The Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the functions of a medical biller/coder and to understand the professional and ethical responsibilities.

Courses in computer billing applications, administrative procedures and medical law, along with courses in CPT, ICD-9-CM, and HCPS coding, processing insurance claims, and retrieving information from medical documents train the student for the billing and coding profession. In addition, during their first quarter students take a computer course which familiarizes them with computer hardware and software, Internet skills, software applications, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation programs.

By emphasizing ethics and respect for the medical profession, service to the community, and advancement through practical application, the student is prepared to enter the medical billing and coding profession.

Offering this program online affords students flexibility in scheduling their studies to better align with their job and family responsibilities. An online program is more accessible to students who live too far from the campus and might have transportation or child care concerns.

The student completes the coursework necessary to prepare for the national voluntary Certified Professional Coding exam administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders.

The normal time to complete this program for a full-time student is 15 months.