Top Medical Coding Schools

Menu
  • Features
  • Rankings
  • Careers
  • FAQ

Rankings

Top Cheapest Medical Coding and Billing Programs, Diplomas, and Certificates

Image Source

Finding the top cheapest medical coding and billing programs, diplomas, and certificates is advantageous to reap excellent tuition ROI while saving green. In May 2017, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the 204,220 health information technicians made $25,810 to $64,610 yearly. The AAPC Knowledge Center showed that average medical coding and billing pay jumped from $46,147 with no college experience to $50,879 with certificates. Getting professionally credentialed also jacks up income potential by a mean $1,626 yearly. Therefore, we endeavored to locate affordable on-campus and online options for this emerging health care profession using the College Navigator tool. We visited the website of 50+ accredited medical coding and billing schools to total up current in-state tuition based on credits required. In alphabetical order, below you’ll find some of the top cheapest medical coding and billing programs, diplomas, and certificates that charge under $3,500 total!

Atlanta Technical College

Atlanta Technical College, James magazine’s #5 best two-year institution also placed #4 on AffordableColleges.com, lets diploma or GED recipients aged 16+ begin the Medical Coding Certificate of Credit Program. The 24-credit, two-semester plan advised by Prof. Shannon Scurry needs 2.0 GPAs in subjects like Procedural Coding and Allied Health.

Estimated Total: $2,816

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Atlanta Technical College here.

Cedar Valley College

Cedar Valley College, the 2014 Phi Theta Kappa Most Distinguished Chapter Award winner ranked 356th on WalletHub, grants CPC review help via the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate on Blackboard. The 32-credit, two-semester sequence led by Prof. Nasko Arsov tests topics from Coding Classifications to Medication Therapy.

Estimated Total: $2,170

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Cedar Valley College here.

Image Source

Central Maine Community College

Central Maine Community College, the Digital Community Colleges Survey’s #3 top pick with 2,700 enrolled, awards the Medical Coding & Electronic Health Records Certificate online using CMConnect. The 32-credit, NEASC-accredited micro option directed by Prof. Kathy McManus spans one year of cheap courses from Anatomy to Claim Processing.

Estimated Total: $3,008

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Central Maine Community College here.

Image Source

College of Western Idaho

The College of Western Idaho, WalletHub’s 173rd best two-year school for career outcomes, follows AAPC standards for a Medical Coding Certification of Completion at Ada County’s Quail Building or on Blackboard. The 80-hour, 26-week option overseen by Prof. Sabina Omair speeds through topics like Medical Terminology and Insurance Law.

Estimated Total: $1,825

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at the College of Western Idaho here.

Image Source

Colorado Mountain College

Colorado Mountain College, CNN Money’s 17th best associate institution for student success, offers the Medical Billing & Coding Certificate at the Vail Valley campus or online using Canvas. The 29-credit, HLC-accredited major managed by Prof. Amy Connerton bridges content like Health Ethics and Office Administration with 135 internship hours.

Estimated Total: $2,320

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Colorado Mountain College here.

Image Source

Cosumnes River College

Cosumnes River College, the Chronicle of Higher Education’s #9 most diverse two-year institute, boasts a 92 percent success rate for the Certificate of Achievement in its CAHIIM-accredited Health Information Technology Department. The 27-unit, 64-week track coordinated by Prof. Steve Kim spans ICD-CM Coding to Database Systems online.

Estimated Total: $1,262

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Cosumnes River College here.

Image Source

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville Technical Community College, Military Times’ #3 best for vets school with 250+ programs, logs into Blackboard for an SACS-accredited Medical Coding Specialist Certificate Online. The 18-credit, two-term sequence organized by Prof. Denise DeDeaux blends cheap eight-week courses from Insurance Billing to Procedure Coding.

Estimated Total: $2,394

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Fayetteville Technical Community College here.

Image Source

Great Basin College

Great Basin College, the U.S. News & World Report’s 227th best online undergrad choice, admitted Fall 2018 cohorts for a Professional Medical Coding and Billing Certificate on WebCampus. The 34-credit, NWCCU-accredited plan coordinated by Prof. Madison Arbillaga requires 85 percent averages in classes like Outpatient Coding and Anatomy.

Estimated Total: $3,230

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Great Basin College here.

Hinds Community College

Hinds Community College, Community College Week’s #7 best two-year institution for African Americans, provides the Medical Data Technology Career Certificate in Jackson or Rankin for $1,440 each term. The 30-credit, SACS-accredited track headed by Prof. Michelle McGuffee has courses like Microsoft Excel, CPT Coding, and Accounting.

Estimated Total: $2,880

 

Image Source

Lanier Technical College

Lanier Technical College, Great Value Colleges’ 30th most affordable online choice with the 118th best outcomes on WalletHub, keeps the Health Information Technology Specialist Certificate cheap at $89 per credit. The 13-credit, part-time program supervised by Dr. Deanne Collins has Oakwood courses like Intro to HIT and Patient Records.

Estimated Total: $1,157

 

Image Source

Madison Area Technical College

Madison Area Technical College, Niche’s 181st safest campus and College Factual’s 28th top allied health school, utilizes a Flex Choice format for the Medical Coding Specialist Diploma in Truax or online. The 25-credit, nine-month track chaired by Prof. Deborah Bebeau blends 18 practice hours into topics from Human Disease to HIM Foundations.

Estimated Total: $3,216

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Madison Area Technical College here.

Ogeechee Technical College

Ogeechee Technical College, Community College Week’s 34th top associate producer, signs into Blackboard for the Online Medical Coding Certificate with 97.8 percent job placement. The 24-credit, 30-week plan directed by Prof. Priscilla Fisher mandates minimum 830 SAT scores before classes like Body Structure and Document Production.

Estimated Total: $2,876

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Ogeechee Technical College here.

Image Source

Paris Junior College

Paris Junior College, Community College Week’s 31st fastest-growing school with a 18 percent enrollment uptick, launched an AHIMA-approved Medical Records Coding Diploma in 2015. The 34-credit, three-term option moderated by Prof. Ron Vrba accepts applicants in January for cheap classes like Software Applications and Ambulatory Coding.

Estimated Total: $2,720

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Paris Junior College here.

Image Source

Phoenix College

Phoenix College, WalletHub’s 264th best two-year value ranked #5 in Arizona by PayScale for mid-career median pay of $63,500, created the Hospital-Based Certificate of Completion in Medical Coding. The 35-unit, PCAP-approved program administered by Prof. Tracy Domino saves money during courses from Computer Usage to Pharmacology.

Estimated Total: $2,975

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Phoenix College here.

Image Source

Saddleback College

Saddleback College, Washington Monthly’s 52nd best two-year school for adult learners, reports 100 percent overall satisfaction for its AHIMA-approved Medical Coding Specialist Certificate of Achievement. The 32-unit curriculum mapped by Prof. Safiah Mamoon includes eight-week online courses like Information Systems and Reimbursement.

Estimated Total: $1,472

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Saddleback College here.

Image Source

Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara City College, a 2013 Aspen Prize for Excellence finalist ranked #1 by Value Colleges, has the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate for CCA credentialing online on Canvas. The 38-unit, AHIMA-approved program chaired by Dr. Gwyer Schuyler takes two years with affordable courses like Disease Classification and Pathophysiology.

Estimated Total: $2,748

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Santa Barbara City College here.

Image Source

Santa Bernardino Valley College

San Bernardino Valley College, the 2017 BIA Good Government Award winner ranked #2 for South California ROI on PayScale, grants the Medical Coding and Billing Certificate within one year. The 22-unit, WASC-accredited major advised by Prof. Reginald Metu has low-cost courses like Electronic Health Records and Keyboarding for CPC prep.

Estimated Total: $1,238

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Santa Bernardino Valley College here.

Image Source

Tyler Junior College

Tyler Junior College, Niche’s 146th best campus chosen among the 2019 Aspen Prize for Excellence finalists, houses a Medical Coding Certificate within its CAHIIM-accredited Health Science Division. The 36-credit hybrid CCA sequence chaired by Dr. Cliff Boucher starts each Summer with topics like Billing Methodologies and Data Content.

Estimated Total: $2,962

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Tyler Junior College here.

Image Source

Wharton County Junior College

Wharton County Junior College, a 2017 Aspen Prize for Excellence finalist placed #1 in Texas by BestColleges.com, prepares for 15.4 percent job growth with its Health Information Technology Level I Certificate. The 18-credit, SACS-accredited option managed by Prof. Debbie Lutringer mixes cheap classes from Coding & Insurance to Data Analysis.

Estimated Total: $2,769

Learn more about the Top Medical Coding and Billing Programs at Wharton County Junior College here.

25 Most Affordable Medical Coding And Billing School Programs

Image Source

For this article, we’ve set out to find the 25 Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing School Programs on U.S. campuses that provide training and maximize career investments. We accessed the NCES College Navigator to locate the cheapest MCB majors based on average in-state tuition data for 2017-18. Our advanced search filtered out certificate and associate degrees at public institutions for medical billers or coders. When the tuition max was marked to $5,000, the database returned 67 inexpensive results! Our next task was checking these low-cost options for quality regional accreditation. Preference was also given for accredited colleges on the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) website. After arranging suitable schools from low to high, we kept only the 25 Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training School Programs costing under $3,200 yearly below.

1. San Juan College

Image Source

Granted the 2000 Zia Award for Quality New Mexico, San Juan College is a public open-access, HLC-accredited junior institution with an 87,442-square-foot Farmington facility to serve nearly 13,000. The School of Health Sciences has July 1st, November 1st, and April 1st deadlines for individuals with minimum 2.5 GPAs to enter the Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Certificate. Chaired by Prof. Deborah Honstad, this 40-credit, online program blends Canvas courses with 40-hour internships for CCA exam prep.

Annual Tuition: $1,474

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training School Programs at San Juan College here.

2. Meridian Technology Center

Image Source

Directed by Dr. Douglas Major, Meridian Technology Center is a public, two-year Oklahoma CareerTech institute and 2018 HOSA Silver Star Chapter Award winner in Stillwater that’s linked to 82,500 in 400 districts. The Health Insurance Coder Certificate is a full-time, adult-only option that aligns to the latest ICD-10 practices and physician notes. Finishing the 1,260-hour curriculum takes 11.5 months of real-world projects in Anatomy, Reimbursement Methodology, Patient Privacy, and more.

Annual Tuition: $1,800

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training School Programs at Meridian Technology Center here.

3. School District of Indian River County

Image Source

Ranked Florida’s 12th best district with the #1 top teachers by Niche, the School District of Indian River County led by Dr. Mark Rendell expands beyond its 27 K-12 buildings in Vero Beach with cheap adult education. The Medical Coder/Biller Certificate lets TABE exam passers study electronic health records Mondays through Thursdays at Treasure Coast Technical College. Boasting 90 percent completion, the 1,110-hour program can lead to National Healthcareer Association certifications.

Annual Tuition: $1,920

 

4. Tooele Technical College

Image Source

Located in Forbes’ 10th friendliest town below Oquirrh Mountain, Tooele Technical College is a public, two-year Utah System of Higher Education member opened in 2009 with 27 programs. For instance, the Allied Health & Nursing Division headed by Prof. Sheila Sferas awards the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate of Proficiency in just six months. This 630-hour, Pell Grant-eligible option admits students age 16+ into modules like Claim Processing for median starting pay of $16.74/hour.

Annual Tuition: $2,293

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing School Programs at Tooele Technical College here.

5. Oakland Community College

Image Source

Worth $25 billion total, Oakland Community College is Michigan’s 12th best public, lower-division school on BestColleges.com that’s grown since June 1964 to teach 82,000 Raiders at six locations. In Highland Lakes, the CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assisting Program grants a Medical Insurance Coding Certificate with 100 percent CPC success. The 16-credit track coordinated by Prof. Judy Hayes partners with Henry Ford Health for courses like Medical Ethics and a no-cost apprenticeship.

Annual Tuition: $2,360

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing School Programs at Oakland Community College here.

6. Lee College

Image Source

Chosen a 2018 Bellwether Award Finalist, Lee College is a public, Hispanic-serving Texas Aspen Prize winner ranked 76th nationally by Niche for training over 9,000 Runnin’ Rebels from a 40-acre Baytown campus. In the McNulty-Haddick Complex, the CAHIIM-accredited Allied Health Department grants the Certificate of Completion in Medical Coding in three terms. The 33-credit plan organized by Prof. Howard Bushart involves affordable courses like Health Data Content and AHIMA exam review.

Annual Tuition: $2,488

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing School Programs at Lee College here.

7. Collin County Community College

Image Source

Given a $3.99 million NSF Advancing Technology Education Grant, Collin County Community College is a public, SACS-accredited junior institution founded in 1985 that’s ranked fifth in Texas by BestColleges.com with 53,000 Cougars. The School of Health Sciences led by Prof. Gary Hodge prepares for the CPC exam with the Medical Coding Certificate Series. On Blackboard or in McKinney, the 352-hour, eight-month track integrates courses like HIPAA Compliance and Pathophysiology.

Annual Tuition: $2,538

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing School Programs at Collin County Community College here.

8. San Jacinto College

Image Source

Placed 28th nationally by Community College Week, San Jacinto College is a public, Hispanic-serving “Achieving the Dream Leader” institution opened in 1961 that’s enrolling 30,000 Gators in Greater Houston. The CAHIIM-accredited Health Occupations Division started the Certificate of Technology in Medical Bill and Coding for median salary of $37,685. Directed by Prof. Carla Ruffins, RHIA, the 30-credit curriculum applies North Campus courses like Classification Systems with 26 field experience hours.

Annual Tuition: $2,580

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at San Jacinto College here.

9. Mountainland Technical College

Image Source

Serving Provo-Orem Metro, Mountainland Technical College is a public, STEM-centric vocational institute established in 1989 and led by Clay Christensen, the 2016 UACTE Administrator of the Year, with 87 percent job placement. In Lehi or Spanish Fork, the Health Sciences Department provides the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate for $2,585. The 1,100-hour, open-entry program includes the CPC exam, CPR/First Aid certification, and possible credit transfer to Utah Valley University.

Annual Tuition: $2,585

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at Mountainland Technical College here.

10. South Arkansas Community College

Image Source

First chartered by Governor Bill Clinton, South Arkansas Community College is a public, two-year El Dorado school and 2015 ABPG Workforce Development Award winner that’s budgeting $14.7 million to instruct 13,707 students. The Division of Health Sciences managed by Prof. Caroline Hammond starts a Technical Certificate in Medical Coding thrice yearly. Reporting a 75 percent AHIMA pass rate, the 36-credit program requires one clinical practicum after affordable courses like Information Processing.

Annual Tuition: $2,628

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at South Arkansas Community College here.

11. Columbus Technical College

Image Source

Named 10th nationally by The Knowledge Review, Columbus Technical College is a public, SACS-accredited junior institution that’s serving 5,231 students and hosting the 2018 FBLA Chapter of the Year in western Georgia. The Division of Health Sciences & Nursing in Wright Center confers the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate in 10-12 months. Headed by Prof. Nicole Jackson, the 24-credit option unlocks initial AHIMA certification after courses like Document Production are graded at least “C.”

Annual Tuition: $2,704

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at Columbus Techniccal College here.

