Program Overview
If you are seeking a job in health care that entails working in an office environment, a career in medical billing may be for you. Medical billers facilitate the claims paying process from the time a service is rendered by a health care provider until the balance is paid. If you are persistent, can work independently, and like working with numbers and performing data entry, this career could be for you.
The Certificate in Medical Billing will prepare you for an entry-level position as a medical biller. You will learn the terminology, record and forms management, medical insurance requirements, and billing procedures needed to effectively manage patient accounts.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be able to pursue many career paths. Medical billers work in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, clinics, medical offices, medical insurance companies and other health care facilities.
Program Requirements
Students who attend the Medical Billing program through iHealth@NECC will complete most of their course work online and come to our Lawrence campus once a week for in-class meetings and laboratory sessions. Students should be aware that the Medical Billing internship will require additional time commitment in a health care facility.
Program science courses must be completed within (5) years prior to the anticipated start date of the program to count towards completing the certificate. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all required in order to graduate. A minimum of 23 credit hours are required for graduation.
Drug screening
Students enrolled in their academic program may be required to pass a drug screening analysis.
CORI/SORI/CHRI
Students interested in participating in this program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check, and a Sex Offender Record Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/SORI/CHRI page on the NECC website.
Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/SORI/CHRI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.
Elective
Medical Billing Certificate Required Courses
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HES103 | RICCS: Preparing for Success in a Healthcare Career | 1 |
| HES115 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MRT103 | Coding & Classification for Medical Billing | 3 |
| MRT104 | Medical Billing Administration | 3 |
| MRT290 | Medical Billing Internship | 1 |
Select ONE of the following: (3 credits)
| ACC100 | Basic Accounting & Bookkeeping | 3 |
| ACC101 | Introductory Accounting I | 3 |
Select ONE of the following: (3-4 credits)
Courses with Prerequisites: BIO101, BIO122, MRT103, MRT104, MRT290
Course with Co-requisite: MRT104
Course offered in Fall only: ACC100
Course offered in Spring only: MRT103
Program Notes
Medical billers play a critical role in the operations of healthcare providers. They facilitate the claims paying process from the time a service is rendered by a healthcare provider until the balance is paid. Medical billers are knowledgeable in medical terminology, various coding systems, insurance claims and billing, appeals and denials, fraud and abuse, and reimbursement.
Helpful Hints
Please review program sequence carefully as some courses are offered in specific semesters and may require prerequisites.
Recommended Course Sequence Medical Billing Certificate
Year 1
Fall
| ACC100 | Basic Accounting & Bookkeeping | 3 |
| OR | |
| ACC101 | Introductory Accounting I | 3 |
| | |
| BIO101 | Human Biology | 3 |
| OR | |
| BIO122 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| | |
| HES115 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| CIS | Computer Elective | 3-4 |
Spring
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HES103 | RICCS: Preparing for Success in a Healthcare Career | 1 |
| MRT103 | Coding & Classification for Medical Billing | 3 |
| MRT104 | Medical Billing Administration | 3 |
Summer
| MRT290 | Medical Billing Internship | 1 |