The Medical Billing and Coding field is one of the fastest growing professions in the healthcare industry! Being in the medical billing and coding field adds much flexibility to employment opportunities. This program prepares students for an entry level position in a variety of healthcare facilities where industry trends and skills are vastly progressing. Through the combination of classroom theory and hands-on clinical experience, students will be prepared to sit for national certification and enter the workforce with job-ready skills in medical coding, billing, insurance, and compliance for entry-level healthcare revenue cycle positions.

Courses and Program Costs

Time to Complete Program

Approximately 8 months for classroom instruction. Externship hours are online and self-paced.

Entry Requirements

• Students must have transportation to complete externship hours within a 50-mile radius of Garrett College.
• Verification that vaccinations for MMR, TB, PPD, Hepatitis B, tetanus, and flu are current if required by the externship location. The cost of vaccinations is the responsibility of the student.
• Eligibility to participate in the program may be dependent upon a criminal background check.
• Sites for externship/clinical hours may require random drug testing.
• Students are required to have a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Students are required to take the TABE Assessment prior to enrollment.
• Students must participate in an Orientation and Information Session.
• Students must maintain a 75% average in each class and meet attendance requirements to progress to the next course.

Location of Training

Career Technology and Training Center (CTTC)

116 Industrial Park
Accident, MD 21520

Externship

Various partnering healthcare facilities.

Certifying Professional Association/Agency

American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

Occupational Outlook

Employment for medical records specialists is projected to grow about 8–9% through 2032–2034, faster than average for all occupations.

Most Billing and Coding professionals work in physician offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, insurance companies, and more increasingly, in remote or hybrid roles.