Medical billers and medical coders are vital to healthcare facilities because they understand insurance contracts, official coding guidelines, and payment models to ensure the receipt of proper reimbursement for services provided to patients. Additionally, they act as patient advocates to confirm patients have been billed for services correctly and the medical codes accurately describe procedures performed and types of visits that occurred.
The Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program at WSCC is just three-semesters and fully online. With credentials built into the curriculum, you will be equipped you with the knowledge and skills necessary to gain employment. The curriculum is designed for a seamless transition to those who want to build on their knowledge and earn an associate degree in Health Information Management Technology.
Program Requirements
- This program must be completed in a sequence of consecutive semesters.
- A grade of “C” or above is required in all courses.
First Semester (Fall)
BIOL 1300..................The Human Body..................(4) 4-0
HLTH 1420/OR..................Introduction to Human Disease/OR..................(3) 3-0
BIOL 2450..................Pathophysiology..................(3) 3-0
HIMT 1100..................HIMT Legal Aspects..................(2) 2-0
HIMT 1200..................Health Record Management I..................(3) 3-0
HLTH 1800..................Medical Terminology..................(3) 3-0
Total..................(15)
Second Semester (Spring)
BUSM 1600..................PC Applications..................(3) 2-2
ENGL 1510..................English Comp I..................(3) 2-2
HIMT 1301..................Clinical Classification ICD 10-CM/PCS..................(3) 2-2
HIMT 1302..................Current Procedural Terminology..................(3) 3-0
Total..................(12)
Third Semester (Summer)
HIMT 1400..................Healthcare Reimbursement..................(3) 3-0
HIMT 1500..................Advanced Clinical Classification System..................(3) 3-0
HIMT 1700..................Revenue Cycle and Coding..................(3) 2-2
Total..................(9)
Upon successful completion of the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program, students are eligible to sit for the following external certification exams:
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA) Exam
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Specialists (CCS) Exam
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Specialists (CCS-P) Exam
- Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) Exam
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) Exam
*No coding experience required, however, two years of coding experience is recommended by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
**Associate degree recommended - American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Biller (CPB) Exam
*Associate degree recommended - American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist Certification (CMRS) Exam
*Exam Note: must have two years coding experience
- Complete a Washington State Community College application for admission.
- Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED Certificate.
- Submit an official high school transcript or GED Certificate, and official transcripts from any college(s) attended.
- Complete an application for the Medical Billing & Coding Certificate program.
- Submit three (3) non-family references.
- Successfully completed the one-week free online readiness course. (Starts Monday @ 8:00am and ends Saturday @ 5:00pm every week.
- Completed H.S. Algebra II (or higher) or MATH 0106.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher when applying, and upon program entry.
Apply Online
WSCC Online Readiness Course (Must be completed before submitting the application below)
Be a Reference
Onboarding Portal
November 1 , 2023 - June 30, 2024
To learn more:
Admissions
740.568.1900
admissions@wscc.edu
Health Sciences Office
740.885.5648
Christina Manley, Director of HIMT
740.374.8716 ext. 3723
cmanley1@wscc.edu
Schedule a time with a Student Success Coach
https://calendly.com/health-wscc/hlth1
Text 740.697.5652
Email healthprograms@wscc.edu