12. Southern Regional Technical College

Image Source

Gifting $17.9 million yearly, including the Non-Traditional Scholarship, Southern Regional Technical College is a public, two-unit TCSG constituent merged in 2015 under Dr. Craig Wentworth that’s ranked #1 in Georgia by BestColleges.com. The Medical Billing Clerk Technical Certificate utilizes the School of Health Sciences’ resources for 100 percent career placement in 28 weeks. At Thomasville, Moultrie, Tifton, and Cairo campuses, this 22-credit sequence accelerates toward CPB credentials.

Annual Tuition: $2,704

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at Southern Regional Technical College here.

13. North Georgia Technical College

Image Source

Celebrating its 110th year, North Georgia Technical College is the oldest public, open-access TCSG member and 2015 GDEC Grant recipient that’s teaching 3,661 students with 70 percent retention. In Clarkesville or Blairsville, the Health Care Division guided by Prof. Farilyn Rearden has a Medical Coding Certificate worth around $2,734 total. The 24-credit, one-year program engages courses from Human Pathological Conditions to Medical Office Management with clinical partners like Habersham Center.

Annual Tuition: $2,734

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at North Georgia Technical College here.

14. Savannah Technical College

Image Source

Crowned America’s #1 best for vets school in Military Times, Savannah Technical College is a public, diverse market-driven TCSG member opened in 1929 that’s serving 4,500 in 150+ coastal programs. The Health Sciences Department has a 20:1 student-faculty ratio under Prof. Kathleen Bombery for its Medical Coding/Insurance Data Entry Certificate. Requiring Compass reading scores above 70, the 29-credit, three-term track covers ICD-10 methods in Savannah, Liberty, or Effingham.

Annual Tuition: $2,744

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at Savannah Technical College here.

15. Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Image Source

Rated A+ by the BBB, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public, two-year Coosa Valley school and 2018 People’s Choice Award winner dedicated to giving 13,734 Bobcats “Education for Work.” The Health Technologies Department led by Prof. Frank Pharr offers the Medical Coding Technical Certificate at six campuses and 100 percent online via Blackboard. For 30 weeks, the 24-credit program prepares for healthcare documentation jobs with mid-career pay of $52,300 on PayScale.

Annual Tuition: $2,774

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at Georgia Northwestern Technical College here.

16. Chattahoochee Technical College

Image Source

Home to the 2018 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence recipient, Chattahoochee Technical College is a public, eight-campus TCSG member in Marietta that’s ranked 10th by Atlanta Business Chronicle for serving 13,003 Eagles. Administered by Prof. Ron Webb, the Health Sciences Division starts a Medical Coding Specialization to the Health Care Assistant Certificate each August. The 33-credit, hybrid North Metro option adheres to AAPC guidelines with practice partners like Grady Hospital.

Annual Tuition: $2,782

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at Chattahoochee Technical College here.

17. South Georgia Technical College

Image Source

Bestowed the 2018 Sumter County Partner of the Year Award, South Georgia Technical College is a public, Hope Grant-eligible junior institution marking its 70th year by training 2,100 Jets with 80 faculty. The Medical Assisting Division confers the Medical Coding Technical Certificate of Credit for $2,794 in-state in Americus or at Crisp County Center. Advised by Prof. Diana Skipper, the 24-credit, 30-week curriculum melds courses like Fundamentals of English and Procedural Coding.

Annual Tuition: $2,794

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at South Georgia Technical College here.

18. Augusta Technical College

Image Source

Ranked 19th nationally for education outcomes by WalletHub, Augusta Technical College is a public, SACS-accredited vocational school opened in 1961 that’s led by Dr. Terry Elam with nearly debt-free education for 4,379 Cougars. The Allied Health Sciences & Nursing Division maintains a 16:1 student-professor ratio for the Medical Coding Technical Certificate in Augusta and Thomson. Starting every Fall, the 24-credit, guided evening pathway has 99.8 percent job placement after courses like Human Disease.

Annual Tuition: $2,794

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at August Technical College here.

19. West Georgia Technical College

Image Source

Runner-up for the 2016 Sonny Perdue College of the Year Award, West Georgia Technical College is the third-largest public, seven-county TCSG constituent generating $70.6 million with 9,525 Golden Knights enrolled. Chaired by Prof. Daphney Bryan in Waco, the School of Health Sciences powers the Medical Coding Technical Certificate with Blackboard for high school or GED graduates typing 30+ wpm. The 24-credit, one-year online journey includes courses like Human Body Structure and Insurance Billing.

Annual Tuition: $2,838

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at West Georgia Technical College here.

20. College of the Mainland

Image Source

Operating a Five-Star Phi Beta Kappa Chapter, College of the Mainland is a public, two-year Galveston County school founded in 1966 that’s ranked fifth for STEM in Community College Week with 4,328 Fighting Ducks. The CAHIIM-accredited Health Information Management Program led by Prof. Kay Frieze offers a standalone Medical Coding Certificate in 1.5 years. Reporting 28.6 percent attrition, the 34-credit diploma includes hands-on CPC prep in courses like Patient Data and clinical internships.

Annual Tuition: $2,973

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at the College of the Mainland here.

21. Coahoma Community College

Image Source

Declared America’s #2 cheapest HBCU by Best Value Schools, Coahoma Community College is a public, historically Black career institute opened in 1924 that’s training 2,999 Tigers at its 99-acre Mississippi Delta campus. The Allied Health Training Center in Clarksdale launched an A.A.S. in Medical Billing and Coding Technology for initial RHIT certification. Overseen by Prof. Beverly Overton, the 61-credit, applied program integrates 270 work hours into courses like Mechanics of Communication.

Annual Tuition: $2,803

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at Coahoma Community College here.

22. Atlanta Technical College

Image Source

Established as Smith-Hughes Vocational School in 1967, Atlanta Technical College is now America’s third fastest-growing campus according to Community College Week with 4,859 students in Forbes’ ninth best city. The Division of Health & Public Safety hosts a CAHIIM-accredited Health Information Management Coding Diploma for 64-week completion. Headed by Prof. Aletta Spence, the 52-credit plan requires 3.0 GPAs throughout cheap courses from Basic Psychology to Revenue Cycle Management.

Annual Tuition: $2,816

 

23. Arkansas State University-Mountain Home

Image Source

Adjacent to Baxter Regional Medical Center, Arkansas State University-Mountain Home is a public, open-admission school opened in 1995 that’s budgeting $10.7 million to instruct 1,500 Trailblazers in America’s 80th best associate degrees on Niche. The Health Sciences Division delivers a Technical Certificate in Professional Medical Coding with ICD-10 books included. Coordinated by Prof. Sarah Smith, the 32-credit program strengthens medical document interpretation with optional Fran Coulter Honors.

Annual Tuition: $2,832

 

24. Highland Community College

Image Source

Ranked 177th nationally for value by WalletHub, Highland Community College is a public, two-year Kansas institution and 2017 PTK International Hallmark Award winner that’s teaching 3,300 Scotties at 33 HLC-accredited locations. The Health Sciences Center utilizes Moodle for its Online A.A.S. in Medical Coding that only costs $3,057 twice. Directed by Prof. Elizabeth Wingo, the 64-credit, two-year program meets CCA competencies in courses like Pharmacology and virtual practica.

Annual Tuition: $3,057

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at Highland Community College here.

25. Panola College

Image Source

Occupying a 135-acre East Texas campus in Carthage, Panola College has placed in the Center for Digital Education’s top 10 five times as a public, two-year Ed2Go member serving 2,584 Ponies with 100 percent admission. The Health Sciences Department headed by Prof. Kelly Reed-Hirsch reports average income of $35,000 for Medical Coding Technician Certificate graduates. Taking 32 weeks, this 36-credit, TSI-waived program has blended Canvas courses like Ambulatory Coding with CCA review.

Annual Tuition: $3,120

Learn more about the Most Affordable Medical Coding and Billing Training Schools at Panola College here.

Are Remote Medical Coding and Billing Training Programs As Good As Traditional?

Image Source

Many allied health professionals are bucking the “traditional” trend by attending remote medical coding and billing training programs that use Web-based classrooms to practice. According to Babson’s 2017 Digital Education State Almanac, 29.7 percent of the 20.92 million U.S. college students are taking at least one course online. Instead of flooding big lecture halls, adults increasingly choose to harness 21st-century technologies for mastering HIT procedural systems at home. EdTech Magazine reported that 60 percent of remote learners work full-time, 70 percent are female, and 80 percent live within their school’s 100-mile radius. Online training is an attractive offer for good work-life balance, but some question whether it’s really effective. Let’s evaluate whether remote medical coding and billing programs are as good as traditional face-to-face programs for achieving CPC or CCS certification.

Quality of Remote Medical Coding and Billing Training

Image Source

Online colleges with physical campuses will typically have the same faculty deliver an identical medical coding and billing training curriculum to remote students. The U.S. Department of Education made the monumental move to declare online learning as effectual as traditional instruction in 2010. One Inside Higher Ed survey found that 95 percent of survey takers believed online classes are equivalent or superior. Though three-fourths of employers respect distance education, many university transcripts won’t even distinguish between online and traditional programs. However, please note that asynchronous remote learning isn’t right for everyone. The Brookings Institution discovered that online course grades drop an average 0.33 points relative to face-to-face ones.

Unique Benefits of Medical Coding and Billing Online Programs

Image Source

Remote medical coding and billing training can be “better” than traditional degrees in numerous ways because they’re extremely flexible. Online courses have 24/7/365 access to fit health care preparation into work and childrearing schedules anytime as long as deadlines are met. The Huffington Post stated that revolutionizing remote study builds computer-savvy tech skills, which HIT workers need, using everything from databases to blogs and discussion boards. Students can apply to online medical coding and billing certificates not available in their geographic location to increase admission chances. Studying remotely can also make financial sense to cut campus fees, room and board, and transportation off the College Board‘s mean community college cost of $3,440 per year.

Potential Cons to Studying Medical Coding and Billing Remotely

Image Source

Skipping campus commutes for online medical coding and billing training can create some troubles though. For example, eLearn Magazine warned that many virtual classrooms lack the ability to foster face-to-face communication skills unless apps like Skype are used live. Online learners need discipline to avoid falling behind coursework in self-paced modules without faculty supervision. Making one’s home a classroom can add unlikely distractions, such as barking pets and crying children. Web technology is generally a friend, but it can become foe when a Wi-Fi connection is lost and assignments can’t be uploaded. Remote medical coding and billing training programs also often still require hand-on practicum, which can be tough to arrange when living out of state.

Several steps can be made to ensure remote medical coding and billing training is as equivalent to traditional on-campus classes as possible. Accreditation is a key value indicator that ensures schools’ compliance with third-party review standards. Many of the best coding degrees are delivered by the 160 online colleges with CAHIIM accreditation or AHIMA recognition. The U.S. News & World Report suggests asking academic officials if the curriculum’s credits are transferrable to judge eminence. Check with the Online Learning Consortium to determine whether the college is endorsed by its Quality Scorecard Report. Invest some time questioning the institution’s course policies, resources, and student testimonials too. Some great remote medical coding and billing training places include Charter Oak State College, Dakota State University, Great Basin College, Weber State University, Moraine Park Technical College, Fisher College Boston, and Collin County Community College.

Related Links

The 20 Best From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs

Best Online Medical Coding Programs for 2018

10besHealthcare informatics is a rapidly growing field, expanding in response to the innovation in healthcare management information systems serving medical groups, insurance providers and major hospital institutions. This upward trend has created the conditions for an exceptional demand of specialists in the field. The need for trained professionals proficient in acting as liaisons between healthcare providers, patients, and insurance companies are those medical billing and coding technicians is great. Especially for people interested in establishing rewarding careers in the healthcare industry.

Medical billing and coding technicians are just those people. They are the front office and back office practitioners specializing in the field of healthcare informatics and administration as well as a number of other duties. From the administration of managed care and patient records to data coding of records for processing across entire networks of healthcare providers, qualified and experienced medical billing and coding technicians are highly trained and highly sought. Since the enactment of the U.S. Affordable Care Act, the expansion of the healthcare sector has led to new employment opportunities for medical coding professionals. The national outlook for clinical and hospital institutions indicates that the ageing patient population is expected to increase. Add the global shortage in licensed nurses and other practitioners, and the impact on medical office administration is clear. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2022, the rate of growth for medical billing coding technicians will be approximately 22%. Graduates of medical billing and coding schools work within a variety of settings including in hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing and residential care facilities, and even public health and government agencies and may earn up to $34,160 or more per year.

To enter the field of medical billing and coding, candidates must enrol in an accredited certificate, associate degree or bachelor degree Medical Billing and Coding program. Most certificate and associate degree programs are one to two years in length. For those who wish to continue their education, many go on to earn bachelor degrees in healthcare administration fields. A number of medical billing and coding programs are offered by private and public colleges, non-degree granting career training institutions, and vocational schools. Selecting the program which best suits your academic needs and career goals is often not an easy process. To help in maximizing your training experience while ensuring the program you choose is the best for you and your career goals, here is a list of the 10 Best Online Medical Coding Programs. Participating in any of the programs listed here ensures you receive quality education from an accredited, reputable organization and opens the door to exciting career opportunities within the dynamic, fast evolving healthcare industry.

1. Kaplan University

kap
Founded in Iowa in the late 1930s, Kaplan University has grown to a nationwide higher education institution with both traditional onsite and online campuses. The school offers a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate that trains healthcare professionals in the administration of patient records. Participation within Kaplan’s program provides a well rounded understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, medical terminology, medical office management, and data information processing as well as hands on, real world experience through an externship program. Completion of the certificate program at Kaplan gives individuals the opportunity to go on to attain an Associate degree, Bachelor degree or Master degree in healthcare administration, healthcare informatics, or healthcare management or gain employment as qualified professionals. All programs at Kaplan University are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The University is also a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Tuition cost per unit is an affordable $371.


For more about Kaplan’s online medical coding programs, go here

2. Penn Foster College

oenns
Penn Foster is a great choice for future medical billers and coders. As the first distance learning school in the United States established in 1890, this college has trained more than 13,000,000 since the founding. Offerings include undergraduate Certificate, Associate degree, Bachelor degree programs in a number of subjects, including Medical Billing and Coding. What makes Penn Foster’s Medical Billing and Coding program unique is that it conforms to ICD-9 and ICD-10 coding standards. This, in turn, prepare students for hospital institutions and AHIMA certification following graduation and opens pathways to many career opportunities. Accreditation by the Distance Education and Training Council and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and five other accrediting bodies ensure the highest quality instruction. Tuition ranging from $678 – $798 ensures affordability. And a diverse number of online programs ensures convenience. All of this and more makes Penn Foster a great choice for online education.

For more about Penn Foster College’s online medical coding programs, go here

3. Everett Community College

everett
Everett Community College is a seven division learning institution located in Snohomish County, Washington. A long history of catering to the educational needs of a diverse student body combined with affordable, accessible, and convenient learning environments gives students a well-rounded experience. Since it’s early beginnings within a converted elementary school in 1941, Everett has expanded to provide a number of associate degree and certificates programs within thirty fields through both on-campus and online programs. It’s unique nine-month, online Medical Coding Program includes a comprehensive program of courses like Healthcare Vocabulary, Legal Compliance, Healthcare Reimbursement, Coding with ICD-10-CM/PCS (PR), Advanced Coding with ICD-10-CM/PCS, Basics of Pharmacology, Principals of Procedural Coding (PR), Health Information Management, and Medical Coding Practicum. This online program prepares students for the American Health and Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Successful completion of both the training and examinations results in a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) designation required for long-term employment and career success. Since this and all programs offered through Everett are accredited by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, the training and experiences offered at Everett are guaranteed to be worthwhile. Contact the school for information about tuition.

