Medical Coding and Billing Certificate

Who should enroll in this certificate? Those looking for an entry level position as a medical coding and billing professional or current coders who are interested in becoming certified.

Frequency of classes: This certificate program is available in the fall, summer, and spring

Format: This certificate program is fully online. You can enroll and begin anytime! The online curriculum includes images, videos, simulations, and interactive games. Log-in information and other important details, will be sent within 3-4 business days of enrollment, from Career Step, our educational partner.

Average time to complete: The programs is designed to be completed in 4-6 months of full-time study. However, the online training format allows you to study on your own schedule and at your own pace, so your enrollment includes one year (12 months) to complete the program.

Pre-requisites: You must be at least 18 years of age and either a) have a high school diploma or a General Education Development Certificate (GED), or b) pass a Pre-Enrollment Assessment Test. There are no specific skills or experience that are considered prerequisites for entry into the program.

Computer Requirements:

Hardware

• Active internet connection (High speed/Broadband connection recommended)
• 800 X 600 minimum resolution (1024 X 768 or higher recommended)
• Sound card and speakers (Earphones recommended)
• Available USB port

Software

• Adobe Flash Player (ver. 10 or higher)
• Windows Media Player (ver. 10 or higher) or Quicktime Player (ver. 7 or higher)
• PDF reader

Browser

• Internet Explorer 9.x/10.x/11.x
• Firefox 3.x or greater*
• Safari 3.1 to 8.0 (Mac only)*
• Javascript and cookies must be enabled

Operating System

• Microsoft Windows (XP®, Vista®, 7 with latest service pack)
• Mac OS X (10.4.11 or greater)

Total hours of instruction: 640

The curriculum has a three-part program design.

1. Foundations: This first section of the program will teach you things like computer fundamentals, the health information management process, and reimbursement methodologies to ensure you thoroughly understand how medical coding fits within healthcare.
2. Biomedical sciences: In order to correctly assign codes, this section of the course teaches medical terminology, anatomy, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, from a coding perspective.
3. Code training. This final section of the training program introduces all of the different code sets and their use. You will practice coding actual medical records and reports (provided by our employer partners) and use the 3M encoding software so you have lots of hands-on experience and graduate ready to earn your credential and start working. The curriculum covers the CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS code sets. Most entry-level programs only teach students the ICD-10-CM codes. With PCS code knowledge, you’ll have better career advancement opportunities with your ability to apply for positions in hospitals.

Modules and Completion Hours

Program Orientation   1	CPT/HCPCS Coding – Block 2   40
Computer Fundamentals   7	Advanced ICD-10 Coding 16
Health Information Management   14	Coding Practicum   120
Healthcare Delivery Systems   4	Final Exam Preparations   1
Legal and Compliance   3	Applied PCS Modules
Reimbursement Methodologies   21	Program Orientation   1
Medical Terminology   50	Advanced Pathophysiology   35
Pathophysiology   50	Advanced Anatomy and Physiology   35
Anatomy and Physiology   45	Applied ICD-10-PCS Coding   28
Pharmacology   30	ICD-10-PCS Coding Practicum   17
Introduction to Coding   16	Final Exam Preparation   1
ICD-10 Coding   65	640 Hours Total
CPT/HCPCS Coding – Block 1   40

What Do Medical Coding and Billing Professionals Do?

As a medical coding and billing professional you will review patient medical records and assign codes to diagnoses and procedures performed so the facility can bill insurance company and patient.

Medical coding and billing professionals usually work on-site at a healthcare facility, however, some companies hire professionals to work from home, including University of Utah hospitals and clinics.

Medical coding and billing positions can be found in physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, large coding outsourcing companies, and other healthcare facilities.

