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Program Specific Information - Medical Coding & Billing Specialist Certificate (MCBS)

 

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Online Classes: Most courses in this certificate are available in the traditional classroom and all courses are available online.

 

Prerequisites

The prerequisites for the Certificate include:

  • Completion of developmental courses, if any, resulting from Placement Test Scores: DEV 0035 (reading/writing), DEV 0050 or MAT 1130 (math)
  • Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better

Note: Students must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA in order to receive their certificate.

 

Waiting Lists

The certificate program does not have any waiting list. Students are able to take classes on a first-come, first-served basis when registration opens each semester providing they have completed any required prerequisites for each course.

 

Background Checks

Students do not complete a clinical rotation at an off-site facility to complete this certificate, therefore, no background check is required. However, please keep in mind, most employers will require a background check prior to hiring medical coders. Be sure to review the college-wide student background check policy and procedure.

 

Immunization and Vaccination Requirements

Students are not required to complete any health or immunization requirements for this certificate. Most employers may require any or all of the following upon hiring:

  1. Mantoux 2-step test or Quantiferon Gold test (Tuberculosis)
  2. Mumps, Rubeola, Rubella Titer (MMR)
  3. Tetanus and Diphtheria Adult Vaccine (Td) (within past 10 years)
  4. Influenza Vaccine (annual, seasonal immunization)
  5. Varicella Titer (Chicken Pox)
  6. Hepatitis B - recommended, but is optional
  7. COVID vaccination
 

Mental and/or Physical Requirements

Students must demonstrate the following minimum abilities:

  • Ability to acquire and apply information from classroom and online instruction, laboratory, independent learning, and team projects
  • Ability to communicate in English in oral and written form with colleagues, patients, third-party payers, health care professionals, and others who demonstrate a need for information from patient records or databases maintained in Health Information Management departments
  • Ability to read multi-media materials
  • Ability to use computers and complete computer-based assignments according to established deadlines
  • Ability to function as part of a team
  • Ability to calculate mathematical data such as hospital statistics, budgets, and productivity data
  • Manual dexterity that allows substantial and repetitive movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
  • Ability to operate electronic office equipment
  • Ability to synthesize information regarding health care outcomes for formal, verbal and/or written presentation to health care professionals
  • Frequently work in a seated position
  • Experience extensive interaction with computers
  • Manage time effectively; prioritize multiple tasks; maintain composure in situations that require multitasking
  • Maintain concentration and focus to attend to demanding and continuous tasks throughout the entire class/lab and/or clinical hours
  • Demonstrate attitudes/actions consistent with the core values and ethical standards of the health information management profession
  • Abide by established policies and procedures of educational and clinical environments

To receive accommodations under ADA and section 504 of the rehabilitation act you must be a “qualified individual with a disability”. A qualified individual with a disability is someone with a physical or mental condition that substantially limits one or more life activities, who, with or without accommodations can meet the essential requirements for participation in the program. Qualified individuals must produce documentation of their disability and self-identify their need for accommodations to Disability Services.