Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Should I get certified after graduation?

A. While not all companies require certification, it is highly recommended. Medical Billing and Coding Certification indicates that you have met certain standards of knowledge required to perform your job. Certification may also help to distinguish you as an experienced or formally trained medical biller or code, which could lead to a higher salary or more employment opportunities.

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Q. Which program should I choose?

A. If you want to pursue a career as a Medical Biller or Coder, there are a few degree programs you can choose from. Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Healthcare Administration and Health Information Management programs could all lead to a career path as a Medical Biller and Coder. Some programs, like Healthcare Administration and Health Information Management can lead to other, more advanced career opportunities as well.

The right program for you will depend greatly on your career goals and your individual needs. We recommend students look for programs that are taught by instructors with real world experience, who’ve worked in the medical insurance billing and coding profession.

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Q. Is an online degree the same as a campus degree?

A. Yes. There is no difference. In fact, most online classes mirror campus curriculum. A recent study performed for the Department of Education found that online learning students actually outperformed students in older, traditional classroom environments. ^[1] Online education can provide learning experiences tailored to meet individual student needs—this enables more “learning by doing,” which most students find to be an engaging and effective method of learning. ^[2]

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Q. How can I determine the quality of an online school?

A. We pride ourselves on the schools we recommend—so you can be sure that the schools featured on our site are quality! Ask your school’s enrollment advisor about their school’s accreditation, faculty credentials and graduation rates.

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Q. What is accreditation and why is it important?

A. Per the U.S. Department of Education, accreditation is a process that ensures programs provided by institutions of higher education meet acceptable levels of quality. ^[3]

Online colleges that are fully accredited have earned recognition from one of 6 regional accreditation boards. There are 2 types of educational accreditation: “institutional” and “specialized” also known as “programmatic.” ^[4]

For distance learning institutions and education programs that offer online degrees specifically, The Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) as the accrediting organization.

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Q. How do I apply for financial aid?

A. Applying for financial aid is easy! To apply, simply fill out a FREE Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA) through the U.S. Department of Education. The FAFSA form is used by virtually all 2 and 4-year colleges and career schools.

With that one application you could apply for grants, school-specific aid, Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans (parent loans) and more. Financial aid is awarded to those who qualify and qualifications can be based on a variety of factors.

*Note: the official FAFSA website is www.fafsa.ed.gov.  It is found at “.gov” not “.com” or “.net”—there are several sites out there that will try to get you to pay for this FREE government form. Don’t get scammed! You do not have to pay to fill out the FASFA and you do not have to pay to apply for scholarships!

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Q. How will I know if I qualify financial aid?

A. After you have sent in your FAFSA application, you will receive what is called an “award letter” that informs you whether or not you qualify for financial aid. If you qualify, the types and amount of financial aid you qualify for will be listed in that letter.

Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid every semester, as qualifications change often. For example, the slightest change in your income or family circumstances could drastically influence the amount of financial aid you qualify for. So apply every semester!

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Q. What can I do with my degree?

A. The answer to this question will be different for everyone. What do you want to do? Once you earn your degree, you can start to pursue whatever career path it is you have set out for. Be sure to check with your school to see what kind of career services they offer—most schools will help you prepare your resume, prepare for job interviews and more!

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Q. Will a college education help me achieve my career goals?

A. A college degree is worth just as much as you put into it. That means, that whatever goals you have set your sights on are entirely reliant on the amount of energy and drive you put into achieving them.

A degree cannot promise you a job or a paycheck, but it can prove to employers that you have what it takes to get the job done right! One of the most important things that employers look for in job candidates is the ability to follow through and succeed—and a degree can prove to employers that you have the drive and determination needed to get the job done right.

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Q. Do online universities accept transfer credits?

A. Yes. Be sure to check with your school to see if your past college credits will apply to the degree you are pursuing. Most online universities will accept transfer credits from regionally and nationally accredited institutions of higher learning.

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Q. Can you really get school credits for life experience?

A. Yes! These credits are called Life Experience credits and are awarded at several universities, especially online schools, where the age of students can range from age 18 to age 60+. Check with your school to see if they offer Life Experience credits.

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Q. How do Life Experience credits work?

A. You have to apply for Life Experience credits at your school. Once you apply, your school will review your life experience and grant credits based on what they can see you have learned outside of the classroom. Check with your department for specific instructions on how to apply for Life Experience credits, as this process can vary from school-to-school.

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Q. How long does it take to complete an online degree program?

A. The amount of time it will take you to complete an online degree program can be based on a variety of factors. Some programs, like certificate programs, can take 6 months to 1 year to complete, while associate’s degree programs can take around 2 years, and bachelor’s degree programs anywhere from 4-5 years.

How long it will take you to complete your program is dependent on how many units your program requires and how many units you are able to fit into your schedule each semester. Many online schools offer accelerated programs that can allow you to take additional units per semester, in order to complete your program faster.

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Q. What kind of equipment will I need to have as an online student?

A. You will need a computer and an internet connection. As long as you have a computer and a standard internet connection, you can access your classes anywhere, anytime! Most online schools offer Online Student Orientations, designed to help ease you into the student transition and familiarize you with the online education process.