For more about Everett Community College’s online medical coding programs, go here

4. Drexel University

drex
Drexel University, first established in 1891 in Philadelphia, is ranked as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S.News & World Report for programs offered by the private university on its traditional and distance learning campuses. The University’s Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding is an accredited, online, and a fast-paced six-course certificate program. Students learn the three (3) main coding scripts: 1) CPT, 2) HCPCS, and 3) ICD-9-CM. All of this combined gives students the ability to advance to the ICD-10 in preparation for the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) exam qualifying trainees to become a Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS); as well as sitting for the American Academy of Professional Coder’s (AAPC), American Health Information Management Association’s (CCS or CCS-P), and Certified Professional Coder’s (CPC or CPC-H) board exams. Drexel is accredited by the Middle States Association Commission on Higher Education, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), National Accrediting Agency for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Tuition is $707 per credit.

For more about Drexel University’s online medical coding programs, go here

 

5. Carrington College

crr
Founded as part of Apollo College in 1976, the Phoenix, AZ based Carrington College is a nationally accredited institution providing Certificate or Associate degree in Medical Billing and Coding training to students in the healthcare sector. This college has eleven campus locations across the Western United States as well as online programs geared toward busy individuals seeking to expand their education and advance their careers. Carrington offers students training in the different aspects of healthcare information technology, including healthcare management information systems (HMIS) support of medical records administered by medical billing and coding specialists. Tuition and fees vary by program and location. Active duty service personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for special tuition rates. The College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

For more about Carrington College’s online medical coding programs, go here

6. Herzing University

Herzing University Best Online Medical Coding ProgramsHerzing University was established in 1965 to train students in a range of fields, including dynamic programs in medical billing and coding. The University offers 50 different Associate degree, Bachelor degree, and Master degree options in Business, Design, Healthcare, Public Safety, and Technology. Internship opportunities allow students to practice skills learned in the classroom in a professional setting so that they are prepared to enter or advance in their chosen field. Herzing University courses enable students to study according to their own schedule in an asynchronous environment. Contact for tuition information. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and North Central Association (NCA).

For more about Herzing University’s online medical coding programs, go here

7. DeVry University

devry

DeVry University and DeVry Institute of Technology are both divisions of DeVry Education Group. The for-profit higher education institution was established in 1931. Students interested in medical coding and billing may participate in the University’s online associate degree in Health Information Technology program. This program was designed to train students in medical billing and coding in an asynchronous, online setting. The comprehensive education in healthcare information technology offered by DeVry is distinct in that it covers IT infrastructure and healthcare management information systems used in medical operations; as well as the technical applications involved in medical billing and coding. Popular with professionals working in the healthcare management and technology sector. DeVry’s course programs prepare students with entry-level competencies as provided for by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

For more about Devry University’s online medical coding programs, go here

8. Grantham University

granth
Founded in 1951, Grantham University offers special assistance to returning veterans enrolled in one of the University’s thirty eight accredited, online Certificate, Associate degree, Bachelor degrees, and Master degree programs. The University’s degree programs are designed to advance the professional interests of students working in the healthcare field. Medical billing and coding curricula offered through the University’s College of Nursing and Allied Health is available in online format. The breadth of courses offered in the range of certificate and degree programs within the College of Nursing, enable students to tailor their training to fulfil criteria for preparation of knowledge for credentialing exams. The online Associate degree in Medical Billing and Coding on Grantham University’s distance campus trains students for taking the ICD-9 and ICD-10 exams. The latter will be required beginning October 2014. The College’s focus on healthcare informatics for billing and coding makes the program a robust curricula for healthcare administration education. Students graduate with a thorough education in healthcare informatics, as well as knowledge about the application of those skills in clinical, hospital, insurance company, and private practice environments. Grantham University is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council. Undergraduate Tuition is $265 per credit hour with Graduate Tuition at $325 per credit hour.

For more about Grantham University’s online medical coding programs, go here

9. Ultimate Medical Academy

ulti
Ultimate Medical Academy, a leader in the medical billing and coding training field, offers an associate degree and diploma program in one of the most dynamic and advanced programs available online. Both Ultimate Medical Academy programs train students for eligibility in application to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) licensure exam. The Diploma program in Medical Billing and Coding can be completed in as little as 10 months. The Associate degree program is affordable and requires 18 to 24 months until completion. During the course of study, students are introduced to the fundamental principles of healthcare informatics, coding structure used in medical operations and recording keeping, and other essential fundamentals of the field of medical billing and coding. When studying for a Medical Billing and Coding diploma or associate degree, students may elect to train on the Academy’s onsite campuses at Clearwater, Florida, or through the online campus. Ultimate Medical Academy also provides ongoing professional employment search assistance to Academy graduates to help them establish long term and lasting careers. Ultimate Medical Academy is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU), and the National Healthcare Association (NHA).

For more about Ultimate Medical Academy’s online medical and billing programs, go here

Related Links

Top 10 Medical Billing and Coding Schools
15 Best Remote Medical Coding Training Programs Online
10 Best Online Health Informatics/Health Information Management Degree Programs

20 Best From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs

Training for at-home medical coding jobs can be completed wholly online for the greatest flexibility and career-life balance. Whether you’re a parent, disabled, retired, a military spouse, or simply attracted to working in the comfort of home, medical coding is a hot job. CNBC reported that medical coding has a prescription for fast growth since healthcare facilities have switched to electronic records. The BLS predicts that medical records management will spark 29,000 new positions for a 15 percent hiring increase. Companies like Humana, Maxim Health, and Aviacode need fresh telecommuting talent, so consider these 20 Best From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs.

Our ranking zeros in on top online medical coding programs that fulfill requirements for certification, such as Certified Coding Associate (CCA). That’s because pay climbs for credentials with an average salary of $47,796 per year. We used the NCES College Navigator tool to search for coding schools with distance education. Each prospective program had to be regionally accredited, uphold AHIMA standards, feature at least four courses, and include virtual practicum. Preference was given to colleges holding national or regional rankings for prestige. From home coding curricula was also judged for affordability, class size, placement, credit transfer, and academic rigor.

1. Drexel University

Located in Philadelphia’s Powelton Village, Drexel University is a private, nonprofit research hub with cooperative education for over 26,300 Dragons. According to the U.S. News, Drexel is the 96th best national university, 65th top value, and 14th most innovative school. The College of Nursing and Health Professions confers an online, six-course Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding.

Tuition Total: $14,364

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at Drexel University here.

2. University of Utah

Affiliated with 22 Rhodes Scholars, the University of Utah is a public, space-grant RU/VH institution selectively admitting 31,500 Utes in Salt Lake City and online. The U.S. News named Utah the 111th best university and 73rd best for vets school. There’s a three-part Professional Medical Coding and Billing program delivered online with real-world 3M encoding software.

Tuition Total: $3,495

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at the University of Utah here.

3. Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapoli

Endowed for $601 million, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is a public, co-educational RU/H institution “Fulfilling the Promise” to over 30,100 Jaguars. The U.S. News ranked IUPUI as America’s 197th best university and 106th top public college. Online learners can pursue the 26-credit Medical Coding Certificate through the School of Informatics and Computing for AHIMA credentialing.

Tuition Total: $9,233

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis here.

4. Keiser University

Belonging to the NAIA Sun Conference, Keiser University is a private, nonprofit SACS-accredited college serving over 16,300 Seahawks in Fort Lauderdale and beyond. Keiser is the South’s 23rd top school and 11th best value according to the U.S. News. Online students can prepare for the AAPC exam in the two-year Associate of Science in Medical Administrative Billing and Coding.

Tuition Total: $37,728

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at Keiser University here.

5. Albany State University

Established in 1874 for freed slaves, Albany State University is a public, TMCF-member institution with over 7,100 Golden Rams studying in southwest Georgia and online. The U.S. News lauded Albany State as the 32nd best historically black school nationwide. The 22-credit Online Certificate in Medical Coding builds expertise in ICD-10 coding systems from home.

Tuition Total: $2,860

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at Albany State University here.

6. Weber State University

Attracting 26,600 Wildcats to 250+ academic programs, Weber State University is located in Ogden, Utah, with NWCCU accreditation for public, liberal arts education. The U.S. News crowned Weber the West’s 76th top regional university. The Dumke College of Health Professions confers a 10-course Certificate of Proficiency in Healthcare Coding online for a median salary of $34,000.

Tuition Total: $5,340

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at Weber State University here.

7. Florida A&M University

Classified as a public, land-grant RU/H doctoral institution, Florida A&M University is endowed for $127.18 million to educate over 9,600 Rattlers from Tallahassee and beyond. High school counselors surveyed by the U.S. News placed FAMU 173rd nationally. The School of Allied Health Sciences follows AHIMA standards for an online, nine-course Medical Coding Certificate Program.

Tuition Total: $7,965

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schoools and Programs at Florida A&M University here.

8. Great Falls College Montana State University

Founded in 1969 for “Changing Lives, Achieving Dreams,” Great Falls College MSU is a two-year, public teaching institution enrolling over 4,700 students in Montana and online. Great Falls is affiliated with the U.S. News’ 210th best university and 118th top public school. Students can pursue the 63-credit A.A.S. in Medical Billing and Coding Specialist online.

Tuition Total: $8,374

9. Herzing University

Operating 11 campuses and an online division from Milwaukee, Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413, www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400. The U.S. News applauded Herzing for America’s 142nd best online undergraduate programs. In 12 months, online students can complete the 44-credit Diploma in Medical Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist for CCSA Associate certification. For more information regarding graduation rates, median student debt for students who have completed the program, and other information, to Herzing’s consumer disclosure website.

Tuition Total: $12,560

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at Herzing University here.

10. Peirce College

Led by President James J. Mergiotti, Peirce College is a private, nonprofit MSCHE-accredited college based on Philadelphia’s Pine Street to educate over 1,200. Peirce is acclaimed for holding America’s 132nd best online undergraduate degrees by the U.S. News. The Allied Health Division offers a 39-credit, competency-based Certificate in Medical Coding online with a virtual practice workshop.

Tuition Total: $17,040

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at Peirce College here.

11. SUNY Herkimer College

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, SUNY Herkimer College is a two-year, public lower-division institution registering over 3,300 Generals in Upstate New York near Utica. Herkimer was picked for the prestigious 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Home-based learners could finish the 12-month Online Medical Coding-Transcriptionist Certificate via the Internet Academy for mastering ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes.

Tuition Total: $4,490

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at SUNY Herkimer College here.

12. Great Basin College

Governed by the Nevada System of Higher Education, Great Basin College is a public, two-year career-oriented institution with NWCCU accreditation to educate over 3,400 in Elko, Ely, Battle Mountain, and online. Niche placed Great Basin as America’s 116th “Best Online College.” Each Fall, online students begin the two-semester Certificate of Achievement in Professional Medical Coding and Billing.

Tuition Total: $3,060

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at Great Basin College here.

13. The University of Cincinnati Clermont College

Sitting on 91.2 wood cares in Batavia, Ohio, UC Clermont College is a regional public, two-year satellite of the University of Cincinnati with over 3,700 Cougars finding “Strength in Unity.” The U.S. News placed UC as America’s 135th best university and 64th top public college. Clermont offers an 11-course Online Certificate in Medical Biller/Coder with open admission.

Tuition Total: $7,320

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at The University of Cincinnati Clermont College here.

14. Kaplan University

Training 37,000 non-traditional students, Kaplan University is a primarily online private, for-profit HLC-accredited institution of Graham Holdings Company in Davenport, Iowa, with 14 national campuses. The U.S. News declared Kaplan’s online undergraduate programs as the 156th best nationwide. Students work from home for the 39-credit Online Medical Billing and Coding Certificate or 57-credit Online Medical Office Administration Certificate.

Tuition Total: $14,469

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at Kaplan University here

15. Central Texas College

Since opening in 1965 for Bell County citizens, Central Texas College has expanded as a public, two-year SACS-accredited school with over 39,200 Eagles in Killeen and online. In Community College Week. CTC ranked 15th among associate degree producers nationally. AAPC qualifications can be fulfilled with the 39-credit Online Certificate of Completion in Medical Coding & Billing.

Tuition Total: $8,775

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at Central Texas College here.

16. Sullivan University

As the SACS’ first accredited private, for-profit school, Sullivan University serves over 6,000 students from in Louisville, Lexington, Fort Knox, and online. Niche recognized Sullivan as America’s 64th “Best Online College” and 157th “Best College Campus.” The College of Health Sciences awards a 47-credit, 12-month Medical Coding Diploma online with courses like information literacy, human anatomy, and CCA review.

Tuition Total: $18,565

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at Sullivan University here.

17. Minnesota State College Southeast

Accredited by the HLC-NCA, Minnesota State College Southeast is a public, two-year technical institution headquartered in Winona since 1949 to train over 2,700 professionals. Niche ranked MSC Southeast as America’s 42nd “Best Trade School.” Through D2L Brightspace, online students can attain the 46-credit Medical Coding Specialist Diploma or finish the 57-credit Medical Coding Specialist A.A.S.

Tuition Total: $8,644

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at Minnesota State Colleg Southeast here.

18. Bellevue College

With Washington State’s third-largest enrollment at 37,000 Bulldogs, Bellevue College stands on King County’s Eastside as a public, open-access technical institution. PayScale recognized Bellevue for the 25th highest community college ROI with a median mid-career salary of $63,400. Online students can undertake the four-month, AHIMA-approved Professional Medical Coding and Billing Program with CareerStep for CPC credentialing.

Tuition Total: $2,995

Learn more about Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at Bellevue College here.

19. Mercy College of Ohio

Opened by the Sisters of Mercy in 1917, Mercy College of Ohio is a private, bachelor’s-level health sciences institution with HLC-NCA accreditation to educate over 1,200 future practitioners. College Values Online included Mercy among the “50 Most Affordable Small Catholic Colleges” nationwide. Attend the Virtual Open House to consider the 26-credit Online Medical Coding Certificate Program.

Tuition Total: $11,600

20. National American University

Given HLC-NCA accreditation in 1985, National American University is a private, for-profit learning system based in Rapid City, South Dakota, that’s educating over 7,900 students at 33 U.S. locations and online. College Factual ranked NAU in the top 5 percent nationally for ethnic diversity. The College of Health and Sciences confers a 12-month Healthcare Coding Diploma adhered to AHIMA standards.

Tuition Total: $13,212

Learn more about From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs at National American University here.

20 Best Medical Coding and Billing Programs Online

Medical coding and billing proves that commuting to a physical campus to invest years and hefty tuition isn’t always necessary to succeed. This allied health discipline is accessible with simply a post-secondary certificate. Online schools are increasingly adding medical coding and billing programs to train students with in-demand patient recordkeeping skills. The U.S. News reported 10-year projected job growth at 15 percent for medical coders and billers. Graduates enter a changing healthcare industry where 29,000 health IT jobs will be created by 2024. According to “Coding Edge” magazine, the income potential is also exceptional with Certified Professional Coders claiming $47,796 on average.

Featured Programs:

1. Medical Billing & Coding Certificate – Kaplan University
2. Associates in Medical Administrative Coding & Billing – Keiser University
3. Associates in Electronic Medical Records – Miller-Motte Online

In this article, we’ll distinguish the 20 Best Medical Coding and Billing Programs Online to aid your collegiate search. Making our list began with the CAHIIM Program Directory to find schools meeting health information management training standards. We narrowed down to distance programs available at least 90 percent online, excluding applied practicum. Each certificate or degree had to contain 20+ credits and fulfill the requirements for AHIMA and/or AAPC certification. Then, we configured the list’s order using rankings from the U.S. News, Forbes, Niche, and other media publications. Particular attention was given to class size, job placement, starting salary, retention, and transferability.

