Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Certificate (Online)
Play a vital role in doctors' offices and hospitals as a medical coder and biller. You will maintain patient records to keep track of their health data and for insurance reimbursement. Get a solid foundation for this in-demand career with San Juan College's online medical coding and billing program.
You can complete our program in as little as 16 months. Once you graduate, you can take the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam. With your CCA credential, you can find a medical coder or biller position in your community.
Why Should I Study Medical Coding and Billing?
Medical coders and billers play essential roles in our growing healthcare system. They help doctors and hospitals connect with insurance companies to get reimbursed for their services. If you are detail-oriented and have basic computer skills, this may be the career for you.
Medical coders take patient information and translate it into medical codes. Medical billers are responsible for submitting bills or claims to insurance companies.
In the program, you'll study medical terms and coding classifications. You'll also learn how to protect patient privacy. Learn about this vital position that helps patients get the treatments they need.
Why Should I Enroll in the Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Certificate Program at SJC?
Online Program
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to earn your Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Certificate. You'll get the flexibility you need with our 100% online program. We'll provide the support you need so you can succeed in your virtual courses.
Top-Tier Education
At SJC, you'll get excellent training from our instructors and curriculum. Our faculty are experts in their field and adept at teaching online. They'll pass along the knowledge you need to succeed.
Affordable Option
Because of SJC's low tuition rates, the Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Certificate online program is an excellent investment for you. Estimated in-state tuition (including fees and books) is around $5,800 for the entire program. Out-of-state tuition (including fees and books) is estimated to be around $10,500. If you are a New Mexico resident, you may also qualify to get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What You'll Learn in the Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Certificate Curriculum
Build the knowledge and skills you need for medical coding and billing at SJC. You'll practice using health information technology (HIT), which electronically stores, shares, and analyzes health information.
As part of your HIT courses, you'll learn to find medical codes for diseases, conditions, treatments, and surgical procedures. You'll also study the human body and medical terminology. These skills make you a more efficient medical coder and biller.
In your core courses, you will learn about the following:
- Coding classification systems: CPT-4, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS
- Different diseases and how they affect the body
- Healthcare reimbursement
- Laws, rules and regulations that govern access to confidential healthcare information.
- Ethical concepts and their applications
- The uses of health information technology
- Types of medicines and how they affect the body
- CCA certification exam
Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Certificate Curriculum
Careers and Outcomes
By completing SJC's online Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Certificate program, you'll be eligible to earn your Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential. With the CCA designation, you will be able to find an entry-level position in your local community.
Anywhere health data exists, there is a need for health information professionals. Many health information professionals are able to work from home, making it a desirable job for people who want added flexibility in their career.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical records specialists like medical billers and coders to grow 7% from 2021-2031. This is about as fast as average as all occupations.
Graduates of our program can work as medical coders and billers. They are employed in the following:
- Doctors' offices
- Health insurance companies
- Hospitals
- Medical clinics and many other healthcare settings
Application Information for the Medical Coder/Biller Program
SJC's Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Certificate program is a selective program. You must meet specific requirements to be admitted to this program. Learn about admission requirements and the application process here.
Admission Deadlines
- To be considered for fall admission, you must apply to the Medical Coder/Biller program by June 15.
- To be considered for spring admission, you must apply to the Medical Coder/Biller program by October 15.
For more information, contact the Health Information Technology Department at (505) 566-3851 or email us at hitp@zzsghm.com.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition, Fees and Costs Required to Complete the Program - In-State
| Term 1 (10 credits) | Term 2 (9 credits) | Term 3 (9 credits( | Term 4 (4 credits) | Total Cost | |
| Tuition | $610 | $549 | $549 | $244 | |
| Fees | $290 | $269 | $220 | $92 | |
| Books | $307 | $950 | $1,130 | $579 | |
| Total | $1,207 | $1,768 | $1,899 | $915 | $5,789 |
Tuition, Fees and Costs Required to Complete the Program - Out-of-State
| Term 1 (10 credits) | Term 2 (9 credits) | Term 3 (9 credits( | Term 4 (4 credits) | Total Cost | |
| Tuition | $1,950 | $1,755 | $1,755 | $780 | |
| Fees | $424 | $403 | $354 | $158 | |
| Books | $307 | $950 | $1,130 | $579 | |
| Total | $2,681 | $3,108 | $3,239 | $1,517 | $10,543 |
Next Steps
Confirm that you have completed the medical coding and billing program admission requirements before you begin your application. You may also contact the program if you have any questions about our online program.
To enroll in the Medical Insurance Coder/Biller certificate program, you must first apply to San Juan College. It's easy, and you can apply online at any time! Be prepared to send all official transcripts to San Juan College Admissions.
If you have already completed the Medical Insurance Coder/Biller program prerequisites, you may submit the program application.
