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Non-Credit Courses and Certificates

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

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Ideal for

The medical coding and billing specialist is an analytic, organized, efficient professional who plays an integral role in the health care team. He or she is responsible for:

  • analyzing medical records and assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures
  • organizing records to be used for patient billing, insurance claims and account management
  • tabulating information for health care surveys, research studies and improved patient care
  • communicating with other health care personnel to clarify diagnosis or obtain additional information.

Students should have basic computer skills and the program is entirely virtual online. You must have a computer with audio and camera.    

Program Overview

The course offers students three possible certification routes to choose from when enrolled in the Medical Billing and Coding program. Students typically seek the CPC certification through AAPC (The American Academy of Professional Coders) and become a Certified Professional Coder or CPC®. The CPC® credential is the most recognized medical coding certification in the healthcare industry. Achieving CPC® certification establishes you as a healthcare professional and increases your chances of being hired in a growing, competitive job market. The course outline below is based on a student seeking AAPC certification.This program is designed to prepare the student for employment in any or all areas of the growing medical reimbursement field.

The online program also allows students to consider and follow coursework for a track to obtain a CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist) certification through the National Healthcareer Association or the CCA (Certified Coding Association) certification through the American Health Information Management Association. Not all associations allow for online testing so be sure to check the website for details on the certifications and testing options.

Students should consult the following websites for information on the various certifications available nationally for Medical Billers and Coders. These are the highest regarded programs or credentials:

Pre-requisites:

  • High school diploma or equivalent prior to enrollment
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • Strong computer skills with device, keyboard, mouse and accessing resources virtually
  • Computer device (not phone or tablet) with reliable internet access
  • Course requires a Windows® 8.1 or higher operating system. Courses are taught from Windows® or Microsoft® and are not compatible with iOS Macintosh® systems.

Course Materials Included:

  • TEXTBOOKS (All textbooks will be provided to students by the college in digital format by publishers such as Cengage, Elsevier or other publisher)
  • One-year student AAPC Membership
  • CERTIFICATION TESTING VOUCHERS  (for students with successful program completions of the 5 courses).

NOTE: Background checks are required for most allied health positions. Students with felony convictions may have difficulty obtaining employment in these fields.

FALL 2024

Registration-Apply Here or Call 203-575-8029

*** PROOF OF HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA/GED REQUIRED UPON REGISTRATION *** 

Students must commit and register for all 5 Courses (CRN's) for this program.

Full program runs from 10/21/24 to 5/8/25.  Total Cost: $4,953

Medical Coding & Billing Course Calendar

  • CRN: 80658-Medical Terminology - Starts 10/21/24
  • CRN: 80659-Medical Health Insurance - Starts 11/5/24
  • CRN: 80660-Medical Electronic Health Records - Starts 12/9/24
  • CRN: 80661-Medical Coding I - Starts 2/6/25
  • CRN: 80662-Medical Coding II - Starts 3/27/25

Fax: (203)-575-8243 

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

U.S. Mail:  CT State Community College-Naugatuck Valley

Workforce Development Non-credit Registration-F323

750 Chase Parkway Waterbury, CT 06708 

Call: 203-575-8029 

Course Location: Live Remote

files

Program Coordinator:

Cynthia Tolin

Non-Credit/Workforce

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

This year long program begins with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills; medical terminology, human biology, computer skills, electronic medical records, and health care delivery.  Then builds on this foundation as the student continues with basic and advanced ICD-10, HCPCS, and CPT coding.  The entire revenue stream is examined through study of reimbursement strategies and an introduction to health information management. Expertise is gained through simulated professional practice experience and completes your preparation for professional certification. (197.5 hours)

Degree and Certificate Credit Programs

Related Degree and Certificate Programs that may interest you.

  • Accounting A.S.
  • General Studies A.S.
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences A.A.
  • Accounting Certificate
  • Business Management Certificate
Find out more about these programs on CTState!

Learn about Payment Options and How to register on this page.

CT State Course Offerings

Important Information

Prerequisites
  • High school diploma or GED-required for testing.
  • Strong command of English language and computer skills.

    Costs

    • At $4,953.00, you will find this online program is extremely cost-effective compared to other medical coding and billing programs. The cost includes textbooks, instruction, AAPC student membership and one-time testing voucher for the program. A tuition installment plan is available for this program through Ed2Go.
    Instructors
    • All instructors are considered experts in their field and are experienced teachers. Many have master’s degrees and/or are certified by their professional organizations.

    Textbooks and Educational Materials

    • Students will receive textbooks through the mail once registration and payment to begin program is complete.

    Career Spotlight

    Where does a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist work?

    A career as a Medical Coding and Billing Specialist is dynamic, highly rewarding and well respected in health care today. Due to the rapidly growing health care industry, this career offers a good paying job and security against recession. Medical coding and billing specialists are employed by hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, health maintenance organizations (HMO’s), long-term care facilities, mental health care facilities, government agencies and insurance companies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, including medical billing and coding professionals, is expected to increase by 8% from 2019-2029. This “faster than average for all occupations” increase is due to many factors, including the increased demand for health care services by the aging population. The average annual income for these careers in May 2020 ranges $39,190 -$50,010. The role of Medical Billing and Coding Specialist is undergoing dramatic changes with the implementation of ICD-10 coding criteria and the federally mandated compliance with electronic medical records. Our area employers state they anticipate steady growth and will strongly value the applicant with current knowledge of the industry standards.

    Certification

    • CCA – is an entry level medical coder with basic coding competencies qualified to work in a physicians office, hospital or other medical setting. 
    • CPC – Renown throughout the world of healthcare, this certification indicates mastery of medical coding and is the gold standard for physician-based medical coding.  Candidates holding this certification are highly sought after and well compensated. 
    • CBCS- is an entry level certified billing and coding specialist eligible to work in any medical setting. 

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