Without further introduction, we present the

20 Best Medical Coding and Billing Programs Online:

1. Rutgers University

rugters

Image Source

Belonging to the Association of American Universities (AAU), Rutgers University is a prestigious public, sea-grant RU/VH research powerhouse endowed for $1 billion to educate over 67,000 students from New Brunswick, New Jersey, and beyond. The U.S. News and World Report ranked Rutgers as the 25th Top Public University nationwide. Holding Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accreditation, the School of Health Professions offers a 21-credit Medical Coding Certificate primarily online. Students master appropriate ICD-10-CM coding schemes to pass the CCA certification examination.

Online Tuition: $367 (in-state) or $862 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about Rutgers University’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here

2. Florida A&M University

famuni

Image Source

Endowed for $127 million, Florida A&M University is a public, land-grant Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) founded in 1887 that’s serving over 9,900 students face-to-face in Tallahassee and online. The U.S. News and World Report recognized Florida A&M University as America’s seventh Best Historically Black College. Within the CAHIIM-accredited School of Allied Health Sciences, online students could earn the Medical Coding Certificate. The program’s self-paced, 15-week online modules train students to accurately apply inpatient and outpatient procedure codes.

Online Tuition: $151 (in-state) or $549 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about Florida A&M University’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

3. CUNY School of Professional Studies

cunyprof

Image Source

Located in Midtown Manhattan, the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Professional Studies opened in 2003 as a public, co-educational distance learning center with over 2,000 credit students. According to the U.S. News and World Report, the School of Professional Studies delivers the 11th Best Online Undergraduate Programs nationally. One such offering is the 20-month, CAHIIM-aligned Online Certificate in Medical Coding. Students are given interviews with Mount Sinai or Bronx-Lebanon Hospital for paid coding apprenticeships.

Online Tuition: $275 (in-state) or $560 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about the CUNY School of Professional Studies Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

4. University of Cincinnati

Educating over 44,300 students, the University of Cincinnati is Ohio’s oldest and second-largest public, space-grant research institution with campuses in Uptown, Blue Ash, Batavia, Reading, and online. The U.S. News honored UC as America’s 64th top public school and 90th most veteran-friendly college. Through the Clermont College, the CAHIIM-accredited Health Division confers a Certificate in Medical Biller/Coder online. The open-admission program spans 12 months to teach healthcare’s recordkeeping and reimbursement strategies.

Online Tuition: $222 (in-state) or $523 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about the University of Cincinati’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

5. Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis

indipur

Image Source

Featuring 200+ programs, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis is a merger between two premier public, co-educational institutions to educate over 30,100 students from the world’s “Racing Capital” and online. Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) was crowned the country’s 106th Best Public University by the U.S. News and World Report. With CAHIIM accreditation, the School of Informatics and Computing gives a 26-credit Medical Coding Certificate. Online coursework will sharpen ICD and CPT coding expertise before a culminating supervised practicum.

Online Tuition: $266 (in-state) or $957 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis’ Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

6. Great Falls College Montana State University

greatfallsmsu

Image Source

Established in 1969, Great Falls College Montana State University is a public, two-year institution affiliated with Montana State University that’s educating over 4,700 students across the Billings Metro and virtually. The U.S. News and World Report applauded Montana State University as the 118th Top Public University. Online students can pursue the Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate in three terms for 47 credits. The program maintains CAHIIM and AHIMA approval for entry-level clinical IT jobs.

Online Tuition: $161 (in-state) or $265 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about Great Falls College Montana State University’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

7. Alfred State College

As the SUNY College of Technology, Alfred State College offers publicly funded, tech-oriented programs in 70+ fields to over 3,500 students in rural Upstate New York. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Alfred State University is the North’s sixth Top Public College and sixth Best School for Veterans. With 85 percent retention, the CAHIIM-accredited Health Information Technology program offers an online Coding Reimbursement Specialist Certificate. Aspiring CPC professionals will complete a 160-hour supervised practice experience.

Online Tuition: $270 (in-state) or $406 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about Alfred State College’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

8. St. Catherine University

stcats

Image Source

Proclaimed the “Nation’s Largest College for Women,” St. Catherine University is a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution enrolling over 5,000 females in Minnesota’s Twin Cities Metro and online. St. Catherine University was chosen as the Midwest’s 15th Best College and 13th Top Value by the U.S. News and World Report. The College of Adults maintains CAHIIM accreditation for Health Information Technology programs, including an Online Coding Specialist Certificate. Finishing this 36-credit curriculum on CPT and ICD coding takes 45 weeks on average.

Online Tuition: $680 per credit

Learn more about St. Catherine University’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

9. Keiser University

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Keiser University is a private, nonprofit institution catering to over 16,900 non-traditional students in Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Lakeland, Orlando, Tampa, and online. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Keiser stands as the 23rd Best Southern School and 11th Top Value. With CAHIIM approval, the 60-credit Associate of Science (A.S.) in Medical Administrative Billing & Coding degree is delivered online. Courses like medical ethics, pharmacology, and human anatomy culminate with an externship.

Online Tuition: $669 per credit

Learn more about Keiser University’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

10. Fisher College

fishercollege

Image Source

Ideally situated on Boston’s famous Beacon Street, Fisher College is a private, nonprofit institution tracing back to 1903 that’s enrolling over 2,500 daytime, evening, and online students. Fisher is the North’s 31st Best College with the 180th Best Online Undergraduate Orograms according to the U.S. News and World Report. The School of Accelerated & Professional Studies holds CAHIIM accreditation for its 37-credit Medical Coding Certificate. Online learners spend 18 months part-time learning to appropriately record diagnostic data for AAPC credentialing.

Online Tuition: $369 per credit

 

11. Weber State University

weber

Image Source

Affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1889, Weber State University is a public, co-educational institution enrolling over 26,600 students from Ogden, Utah, to Davis County and online. The U.S. News and World Report picked Weber as the West’s 76th Best University. Over 30 weeks, online students can finish the Certificate of Proficiency in Healthcare Coding for the CCA exam. Admission to the CAHIIM-accredited HIM program requires a medical terminology prerequisite.

Online Tuition: $252 per credit

Learn more about Weber State University’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

12. DeVry University

devryuniv

Image Source

Owned by one of North America’s largest publicly held education groups, DeVry University provides for-profit online education for over 42,000 students from its Downers Grove headquarters in Illinois. The U.S. News and World Report commends DeVry for America’s 120th Best Online Undergraduate Teaching. Within the CAHIIM-accredited College of Health Sciences, the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate takes 12 months. The 10-course online program equips health information technicians with today’s ICD-10 coding standards.

Online Tuition: $609 per credit ($250 for active-duty military)

Learn more about DeVry University’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

13. North Dakota State College of Science

Boasting a 98 percent placement rate, the North Dakota State College of Science enrolls over 3,100 as a two-year, public school in Wahpeton. North Dakota State College of Science was ranked #3 Nationally by the Washington Monthly based on the Community College Survey of Student Engagement. Holding CAHIIM approval, the Health Science Cluster confers a 41-credit Medical Coding Certificate online. Virtual labs and an applied practicum ensure necessary skills for AHIMA designations.

Online Tuition: $155 (in-state) or $365 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about North Dakota State college of Science’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

14. National American University

natameruni

Image Source

Founded by Clarence Jacobson in 1941, National American University is an independent, for-profit institution in Rapid City, South Dakota, with 33 U.S. locations to educate over 8,000. Crowned a “Top 25 Best Buy,” National American University was graded A+ for campus quality and A- for diversity by Niche. With CAHIIM accreditation, the Online Healthcare Coding Diploma trains students to properly coordinate electronic health records. The 63-credit curriculum includes online coding labs and one practicum placement.

Online Tuition: $373 per credit

Learn more about National American University’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

15. Charter Oak State College

charteroak

Image Source

With enrollment surpassing 2,200, Charter Oak State College is a public, co-educational liberal arts school coordinated by the Connecticut Board of Regents for education in New Britain and online. On Forbes, Charter Oak ranked #2 among “Great Colleges for Adults Returning to School.” Boasting an average starting salary of $37,000, the CAHIIM-accredited college confers a 21-credit Certificate in Medical Coding online. Courses will transfer into the A.S. Health Information Management Major.

Online Tuition: $287 (in-state) or 377 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about Charter Oak State College’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

16. University of Alaska Southeast

ualaskse

Image Source

Chartered in 1972, the University of Alaska Southeast is a four-year public institution located in Juneau that’s also educating over 3,700 students in Sitka, Ketchikan, and online. Niche selected the University of Alaska Southeast as America’s 84th “Best Online College” with B+ professors. The Health Information Management Division holds CAHIIM accreditation for an Online Coding Specialist Certificate. The 30-credit curriculum opens entry-level jobs in clinics, veterinary hospitals, behavioral health facilities, and more.

Online Tuition: $212 (in-state) or $678 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about the University of Alaska Southeast’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Programs here.

17. St. Petersburg College

stpets

Image Source

Opened in 1927, St. Petersburg College is a public, state-funded higher learning institution serving 65,000 students in sunny Central Florida and online via the ANGEL system. In “Community College Week,” St. Petersburg College ranked 10th in America for number of associate degrees conferred. The CAHIIM-accredited Health Information Technology Department awards a 37-credit Medical Coder Certificate online. Students complete two professional practica to better understand the application of numerical codes.

Online Tuition: $122 (in-state) or $425 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about St. Petersburg College Medical Coding and Billing Online Programs here.

18. Lone Star College

lonestat

Image Source

Based in North Harris just 20 miles north of Houston, Lone Star College offers 110+ programs to approximately 18,400 students as a public, state-funded community college system. The Chronicle of Higher Education recognized LSC for America’s third highest international student enrollment. Leading to CCA certification, the Coding Certificate is offered by the Health, Emergency, and Personal Services Division. The 15-month, CAHIIM-approved curriculum is mostly online with practicum at clinical affiliates.

Online Tuition: $164 (in-state) or $250 (out-of-state) per credit

Learn more about Lone Star College’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

19. Mercy College of Ohio

mercy

Image Source

Following the Sisters of Mercy tradition, Mercy College of Ohio is a private, nonprofit Catholic health sciences institution with 17 academic programs in Toledo, Youngstown, and online. On Niche, Mercy was declared America’s 113th “Best Online College” and 115th “Best Test Optional School.” Requiring 26 credits, Mercy’s Medical Coding Certificate is available online for CCA exam preparation. The CAHIIM-approved curriculum was updated to include the ICD-10 coding system.

Online Tuition: $396 per credit

 

20. Rasmussen College

rasmussen

Image Source

Owned by the Public Benefit Corporation, Rasmussen College is a for-profit distance learning institution based in Bloomington, Minnesota, with 17 satellites to educate over 13,600 students. Inside Higher Ed declared that “Rasmussen proves bigger isn’t always better.” As America’s 13th Best Online Value, Rasmussen houses a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate in its CAHIIM-accredited School of Health Sciences. Graduates of the nine-month program achieve a median salary of $31,454 with employers like the Mayo Clinic and Sanford Health.

Online Tuition: $310 per credit

Learn more about Rasmussen College’s Medical Coding and Billing Online Program here.

Related Links

What Are The Top Medical Billing and Coding Programs?

Top 10 Medical Billing and Coding Schools

top medical coding

Image Source

Whether you’re a high school grad, career changer, single mom, or returning veteran, medical coding and billing is an in-demand profession to consider. Medical coders are skilled HIT technicians who assign letters and numbers to health records for coding diagnoses and procedures. Medical billers utilize their coded records to file claims with patients’ insurance carriers and get healthcare organizations paid. Medical billing and coding jobs are highly flexible, even offering telecommuting positions for work from home. Joining this healthcare field poised to grow by 15 percent through 2024 will require post-secondary training though. Most employers prefer hiring medical coders and billers with a certificate or associate degree. Since education is key for becoming successful in medical coding and billing, being very familiar with the field’s codebooks is essential for creating accurate health insurance claims. Registering for medical coding and billing training is a smart investment. Certified Professional Coders (CPCs) earn 20 percent more than their colleagues with an average salary of $50,030. Develop the technical skill sets for coordinating the healthcare revenue cycle by attending one of these Top 10 Medical Billing and Coding Schools.

In this article, we’ll recognize only the best billing and coding schools in the United States for mastering health records management. We began the selection process by surveying the 268 associate-level programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Associate degrees offering built-in or subsequent certificates for medical coding and billing were noted. Extra brownie points were given to coding education programs recognized by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Next, we shortened our lengthy list by judging academic reputation in national rankings. For affordability, we only chose colleges with average undergraduate tuition prices under $25,000 each year according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Other factors considered were professional experience, certification rates, student-faculty ratio, financial aid, and coding practices.

Without further introduction, we present the

Top 10 Medical Coding and Billing Schools:

1. Bowling Green State University

bgsu
Founded under the Lowry Normal School Bill in 1910, Bowling Green State University is a public, research institution located 15 miles south of Toledo, Ohio, with over 17,700 students. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Bowling Green State University is America’s 185th Best University and 103rd Top Public School. Bowling Green’s Firelands College campus in Huron offers a Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredited Associate of Technical Study (ATS) in Coding & Medical Billing. The two-year, 64-credit program blends on-site and online courses to satisfy American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) requirements. There’s also an A.A.S. in Health Information Technology.

Tuition: $4,946 (in-state) or $12,482 (out-of-state)

Learn more about Bowling Green State University’s Medical Coding and Billing Programs here.

2. St. Catherine University

stcath
With enrollment over 5,000, St. Catherine University is a private, women’s liberal arts institution rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition in Minnesota’s Twin Cities Metro. Given a “B” Forbes financial grade, St. Catherine is ranked the 15th Best Midwestern College by the U.S. News and World Report. In the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health, ladies can pursue the A.A.S. in Health Information with a Coding Specialist Certificate. Holding Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) accreditation, the 70-credit program features clinical lab and professional practice application. St. Catherine graduates have an above-average Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam pass rate.

Tuition: $24,144

Learn more about St. Catherine University’s Medical Coding and Billing Programs here.

3. Alfred State College – SUNY

alfred
Sitting in the rolling hills of New York’s Southern Tier, Alfred State College – SUNY is a public, state-funded technical institution educating over 3,500 students in 50 fields. The U.S. News and World Report ranked Alfred State as the North’s 19th Best College and 14th Top School for Veterans. Alfred State has offered an online Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) accredited A.A.S. in Health Information Technology and American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) approved Coding and Billing Specialist Certificate. Both programs include a 160-hour practicum in an acute care hospital. Graduates had a 100 percent employment rate in 2014.

Tuition: $8,057 (in-state) or $14,617 (out-of-state)

Learn more about the Alfred State College SUNY’s Medical Coding and Billing Programs here.

4. Keiser University

keiser
Attracting more than 18,000 diverse students, Keiser University is a private, non-profit institution headquartered in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida, since 1977. With dual Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and Commission on Accrediation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) accreditation, Keiser is ranked the 36th Best Southern College by the U.S. News and World Report. At the Lakeland, Pembroke Pines, Tampa, or online campuses, Keiser students can pursue an A.S. in Medical Administrative Billing & Coding. Consisting of 60 credits, the two-year program prepares graduates for taking the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) credentialing exam. Students practice their ICD-10, CPT-4, and HCPCS coding in externships across South Florida.

