Accredited Online Coding Schools: Top Picks for Career Change

If you're considering a career change into the tech industry, online coding schools can be a great place to start. Many accredited online coding schools offer flexible and affordable programs that can be completed in as little as a few months.

Some of these schools, like General Assembly and App Academy, have graduation rates of over 90% and job placement rates of over 80%. These impressive numbers speak to the quality of education and the potential for success in the field.

Online coding schools can also provide access to a wide range of programming languages and specializations, from web development to data science. This allows students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

By choosing an accredited online coding school, you can ensure that you're getting a high-quality education that will prepare you for a successful career in tech.

On a similar theme: Billing and Coding Schools in Florida

Our top picks for online coding schools can be finished in under two years.

We've concentrated on programs that meet this time frame.

These programs cover the four factors discussed earlier.

In no particular order, here are our top picks.

They offer different parts of the four factors, but all can be completed quickly.

Please note that these programs are designed to be finished in under two years.

Online medical billing and coding certificate programs vary significantly in terms of cost, financial aid, and certification exam preparation.

The length of these programs can also differ, with some lasting only a few months, while others like MedCerts's medical billing and training course take 28 weeks to complete.

MedCerts's program covers various topics, including human anatomy, medical terminology, insurance billing and coding essentials, and medical coding, and also accepts multiple financial aid options.

Here are some key details about MedCerts's program:

App Academy Software Engineering is a well-designed program for those starting from scratch. The course is 16 or 24 weeks full-time, or 48 weeks part-time, and covers two of the most important full-stack coding languages, JavaScript and Python.

The program is designed to give you an excellent grounding in these languages, and you'll have a wide range of support staff, including a Course Mentor, Teaching Assistant, and Module Instructor. These staff members will be involved in your classes and provide valuable guidance and support.

You'll divide your days between morning live lectures, peer programming and project work, a group review, and homework. This structured schedule helps students ease into the daily life of a web developer.

The up-front cost of the program is $20,000, but App Academy offers a deferred tuition model or income share agreement. This means you won't have to pay for the program until you begin a job in the field paying at least $50,000.

Full-time students have the option of completing the course in 16 or 24 weeks, while part-time students will take 48 weeks to finish.

Codecademy is an online school that offers a unique approach to learning programming languages. It's a top pick for countless learners, with over 24 million users having completed over 100 million exercises.

Codecademy teaches 12 different programming languages, including Python, Java, Go, JavaScript, Ruby, SQL, C++, C#, and Swift, as well as markup languages HTML and CSS.

The site offers personalized learning plans, quizzes, and realistic projects to help learners master programming concepts. You can choose from three subscription pricing tiers: Free, $17.49/month, or $29.99/month.

Codecademy's hands-on projects ensure you're not just memorizing code, but applying and mastering it.

MedCerts Training is a 28-week online program that covers a wide range of topics, including human anatomy, medical terminology, and insurance billing and coding essentials. The program is completely online and offers video-based training for added convenience.

The program accepts multiple financial aid options, including MyCAA, Workforce Funding (WIOA), and Department of Defense Credentialing Assistance (COOL) for eligible military members and spouses. This makes it more accessible to those who need financial assistance.

Course Length: 28 weeks

Here are some key benefits of the MedCerts Medical Coding & Billing Training Online:

However, it's worth noting that the program is not available in all states, including Louisiana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. Additionally, the program is longer than some other courses, lasting 7 months.

To find the best medical billing and coding online schools, we started with a search on NCES College Navigator. This search helped us identify all the schools offering medical coding and billing programs at any level.

We then examined each college based on six key criteria. These criteria included flexibility of the program, quality of the education provided, student-to-faculty ratios, return on investment (ROI), affordability, and financial aid options.

We looked at the flexibility of the program to ensure that the schools offered a range of options for students. This included certificate programs, associate's degrees, and bachelor's degrees.

The quality of the education provided was also a top priority. We wanted to ensure that the schools were offering high-quality education that would prepare students for a career in medical billing and coding.

Student-to-faculty ratios were also taken into account. We looked for schools with smaller class sizes to ensure that students received personalized attention and support.

Return on investment (ROI) was another important factor. We wanted to find schools that would provide students with a strong return on their investment, whether that was through job placement or higher salaries.

Affordability was also a key consideration. We looked at the in-state tuition rates per academic year to determine which schools were the most affordable.

Finally, we examined the financial aid options available to students. We wanted to find schools that offered a range of financial aid options to help students pay for their education.

Here's a breakdown of the criteria we used to rank the top medical coding and billing schools:

Accreditation is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an online coding school. Accredited schools are connected to an accredited university, which can be a significant advantage in certain industries.

Accreditation can also provide international recognition and prestige, but it often comes at a higher cost. Non-accredited schools, on the other hand, can be more affordable and have shorter programs.

