Intro to Billing & Coding

About the Course
This 14-week hybrid course introduces participants to the fundamental principles of health information technology, medical billing, coding, and healthcare documentation while also developing a strong understanding of medical terminology. Students learn how medical diagnoses and procedures are converted into standardized medical codes using ICD-10-CM and CPT, which are used on medical claims for reimbursement for physicians and healthcare facilities. The course also covers laws and regulations related to patient privacy, billing practices, and proper documentation.

Participants also gain the ability to understand, interpret, and use the vocabulary of medicine effectively. Students learn to read medical charts, communicate more confidently with healthcare teams, and better understand how healthcare professionals across disciplines work together to ensure accuracy, safety, and efficiency in patient care.

Admission Requirements
Participants must be at least 17 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. A high school diploma or GED is not required to enroll in this course.

Course Cost
$450

Career Outlook
Medical billing and coding is a growing field with opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings. A strong understanding of medical terminology is also valuable for individuals entering programs such as CNA, MAC, Pharmacy Technician, and other allied health pathways. This course provides foundational knowledge in both areas and supports continued education in healthcare and health information fields.

Certification Pathways & Continuing Education
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the medical billing and coding field and help participants build foundational knowledge used in healthcare settings such as physician offices, clinics, and medical billing departments. Many employers hire for entry-level roles such as medical billing support or front-office administrative positions based on these skills.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion after successfully finishing the course.

While this course provides a strong introduction to billing and coding, national certification exams typically require additional coursework and/or work experience. Common industry certifications include:

• CPC – Certified Professional Coder (AAPC): Focuses on outpatient coding used in physician offices and clinics.
• CCS – Certified Coding Specialist (AHIMA): Focuses on inpatient and outpatient hospital coding.
• CCA – Certified Coding Associate (AHIMA): An entry-level certification that can serve as a pathway toward advanced coding credentials.

If you choose to continue your education, Wallace State offers additional coursework that can lead toward the Health Information Technology (HIT) Short-Term Certificate and the Health Information Technology Associate Degree, which qualifies graduates to sit for the RHIT – Registered Health Information Technician certification and pursue more advanced health information management roles.

Industries You Can Work In

• Hospitals and clinics
• Physician offices
• Allied health programs
• Long-term care facilities