pass the exam quickly, you won't hold the full CPC Credential until you've logged time on the job. The CBCS, by contrast, has no such apprenticeship requirement.
A 4-to-6 month CPC prep program typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000.
Associate Degrees (The Longer Road)
Community colleges and vocational schools offer Associate of Applied Science degrees in Health Information Technology or Medical Billing and Coding that run 18 to 24 months. These programs are broader in scope, often including general education requirements, clinical exposure, and coursework in health informatics.
They typically cost more and take longer, but they can open doors to supervisory roles, health information management positions, and hospital-based coding departments that explicitly require a degree. For someone planning a long-term career arc in healthcare administration, this route has merit.
A two-year associate degree from a community college can run $2,000 to $10,000 annually before factoring in books, materials, and opportunity costs.
For someone who wants to enter the workforce within a calendar year, the degree path is increasingly unnecessary as a first step.
Workforce-Funded Training Programs
Many short-term medical billing and coding programs qualify for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding. This is a federal grant program administered through American Job Centers that covers tuition costs for in-demand occupations – and healthcare is consistently at the top of that list.
Watch Our Podcast Episode on No-Cost WIOA Training by HTA
Qualifying students in workforce-funded programs can complete accredited certificate training at little to no cost. Some states also offer their own healthcare workforce development grants, particularly in regions where healthcare employers have flagged talent shortages. Texas, for instance, has seen significant investment in allied health training pipelines through programs like the Skills Development Fund.
How Employer-Aligned Programs Reduce Time to Job Placement
Not all programs are equal in what they teach, but more importantly, not all programs are equal in how they're designed relative to employer expectations. An employer-aligned program is one that structures its curriculum around what hiring managers at clinics, hospitals, billing companies, and insurance offices need from a new hire on day one.
The result is a faster time to job readiness, not because corners are cut, but because the curriculum is purpose-built rather than broad for the sake of academic breadth.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9% job growth for medical records specialists between 2023 and 2033, with roughly 16,700 new positions expected over that period. That's a favorable hiring environment, but it still requires the right credentials to walk through the door.
According to AAPC data, certified coders earn approximately 20.7% more than their non-certified colleagues. Across a career, that gap compounds into a significant difference in lifetime earnings. Completing a program that prepares you for certification pays off in a very literal sense.
"The coder who doesn't learn how to use AI will not have a job, but the coder who knows how to use AI will continue to morph their position."
– Olga Lyubar, Department Head for Health Information Management and Medical Billing and Coding, Clark College
As AI tools become embedded in revenue cycle operations (already used in nearly 46% of hospitals and health systems, per the American Hospital Association), the human skill that counts the most is the ability to audit, verify, and handle what automation can't.
Watch Our Podcast on Transforming the Healthcare Workforce Using AI
"Benchmarking where we've been against where we are now allows us to look at how coding affects the various sectors of the healthcare industry and lets us pave the way for the future of coding productivity."
– Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE, CEO of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
The point isn't lost on workforce training providers, either. Programs that integrate both technical proficiency and an awareness of industry direction prepare graduates to stay relevant.
Ready to see if medical billing and coding is right for you? Take our free practice exam to figure out if this path makes sense for where you're headed.
What the CBCS Credential Means for Your Job Search
The CBCS Credential is the largest allied health certification agency in the country, with over one million credentials awarded. Employers value the CBCS because it validates practical, job-applicable competency rather than just academic exposure. It has no post-exam apprenticeship period, which means graduates walk out of the program with a credential that holds full standing with employers from the day they pass.
For someone making a career change who needs an income within a defined window, the combination of a 12-week program and a no-apprenticeship credential is about as efficient a path as exists in allied health.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and an Associate Degree in Medical Billing and Coding?
A certificate program (typically 8 weeks to 12 months) focuses specifically on coding and billing competencies and leads to professional certification. An associate degree (18–24 months) is broader in scope, includes general education coursework, and may qualify graduates for supervisory or health information management roles. For most entry-level positions, a certificate plus certification is sufficient.
Do I Need Prior Healthcare Experience to Enroll in a Medical Billing and Coding Program?
No. Most certificate programs have no prerequisites beyond a high school diploma or GED. No prior healthcare or medical experience is required.
Can I Complete a Medical Billing and Coding Program Online?
Yes. The majority of certificate programs are offered fully online. This makes the training accessible for working adults, parents, and those in areas with limited in-person program options.
Is Financial Assistance Available for Medical Billing and Coding Training?
Eligible students may qualify for WIOA funding through American Job Centers, which can cover the cost of workforce training programs in high-demand fields like healthcare. Health Tech Academy can help connect eligible students with these funding sources.
How Much Can I Earn After Completing a Medical Billing and Coding Program?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical records specialists was $50,250 as of May 2024. Certified professionals consistently out-earn non-certified colleagues by a significant margin. AAPC data shows roughly 20.7% higher earnings for credentialed coders. Salaries also vary based on location, setting (hospital vs physician office), and specialty.