Tuition: $17,664

Learn more about Keiser University’s Medical Coding and Billing Programs here.

5. Ferris State University

ferrisstate
Endowed for $40.2 million, Ferris State University is Michigan’s ninth largest public teaching institution serving over 14,700 students in Big Rapids and 19 off-campus locations. With a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, Ferris is ranked the 61st Best Midwestern College and 15th Top Public School by the U.S. News and World Report. The College of Health Professions awards a CAHIIM-accredited A.A.S. in Health Information Technology with certificates in Coding Specialist or Cancer Information Management. The 77-credit program offers on-site and online courses before a final summer internship.

Tuition: $10,970 (in-state) or $17,562 (out-of-state)

Learn more about Ferris State University’s Medical Coding and Billing Programs here.

6. Weber State University

webertate
Established by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1889, Weber State University is a public, co-educational technical institution enrolling over 26,600 students in Ogden, Utah. Ranked 77th Regionally by the U.S. News and World Report, Weber State offers more than 250 academic programs. Students could pursue the CAHIIM-accredited Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management and/or Healthcare Coding Certificate. Health Information Management courses are available online for completing the 10-course certificate in four semesters. Weber State graduates achieve an average starting salary of $34,000.

Tuition: $5,321 (in-state) or $14,235 (out-of-state)

Learn more about Weber State University’s Medical Coding and Billing Programs here.

7. Dakota State University

dsuhim
Located in rural Madison, South Dakota, since 1881, Dakota State University is a public, tech-centric undergraduate institution serving more than 3,000 students. The U.S. News and World Report crowned Dakota State University the 92nd Best College and 30th Top Public University in the Midwest. Following CAHIIM guidelines, Dakota State confers a 12-month Health Care Coding Certificate, A.S. in Health Information Technology, and B.S. in Health Information Administration. Courses are delivered online or in Sioux Falls for AHIMA credentials. Each program includes one to two semesters of professional healthcare experience.

Tuition: $7,974 (in-state) or $10,556 (out-of-state)

 

8. Washburn University

washburne
Formerly called Lincoln College, Washburn University is a public, co-educational higher learning institution founded in 1865 and educating over 6,900 students in Topeka, Kansas. Awarding over $70 million in financial aid, Washburn is named the Midwest’s 92nd Best College by the U.S. News and World Report. With CAHIIM accreditation, the School of Applied Studies offers a Health Information Coding Certificate and A.S. in Health Information Technology. Reporting a 100 percent satisfaction rate, the one-year and two-year programs are primarily online. Professional experience is coordinated in students’ local communities.

Tuition: $6,350 (in-state) or $14,222 (out-of-state)

Learn more about Washburn University’s Medical Coding and Billing Programs here.

9. Idaho State University

idaho
Celebrating its 115th anniversary, Idaho State University is a public, doctoral-granting research institution that’s educating over 15,500 students yearly in Pocatello, Meridian, and Idaho Falls. Offering over 30 health-related disciplines, Idaho State University was declared America’s 216th Best Public College by Forbes. The College of Technology offers a 38-credit Intermediate Technical Certificate in Medical Coding. Each spring, online cohorts are admitted to satisfy AHIMA’s Certified Coding Specialist requirements. Credits seamlessly transfer into the CAHIIM-accredited A.A.S. Health Information Technology and B.S. in Health Science programs.

Tuition: $6,784 (in-state) or $20,182 (out-of-state)

Learn more about Idaho State University’s Medical Coding and Billing Programs here.

10. Peirce College

peirce
Nestled in Philadelphia’s Center City District, Peirce College is a private, non-profit institution offering career-focused education to over 1,800 full-time students. Known for its accelerated seven-week format, Peirce has America’s 79th Best Online Undergraduate Programs according to the U.S. News and World Report. Either online or on-campus, Peirce students could pursue the CAHIIM-accredited A.S. Health Information Technology and Certificate in Medical Coding. Graduation requires passing a HIT professional practice experience. With a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, the curriculum progress through ICD-10 and CPT outpatient coding. Students can also join the Health Programs Student Association (HPSA).

Tuition: $14,184

Learn more about Peirce College’s Medical Coding and Billing Programs here.

Related Links:

10 Best Online Medical Coding Programs

25 Universities Affiliated with Top Teaching Hospitals

Teaching hospitals play several very important roles in American society. Not only do they serve to train future generations of healthcare workers, but they also provide a significant portion (38%) of hospital charity care and 28% of all Medicaid hospitalization, according to the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges). More specifically, the AAMC reports that 90% of their member teaching hospitals provide AIDS services, whereas only 14% of non-teaching hospitals do. The following list shows the impact of AAMC-member teaching hospitals:

  • 78 percent of all burn care units center beds
  • 63 percent of pediatric ICUs
  • 82 percent of all ACS-designated level I trauma centers
  • 68 percent of surgical transplant services
  • 52 percent of Alzheimer centers
  • 39 percent of the nation’s neonatal ICUs
  • 21 percent of cardiac surgery services, often for the most seriously ill heart patients.

Source: AAMC.

Obviously, having a high-quality teaching hospital affiliated with a medical college is necessity for some healthcare students (e.g., medical students, nursing students, etc.) and a bonus for others (e.g., medical coding and medical billing). There are nearly 5,000 hospitals/ medical centers in the United States, some of which are teaching hospitals. (AAMC member hospitals make up only 6% of American hospitals.) We’ve assembled a list of 25 American universities and colleges which have singular affiliations with teaching hospitals. That is, the hospitals selected here are each only affiliated with a single medical school, although the school may have affiliations with multiple health systems. In some cases, hospitals are run by the school and/or partially staffed by school faculty.

NOTES:

  • Hospitals were selected on a number of factors, including inclusion in “top hospitals” lists from US News and World Report, Thomson Reuters, SK&A and Healthgrades.
  • Ranking order of the universities/ colleges listed here is approximately by decreasing number of licensed hospital beds available in a teaching hospital affiliate.
  • Bed counts are a approximate, combined from multiple sources. (In the case of different values for a hospital, the larger available value is used.)
  • The main teaching affiliate for selected colleges / universities is listed, and occasionally a 2nd or 3rd teaching hospital is mentioned.
  • University or school of medicine Web site link is in each entry heading. Main teaching hospital link is at the end of each entry.
  • Teaching hospitals do occasionally change their academic affiliations.

 

 

25. Rush University Medical Center

 rush

View of the east tower of the Rush University Medical Center. (source)

Rush University, located in Chicago, IL, was founded in 1972. Rush’s endowment as of FY 2013 was about $500M. In the area of health subjects, it has Rush Medical College, the College of of Nursing , College of Health Sciences and a graduate college. Rush Medical College is one of the first in the midwest, and the nursing college is top-ranked in various lists.

Rush’s teaching hospital affiliate is Rush University Medical Center (RUMC), also located in Chicago, and which includes the Bowman Health Center, a rehab facility. RUMC is having over a billion dollars invested in renovations and also construction of new facilities. The center has ranked well in various categories of U.S. News and World Report (USNWR) 2010 top hospitals list, especially in orthopedics and neurology/ neurosurgery.

Additional Hospital Information:

Rush University Medical Center
Hospital website
# beds: 676
Hospital founded in: 1837
Hospital location: Chicago, IL

 

 

24. Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

upenFront entrance of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. (source)

The University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, PA, was founded in 1740 and is one of nine original Colonial Colleges. U Penn’s endowment for FY 2013 was $7.74B. Heath-related schools include medical, dental, nursing, and biomedical.

U Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine (aka Penn Med, founded 1765) is also in Philadelphia. It is a top recipient (#2, 2012) of NIH (National Institutes of Health) research awards and is #4 on US New’s top medical research schools 2012 list, as well as #11 in the same year for primary care. The school took on its current name in 2011 thanks to a $225M contribution by Raymond G. Perelman — the largest donation given for a medical school renaming (David Geffen gave $200M to UCLA).

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) was founded by Penn Med in 1874, and is reputedly the oldest university-owned teaching hospital in the USA. It ranked #7 in US News’ 2014 top hospitals list. HUP has a fleet of helicopters as part of their Level I trauma center, to serve injured patients in parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

Penn Med also has other medical facilities including other top teaching hospital affiliations. One is with the 317-bed Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (founded in 1871), also in Philadelphia, PA, and which houses Penn Med’s Orthopaedics and Opthalmology departmeents. Another is with the 515-bed Pennsylvania Hospital, founded by Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Bond, the first hospital in the U.S., and which also has the first surgical amphitheater and medical library.

Additional Hospital Information:

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Hospital website
# beds: 776
Hospital founded in: 1874
Hospital location: Philadelphia, PA

 

 

23. Baylor College of Medicine

bayNight view of O’Quinn medical tower at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. (source)

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM; founded 1900) in Houston, TX, is entirely focused on health sciences, with a number of different medical schools, including a grad school — several of whose degree programs have ranked well in various “top medical school” lists, including Beckers Hospital Review (overall) and U.S. News (nurse anesthesia and others). It reputedly has one the lowest tuition rates amongst private U.S. medical schools. BCM has been independent from Baylor University (in Waco, TX, and founded 1845) since 1969. BCM’s endowment as of FY 2013 was nearly $874M.

BCM has a teaching hospital affiliation with the 864-bed Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC), also in Houston, and founded in 1945. Since its 2013 purchase by Catholic Health Initiatives, the health system is named CHI St. Luke’s Health System, and the “Baylor” is dropped from the center’s name (although BCM is a joint owner). BCM itself is located in the Texas Medical Center (TMC), said to be the largest of its kind in the world. The 29-story O’Quinn Medical Tower that is part of St. Luke’s is 477 feet tall and reputedly the third-tallest hospital in the world.

Additional Hospital Information:

St. Luke’s Medical Center
Hospital website
# beds: 864
Hospital founded in: 1945
Hospital location: Houston, TX

 

 

22. Virginia Commonwealth University

vcuVCU Medical Center, Medical College of Virginia Campus. (source)

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), located in Richmond, Virginia, was founded in 1838, originally as Medical College of Virginia (MCV), although its current name is from a merger in 1968 with Richmond Professional Institute. It is designated as a “very high research activity” university and received over $250M in research funds for FY 2011. VCU’s endowment as of FY 2013 was $1.33B.

VCU’s teaching hospital affiliation is with its own 865-bed VCU Medical Center, which serves VCU’s several health-related schools (medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy and allied health professions). Both the VCU health-related schools and the hospital have ranked well in various “top schools” and “top hospitals” lists. The hospital has ranked nationally for Nephrology, Pediatrics: Nephrology, Rehabilitation, Cancer and others.

Additional Hospital Information:

VCU Medical Center
Hospital website
# beds: 865
Hospital founded in: 1968
Hospital location: Richmond, VA

 

 

21. University of Connecticut / Health Center

connMain entrance to the Hartford Hospital. (source)

The University of Connecticut (UConn), located in Storrs village in Mansfield, CT, was founded in 1881 as Storrs Agricultural School. UConn’s endowment for FY 2013 was $1.33B. UConn is a public research university that has medical, nursing and dental schools.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) Health Center was founded in the 1960s. The 137-bed John Dempsey Hospital opened in 1975, is used as a teaching hospital, and also serves patients for cardiology, cancer, maternal fetal medicine and more.

Additional teaching hospital affiliations for UConn include the 867-bed Hartford Hospital, found in 1854, and the 617-bed St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, founded in 1897. Hartford is an acute-care hospital with high regional rankings in various US News lists. It has a hyperbaric chamber, a Level I trauma center, and has a helipad and helicopters for air service. St. Francis is an acute-care hospital with a formal affiliation with the Jewish-faith Mount Sinai Hospital — the first such of its kind in the U.S.

Additional Hospital Information:

Hartford Hospital
Hospital website
# beds: 867
Hospital founded in: 1854
Hospital location: Hartford, CT

 

 

20. University of North Carolina, School of Medicine

uncN.C. Memorial Hospital and N.C. Children’s Hospital at the Carolinas Medical Center, University of North Chapel Hill. (source)

The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, founded in 1789, is considered the oldest public university in the U.S. UNC Chapel Hill’s endowment as of FY 2013 was $2.38B. It is a highly-ranked public research university with a top-ranked, well-funded medical school that offers degrees in Doctor of Medicine, Master of Public Health and other specializations.

One teaching affiliate is the 874-bed Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC, founded in 1940. Carolinas has a Level I trauma center and has been well-ranked for its Orthopedic program. It conducted it’s first organ transplant (a cadaveric kidney) in 1970, and it’s first heart transplant in 1986.

Another teaching hospital affiliate is the UNC Health Care system, founded in 1989, which has five hospitals under the UNC Hospitals alone, including the NC Cancer Hospital, NC Memorial Hospital and NC Children’s Hospital, all on the UNC campus, and with new complex to open in 2015. UNC Hospitals currently have a combined 800+ beds, a Level I trauma center and an Air Care service.

Additional Hospital Information:

Carolinas Medical Center
Hospital website
# beds: 874
Hospital founded in: 1940
Hospital location: Charlotte, NC

 

 

19. University of Minnesota Medical School

uminUniversity of Minnesota Medical Center. (source)

The University of Minnesota has multiple campuses, with the oldest (U of M) being in the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, founded in 1851. The Duluth campus (UMD), founded as the Duluth Normal School in 1902, becoming part of the University of Minnesota system in 1947. U of M’s endowment as of FY 2013 was $2.76B. The U of M and and UMD together share the University of Minnesota Medical school, and one option is a medical scientist program. The UM system also has programs for Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry and Public Health.

The 874-bed University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis was established in 1997, along with the U of M Masonic Children’s Hospital, but were preceded by the U of M Hospitals and Clinics. Center services include primary care, emergency care, organ transplants, childbirthing, pediatrics and others. Surgeons performed the world’s first open-heart surgery in 1952 on a four-year old patient. The center is staffed by both university and community physicians.

Additional Hospital Information:

University of Minnesota Medical Center
Hospital website
# beds: 874
Hospital founded in: 1997
Hospital location: Minneapolis and Duluth, MN

 

 

18. University of Florida

uflorPatient Services building of Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. (source)

The University of Florida, based in Gainesville and originally founded in 1853, is a Public Ivy with a Very-High Research designation (for land-, sea- and space-based research) and a top-15 public university ranking (U.S. News, 2013). UF’s endowment as of FY 2013 was $1.36B. It has a colleges for medicine (established 1956), nursing (also 1956), pharmacy, public health, dentistry and “health and human performance.”

For teaching hospitals, one affiliation is the J. Hillis Miller Health Science Center, which has the 882-bed UF Health Shands Hospital, established in 1956 and which is on campus. US News has it ranked in the top-50 for various adult specialties, including Cardiology and Heart Surgery, Nephrology, and Pulmonology, plus high marks for Cancer, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Geriatrics and more. It also ranked in the top-50 in US News for various Pediatric specialties, including #14 for Diabetes and Endocrinology.

Another teaching hospital affiliation is the 695-bed UF Health Jacksonville, found in 1999 and part of the University of Florida’s Jacksonville campus. This hospital roots actually go back to 1870. Services include a proton therapy facility, and a Level I trauma center.

Additional Hospital Information:

UF Health Shands Hospital
Hospital website
# beds: 882
Hospital founded in: 1999
Hospital location: Gainesville, FL

 

 

17. Wake Forest University, School of Medicine

wakeBowman Gray statue in front of Wake Forest University’s School of Medicine. (source)

Wake Forest University (WFU), originally established in Wake Forest, NC, in 1834, moved to its current location of Winston-Salem in 1956. WFU’s endowment as of FY 2013 was $1.06B. The School of Medicine was established in 1902 at the original location of Wake Forest University, in the town of Wake Forest, North Carolina, moving in 1941 to Winston-Salem and becoming the Bowman Gray School of Medicine — now simply the WFU School of Medicine. The very selective school, in terms of admission, is highly ranked by US News, ranking in 2013 at #51 for primary care and #49 for research, as well as well-funded (top third) by NIH.

The teaching hospital affiliation for WFU is the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (WFBMC), established in 1997 but with history going back to 1902. It is located off-campus in downtown Winston-Salem. WFBMC includes the 885-bed North Carolina Baptist Hospital, used for teaching, as well as the Brenner Children’s Hospital. WFBMC achieved top rankings in US News’ 2014 list of best hospitals for Cancer and three other areas, as well received high rankings for several other areas including Cardiology and Heart Surgery. The center also made Becker’s Hospital Review top 100 hospitals 2014 list. The center has a Level I trauma center and a helicopter service.

Additional Hospital Information:

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Hospital website
# beds: 885
Hospital founded in: 1902/ 1997
Hospital location: Winston-Salem, NC

 

 

16. Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine

nwesrView of the old Prentice Women’s Hospital building, part of the Northwestern Memorial Hospital group of buildings. (source)

Northwestern University (NU) was founded in 1851 and is located in Evanston and Chicago, in the state of Illinois. It has a reputation as a top research university and as of FY 2013, was in tenth place for endowments — at approximately $7.88B — amongst nearly 850 American universities and colleges assessed by NACUBO.org. It also has top-22 rankings nationally and top-28 rankings globally on various 2013 and 2014 lists published by Forbes, US News, Times Higher Ed, and others.

NU’s medical school, the Feinberg School of Medicine, is located in Chicago and ranked 18th in US News’ 2014 list of top medical schools. It was established in 1859 as part of Lind University, becoming independent in 1863 and affiliating with Northwestern University a few years later. The current name comes from a $75M donation in 2002, which itself was preceded a $17M (1988) and $10M (1996) donations from the Feinberg family for a cardiovascular institute and a clinical neurosciences institute, respectively.

One teaching affiliate hospital is 897-bed Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH), established in 1966, in Chicago. NMH ranked #6 in 2013 and #10 in 2014, on US News’ list of top American hospitals. Some of the specialties it ranks for are neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, and diabetes and endocrinology. It has top-17 ranks in a number of other areas as well. Researchers at NMH filed 70 disclosures of inventions in 2010 alone. Trials in progress include AIDS, cancer, diabetes and other clinical research — over 2,000 studies as of 2010

Other teaching hospital affiliates include the 288-bed Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, used for pediatric education, and the Prentice Women’s Hospital (the old building is pictured above).

Additional Hospital Information:

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Hospital website
# beds: 897
Hospital founded in: 1966
Hospital location: Chicago, IL

 

 

15. Rutgers University/ New Jersey Medical School

rutgHackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack New Jersey. (source)

Rutgers University in the state of New Jersey was founded in 1766 as Queen’s College and is one of the original nine Colonial Colleges. Rutgers, a Public Ivy, has not one but three major campuses, but the flagship campus is in New Brunswick, NJ, and additional campuses and facilities, all in New Jersey. Rutgers endowment as of FY 2013 was ~$783M.

The university has a number of health-related schools and colleges, including the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, College of Nursing, School of Nursing, School of Dental Medicine, School of Public Health, Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Jersey Medical School and others. The latter two are graduate medical schools and were acquired as part of a 2013 merger with UMDNJ (University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey). These and the other schools/ colleges are in different locations in New Jersey.

The New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) was originally founded in 1970 as Rutgers Medical School as part of the university, though it was was split off in 1971 by the state Governor’s office. Even before this, in 1952, the university’s Selman Waksman received the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his part in discovering over 20 antibiotics, including one used to cure tuberculosis.

One teaching hospital affiliate of NJMS is the 900-bed Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC), originally founded in 1881 and located in Hackensack, NJ, in Bergen County. HUMC offers tertiary and healthcare services for New York City and parts of New Jersey and was the first hospital in the country to receive a Magnet award for Nursing excellence. In addition to being a state-designated children’s hospital, it also offers cardiac care and surgery, as well as geriatric services and a stem cell transplantation program. Other services include a Level II trauma center and a helipad.

Another NJMS teaching affiliate is the 478-bed Saint Peter’s University Hospital (SPUH) in New Brunswick, NJ, founded in 1907. It is a state-designated acute care children’s hospital and has one of the United States’ largest maternity services. SPUH has won four Magnet awards for Nursing Excellence.

For the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), one teaching affiliate is the 519-bed University Hospital in Newark, NJ, founded in 1882. It has a Level I trauma center

Additional Hospital Information:

Hackensack University Medical Center
Hospital website
# beds: 900
Hospital founded in: 1881
Hospital location: Hackensack, NJ

 

 

14. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine

unialaRecreation Center at University of Alabama, Birmingham (source)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) was founded in 1969 –with roots going back to 1936 — and is part of the University of Alabama System. The university is in the top-20 for federal funding. UA’s combined endowment as of FY 2013 was $1.05B.

UAB School of Medicine, also located in Birmingham as part of the campus medical center, has its roots in the Medical College of Alabama, founded in 1859. The school has top-20 ranked specialties, including AIDS and internal medicine. The School of Nursing is also well-ranked, as are some of its programs. The School of Medicine has an early acceptance program, EMSAP, which guarantees entry into the school after graduation to undergrads who are accepted. It also has a Medical Scientist Training Program, one of only a few dozen in the country, which is funded by NIH grants, and which has the option to earn an MD and PhD, with free tuition and a stipend.

One teaching affiliate of the School of Medicine is the 908-bed UAB Hospital, found in 1945 and which is part of the UAB Health System (UABHS). UABHS and UAB Hospital are located in Birmingham, AL, on the UAB campus, adjacent to other hospitals (affiliated but non-UAB), which are off-campus in the Birmingham Medical District. Teaching specialties include internal medicine, neurology, radiology and others. The hospital itself has a Level I trauma center. The hospital and many of its physicians have made it to various “top hospitals/ top physicians” lists, and the hospital earned a Consumer Choice award for 2005-6.

Additional Hospital Information:

UAB Hospital
Hospital website
# beds: 908
Hospital founded in: 1945
Hospital location: Birmingham, AL

 

 

13. Loma Linda University School of Medicine

lomView of the Loma Linda University Medical Center from the South Hills. (source)

Loma Linda University (LLU) in Loma Linda, California, was founded in 1905 and is affiliated with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. LLU’s endowment as of FY 2013 was $648M. It ranks #11 of 1,017 schools on the PayScale.com list of starting salaries after graduation. LLU has a number of health-related schools, including for medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, public health and allied health professionals.

The School of Medicine was established in 1909 and is also located in Loma Linda. The School has a total of 21 departments, fourteen of which are clinical and four intermediary (including public health and preventive medicine). Admission preference favors applicants of the Seventh-Day Adventist faith, and clinical rotations for junior and senior years are at the Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC).

The LLUMC was established in 1905. It is a Level I trauma center that has two helipads for air service, and the 11-story main tower is visible from many parts of the San Bernadino-Riverside-Ontario region east of Los Angeles. LLUMC has an emergency room that specializes in snake bites and an infant heart transplant program. The transplant program is part of the 275-bed Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, a Level I trauma center that serves four counties in southern California.

Additional Hospital Information:

Loma Linda University Medical Center
Hospital website
# beds: 922
Hospital founded in: 1909
Hospital location: Loma Linda, CA

 

 

12. Georgetown University School of Medicine

georgeGarden view of exterior of Washington General Hospital at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. (source)

Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1789 and is affiliated with the Catholic and Jesuit faiths — reputedly the oldest such institution in the U.S. Georgetown’s endowment as of FY 2013 was $1.29B. The university has had many notable alumni, including politicians, heads of state, royalty and others. Georgetown has a number of health-related schools, including for medicine and nursing.

The School of Medicine (SoM) was founded in 1851 and has ranked well in US News’ yearly top medical schools lists. The university and the non-profit MedStar Health have partnered since 2000, which added seven hospital affiliates in Washington, D.C., and nearby Baltimore, MD, to supplement the existing Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC), which is located on campus.

One teaching hospital affiliation that resulted from the partnership is the 926-bed MedStar Washington Hospital Center, founded in 1958. It offers variety of services including primary, secondary and tertiary care, and is a Level I trauma center with air ambulance service. The center’s specialties include cancer, neurosciences, burn treatment and others.

Another teaching affiliate, on campus, is the 609-bed MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, founded in 1898, which houses the (Vince) Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, amongst others that cover specialties including neurology, neurosurgery, vascular surgery, and living-donor liver transplants. The hospital received a Magnet award in 2004, and ranked for over a dozen specialties in US News’ 2001 best hospitals list.

Due to reasons of faith, the center and the hospital do not perform abortions.

Additional Hospital Information:

MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Hospital website
# beds: 926
Hospital founded in: 1958
Hospital location: Washington, D.C.

 

 

11. Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

thomjThomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. (source)

Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) in Philadelphia, PA, was founded in 1824. TJU has a number of health-related schools and colleges, including for medicine, nursing, pharmacy, population health and health professions. The medical school, formerly known as Jefferson Medical College (JMC), was founded in 1824. It was renamed to the Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) thanks to a $110M donation in 2014 by Sidney Kimmel.

SKMC has nearly 30 departments covering a wide range of specialties, from Anesthesiology to Urology. It claims “more living graduates than any other private medical school in the nation”. As well, nearly one in four applicants to medical school in the U.S. apply to JMC/ SKMC. (For example, there were over 10,000 applications for the 2012-2013 Academic Year, according to the university’s annual report for that year.)

One teaching affiliate is the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, founded in 1825. It is an acute care facility with a Level I trauma center. The parent organization, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals (TJUH), has a total of 957 beds and services in five locations. Other teaching affiliate hospitals include Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience and Methodist Hospital.

Additional Hospital Information:

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Hospital website
# beds: 957
Hospital founded in: 1825
Hospital location: Philadelphia, PA

 

 

10. USF Health, Morsani College of Medicine

sofloTampa General Hospital. (source)

The University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, FL, was founded in 1956. It is one of three institutions in the USF system, and ranks highly for a number of factors, including being a very high research university, research funding, research expenditures, number of patents granted (over 1,400), ranking for the School of Nursing (in terms of funding received by NIH in FY 2012) and more. USF also ranked 40th in Forbes’ “top 100 best buy colleges” list in 2012, and in the Princeton Review top 75 “best college values” 2014 list, as well as for various rankings in multiple other lists. USF’s endowment as of FY 2013 was $364M.

USF has a number of health-related colleges that together comprise USF Health, including the colleges of nursing, pharmacy, public health, medicine and others. The Morsani College of Medicine is a grad school, founded in 1971. Specialties across USF Health include research into prosthetics, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and others. Morsani/ USF Health also has a three-story medical simulation center used for training.

One teaching hospital affiliate is the 1,018-bed Tampa General Hospital (TGH), situated on the Davis Islands and opening in 1927. It is a Level I trauma center with helicopter service and has a number of specialties including orthopedics, urology, parathyroid surgery, head and neck surgery, neonatal intensive care, amongst others. Awards include getting Magnet status in 2005, winning the Consumer’s Choice Award several years in a row, and earning a top-50 ranking nationwide in US News’ 2012 best hospitals for adult specialties. It is a Level I trauma center with helicopter service.

Another teaching hospital affiliate is the 981-bed Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest in Allentown, PA, via USF’s SELECT program. Specialties include cancer treatment, kidney transplantation, and burn treatment, amongst others. It is an Adult Level I and Pediatric Level II trauma center.

Additional Hospital Information:

Tampa General Hospital
Hospital website
# beds: 1018
Hospital founded in: 1927
Hospital location: Tampa, FL

 

 

9. Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

casewesyCase Medical Center and Lerner Tower.jpg (source)

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU or Case), located in Cleveland, OH, is the result of the 1967 merger between Western Reserve University (founded 1826) and Case Institute of Technology (founded 1881). Case ranked #37 in US News’ 2013 list of top national universities. Its endowment as of FY 2013 was $1.68B. Notable health-related divisions include the School of Medicine (CWRU SOM/ CaseMed), the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, and the Department of Biomedical Engineering.

CaseMed has roots back to 1843 as the Medical Department of Western Reserve College, aka Cleveland Medical College. It is currently a graduate school of Case and received a #23 ranking in US News’ 2014 list of top medical schools in the U.S. for research. Of the 16 Nobel Prizes won by Laureates affiliated with Case (as alumni or former or current faculty) between 1907 and 2004, inclusive, eight are in physiology/ medicine, including for research on diabetes and polio. Two U.S. Surgeons General are alumni, and another is a director of the CDC. Two other alumni are the second (1852) and third (1854) women to earn a medical degree in the U.S. In addition to various MD degrees, CaseMed also has a Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).

One teaching hospital affiliate for CaseMed is the 1,032-bed University Hospitals Case Medical Center, founded in 1866. The center covers a number of specialties including orthopedics, radiation oncology, cardiovascular surgery, human genetics and others. The center includes the 244-bed teaching facility Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, ranked #2 in 2008 for neonatal care by US News, and other facilities.

Another teaching affiliate is the 861-bed MetroHealth System, founded in 1837, which is a Level I trauma center with an air ambulance service. MetroHealth also has a burn unit. CaseMed has additional teaching hospital affiliates, including the 1,200-bed Cleveland Clinic, which has its own Lerner College of Medicine.

Additional Hospital Information:

Case Medical Center/ University Hospitals of Cleveland
Hospital website
# beds: 1032
Hospital founded in: 1866
Hospital location: Cleveland, OH

 

 

8. Harvard Medical School

massMain entrance of the Massachusetts General Hospital. (source)

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, MA, was founded in 1636. It is not only the oldest higher-learning institution in the U.S., it is at or near the top in many rankings lists of schools worldwide. Harvard’s endowment ($32.3B for FY 2013, $30.4B for FY 2012) is said to be the largest of any academic institution worldwide, and was the largest in the U.S. for 2013.

Harvard has many notable alumni: U.S. presidents, billionaires, Rhodes Scholars, Nobel Laureates and more. Of the over 170 Nobel Prizes awarded to people in some way associated with Harvard, over 50 of prizes were award for the “Physiology or Medicine” category. Harvard has more than four times as many medical as non-medical administrative staff.

Harvard Medical School (HMS), founded 1782, is located in the Longwood Medical Area, along with the dental and the public health schools. HMS has so far been a permanent fixture at #1 for medical schools ( research) on the US News medical schools list. HMS is the third-oldest American medical school. U Penn/ Pereleman at #24 in this list, founded in 1765, and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, founded in 1767, are older.

The main teaching hospital affiliate of HMS is the 1,057-bed Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), founded in 1811, making it the third-oldest American general hospital. It ranked number one nationwide in US News’ 2013 list of top hospitals, but dropped to #2 below Mayo Clinic for the 2014 list. Services include obstetrics, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care and others. It is a Level I trauma center with a helipad and air service.

A second teaching affiliate hospital is the 793-bed Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), founded in 1980. Another teaching affiliate is the 631-bed Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), founded as Deaconess in 1896. Both BWH and BIDMC are Level I trauma centers with helipads. HMS has nearly 20 teaching affiliate hospitals/ centers in total — many of which have multiple affiliations with other academic institutions, so are not listed here.

