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* Students are encouraged to take ENG 101 prior to beginning Medical Billing and Coding Coursework. Students may complete ENG 101 during the first semester of coursework but must earn a "C" of better to move on in the program.
** All certificate courses except HIM 251 & HIM 252 are transferrable to the HIM AS Degree program. HIM 251 & HIM 252 are specific to the Coding and Billing Certificate of Achievement.
Certificate students are eligible to sit for the industry recognized AHIMA Certified Coding Associate (CCA) Credential.
What Is Medical Billing and Coding C.A.?
One of the most complex processes involved in the practice of medicine is keeping billing procedures and medical records accurate. To ensure that payments are properly billed and paid, the health care and insurance industries maintain a standardized coding system for all diagnoses and procedures. The complexities of this system call for the unique expertise of a billing and coding specialist, a rewarding profession that you can prepare for at St. Charles Community College. When you successfully complete the program, you will have many employment options to choose from. You will be qualified to seek entry-level billing & coding positions in a variety of settings. There may be an option in some settings to work from home.
Successful completion of the Medical Billing & Coding certificate allows students to sit for the industry recognized American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential. This credential indicates the student has entry-level coding competencies. This certification can be used to apply for entry-level positions in the healthcare industry as well as demonstrate specialization to complement a previously earned degree. Students trying to decide between the Medical Billing & Coding certificate or the Health Information Management degree should visit the AHIMA website: Planning Your Education.
The CCA designation has been a nationally accepted standard of achievement in the health information management field since 2002. This hands-on, skills-based certificate provides advanced training in preparing and coding health records, submitting claims to third-party payers, and participating in the reimbursement process. Practitioners work for hospitals, physicians' offices, billing offices, and healthcare clinics. Do you want to learn more about the CCA credential? Visit the AHIMA website: CCA Overview.
Admission Requirements and Relevant Information
Application and Admission Requirements
Apply to St. Charles Community College and complete the writing assessment (when applicable) in the Student Center, room 133 (SC133).
Submit official transcripts from any previously attended institution to Enrollment Services (ADM 1204).
Complete ENG 096, developmental reading, and/or ESL courses (when applicable).
Complete ENG 101 with a "C" or better by the end of the first-semester coursework.
Students are encouraged to complete ENG 101 prior to beginning the Medical Billing & Coding certificate
To apply for program admission, meet with an Allied Health Counselor. To set up an appointment or inquire about the program, email alliedhealth@stchas.edu.
Relevant Program Information
The Medical Billing & Coding certificate is primarily online; however, students will participate in occasional on-campus meetings and orientations.
Students are required to complete an 8-week clinical and a CCA Review during their final semester.
To obtain the Associate of Science (A.S.) in Health Information Management (HIM) degree, students must complete an additional 40 credit hours of general education and HIM coursework.
All certificate courses are transferrable to the A.S. in HIM degree program with the exception of HIM 251 and HIM 252.
Occupational Outlook
13%
Employment of health information technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
Salary Outlook
In the state of Missouri, the median annual wage for employees working in the medical billing and coding field is $39,180. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, earnings increase significantly as a worker’s degree of education rises.
Medical Billing and Coding Careers
SCC graduates with a Medical Billing and Coding C.A. are employed in a range of careers including, but not limited to: medical assistant, medical secretary, medical administrative assistant, dental/orthodontic office administrator and medical records technician.