If you're looking to become a job-ready developer quickly, a non-accredited school may be a better fit for you. They often design courses that are more flexible and focused on industry needs.

All online medical coding and billing schools listed are accredited, and they offer various financial assistance programs.

Worth a look: Medical Coding Online Schools Accredited

The cost and time commitment of online coding schools can vary significantly.

CareerFoundry's program takes four months to complete full-time, while part-time and flexible learning can take three to seven months.

Some programs, like CareerFoundry, offer flexible payment options, including paying upfront or getting a small course discount.

CareerFoundry's total program cost is $8,500, but the cost depends on your location and is competitively priced.

A two-week trial period is available, allowing you to try the course risk-free.

If you don't land a developer job within six months of graduating, CareerFoundry offers a job guarantee with a full refund.

Here's a brief comparison of some online coding schools' costs:

Program length and schedule can also impact your decision. Some programs are self-paced, while others are offered at specific intervals.

The cost of a program can be a major consideration when deciding what path to take. CareerFoundry's program costs $8,500, but the price can vary depending on your location.

Some programs offer flexible payment options, including paying upfront or getting a small course discount. CareerFoundry also offers a two-week trial period, where you can enroll and pay, but then get a refund if you decide it's not for you.

The University of Cincinnati's Online Medical Coder Program costs $11,436 for non-residents and $10,896 for Ohio residents. This is a significant investment, but it's worth considering the potential return on investment.

Programs like CareerFoundry and App Academy Online offer income share agreements, where you pay a percentage of your income after graduation. This can make the cost more manageable and aligns your financial investment with your future earnings.

Here's a breakdown of the costs for the programs mentioned:

It's worth noting that some programs offer job guarantees or refunds if you don't land a job after graduation. CareerFoundry's job guarantee, for example, entitles you to a full refund if you meet the eligibility criteria and don't land a developer job within six months of graduating.

The time it takes to complete a program can vary significantly depending on your schedule and learning style.

Full-time students can finish in four months.

Part-time and flexible learning options can take anywhere from three to seven months to complete.

Self-paced programs allow you to complete them as quickly as you'd like, but be aware that access may be revoked after a certain period.

When choosing an online coding school, it's essential to consider the curriculum and features that suit your learning style.

Pre-recorded lecture videos with structured assignments, live classes, or a combination of pre-existing open-source materials are just a few examples of how online coding schools approach teaching development.

The key is to find a program that aligns with your individual learning style, whether you're a visual learner, a reading/writing learner, or something in between.

To make an informed decision, ask the institutions for a course outline to see what they cover, and find out if teaching will be through videos, live classes, or reading materials.

Mentorship is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing an online coding school.

Some institutions offer independent study with occasional instructor or mentor-led Q&A sessions.

Instructor-led courses provide feedback on your work, but how much and how often depends on the instructor.

Programs with individual web development mentors allow you to reach out for guidance and support when needed.

Choosing a course with a seasoned professional's input and industry knowledge can give you the confidence to thrive.

Online coding schools can vary greatly in their approach to teaching development, with some using pre-recorded lecture videos and others offering live classes.

Curriculum design is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing an online coding school. The form of instruction can be pre-recorded lecture videos, live classes, or a collection of pre-existing open-source materials structured into a lesson plan.

To determine which type of instruction suits you best, ask different institutions for a course outline so you can see what they cover. This will help you understand the program's structure and content.

If you're a visual learner, you may prefer a program that uses video lectures, while a reading/writing learner might prefer a program that focuses on written materials. The key is to find a program that aligns with your learning style.

Some online programs may offer a combination of video lectures and written materials, so it's essential to ask about the teaching methods used in the program.

Frontend development is a great way to ease yourself into the world of programming, especially if you're interested in building the part of websites you interact with every day.

Many online coding schools offer frontend development courses, making it a popular choice for those new to programming.

Frontend development courses are typically shorter in duration, allowing you to get a feel for programming without a long-term commitment.

Full-stack development programs, on the other hand, cover the entire tech stack, giving you a broader range of opportunities to find your own direction or niche.

For more insights, see: No Code Application Development Platform

Full-stack development programs are often longer in duration than frontend development courses, but the comprehensive coverage of programming makes it a great choice for those who want to learn it all.

If you're not sure what a full-stack developer does, it's worth noting that many online coding schools offer guides to help you understand the role.

The two most common exams for entry-level coding professionals are AAPC’s CPC and AHIMA’s CCS.

Having a credential that employers are familiar with can help you stand out when applying for jobs.

The CPC certification suits those aiming to start in outpatient and physician office coding roles, while the CCS is ideal for those targeting hospital settings and broader coding responsibilities.