Additional Hospital Information:

Massachusetts General Hospital
Hospital website
# beds: 1057
Hospital founded in: 1811
Hospital location: Boston, MA

 

 

7. Duke University School of Medicine

dukeSouth building of the Duke University Hospital. (source)

Duke University, located in Durham, NC, was founded in 1838 in Trinity, NC, as Brown School, and eventually relocating to Durham in 1892 while named Trinity College. Duke ranked #18 in the Times Higher Ed (THE) 2014-15 national list, and #25 in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) 2014-15 worldwide list. Its endowment as of FY 2013 was $6.04B. The university tied for 8th place on US News’ 2014 best colleges (national) list, and had other high rankings from nearly a dozen other lists.

In terms of health-related disciplines, Duke has a school of medicine and a school of nursing. These schools, along with Duke Clinic and various hospitals comprise Duke University Health System. (There is also a graduate medical school in Singapore that is a partnership with National University of Singapore.)

One teaching affiliate hospital, is the 938-bed acute care Duke Medical Center/ Duke University Hospital founded in 1925. It received nearly $300M in funding for 2013 from the NIH. The hospital is a Level I trauma center with a helipad. The hospital and the schools of medicine and nursing were created as part of a donation from James Buchanan Duke (after whose father the university itself is named).

Duke Health also has three other hospitals in its roster: Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center, Duke Regional Hospital, and Duke Raleigh Hospital. Combined specialties include treatment services for cancer, heart, spine and back, lung disease, children’s health, OB-GYN and others.

Additional Hospital Information:

Duke University Hospital
Hospital website
# beds: 938
Hospital founded in: 1925
Hospital location: Durham, NC

 

 

6. Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine

johnsJohns Hopkins Hospital – listed in the National Register of Historic places. (source)

Johns Hopkins University (JHU), founded in 1876, is located in Baltimore, MD, and has campuses in Maryland state and nearby Washington, D.C. JHU’s endowment as of FY 2013 was $2.99B. Notable alumni and other affiliated people include over 30 Nobel Laureates, one of whom was also a U.S. President (Woodrow Wilson) and was the first Laureate for JHU. Half the original donation from entrepreneur philanthropist Johns Hopkins that founded the university went to founding Johns Hopkins Hospital. The $7M bequest was the largest philanthropic gift in the U.S. at the time.

JHU ranks at the top of the list of receipt of federal R+D funds, and the School of Medicine ranks first for receipt of extra awards from NIH. The JHU School of Medicine (JHUSOM, founded 1893), together with the School of Nursing and Bloomberg School of Public Health comprise Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (JHMI) Campus. JHUSOM’s alumni and faculty have collectively won 15 Nobel Prizes in the category of “Physiology or Medicine.” JHUSOM ranked #3 in US News’ 2014 list of top medical schools for research.

One teaching hospital affiliates is JHU’s own 1,148-bed Johns Hopkins Hospital, founded in 1889. A seminal book of medical practices was written at the hospital by internist Sir William Osler, a founding professor and physician of JHUSOM. The hospital held US News’ #1 spot for best hospitals (Honor Roll, 2014-15) from 1991-2011. In 2012, it lost it’s #1 spot, regained it in 2013 and lost it again in 2014, this time to the Mayo Clinic (first time at #1). The hospital has also ranked high or at the top for research funding from the NIH. It is a Level I trauma center, Adult and Pediatric. Top-ranked specialties include geriatrics, neurology and neurosurgery, urology, and numerous others received #2 to #6 rankings by US News in recent years.

Another teaching hospital affiliate is the 550-plus-bed John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center (JHBMC), which went by other names in the past, including Francis Scott Key Medical Center. It was founded in 1773 as Baltimore City Hospitals. Services include neonatal intensive care, a burn center, geriatrics and others. JHBMC is a Level II trauma center with a helipad.

Additional Hospital Information:

Johns Hopkins Hospital
Hospital website
# beds: 1148
Hospital founded in: 1889
Hospital location: Baltimore, MD

 

 

5. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

icahnView from New York’s Central Park of Mount Sinai Medical Center. (source)

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), located in Manhattan, NY, was founded in 1963 as the Mount Sinai School of Medicine (MSSM) as part of Mount Sinai Hospital, which is now part of Mount Sinai Health System.

ISMMS’ predecessor MSSM was previously affiliated with City University of New York (CUNY), who administered the medical degrees of MSSM students. As of 1999, MSSM became affiliated with New York University (NYU; #4 in in this list) via the merger of their respective health system. However, they kept operations separate from NYU School of Medicine, and the merger ended in 2003. In 2010, MSSM became accredited and were able to grant their own medical degrees. In Nov 2012, MSSM announced a change to ISMMS, thanks to American businessman/ investor Carl Icahn, who donated $200M. A number of buildings and labs were also renamed in his honor.

Carl Icahn also contributed to ISMMS’ teaching affiliate hospital, the 1,171-bed Mount Sinai Hospital, where he is a trustee. Mount Sinai, founded in 1852, is one of the oldest teaching hospitals in the U.S. and the second Jewish hospital in the country. It was ranked nationally as a top hospital by US News for 10 specialties on their 2014 top hospitals list. The highest three specialties are geriatrics (#2), gastroenterology and GI surgery (#9) and a tie at #10 for cardiology and heart surgery, and in ear, nose and throat.

Mount Sinai has had many milestones in its history, including a number of medical discoveries, and being first to describe certain medical conditions which were later given a name, as well as first to use certain medical procedures.

Additional Hospital Information:

Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
Hospital website
# beds: 1171
Hospital founded in: 1852
Hospital location: Manhattan, NY

 

 

4. New York University School of Medicine

nyuNYU Langone Medical Center, northeast view across 30th Street. (source)

New York University (NYU), located in downtown Manhattan, New York, was founded in 1831 and claims to be one of the largest private universities in the U.S. NYU also has satellite campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. Health-related schools and colleges at NYU include dentistry, nursing and medicine.

The NYU School of Medicine was established in 1841 but with history dating to 1837. NYU was for a time affiliated with the Mount Sinai School of Medicine (MSSM) via the merger of their health systems in 1998, though that ended in 2003. (See #5 in this list). NYU SoM ranked #19 in US News’ 2014 best medical schools list, and of the 36 Nobel Prizes awarded to people variously affiliated with the school, 12 prizes were in the category of “Physiology or Medicine.” Four Nobel Laureates are associated specifically with NYU SoM.

NYU SoM is part of NYU Langone Medical Center, the teaching affiliate hospital, founded in 1841. Langone was previous known as NYU Medical Center, but was changed after a $200M donation from Kenneth and Elaine Langone in 2008. The center has three hospitals that combine to a total of 1,232 beds. This includes the 705-bed Tisch Hospital. Some of the center’s specialties include cancer, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and children’s services. Also at the center are the Hospital for Joint Diseases, and the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine. The latter is the first such university-affiliated center in the world focusing only on rehabilitation medicine research and training.

Another teaching affiliate hospital is the 1,200-bed Bellevue Hospital Center in New York, founded in 1736 — the United States oldest public hospital. It has 861 beds for general use and 339 for psychiatric use. It is a Level I trauma center with a helipad. Bellevue has a long relationship with NYU, with clinical instruction for the school of medicine starting at the hospital in 1847. Bellevue formed its own medical college in 1861, and merged with NYU’s medical college in 1898.

Additional Hospital Information:

NYU Langone Medical Center
Hospital website
# beds: 1232
Hospital founded in: 1841
Hospital location: New York, NY

 

 

3. Washington University, School of Medicine

washuView of Barnes-Jewish Hospital across Jefferson Lake in St. Louis. (source)

Washington University in St. Louis, MO, (WUSTL) was founded in 1853. WUSTL’s endowment as of FY 2013 was $5.65B. The university has achieved a number of top rankings on various lists for both the United States and the world, including a #7 position on Princeton Review’s (PR’s) 2012 “best value private colleges” list and #2 in PR’s 2014 list of best college dorms. It has previously held a #4 ranking in terms of NIH funding.

The Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) was founded in 1891. WUSM has ranked as high as #2 in US News’ list of top medical schools (2003,2004), and has a #6 spot in US News’ 2014 list of top comprehensive medical schools. It claims 17 Nobel Prizes through various affiliations with winners, of the 22 prizes for the university.

WUSM is part of the WUSTL Medical Campus, aka Washington University Medical Center, which also includes two teaching hospitals –which are staffed by WUSM’s Physicians and Nurse Practitioners — and a number of centers and institutes.

One teaching affiliate hospital is is the 1,252-bed Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a merger of two hospitals — one founded in 1902, the other in 1914. Barnes has been on US News’ honor roll of best hospitals for many years, taking #17 in the 2014 list. It has also ranked well for a number of specialties, including pulmonology, urology, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, ophthamology and others.

The second teaching hospital is the 258-bed St. Louis Children’s Hospital, founded in 1879, and which serves parts of six states. It covers all pediatric services and has numerous advocacy programs for nutrition, fitness, safety and more. The hospital had performed 410 pediatric lung transplants as of year-end 2013 (since 1990), and 18 heart-lung transplants in the same period.

Additional Hospital Information:

Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Hospital website
# beds: 1252
Hospital founded in: 1902
Hospital location: St. Louis, MO

 

 

2. Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

southesThe Broward Health Medical Center. (source)

Nova Southeastern University (NSU), founded in 1964, has its main campus in Fort Lauderdale, FL. NSU claims the status of eighth-largest non-profit private university in the United States, in terms of enrolled students (over 28,000). It’s endowment as of FY 2013 was $6.7M. It is designated a “high research activity” university, and is one of 37 in the country to receive the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation.

NSU’s health-related schools and colleges include osteopathic medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry and allied health. NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSUCOM)was founded in 1979, in Davie, FL., as part of Southeastern University. (The latter merged with Nova University in 1994 to form NSU.) The college offers a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), an M.P.H. (Master of Public Health) and an M.S. (Master in Biomedical Informatics). Options are a combined D.O./ M.P.H. program or a combined D.O./ D.M.D. (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry).

NSUCOM’s teaching affiliate hospital is the 1,529-bed Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with Broward General Hospital founded in 1938, now known as Broward General Medical Center. Broward Health is a Level I trauma center. Specialties include stroke treatment and liver transplants.

The Chris Evert Children’s Hospital is also part of Broward Health and has a pediatric trauma center and intensive care unit. Other pediatric specialties include allergy/ immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, pulmonology, otolarynology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery and more.

NSUCOM has numerous other hospital affiliations, mostly across Florida but also in Alabama and New York states.

Additional Hospital Information:

Broward Health
Hospital website
# beds: 1529
Hospital founded in: 1938
Hospital location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

 

 

1. Yale University School of Medicine

yaleAerial view of the Yale-New Haven Hospital. (source)

Yale University, located in New Haven, CT, was founded in 1701. It is the third oldest of the original nine Colonial Colleges and is an Ivy League school. Yale claims to be the first American university to grant a Ph.D., in 1861. The university’s endowment as of FY 2013 was $20.78B. It is ranked #3 in US News’ 2014 list of top national universities.

Amongst the health-related schools at Yale are medicine, nursing and public health. Yale School of Medicine was founded in 1810. It ranks as #7 in US News’ 2014 list of top medical schools for research. Degrees offered are an MD/ MPH and MD/ MHS (Master of Health Science). There are also other combined degree options, including a MD/PhD and a MMSc (Physician Associate), MMSc/ MPH, as well combinations with management, divinity, and law degrees. Over 4,000 students competed for 100 spots for the class of 2016.

Yale School of Medicine has a number of teaching affiliate hospitals. The main one is the 1,541-bed Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH) in New Haven, CT, founded in 1826 — one of the largest hospitals in the world. YNHH also serves Yale School of Nursing students for education, and has Magnet status for excellence in nursing. YNHH ranked in US News’ 2014 list for 11 adult specialities, including #7 in diabetes and endocrinology, and #11 in psychiatry.

The bed count at YNHH includes the Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, Smilow Cancer Hospital, and Yale-New Haven Psychiatric Hospital. The Children’s Hospital ranked in US News’ 2014 list for seven pediatric specialties, including #3 for diabetes and endocrinology, and #18 for gastroenterology and GI surgery.

Additional Hospital Information:

Yale New Haven Hospital
Hospital website
# beds: 1541
Hospital founded in: 1826
Hospital location: New Haven, CT

10 Best Online Health Informatics/Health Information Management Bachelor Degree Programs

10Nearly half a decade ago, Congress passed legislation known as the Affordable Care Act, which promised not only to expand healthcare coverage to the uninsured, but also to increase the efficiency and online availability of key health procedures and records. Part of the law required digitizing patient health records and treatment histories so that they could be easily shared and accessed online. That part of the legislation was one of the first that went into effect and since 2010, hospitals and smaller clinics have been rapidly working through patient files to digitize these records through advanced healthcare information systems portals. They’ve been performing this task with the help of health informatics professionals who are specially trained to work with hospital software and patients’ records, with both technological expertise and a working knowledge of healthcare privacy laws.

Thanks to the push to make all patient records available electronically, the health informatics and information management field is expected to grow at a 22 percent rate through the end of the decade. According to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics, that growth rate represents “much faster than average” overall job growth, with more than 41,000 new positions expected to be added between 2012 and 2022. With increasing average salaries year over year, and no expected lull in demand for those who have mastered healthcare privacy laws, regulations, and software applications, it’s no surprise that so many schools offer a health informatics major.

With job growth rates at 22 percent in this industry and a rising demand for professionals who can manage health information systems and data entry, it’s no surprise that many schools across the country are developing stronger programs in health informatics and health information systems. The 10 programs listed here are among the best in terms of quality, affordability, and individualized attention, for students across the country. Since many options are available to students, a few online programs stand out as the best options for those pursuing this career. That’s why we have created the following 10 Best Online Health Informatics/Health Information Management Bachelor Degree Programs:

1. University of Wisconsin

wis

The University of Wisconsin is one of America’s most prestigious public institutions, commonly referred to as the one of the country’s “Public Ivies.” In a ranking based on overall cost, quality, and the status of student outcomes after graduation, the University of Wisconsin ranks 24th in the world, 18th in North and South America, and within the top 15 schools in the United States. In order to be considered for admission to this program, which results in a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Systems, students must have completed at least 60 credits of undergraduate coursework in the field at a local community college or through another online institution. Upon admission, students will choose from one of two concentrations, either in health information management or health information technology. A total of 20 classes are required, with four of those classes considered concentration-eligible electives. Tuition is $5,205 for residents and $13,330 for non-residents.

For more information about the University of Wisconsin’s Online Health Information Systems Bachelor Degree Program, go here.

2. Kaplan University

kapl
Founded in 1937, the institution now known as Kaplan University has been providing distance education services to working adult students since long before the advent of online degree programs. Today, Kaplan has leveraged that experience to become one of the most accessible and innovative distance learning institutions available to American students. Its commitment to academic quality and innovation have landed it in the top 60 schools in the United States for online programs, with some of its individual degree offerings ranking even higher. Like the program offered by the University of Wisconsin, this online options is open only to those students who have already completed between 60 and 90 credits of work in health informatics at a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. Kaplan offers “completion” courses that turn a two-year degree in this field into a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management, which is among the most powerful degrees for entry-level professionals in this industry. Tuition is an affordable $371 per quarter hour.

For more information about Kaplan University’s Online Health Information Management Bachelor Degree Program, go here.

