Medical Coder/Biller
Program Overview
The Medical Coder/Biller: Health Information Management Program is an applied technology diploma program consisting of 37 college credit hours. Upon program completion, students will have the technical skills needed to enter the healthcare delivery market as an entry-level medical coder/biller.
Medical coders/billers are usually detail oriented, analytical and investigative. They like to read and thrive in the pursuit of medical knowledge. If you fit this profile, then Seminole State's Medical Coder/Biller Program may be right for you!
The program is approved by the AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Program. This designation acknowledges the coding program as having been evaluated by a peer review process against a national minimum set of standards for entry-level coding professionals. This process allows academic institutions, healthcare organizations and private companies to be acknowledged as offering an approved coding certificate program.
For more information about the program, please review the frequently asked questions at the bottom of this page.
What Does a Medical Coder/Biller Do?
Medical coders/billers are integral members of the professional healthcare team. They are familiar with the anatomy and physiology of the human body and disease processes and are needed nearly every time a healthcare professional treats a patient.
Typical responsibilities of a medical coder/biller include:
- Analyzing medical records and assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures
- Processing charges for patient billing, insurance claims and account management
- Tabulating information for health surveys, research studies and improved patient care
- Communicating with other healthcare personnel to clarify diagnoses or obtain additional information
Career Opportunities
Medical coders/billers impact several aspects of healthcare, including billing, reimbursement and statistics. Job opportunities exist for medical coding and billing specialists within hospitals, insurance companies, physician offices, managed care organizations and medical billing companies. Students who are unsure of their career path can research these opportunities on the American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA) Health Information Careers website.
Opportunities in the field of health information management, including managing, analyzing and coding medical information, are expected to grow through the year 2031. In 2022, the median wage for medical records specialists (including medical coders) in Florida was $44,560 (Employ Florida Marketplace).
Admission Criteria
In order to be considered for admission into the Medical Coder/Biller Applied Technology Diploma Program, students must:
- Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College of Florida and complete the Steps to Enroll
- Successfully complete all prerequisite coursework prior to taking any core courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many of the program's courses can be completed entirely online. There may be some courses offered on campus. Review the Health Information Management course listing for specific delivery options for each course.
Our nationally recognized instructors lead the way in offering the highest quality educational experience to all Seminole State students.
It takes approximately 1.5 years to complete the Medical Coder/Biller Program. We encourage you to work with an advisor to develop an educational plan specific to your individual needs.
The certificate program costs approximately $5,600. This amount includes in-state tuition, lab fees, books and supplies for the entire program.
Several types of financial aid are available to students: scholarships, training grants, and federal grants and loans. The Medical Coder/Biller Program is eligible for coverage under the federal financial aid guidelines. Scholarship opportunities are available through the Foundation for Seminole State College as well as professional associations. You must apply for federal financial aid to be considered for grants, loans or Foundation scholarships.
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) both sponsor certification examinations. Upon successful completion of the AHIMA exam, medical record coders will earn the designation of Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P). Upon successful completion of the AAPC exam, medical record coders with work experience will earn the designation of Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Outpatient Coder (COC). AAPC exam takers who do not have work experience may be eligible to earn certification with apprentice status.
Obtaining your certification will improve your marketability, give you a competitive advantage in the workplace and increase your earning potential.
Seminole State's Career Center helps students explore career options and opportunities. The Medical Coder/Biller curriculum incorporates resume development, interview skill development and job-search techniques to assist students with work-force readiness. The program also incorporates a virtual internship to prepare students for the workplace.
Health information management professional associations are another great resource for exploring employment opportunities.
Additional Information
Students are encouraged to visit a counselor or academic advisor for assistance with course selection, sequencing and scheduling. Financial assistance and scholarship opportunities are available. All services are free and available at each Seminole State campus. For more information, review the Seminole State College Online Catalog.