Are you interested in becoming a medical biller and coder and want to get a medical billing and coding certificate?
Here’s the best part: you can get a medical billing and coding certificate in as little as four months without going back to school or spending years driving to college.
But is it important to get a certificate?
Absolutely!
A medical billing and coding certificate through an accredited source could verify that you have the right skills as a medical biller and coder and could boost your credibility and job prospects in this field.
In this article, we’ll explore the traditional path to getting a medical billing and coding certificate versus a faster, more affordable, and accredited approach.
Let’s see how you can jump-start towards your career in as little as four months!
The Old Approach: Traditional College Programs
Traditional on-campus college programs have long been seen as the only path to a career in medical billing and coding.
However, these programs usually have some drawbacks. This typically means a lengthy, expensive journey through two-year degree programs.
Imagine spending two years sitting in lecture halls, accumulating student debt, and having to learn about subjects that have nothing to do with medical billing and coding.
Most on-campus medical billing and coding programs cost between $10,000 and $40,000. Add in textbooks, supplies, and living expenses, and you could be looking at a total investment of $60,000 or more.
Then commuting, rigid class schedules, and generalized coursework can create additional barriers, especially for busy adults and working professionals.
Students typically spend hours traveling to campus, sitting through lectures that often have little direct relevance to medical billing and coding’s specific requirements.
The strict class schedules also mean that if you happen to miss a class, you will need to sometimes wait weeks or months to retake the same class.
However, a certificate from a university comes with a lot of respect and is typically considered best for your resume.
But here’s the good news: you could get a university certificate for your medical billing and coding training without going back to school and without big price tags.
There’s a better way—and we’re about to show you what it looks like.
The New Approach: Preppy’s Online Medical Billing and Coding Training Program
As we highlighted earlier, accommodating a full-time education can be challenging for busy adults.
There needs to be a solution that’s flexible and convenient. This is exactly what you get with the Preppy.
Here’s everything you get with Preppy’s program ->
100% Online and Self-Paced Learning
We believe that education should fit your schedule, not control it.
Preppy’s fully online program lets you balance learning with work, family, and personal goals. Whether you’re changing careers or building new skills, this program allows you to learn around your schedule.
No strict class times, no driving to campus, no disrupting your life. Learn from home, on your own time.
University Certificate from an Accredited University
Preppy’s program is in partnership with an accredited university. When you complete the program, you get a certificate of completion from this accredited university.
This is a big deal!
With on-campus programs, you have to drive to campus and attend classes.
But with Preppy, you can learn online and when you finish, you get a university certificate for your medical billing and coding training.
Affordable Tuition & Faster Completion
Forget spending years in school and stacking up debt. Preppy offers a smarter and easier approach.
At just $1,599, our program costs far less than on-campus two-year degrees. Plus, you could finish Preppy’s program in as little as four months.
No hidden costs, and no long-term commitments—just focused medical billing and coding education.
Note – You get access to Preppy’s program for a full year. Since the program is self-paced, you could complete the program as fast as you like.
CPC Certification Preparation
Preppy offers another significant advantage over on-campus programs by not only preparing you for a career but also potentially fast-tracking your CPC certification.
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification, offered by the AAPC, is the industry standard for entry-level medical billers and coders.
With Preppy’s program, you’ll have all the skills to crush the CPC certification.
After completing Preppy’s program, you could apply for the exam through AAPC, and when you pass the exam, you can get the CPC certification and proudly say that you’re a certified medical coder.
However, per the AAPC guidelines, you need to have two years of medical coding experience before you can get the full CPC certification. Before that, you’re awarded the CPC-A (or CPC-Apprentice certification)
You pass the same exam, but to get the full certification, you need to 2 years of medical coding experience.
However, AAPC allows you to reduce the apprentice designation to just one year if your training program meets 80 contact hours of coding preparation.
Preppy’s program satisfies this requirement.
So to remove the “-A”, you would then just need the one year of experience working in the field.
Also Read: Medical Coding Certification
Hands-On Experience Through Externship Opportunities
After finishing your course, you could get hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.
Preppy’s program comes with an externship opportunity. With an externship, you could apply what you’ve learned in your training, understand how workplaces really operate, and build confidence and skills that employers value.
Bonus: A Free Laptop!
Pay your tuition in full, and we will give you a free laptop—which will be yours to keep even after you have completed your program.
