Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program
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Program at a Glance
- Gain hands-on experience through a 40-hour practicum.
- This program is approved by the AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP).
- Through a virtually proctored exam in the capstone course, you could earn a valuable certification.
- Prepare to sit for additional medical billing and medical coding certification exams.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
11 months
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
44
(29 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371
What Is Medical Billing and Coding?
Medical billing and coding is an administrative support specialty that is expected to increase in need as patient records are being increasingly scrutinized by health insurance companies, regulators, courts, and consumers.
Medical billing and coding professionals are key players in today’s technology-driven health care system. We offer training to help you become a qualified candidate in this growing field.
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Overview
Purdue Global’s medical billing and coding online program focuses on the knowledge and technical skills required by employers in health care services. Coursework provides instruction in topics such as:
- Anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology
- Data information processing
- Medical billing, coding, and terminology
- Insurance billing
- Medical terminology and medical office management
Practical Medical Billing and Coding Training
Prior to graduation, you will gain hands-on experience in medical billing, coding, and administrative functions through a 40-hour practicum experience at a health care facility.
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Program Approved by the AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP)
This designation acknowledges the coding program as having been evaluated by a peer-review process against a national minimum set of standards for entry-level coding professionals. This process allows academic institutions to be acknowledged as offering an AHIMA-approved coding certificate program.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
Prepare for Medical Billing and Coding Certification†
During your final term, you will complete one of these virtually proctored exams to provide you with a professional credential at the time of graduation.
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
- Certified Coding Specialist–Physician-Based (CCS-P®)
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®)
- Medical Coder and Biller Certification (MCBC)
- Insurance and Coding Specialist (NCICS)
You may be eligible for additional exams once you attain professional experience.
What Courses Will I Take?
Coursework in the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program helps build the basic skills and knowledge to:
- Submit medical claims for reimbursement.
- Process bills.
- Operate computerized billing systems.
- Gain a working knowledge of various insurance plans.
Sample Courses
- Reimbursement Methodologies
- Medical Terminology
- Pharmacology
- Diseases of the Human Body
- Medical Insurance and Billing
Program Requirements
- Major Credits44
- Total Credits44
Choosing a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding
Become a key player in a technology-driven health care system. Learn the skills you need to collect and analyze patient records.
5 Things to Do if You’re Considering a Health Care Career
Turn your dreams into real-world plans. Find helpful tips on entering the health care field and ways to make the most of your coursework.
This detail-oriented specialization leads to a variety of in-demand career options. Learn the skills you need to maintain medical records.
Accelerate your future in the health care field. Discover career launch pads that could fast track you to success down the line.
Career Opportunities
Due in part to an aging population and an increase in insurance claims, employment of health information technicians in the U.S., a category that includes medical coders, is expected to increase through 2030.*
This certificate program can help you pursue entry-level employment with a variety of employers in the health care industry such as doctor's offices, clinics, and hospitals; home health agencies and nursing homes; insurance and medical billing companies; and medical group practices.
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Additional certification or licensing may be required to work in certain fields.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Health Sciences Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
51%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
395
Faculty publications in 2021–2022
More Than 38,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
Our Students Succeed
“After graduation, I started applying for jobs online. I was called in for an interview and was hired right away in the medical billing department at an outpatient rehabilitation and treatment facility. All the sacrifices and efforts I made between work and school paid off.”
Evan Utterback
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate‡
Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, on the Internet www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
†Certification Exams: Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.
‡Testimonial: This testimonial was obtained by Purdue Global. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual; student experiences may vary.