Most medical billers and coders entering the profession hold a two-year associate's degree. Because this career path is in high demand, you'll find a variety of schools offering medical billing and coding degree options, including diploma, certificate,associate's and bachelor's degrees.

Many online certificate programs in billing and coding can be completed in less than a year, but if you are looking for a degree, an associate degree program is two years, and a bachelor's is four years, classroom or online

However, colleges typically charge between $4,200 and $19,500 for medical coding and billing certificates. Don't forget that sitting for certification exams will also cost you. The AHIMA's Certified Coding Associate exam costs $299 and the AAPC Certified Professional Coder exam charges $300 with $125 for membership.