Medical Billing Certificate

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

Computer Elective 3-4 CIS110 or Higher
Course NumberTitleCredits

Medical Billing Certificate Required Courses

Course NumberTitleCredits
ENG101English Composition I

3

HES103RICCS: Preparing for Success in a Healthcare Career

1

HES115Medical Terminology

3

MRT103Coding & Classification for Medical Billing

3

MRT104Medical Billing Administration

3

MRT290Medical Billing Internship

1

Select ONE of the following: (3 credits)

Course NumberTitleCredits
ACC100Basic Accounting & Bookkeeping

3

ACC101Introductory Accounting I

3

Select ONE of the following: (3-4 credits)

Course NumberTitleCredits
BIO101Human Biology

3

BIO122Anatomy & Physiology II

4

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

Course NumberTitleCredits

Year 1

Course NumberTitleCredits
Fall
Course NumberTitleCredits
ACC100Basic Accounting & Bookkeeping

3

OR

ACC101Introductory Accounting I

3

 

BIO101Human Biology

3

OR

BIO122Anatomy & Physiology II

4

 

HES115Medical Terminology

3

CISComputer Elective

3-4

Spring
Course NumberTitleCredits
ENG101English Composition I

3

HES103RICCS: Preparing for Success in a Healthcare Career

1

MRT103Coding & Classification for Medical Billing

3

MRT104Medical Billing Administration

3

Summer
Course NumberTitleCredits
MRT290Medical Billing Internship

1