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Ashworth College Blog

How to Get a Diploma in Medical Billing and Coding

Written by Autumn Granza on Wednesday, 22 April 2020. Posted in Career

Computer on a desk.

Medical billing and coding specialists are an important part of the healthcare system, and can even work from home. To enter the growing field of medical billing and coding, you need training. Medical coders can earn a diploma and certification beyond high school. Here’s how Ashworth College can help you earn your diploma online, at your own pace.

What is medical billing and coding?

Medical billing and coding is the process of identifying diagnoses, medical tests, and procedures. Patient data is then transcribed into standardized codes for billing purposes. As a medical coder, you’ll review, correct, and submit billing codes to insurance companies for reimbursement. You can do this job in-person or at home.

Medical billing and coding school

Earning a diploma in medical billing and coding may help you develop the skills to enter the healthcare field. Entry-level medical billing and coding careers should complete schooling. Our career diploma helps you prepare for a job and can also help you develop skills for the field. Medical coders should have

  • Thinking skills. As a medical coder, you’ll take complex data and analyze it properly for coding purposes.
  • Technology skills. There’s software designed specifically for the medical world and for medical billing and coding. You’ll have to become familiar with the different tools you’ll be using.
  • Interpersonal skills. As a medical coder you’ll be working and speaking with patients. You’ll need to communicate with them effectively.

Learn more: How to Become a Medical Coder With No Experience

Medical billing and coding certification

Our online Medical Billing and Coding Career Diploma Program helps prepare you to sit for certification. There are three exams you can take, depending on the career path you wish to pursue. The three exams include

  • Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam. The CBCS exam certifies you to work in hospitals, medical offices, surgery centers, nursing homes, and more. Our medical billing and coding program includes the cost of the National Healthcareer Association’s CBCS exam.
  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. This exam focuses on medical coding and helps prepare you to assist patients and insurance companies with billing upon passing.
  • Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam. Earning this certification can help you prepare for entry-level work in a hospital, doctor’s office, and other medical settings.

Using your medical billing and coding diploma

As a medical coder you’ll be essential in all aspects of healthcare. Most coders work full-time in healthcare settings, however, you may have the option to work from home depending on your employer. In 2021, the median salary for medical coders was $46,660, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This may vary depending on the state you live in. When preparing to enter the field, make sure your resume highlights the industry-specific skills you learned in medical billing and coding school.

Earn your diploma in medical billing and coding

If you’re prepared to enter the growing healthcare field Ashworth College can help. With our online Medical Billing and Coding Career Diploma program you can study at home, at your own pace. You’ll use real practice management software and learn from medical coding reference books and online software as you prepare to graduate in as little as four months. Start studying for a career online by calling an Admissions Adviser at or enroll online.

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