Medical Billing Specialist Certificate - Career Certificate

Bill confidently and expertly

Techniques to keep providers paid and patients happy

Master the complexities involved with medical billing—insurance codes, reimbursements and patient interactions—with this certificate from College of Lake County. In this 21-credit-hour program, you study the basics of medical coding as well as pharmacology, software applications, insurance procedures and medical terminology.

After three quick semesters, you’re ready for work as an in-demand medical billing specialist. Or if you are interested, all the courses may be applied to our Health Information Technology A.A.S. program if you want to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

What can you do with a Medical Billing Specialist Certificate?

This certificate prepares you to work in accounting, finance or related fields.

Highlights

PATH Grant Stipends

Get extra financial support for school and living expenses through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH) grant.
Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
WIOA Program

Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1.5 Years

Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years.

Career Outlook

Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes. Prepare billing invoices for services rendered or for delivery or shipment of goods.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,269
  
  Median
  
  $45,385
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $62,230
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.47
  
  Median
  
  $21.81
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $29.91
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  20.7%
  
  Certificate
  
  16.61%
  
  Some college
  
  51.49%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.24%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  1.96%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $27,712
  
  Median
  
  $38,884
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $59,691
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $13.32
  
  Median
  
  $18.69
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $28.69
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  58.68%
  
  Some college
  
  30.18%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  11.14%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and followup information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32,143
  
  Median
  
  $47,592
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $100,610
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $15.45
  
  Median
  
  $22.87
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48.37
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  48.06%
  
  Certificate
  
  10.94%
  
  Some college
  
  20.57%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  19.93%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  0.5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Process new insurance policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms. Obtain information from policyholders to verify the accuracy and completeness of information on claims forms, applications and related documents, and company records. Update existing policies and company records to reflect changes requested by policyholders and insurance company representatives.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $38,957
  
  Median
  
  $49,240
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $76,363
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.73
  
  Median
  
  $23.67
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $36.71
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  55.31%
  
  Certificate
  
  7.64%
  
  Some college
  
  9.33%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  21.13%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  6.58%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $33,461
  
  Median
  
  $47,270
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $73,443
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.08
  
  Median
  
  $22.72
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $35.31
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  48.06%
  
  Certificate
  
  10.94%
  
  Some college
  
  20.57%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  19.93%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  0.5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,212
  
  Median
  
  $39,601
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $49,919
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.44
  
  Median
  
  $19.03
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $24.00
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  52.96%
  
  Certificate
  
  19.88%
  
  Some college
  
  1.18%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  25.97%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
HIT 111	HIT 111 Medical Terminology Class Description This course introduces students to medical terminology used in the healthcare field. Emphasis is on word construction using prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Definitions, spelling, pronunciation, and abbreviations are also included.	3
BIO 111	BIO 111 Human Form and Function Class Description This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	HIT 111
Course Title	HIT 111 Medical Terminology Class Description This course introduces students to medical terminology used in the healthcare field. Emphasis is on word construction using prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Definitions, spelling, pronunciation, and abbreviations are also included.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 111
Course Title	BIO 111 Human Form and Function Class Description This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.
Credits	4

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
HIT 119	HIT 119 Pharmacology Class Description This course introduces students to pharmacology. Content includes terminology, drug classifications, therapeutic use, side effects, contraindications and interactions. Common dosage ranges and routes of administration will also be discussed.	1
HIT 131	HIT 131 Basic ICD-10-CM Coding Class Description This course introduces students to the ICD-10-CM classification system with an emphasis on the application of coding guidelines used to accurately assign diagnostic codes in all healthcare settings. The impact of proper code assignment and its relationship to billing and reimbursement will be addressed. ICD-9-CM will be discussed as a legacy system.	3
AMT 112	AMT 112 Computer Basics/Software Applications Class Description This course provides a comprehensive study of the use of computers and technologies. Class topics include computer hardware, software, operating systems, and electronic communications such as email, the Internet, and networks. Students will have an opportunity to analyze computer-purchasing strategies, as well as acquire knowledge on data security and storage. Hands-on software experience will be provided utilizing Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, the Internet, and email.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HIT 119
Course Title	HIT 119 Pharmacology Class Description This course introduces students to pharmacology. Content includes terminology, drug classifications, therapeutic use, side effects, contraindications and interactions. Common dosage ranges and routes of administration will also be discussed.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	HIT 131
Course Title	HIT 131 Basic ICD-10-CM Coding Class Description This course introduces students to the ICD-10-CM classification system with an emphasis on the application of coding guidelines used to accurately assign diagnostic codes in all healthcare settings. The impact of proper code assignment and its relationship to billing and reimbursement will be addressed. ICD-9-CM will be discussed as a legacy system.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 112
Course Title	AMT 112 Computer Basics/Software Applications Class Description This course provides a comprehensive study of the use of computers and technologies. Class topics include computer hardware, software, operating systems, and electronic communications such as email, the Internet, and networks. Students will have an opportunity to analyze computer-purchasing strategies, as well as acquire knowledge on data security and storage. Hands-on software experience will be provided utilizing Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, the Internet, and email.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
HIT 117	HIT 117 Basic CPT Coding Class Description This course introduces students to the theory, structure, and organization of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system. Emphasis will be on the application of coding principles to accurately assign CPT codes to health records. The role of CPT codes in billing and reimbursement will be included.	3
HIT 171	HIT 171 Insurance Procedures for the Medical Office Class Description This course introduces students to health records and insurance processing procedures in the medical office. Emphasizes the relationship between health information and billing procedures. Brief overview of hospital billing is included.	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	HIT 117
Course Title	HIT 117 Basic CPT Coding Class Description This course introduces students to the theory, structure, and organization of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system. Emphasis will be on the application of coding principles to accurately assign CPT codes to health records. The role of CPT codes in billing and reimbursement will be included.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HIT 171
Course Title	HIT 171 Insurance Procedures for the Medical Office Class Description This course introduces students to health records and insurance processing procedures in the medical office. Emphasizes the relationship between health information and billing procedures. Brief overview of hospital billing is included.
Credits	2

Total Credit Hours

21

Health Information Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study Health Information Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Health Information Technology program overview

Frequently asked questions

You benefit from an excellent education at an affordable price combined with generous financial aid opportunities. Enjoy small class sizes while building meaningful relationships with your classmates and instructors. You have access to a variety of campus resources—like career services, counseling, fitness facilities and more.
You develop in-demand skills related to:
- medical terminology
- human form and function
- pharmacology
- medical coding
- office software and computer basics
Yes! Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete course work without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Medical Billing Specialist

Bill confidently and expertly

Techniques to keep providers paid and patients happy

What can you do with a Medical Billing Specialist Certificate?

Highlights

PATH Grant Stipends

Stackable Credentials

WIOA Program

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1.5 Years

Career Outlook

Billing and Posting Clerks

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Data Entry Keyers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Medical Records Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 9 Credits

Semester 2 7 Credits

Semester 3 5 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Health Information Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Why study Medical Billing at CLC?

What skills will I learn?

Can I take my classes online?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Explore careers

Request info

Get started