Imagine starting toward your medical coding career faster, without student debt, and without going back to school.
Preppy’s program could help you do that, giving you the flexibility to learn online and at your own pace.
With Preppy, you could get a medical billing and coding certificate in as little as 4 months.
To learn more about Preppy’s program, click here!
3 Critical Elements You Need to Become a Medical Biller and Coder
Starting your career in medical billing and coding is all about the right preparation and skills.
There are three important elements you need to become a successful medical biller and coder:
1. In-depth Medical Billing and Coding Training
Medical billing and coding is like a language of its own. You need a deep understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and complex coding systems to gain the right knowledge and skills.
This means completing your medical billing and coding training through an accredited source that teaches you how to accurately translate medical procedures, diagnoses, and treatments into precise codes that healthcare systems rely on.
Apart from the right knowledge, employers also look for professionals who have completed their training from accredited sources, as this ensures your competence as a medical biller and coder.
This is why we believe Preppy’s online program could be the best choice, as it not only prepares you for the career but also provides you with an accredited university certificate.
See More: Medical Billing and Coding Classes Online
2. Practical Experience Through Externship
Gaining practical experience is an essential aspect of your medical billing and coding learning journey. After completing your formal education, it’s recommended to gain real-life experience.
This can be done through an externship.
Externships are typically offered by some programs after you finish the course. They could help you gain hands-on experience in real-life settings, which is important apart from the knowledge you get from a training program.
Most employers generally prefer candidates with some sort of professional experience, and externships help you achieve just that before you start applying for a full-time job.
With Preppy’s program, you get an externship opportunity in a healthcare setting.
This externship opportunity could help you become a professional medical biller and coder with experience in real-world settings, giving you the confidence and practical skills you need.
3. CPC Certification Preparation
In the competitive world of healthcare, obtaining a medical billing and coding certification is essential. It validates your skills, boosts your earning potential, and positions you as a credible professional in a field where accuracy is important.
Certified medical billers and coders earn significantly more (about 22% more) than their non-certified colleagues, according to the AAPC Annual Salary survey.
Employers also view certification as a green flag, and they often require it while hiring.
Among medical billing and coding certifications, the CPC credential from AAPC is widely recognized as the industry standard for entry-level coders, offering a strong foundation for career advancement.
It is recommended that you go for a program that prepares you for a medical billing and coding certification.
With Preppy’s program, you have the skills to crush the
- AAPC’s CPC Certification Exam
- NHA’s CBCS Certification Exam
Medical Billing and Coding FAQs
1. Is it possible to earn a medical billing and coding certificate in 4 months?
Yes, it is possible.
Preppy’s online program is an excellent example, offering a fast-track and affordable option without compromising on quality.
2. Will a 4-month certificate program prepare me for industry certification exams?
Absolutely! A well-structured 4-month program is designed to cover everything you need to pass certification exams like the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) offered by the AAPC.
An ideal program should prepare you with the right skills and knowledge required to become a medical biller and coder, and also prepare you for the certification, which is an important aspect employers look for while hiring.
Preppy’s program stands out with its targeted approach, ensuring you’re fully prepared to tackle certification and start towards your career faster.
3. Are 4-month certification programs recognized by employers?
Yes, some online medical billing and coding programs are accredited and widely accepted in the healthcare industry.
One important thing to note here is to always ensure the program you choose is backed by a recognized institution or aligns with standards set by organizations like the AAPC or AHIMA.
4. What are the benefits of completing an accelerated online program versus a traditional on-campus one?
Accelerated programs that are accredited save you both time and money while providing comprehensive training as compared to traditional programs.
They allow you to enter the workforce sooner and start earning quicker, making them a practical choice for career changers or those looking to upskill quickly.
Preppy’s online program combines speed, affordability, and credibility, helping you reach your career goals faster.
5. What qualifications do I need to enroll in a 4-month medical billing and coding program?
To become a medical biller and coder, your first step is to ensure you have a high school diploma or a GED. Most training programs require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Some may also ask for basic computer skills or familiarity with medical terminology, though this is often taught within the program itself.
Preppy offers one such beginner-friendly program that is designed to guide you step by step through your medical billing and coding journey.
6. Can I work while completing a 4-month program?
Yes, some online programs are designed to be flexible, allowing you to balance work, family, and study.
Preppy’s program offers a self-paced structure so you can learn on your schedule while still completing the certification faster than traditional programs.
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