3. University of Cincinnati

cinc

Few schools in Ohio have achieved the level of recognition afforded to the University of Cincinnati, which consistently ranks as one of the most affordable, prestigious, and rigorous institutions in the state. As an inherently urban, public institution, the University of Cincinnati also ranks as one of the most diverse student bodies in the country. Through its online program, the school encourages interaction through discussion boards, group projects and presentations, webcam lectures, and more. The health information program is one of the school’s fastest-growing, and is structured in a completion format. All students considered for admission to UC’s health information management program must have completed at least two years of study in the field at a community college level. Upon admission, they’ll take either 20 or 21 courses that will allow them to complete their studies and earn a B.S. in in the field. Internships are required of students in the UC program, and may be arranged by career services professionals though the school’s online portal. Tuition for the University of Cincinnati’s Online Health Information Management Bachelor Degree Program is $26,334 per year.

For more information on the University of Cincinnati’s Online Health Information Management Bachelor Degree Program, go here.

4. DeVry University

dev

DeVry is one of the oldest institutions offering distance education, having innovated in this space when distance learning involved mail and telephone correspondence. Today, DeVry has developed its own, customized online access portal for its courses. These courses thrive on discussion board posts, teleconferencing between groups of students, and video or slide lectures uploaded by professors. The school has received top marks from the likes of Consumer Reports and U.S. News and World Report for its innovative online technologies and it’s affordability at just $365 per credit hour. The school’s Healthcare Informatics Program is offered as a concentration within the larger health information management major, and yields a Bachelor of Science degree upon completion. Because this program is a concentration within a broader major, it is not considered a “completion” degree. Instead, students can take all four years of undergraduate coursework in pursuit of this concentration.

For more information on Devry University’s Online Healthcare Informatics Bachelor Degree Program, go here.

5. Walden University

wal
Walden University was actually established by two teachers in the 1970s, in large part to help working adults start or complete their college education in a number of fields. Health information management was added to the college’s list of programs only recently, but has grown dramatically since its inception. The school earns praise for its instructional quality and individualized student attention, and typically ranks as on of the top 80 online universities in the United States. Plus at only $280 per quarter hour, Walden offers one of the most economical means of completing your online degree. The B.S. in Healthcare Management program is unique among online options, in that it uses a quarter-based system instead of semesters. A total of 181 credits are required by the program, of which 135 can even be transferred in from other schools.

For more about Walden University’s Online Healthcare Management Bachelor Degree Program, go here.

6. Capella University

cap

Capella University, founded in 1993, is one of the fastest-growing online institutions in the United States. The school’s focus is on programs that prepare students for skilled positions in business, healthcare, education, and other industries, and therefore requires a great deal of hands-on learning experiences through the Capella online portal. Professors are both doctoral and graduate-level adjuncts, with extensive experience in their respective fields. The Health Information Technology Department offers a B.S. in the field, which students can complete with 180 quarter hours over the course of either three or five years. Classes in healthcare law and patient privacy regulations, business and healthcare information systems, and healthcare management, are all required in this program, as are at least 40 quarter hours of elective classes. Tuition is based upon degree level and ranges from $2,800 to $5,177 per quarter.

For more about Capella University’s Online Health Information Technology Bachelor Degree Program, go here.

7. Colorado Technical University

ctu
Colorado Tech’s online programs are usually ranked in the top 10 options nationwide for members of the military, thanks to accelerated course completion schedules and compact sessions that begin every eight weeks throughout the year. The school is also nationally recognized for its innovative distance learning technologies, its focus on practical experience through simulations and required internships, and its overall affordability compared to many other online schools. The HIM program at Colorado Tech focuses not only on health informatics and information management, but also on business-related fields like management, economics, accounting, and human resource management. As a result, graduates of CTU are prepared for a variety of careers in the fast-growing healthcare and business industries across the country. Plus, the cost of your entire degree averages around $30,225 in tuition for the full program.

For more about Colorado Technical University’s Online Healthcare Management/Healthcare Informatics Bachelor Degree Program, go here.

8. Western Governors University

wgu

Western Goveror’s University (WGU) was founded by a coalition of 19 governors from the western part of the United States in 1997 and has seen steady growth ever since. The school requires constant contact between students and professors, typically via in-person phone calls and occasional webcam sessions. This helps students master the material at hand and also ensures that students are complying with university policies relating to attendance and academic honestly. The school is one of the few nonprofit schools for online students and as such invests its money directly into improvements to the online learning system, financial aid, and learning materials. Students who enroll in the B.S. in Health Information Technology will quickly learn the most common patient records software used in today’s hospitals. They also will learn the legal, ethical, and regulatory statutes that affect how they perform their job. The program will also teach basic management, human resources, and communications skills to students, and will test their computer proficiency during the first year of enrollment. Tuition is $3,250 per term with the option to accelerate studies to save both money and time.

For more about Wesyern Governor’s University’s Online Health Information Technology/Health Informatics Bachelor Degree Program, go here.

9. Southern New Hampshire University

snh
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is perhaps the only university in the world that shares something with Apple, HBO, and Netflix: The university is consistently ranked as one of the most innovative organizations on the planet by major business publications. SNHU ranks among the top 50 most innovative schools and companies worldwide according to Fast Company and offers students a superior value thanks to its accelerated programs, innovative courses, and attentive professors who oversee small class sizes compared to other online schools. SNHU’s B.S. in Health Information Management covers basic patient software systems, the fundamentals of healthcare information systems and information technology, and the laws and regulations that govern patient care, privacy, and recordkeeping. It also introduces students to healthcare management, business and interpersonal communication, public speaking, business law, and human resources topics, creating a well-rounded program. Tuition at SNHU is approximately $960 per course plus additional education related expenses.

For more about Southern New Hampshire University’s Online Health Information Management Bqachelor Degree Program, go here.

10 Best Online Masters in Health Informatics/Health Information Management Degree Programs

top1Changing demographics and the ever-evolving nature of the health care system has created a great number of exciting career opportunities for qualified professionals.  The field of medical billing is one of them and it is only poised to grow in terms of the number of people it will likely employ.  Since medical billing began as an interface between patients and insurance companies, it has come to encompass numerous facets of how health care is run on both a day-to-day and a larger, industry-wide basis.  To help interested parties find the best possible school, we have compiled a list that evaluates each school based on the credential programs it offers, the degrees it can award and the relative rigor and subsequent real-world preparation of its curriculum.  Interested applicants should carefully evaluate potential options based on what specific path they would like to pursue.  Each degree program offers a different emphasis within this rapidly growing and developing field.  A candidate who wishes to specialize in more pragmatic infrastructural matters may choose a different program than a candidate who is intrigued by the potential of specializing in the means of innovation itself.  In each case, these brief summaries of each school’s offerings should help to point candidates to the best program for their current and future needs.  Without further delay, here are the 10 Best Online Masters in Health Informatics/Health Information Management Degree Programs:

1.  Arizona State University

asuon

With 34 credits needed to achieve accreditation with an emphasis on “Master of Healthcare Innovation,” Arizona State University believes in creating a comprehensive curriculum that helps students prepare for future innovations in the field by studying aspects of technology, system design programs, change theory, and entrepreneurship among others. S tudents from a wide variety of backgrounds including finance, journalism, nursing and engineering, are encouraged to apply.  This program receives such a high ranking in part because it encourages progressive, forward-thinking, instead of rote learning, enabling participants to prepare for a career, not merely a temporary job.  The cost of the online program is $768 per credit hour.

For more information about Arizona State University’s Online Masters Program, go here here.

2.  Boston University

bosto
With ten courses needed to achieve certification, Boston University’s Online Master of Science in Health Communication offers students the opportunity to explore and focus on the nuances of communication among multiple systems and types of work environments.  The program, which can be completed in under two years, takes into consideration the changing nature of both physical and infrastructural environments.  For those students who wish to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate with the public and the media, this program is an excellent way to begin learning the needed skills.  An awareness and mastery of ethics, as well as a background in fundamental communication tools, are integral parts of the curriculum.

For more information about Boston University’s Online Masters Program, go here.

3.  University of Tennessee

uniten
For those students who wish to focus on the management of information within a medical billing context, the University of Tennessee offers an online masters program that delves into the intricacies of both in-house decision making and interdepartmental coordination.  The relationship between various governmental agencies, including regional and national databases is explored, as well as the development of more effective data management and sharing within particular institutions.  The program is rooted in the notion that students will encounter a rapidly changing and chaotic world when they decide to put their degree to use.  Therefore, all the courses emphasize an approach that enables them to make rapid but sound decisions in terms of data management within a variety of different environments.

For more information about the University of Tennessee’s Online Masters Program, go here.

4.  Drexel University

drexunion

The psycho-social nature of the health care industry and the inherent issues that result form one of the fundamental tenets of Drexel’s online master degree program.  Here, students immerse themselves in a series of courses that allows them to conceive of the vast political and infrastructural landscape of health care as it is, not as many wish it to be.  This pragmatic approach, which is vested in the idea that excellent communication skills and a thorough understanding of complex systems enable people to pursue careers in a variety of fields, is geared towards those who wish to undertake a collaborative yet easily implementable educational approach.  However, the program does not take a defeatist approach towards realpolitik, but rather an inclusive one. Students are encouraged to master the world and then make changes to improve its processes.

For more information about Drexel University’s Online Masters Program, go here .

5.  Kaplan University

kapl
Kaplan’s program takes a more technology-oriented approach towards medical billing. Here, students begin with a fundamental understanding of the linkage between information science, computer science, and health care.  The degree is also open to those who wish to expand on previous experience in the health care field, especially health informatics professionals who would like to sharpen and more specifically apply the basic skills they’ve picked up in the field.  This emphasis on combining real-world, learned skills with the potential of integrating new approaches and concepts is ideal for students who are invested in the health care industry as a long-term career choice.  Existing professionals will appreciate the directnesss and applicability of the offered courses.

For more information about Kaplan University’s Online Masters Program, go here.

6.  Regis University

re

Regis’ program is tailored specifically to professionals who already have experience in nursing, healthcare administration, and other medical experience and wish to understand the new realities of medical billing and data management.  Doctors who may have years in the field but only a few minutes of computer experience will benefit from this course of study, which aims to demystify the complexities of the process while simultaneously introducing helpful techniques to keep professionals abreast of the latest changes in the industry.  Professionals may select a particular emphasis, including studies in business management, medical practice management, and administration and program direction.  The program has a core requirement of 36 credit hours, which are evenly split between HL Specialization requirements and core requirements.

For more information about Regis University’s Online Masters Program, go here.

7.  Walden University

walden
Although Walden welcomes the uninitiated into its comprehensive and practical degree in Health Informatics, medical professionals will find this program to be particularly useful in terms of developing their data management skills.  The program is rooted in the notion that a fuller understanding of how data management works enables medical professionals to contribute better holistic care in all areas of their practice, whether they have an individual business, or are part of a massive hospital system.  Students will find that the program integrates real world scenarios with abstract conceptual explorations of the reach and influence of technology and the effects of data tracking and management.  This focus helps professionals interact with their patients in a way that does not neglect the human element of patient care, yet simultaneously helps them create a better and more efficient process for dealing with a large number of patients.

For more information about Walden University’s Online Masters Program, go here.

8.  Herzing University

herzing

Herzing approaches healthcare from the vantage point that it is not only one of the most rapidly expanding fields in the United States, but also likely one that will grow in complexity both from an administrative and ethical standpoint.  The sheer number of professionals involved, combined with the wide geographic span and different cultural norms and expectations, makes this field both dynamic and incredibly challenging.  To prepare students for entry into what will undoubtedly be a fast-moving and demanding field, the program emphasizes the development of management skills.  This enables program participates to effortlessly segue into becoming a Director of Development or a Chief Executive Officer.  In this sense, Herzing’s program is perfect for those students or professionals who envision themselves in a governance role, and wish to master the skills necessary to see that career path through.

For more information about Herzing University’s Online Masters Program, go here.

9.  Southern New Hampshire University

snh
Understanding how to effectively motivate, manage, and coordinate a business in healthcare is a course requiring an ample amount of study and background.   Southern New Hampshire University offers its students the opportunity to study the intricacies of psychology and management while also interacting with other students and teachers via special live conferences and meetings.  This aspect of the program is vital for students who wish to understand how the complexity of human interaction fundamentally changes the dynamics and environment of any business, but especially one with as many nuances and potential challenges as those based in health care. The University is ranked highly in part because of its extensive credentialing in the MBA field. This solid business understanding will enable those who participate in the program to approach any healthcare situation with confidence and capability.

For more information about Southern New Hampshire University’s Online Masters Program, go here.

10.  American Sentinel University

amer
The 36 hour health informatics degree offered by American Sentinel enables students to quickly adapt to real-world scenarios, including the need to effectively present complex data to both technologically savvy and non-savvy groups.  The program also emphasizes the notion of concise analytics across a wide variety of data sets, which is a vital skill in what is predicted to be not just a growing field, but an intensely complicated one.  By understanding how to relate to a wide swath of stakeholders, students will quickly become invaluable members of any team they join by providing the translation between deeply technical, possibly obscure data formats and newer, more accessible platforms and tools. Although technology exists nearly everywhere in the world, those who can effectively interpret it, especially in a time-sensitive health care situation, are expected to be among the most wanted new professionals in this industry.

For more information about American Sentinel University’s Online Masters Program, go here.

Find Your Degree
topmedicalcodingschools.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Features

Game Changers: Important Medical Innovations Over The Past 30 Years
Just What The Doctor Ordered? Weird Medical Codes
A Visual Guide To Medical Coding
Top 20 Medical Coding and Billing Scholarships Top 25 Medical Billing And Coding Blogs
10 Free iOS iPad Apps For Medical Coders
25 Universities Affiliated With Top Teaching Hospitals
View More...

Rankings

The Top Cheapest Medical Coding and Billing Programs, Diplomas, and Certificates
20 Best From Home Top Medical Coding Schools and Programs
The 20 Best Medical Coding and Billing Programs Online
25 Online Medical Coding and Billing Programs
15 Best Remote Medical Coding Training Programs Online
10 Best Online Medical Coding Programs
Top 10 Medical Billing and Coding Schools
10 Best Online Health Informatics/Health Information Management Bachelor Degree Programs
10 Best Online Masters In Health Informatics/Information Management Degree Programs

FAQ

What is Medical Coding?
What Is Remote Medical Coding and Billing Training?
Which Online Medical Coding and Billing Program is Best?
What is the Difference Between Medical Coding and Medical Billing?
How Much Does A Medical Coding and Billing Program Cost?
Are There Medical Coding Careers That Allow Me To Travel The World?
What are the Best Places to Find Traveling Medical Coding and Billing Jobs?
Which Organizations Offer Accreditation For Medical Coding Programs
What Is A Medical Coding And Billing Career Like After Schooling Is Complete?
How Do I Know if a Medical Billing and Coding School is Accredited?
What are the Best Medical Billing and Coding Programs Online?
What is a Remote Medical Coding Training Program?
How Much is Tuition at the Top Medical Billing and Coding Schools?
View More...

Certification Programs

Medical Coding Certification and Specialized Certificate Programs

Careers

Top Qualities Employers Are Looking For In Medical Coders
10 Best Places To Find Work From Home Medical Coding and Billing Jobs
Medical Coding and Billing Salary Comparisons
5 Things You Didn't Know About Medical Billers and Coders In Teaching Hospitals
10 Great Places To Find International Medical Billing and Coding Jobs

Copyright © 2016–2018 Top Medical Coding Schools, All Rights Reserved.  Sitemap (XML)