Medical Billing & Coding Certificate

If you hope to work in health care and have a natural gift for tracking dollars and cents, a certificate in medical coding and billing may be the ideal career path for you.

In this high-demand field, you will support doctors, nurses and other medical and administrative staff members in learning the laws, rules and regulations governing the most prevalent health insurance plans, and applying them to unique patient cases. These plans include Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, PPOs and HMOs. You will become adept at the latest practice management software and utilize it to complete each medical billing cycle promptly and accurately.  

By taking 18 credits, you may begin working in the fast-paced world of medicine in as little as nine months. 

What Does a Medical Billing Coder Do?

• Record and process patient data including treatment records, insurance information, bills and payments.
• Set-up payment plans for patients.
• Organize and verify patient records, bills and statements.
• Code patients’ diagnoses and requests payment from insurance companies or individuals.

A 9-Month Medical Billing and Coding Certificate

• 18 Credits
• 9 Months
• Online classes
• High-demand, healthcare career

This program will prepare students to sit for the American Association of Professional Coders exam. which is $425 and is offered locally. This is not required and is not part of the program.

Reasons to work in Medical Billing and Coding

• Job Stability: The healthcare industry continues to grow, with an increasing demand for medical billing and coding professionals to manage patient data, insurance claims, and healthcare documentation.
• In-demand profession: With healthcare becoming more complex and the need for accuracy in billing and coding, qualified professionals are consistently sought after.
• Flexibility: Many roles in this field offer the option to work remotely or have flexible hours, making it ideal for those who need a work-life balance or prefer to work from home.
• Variety of Work Environments: Medical billers and coders can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, insurance companies, and healthcare software companies.
• Growing Healthcare Industry: As the population ages and more people have access to healthcare, the need for skilled professionals in medical billing and coding will continue to rise. This means the profession is not only growing but is expected to stay in demand for the long term.
• Skills and Certifications are Transferable: The skills learned in medical billing and coding are valuable and transferable across various healthcare fields, giving professionals opportunities to expand their careers or work in different sectors.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the demand for health information technicians (including medical billing and coders) is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, faster than the average for other occupations. This growth is driven by the continued expansion of healthcare services, especially with the adoption of electronic health records and the complexity of insurance and billing systems.

Why earn a Medical Billing and Coding Certificate

• Fast Track to a Career: Earning a certificate can help you enter the workforce quickly.
• Specialized Knowledge: A certification shows employers that you have the necessary skills and expertise to perform your job correctly, making you more attractive to potential employers.
• Earning Potential: Those with certification can often earn higher salaries compared to those without. It demonstrates your commitment to the profession and your proficiency in medical coding systems.
• Flexibility and Advancement: A certification gives you the ability to specialize in specific areas like outpatient or inpatient coding, which can open doors to more advanced and higher-paying roles.