About the Medical Billing & Coding Program

The Medical Billing and Coding program prepares students to Work in a physician's office as a medical biller and coder.

In this program, you will study medical terminology, medical office procedures, medical insurance and coding, clinical coding, business law and accounting.

The Medical Billing and Coding Program is offered at the college's Belleville and Granite City campuses. Upon successful completion of the program, you can enter the work force with entry-level billing and coding skills.

Duties of a medical biller and coder include locating medical codes such as CPT & ICD-9 codes, obtaining insurance referrals, processing insurance claim forms, billing third-party payers and patients, tracking insurance claims and writing appeals on claims.

Students have a chance to put their classroom knowledge to work during two externships in area medical facilities - 100-hour MA 192 and 120 - hour MA 243.

After successfully completing 28.5 credit hours, you will earn a certificate of proficiency. Students also will be eligible to take the certified coder examination through The American Academy of Professional Coders .

Career Opportunities

After completing the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate you will be prepared to work as a:

• Medical coder and biller

Starting salaries are about $25,320 annually, salaries vary depending on the facility and the training & skills of the MA. Certified Medical Assistants make approximately 5 percent - 10 percent more than non-certified MAs..

Program Available

Certificate (021D)

The Medical Billing and Coding certificate allows students outside of the Medical Assistant program to gain recognition for completing core course of billing and coding. View Curriculum >>

General Information

1. The Billing & Coding certificate program is a 19.5-credithour program, which can be completed in 4 semesters. The curriculum is part of the Medical Assistant program and includes technical courses and assigned clinical experiences. Billing & Coding courses begin in the Fall and Spring Semesters at the Belleville and Sam Wolf Granite City campuses.
2. All students interested in the Billing & Coding Program must meet with the program coordinator, Cheryl Hutchison prior to enrolling in Billing & Coding Classes. Call for an appointment at 235-2700, ext 5332.
3. Students who enroll as full-time students will attend school 4-5 days/week throughout the 2 year certificate program. If planning to attend part-time, students must meet with the program coordinator to develop a schedule for program completion. Although students may take up to 6 years to complete the program, it is STRONGLY discouraged as many students have difficulty retaining knowledge of materials taught in earlier semesters. Whether attending full-time or part-time, all students must be available 30-40 hr/week to complete the clinical education portion of the program which is a total of 220 hours of practical experience.
4. In the Fall semester, the Billing & Coding program generally has seats for 10 students at the Belleville Campus and 10 students at the Sam Wolf Granite City Campus. In the Spring semester, there are 10 seats at the Belleville Campus and 10 at the Sam Wolf Granite City Campus. The Billing & Coding courses are only offered during the day. The certificate program can be completed in 4 semesters; including 1 summer. All courses must be completed before or during semesters indicted, unless permission is given by the program coordinator. A grade of “C” or better is required for all courses in the degree.
5. Admitted Billing & Coding students must follow all the requirements listed in the General Information section of the Medical Assistant program. Refer to that degree section for complete details.
6. Prerequisites may be required for some courses. Refer to the Class Search/Browse Catalog link in eSTORM