Tuition for the full certificate program - $3,699

• Tuition listed above is for the 2018-2019 academic year and subject to change without advance notice
• Tuition includes all materials and a voucher ($325 value) to take one of the national exams upon graduation
• Financial aid is not available for this noncredit certificate. Students are encouraged to inquire with their employers to determine if tuition assistance is available
• Professional Education Tuition Installment Plan and other payment options can be found here: https://continue.utah.edu/proed/payment-options
• This certificate is eligible for a MYCAA scholarships (up to $4,000) for military spouses. Learn more here: https://mycaa.utah.edu/index.html
• This certificate is not eligible for the University of Utah employee tuition discount benefit

In addition to knowledge and skills gained through the comprehensive curriculum, tuition includes a one-year student membership in AHIMA, which will give you access to AHIMA’s mentor program, online peer communities, member discounts, and quality industry information.

Why choose the University of Utah?

We understand that you have a choice when it comes to taking professional development courses and we work hard to earn your trust with each and every class!

By selecting the University of Utah, you’ll enjoy the following benefits whether you’re coming to us as someone new to the job market, a career changer, a seasoned professional or a lifelong learner.

Resume Power - benefit from the University of Utah reputation for credibility and quality. Choosing the University of Utah for your certificate program makes a clear statement about your commitment to excellence.

Instructor Excellence - learn from the same high-quality faculty that teach in our degree programs.

The Power of the U Network – students have access to a valuable University of Utah peer and faculty network.

Programs that Fit Your Schedule – most of our certificates offer convenient online or evening classes that offer a schedule that works around you. Go to class whenever and wherever you want.

Certificate Completion Requirements

• Completion of all required curriculum (640 total hours) within one year (12 months).
• Receipt of an “S-Satisfactory” grade on all module quizzes and final exam.

Grading

• Students are required to fulfill the same expectations and requirements as matriculated students including exams, projects and participation.
• Certificate students will receive an “S-Satisfactory” or “U-Unsatisfactory” assessment for the program.
• “S-Satisfactory” will indicate that the student has earned an 75% or better on all unit tests, module quizzes, and on the final exam. Students can retake each test or exam two additional times if needed or desired.

How is my accomplishment recognized?

• For students earning an “S-Satisfactory" grade
• The certificate program will appear on University of Utah official transcripts.
• An official University of Utah certificate of completion will be mailed within a few weeks.
• Career Step will provide you with information about how/where to take the national credentialing exam that this course prepared you for.

What kind of skills or experience do I need to enroll in this program

There are no specific skills or experience that are considered prerequisites for entry into the program. You must be at least 18 years of age and either a) have a high school diploma or a General Education Development Certificate (GED), or b) pass a Pre-Enrollment Assessment Test.

What is the job market for medical coders and billers?

A growing job market as industry employment is projected to grow by 13% from 2016 to 2026. In addition to these new jobs, there will also be open positions as people retire or leave the profession.

A high demand for coding services, sustained by an aging population and the increasing number of tests, treatments, and procedures.

In addition to this growth, there is also an already existing shortage of medical coding professionals. This shortage is estimated to be about 30% and is expected to increase with the industry’s shift to ICD-10 from ICD-9.

Are there exams? Am I graded?

Yes. There will be unit tests, module quizzes, and a final exam in each course. Following is the course breakdown:

Certificate courses are graded with a "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory" option. “S-Satisfactory” will indicate that the student has earned an 75% or better on all unit tests, module quizzes, and on the final exam. Students can retake each test or exam two additional times if needed or desired.

Can I apply these classes to a degree at the University of Utah?

This certificate is noncredit and cannot be applied to any for-credit degree.

Are these classes eligible for federal financial aid?

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "non-degree seeking," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid loan programs. However, we Professional Education has a payment plan that may be helpful to you. More information can be found here: https://continue.utah.edu/proed/payment-options

Does this program offer student support?

Though the course is entirely online, you will never be on your own! A student support team is available to provide ongoing support through the whole program. Support is available for: questions regarding curriculum, technical or computer issues as well as to help transition you for graduation to the workforce.