The MIT xPRO Certificate is a highly sought-after credential that can boost your career in web development. It's offered by Emeritus, a well-known provider of online courses, in partnership with MIT.

This certificate is available in two formats: part-time and full-time. The part-time option takes 16 weeks to complete and costs $7,450. The full-time option, on the other hand, takes the same amount of time but requires 35-45 hours of work per week and costs $8,075.

The certificate is designed for adults looking to switch careers, and it covers a range of topics, including web development, front-end development, and back-end development. The course is organized into three main sections using the MERN stack, which is a popular tech stack in the industry.

One of the unique features of this certificate is the personalized feedback and live weekly office hours with course leaders. This allows learners to get support and guidance as they work through the course material. Additionally, the certificate includes the opportunity to develop a GitHub portfolio, which can be a valuable asset when applying for jobs.

Here are some key facts about the MIT xPRO Certificate:

More than 300,000 learners have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus, and 90 percent of respondents to a recent survey said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded. This is a testament to the effectiveness of the MIT xPRO Certificate in preparing learners for a career in web development.

The Cornell Web Design Certification is a great option for those looking to learn web design and development skills. It's a 12-week program that's designed to be flexible, with 7-10 hours of coursework per week.

You can earn a certification from Cornell's Bowers College of Computing and Information Science. The program is focused on frontend web development, but it also covers some UX practices, making it an excellent choice for those looking to transition to a career as a frontend developer or web designer.

The course is split into six separate courses, each lasting two weeks. This design-first, coding-second approach will help you learn to build and style web pages with HTML and CSS, as well as responsive websites using jQuery.

You'll have the opportunity to learn from Cornell Professors, and the classes are live, with set start dates. The program has a relatively small class size, with a maximum of 35 students.

Obtaining this certification will cost you $3,600, which can be split up into three or six monthly payments. This can increase the total amount to pay to $3,750 or $3,900 respectively.

When preparing for a certification exam, it's essential to choose a program that aligns with your career goals. The two most common exams for entry-level coding professionals are AAPC's CPC and AHIMA's CCS.

The CPC certification is ideal for those aiming to start in outpatient and physician office coding roles. It's a great choice for beginners.

Some online coding and billing programs will prepare you for neither the CPC nor CCS exams. This can leave you without a valuable credential to stand out to employers.

The CCS certification, on the other hand, is suited for those targeting hospital settings and broader coding responsibilities. However, it may require more experience to qualify.

Having a credential that employers are familiar with can significantly boost your job prospects.

The American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA) Reimbursement Course is a valuable resource for those looking to start a career in health information management. This course is part of the Medical Coding and Reimbursement Online Course Bundle.

The course covers reimbursement methods, medical law, and ethics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. You'll also learn about medical coding basics, including ICD-10 and CPT.

The course is designed to be self-paced, lasting 365 days from the date of purchase. This allows you to work at your own pace and complete the course on your own schedule.

Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate from AHIMA, which can be a valuable asset in your job search. The certificate can help you stand out to employers and access career resources.

The entire bundle costs $2993.25, but you can choose to purchase individual courses for around $299.

For another approach, see: How to Learn to Code on Your Own

Medical billers and coders are part of the healthcare profession, responsible for processing information so providers get paid. They use cutting-edge technology to assign a diagnosis-related group (DRG) to a patient's bill.

There are several hundred DRG codes to understand, which is crucial for determining how much health insurance companies will pay. Insurance companies reimburse hospitals, doctors, medical offices, labs, and other departments.

A medical practice relies heavily on skilled billing and coding specialists to ensure money keeps flowing in.

The online coding schools accredited offer a range of benefits, but also some drawbacks to consider.

One of the main advantages is that the education provided meets the requirements for the CCA or CCS exam, which is a significant plus for those looking to take these certifications.

However, the cost of these programs can be a major con, with some options costing upwards of $2,622.90 for a 12-week course.

It's also worth noting that the AAPC is not a traditional school or university, which means it cannot offer federal financial aid.

Here are some key pros and cons to consider:

It's also worth noting that taking each certification exam costs an extra $299, which can add up quickly.

The certification program has its advantages. You can earn education that meets the CCA or CCS exam's requirements or recommendations.

One of the benefits is that the education you receive is transferable to partner institutions.

Here are some key points to consider:

These points are crucial to keep in mind as you consider your options.

The AAPC certification process isn't without its drawbacks. One of the main cons is the cost of the certification exams, which can add up quickly at $499 each.

The AAPC isn't a traditional school or university, so it can't offer federal financial aid to help offset the costs. This can be a significant hurdle for those who need financial assistance.

If you're completely new to the healthcare industry, the AAPC recommends taking their Fundamentals of Medicine course first. This 12-week course costs a whopping $2,622.90, which can be a significant investment.

Here are some key cons of the AAPC certification process at a glance: