Using terminology skills, coders/billers research and determine correct billing codes, understand the procedures and diagnoses being coded, and create detailed billing records and invoices.
Certificate of Achievement
This certificate has a total of 51 credits and is usually completed in four to five quarters. It includes our Medical Administrative Assistant certificate, and prepares participants for entry-level positions as Medical Billing & Coding specialists.
See the full Certificate of Achievement curriculum.
Requirements
- Admission to Bellevue College as a credit student.
- Basic computer skills and access to a computer with Internet access is highly recommended
- Placement by assessment into ENGL&101 for advanced classes.
- Successful completion of both Foundation and Program courses.
The following table outlines the Medical Billing & Coding Certificate program as of Summer 2022:
| Foundation Courses | ||
|---|---|---|
| AHE 100 | Introduction to Healthcare | 5 Cr. |
| AHE 110 | Medical Terminology | 5 Cr. |
| AHE 120 | Safety for Healthcare | 2 Cr. |
| BIOL 108 – OR – * t BIOL& 241 – AND – * t BIOL& 242 | Human Biology – – – Anatomy & Physiology I – – – Anatomy & Physiology II | 6 Cr. – – – 6 Cr. – – – 6 Cr. |
| 17-24 Cr. |
AND
| Medical Administrative Assistant Program Courses | ||
|---|---|---|
| AHEA 100 | Medical Law & Ethics | 3 Cr. |
| AHEA 102 | Introduction to Medical Administration | 5 Cr. |
| AHEA 104 | Introduction to Billing & Coding | 5 Cr. |
| AHEA 106 | Medical Computer Systems | 5 Cr. |
Sub-Total MAA: | 18 Cr. |
AND
| Medical Billing & Coding Program Courses | ||
|---|---|---|
| AHEA 120 | Intermediate Coding | 5 Cr. |
| AHEA 122 | Intermediate Billing | 5 Cr. |
| AHEA 124 | Advanced Billing & Coding | 5 Cr. |
Sub-Total MBC: | 15 Cr. |
Total MBC Certificate: 50-57 Cr.
BOLD courses are the standard department recommendation, any listed course may be selected as an alternative. Courses not listed, though of equivalent content (including transfer) may be eligible for substitution following the Bellevue College transfer and/or substitution policies.
* Both BIOL&241 and BIOL&242 must be completed to meet the anatomy and physiology standard, if this option is selected.
t Some courses have defined prerequisite or placement standards, please see the course catalog for requirements for these courses.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam or the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam through AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association).
Career Outlook
Projected employment for Medical Records Specialists in the United States from 2020 to 2030 is expected to increase by 9% according to CareerOneStop.
Last Updated November 19, 2024
