Apr 15, 2024  
2021-2022 Catalog SVC 
    
2021-2022 Catalog SVC [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate


Overview


The Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate program prepares students for billing/coding careers in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, or insurance companies. Medical coding specialists learn the translation of written documentation of disease, injuries, and/or medical procedures into alphanumeric classifications. Currently, reimbursement for health care services is dependent on the assignment of codes to describe diagnoses, services, and procedures. In addition to coding, professional reimbursement specialists must learn the medical billing process to conform to individual insurance requirements, electronic billing procedures, and responsibilities associated with electronic data management. This certificate requires four to five quarters of full-time attendance to complete the program of study, and has 18-20 credits of prerequisite course requirements prior to fall entry. A certificate is awarded to those students who complete the required courses with a minimum C grade or above in each course.

Sample Career Options


Degree Intent and Transfer Options


Upon completion, Workforce degrees and/or certificates are intended to give students the skills needed to move directly into employment. While these degrees are not intended to transfer to a university, students will be eligible to apply for admissions to Skagit Valley College’s Bachelor of Applied Science - Applied Management (BASAM) degree  and in some cases, could transfer to other schools. If you are interested in continuing your education by entering a bachelor’s degree program, please work closely with your Academic Advisor and Department Chair.

Program Map


Program Maps are an integral part of the Planning Guide. Each Program Map includes a recommended quarterly sequence of courses for a full-time student to earn this degree within two years. The courses align with the appropriate number of credits to meet degree requirements and is designed to help you create an individualized, customized Educational Plan, required of all SVC students. Please consult with an SVC Advisor to schedule courses and develop your personal Educational Plan.

73 credits