Launch your career in health care with a certificate in medical billing and coding
The health care industry is booming, and medical billing and coding specialists are in high demand. Are you looking for a career in health care but don’t want to give injections or draw blood? A Medical Billing and Coding Certificate at Clackamas Community College can open the door to well-paying, rewarding jobs in the health care field. Medical billing and coding jobs often have flexible schedules and many allow you to work from home.
The Medical Billing and Coding Certificate at CCC is designed to fit your schedule, with online and evening classes available. This program prepares you for national certification exams in medical billing and medical coding and gets you ready for a career in just one year.
Required classes for the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate
A strong job
outlook for medical billers and coders
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects significant job growth for
medical billing and coding professionals over the next decade, much faster than
the average for all occupations. This positive outlook, coupled with
competitive salaries, makes medical billing and coding a smart career choice.
Gain in-demand skills and prepare for nationally recognized certification
This program equips you with the skills to excel in the dynamic and growing field of medical billing and coding. You should gain hands-on experience with:
- Medical insurance billing: Create claims, handle adjustments and navigate the world of insurance reimbursements.
- Understanding the legal landscape: Become familiar with the guidelines and laws that govern medical billing and coding, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Insurance analysis: Analyze forms and advocate for fair payment from insurance companies.
- Patient account management: Keep patient accounts organized by posting payments and adjustments.
- Coding patient visits: Bridge the gap between medical records and billing by accurately translating provider notes into codes.
- Clear communication: Effectively communicate billing and coding details with both healthcare providers and patients.
- Data security: Safeguard patient privacy by maintaining the confidentiality and security of patient information.
Investing in your future
Clackamas Community College offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the Portland metro area. Here is a summary of the estimated costs for this program:
| College tuition and fees | $5,143 |
| Program course fees* | $1,195 |
| Estimated total program cost | $6,338 |
*Course fees cover the following items: AAPC student membership, billing practice exam, coding practice exam, national certification exam and AAPC student fees to access up-to-date curriculum.
Optional items
- Medical dictionary
- Anatomy coloring book
- Flash cards (medical terminology and/or anatomy and physiology)
Exam fees
Upon successful completion of the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate, students will be eligible to sit for two different AAPC national certification exams: Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC).
The cost of these exams is not included in the program cost:
- $475 (per exam).
- Note: If you take both the coding and billing exams, the cost is $950.
- Each exam fee includes one free re-take.
- Visit AAPC.com for more details. Online options may be available at lower cost.
Get help paying for college
Scholarships and grants (free money!) are available for students in this program. For help with financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Resource Lab
Applying to the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate
The Medical Billing and Coding program uses a cohort model of delivering quality instruction and support. This means students start the program together, learn together and graduate together. This full-time academic program starts in winter with students completing their certificate at the end of summer term (a total of 37 credits).
Most courses are offered online and virtually, with instructor-led sessions in the evenings to accommodate various schedules. The Medical Billing and Coding program uses the most up-to-date curriculum sponsored by the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Students who successfully complete the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate with Clackamas Community College are eligible to take two national certification exams through the AAPC: Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC). There is an extra charge for these examinations paid directly to the AAPC. AAPC membership is required.
Ready to get started?
Applying to this program is a simple four-step process.
We recommend you meet with a health science advisor prior to applying to the program. Our advisors will help answer questions about prerequisite program requirements.
- Tracy Pantano-Rumsey, academic advisor
tracy.pantanorumsey@clackamas.edu, 503-594-6131 - Phil Reid, academic advisor
philr@clackamas.edu, 503-594-0623
For more information on the application process and program requirements, view our advising guide linked below.
Requirements for medical billing and coding students
The Medical Billing and Coding Certificate requires students to complete the following academic prerequisite requirements. Students may take one prerequisite course concurrently with their first term winter medical billing and coding courses.
Prerequisites:
Frequently asked questions
Starting a new adventure can be an exciting time. We also understand that you may have several questions about our medical billing and coding program. Here are some of the most common questions we receive.
Don’t see your question listed? Please contact us for more information.
What is a medical biller and/or coder?
Medical coding is the process of reviewing patient chart notes to review their diagnoses and provided services. We convert the chart notes into codes that are billed to the insurance company. Students should work with integrity and understanding of medical terminology, anatomy and health care rules.
Medical billing is submitting and following up on claims with insurance companies, posting payments to patient ledgers to manage the bookkeeping aspect of a medical practice. Students should feel confident in basic math skills and enjoy research and working with people.
These two careers are highly respected as they manage the revenue stream for the entire clinic. People who do well in these careers are detail oriented, work independently and work with integrity and discretion.
How competitive is CCC’s program?
Admission to CCC’s medical billing and coding program is easy! Start by meeting with an advisor, who can help you lay out your course schedule and answer any questions you have. Submit an application during the open application period for your spot among the 24 available seats. If you have met the entry requirements, you will receive confirmation of your seat within two weeks. If you are still taking prerequisite courses, you may be conditionally accepted, as long as you complete all prerequisites prior to the winter term program start.
What modality is the program delivered in?
The medical billing and coding program is a full-time, closed cohort program offering classes online and remote. The program does offer optional in-person meetings to practice for the credentialing exams. The program consists of 37 credits delivered over three terms starting in winter term and ending in summer term.
Is the program accredited?
The medical billing and coding program is not currently accredited; however, our program uses approved curriculum from the AAPC, the professional organization that creates the coding (CPC) and billing (CPB) national credentialing exams. Our classes are also taught by certified instructors who have been tested and approved by the AAPC. Our program is designed for flexibility and partnering with the student to pass the CPC and CPB exams, which is an important step in being hired for these careers.
I am interested in the program, but don’t know how to apply. Who can I talk to?
The medical billing and coding program is housed under the Health Sciences Department, which is a part of the Health Professions educational focus area. We have two dedicated academic advisors who are knowledgeable in the medical billing and coding application process and are available to assist you with any questions related to transfer credits, academic requirements to apply and the application process. You can schedule an appointment with an advisor, or you can reach out to the advisors via email:
- Tracy Pantano-Rumsey: tracy.pantanorumsey@clackamas.edu
- Phil Reid: philr@clackamas.edu
I am an employer looking to hire a recent graduate of the medical billing and coding program. Does CCC have a job board for students and alumni?
Yes, thank you for reaching out with employment opportunities for our students. Please use our job board to post job notices for students and alumni. You will have to sign up as an employer and complete the posting, but this will share your job with a wider audience.