Medical Coding and Billing Specialist – Online Program

Prepare for a career in one of today’s hottest fields from the comfort of your own home! With all coursework offered via the Internet, your mentor, and a clinical site close to home, this certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions in the health care industry performing medical coding and processing health care insurance claims.

Medical coders and billing specialists play a vital role in the financial viability of any health care organization in a regulatory climate. Job openings are available in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, as well as opportunities for self-employment and work from home.

Program Entry Requirements:

1. The student must be at the reading comprehension level of ENG 101. The GCC Skills Assessment determines reading comprehension level.
2. It is highly recommended that students take GCC online coursework in how to take a course online.
3. The instructor will work with the clinical sites to secure internship placement at an inpatient hospital setting for each student. (Please note that students may be responsible for finding 10-15 hours of outpatient facility placement). While every effort will be made to find a clinical site in the students’ geographic area, this may not be feasible due to facility availability and amount of students needing placement. If a student is unable to complete their internship either based on availability, traveling distance, etc., this may inhibit the completion of the certificate program. Students will be responsible for travel, housing, medical care and any other internship-related costs.
4. Consistent with item three above, prior to initiating the second year of the program, the student is to successfully complete all requirements of the clinical site for student internship. This may include: physical examination, rubella titer, rubeola titer, varicella titer, drug screening, criminal background check, and malpractice insurance. Students will be responsible for the cost associated with any of these clinical site requirements.
5. The student must have a computer system, Internet access, and e-mail accessibility compatible with that of Gogebic Community College. All GCC requirements for Internet courses must be met. (GCC reserves the right to revise these requirements as needed. Please refer to the program director for updated materials on program requirements.)
6. Some courses within the program require a proctor (a person appointed to keep watch over students at examinations) for testing. The student will be responsible for securing a proctor when needed, incurring any costs associated.
7. Students have the opportunity to test out of courses where they feel they have sufficient knowledge. Gogebic Community College establishes testing guidelines and fees.
8. Students have the ability to transfer courses into the program consistent with the guidelines established by Gogebic Community College
9. Students will be eligible to write for the Certified Coding Associates (CCA) examination after completion of this certificate. It should be noted that the cost of the testing resources, study tools and the test itself are the responsibility of the student.

Gogebic Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, www.ncacihe.org. (312) 263-0456, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504.

Program Outline for Completion in Two Years

(This program may also be taken over a longer time period)

More Information:

• Course Descriptions
• Frequently asked Questions
• Projected Cost