During a lifetime, an average individual generates a vast amount of medical and health care information. From infant immunizations to operations and allergies, we rely on competent professionals to gather, organize, and maintain this sometimes lifesaving information to help us live life to the fullest.  

To provide allied health students with a personal and professional learning centered education.

MTC offers a three-quarter (full time) certificate program in Medical Billing and Coding. Graduates of this training will be ready to:

• review and interpret medical records for disease processes, surgical procedures, and other medical treatments
• code, classify, and index diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement by Medicare, Medicaid, and medical insurances using ICD-9-CM and CPT-4 coding
• apply knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology
• demonstrate professional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, and
• demonstrate professional conduct and apply legal, social, and ethical responsibilities within the healthcare environment

Accreditation:

After gaining practical field experience, students who complete this certificate curriculum may choose to sit for certification examinations sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA, 233 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 21st floor, Chicago, IL 60601-5800, 312-233-1100, http://www.ahima.org/certification/index.asp). Graduates will typically pursue the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and/or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P) credentials. CCSs are professionals who work in a hospital or clinic setting classifying medical data from patient records, while CCS-Ps work in a smaller physician's office or medical practice.

In 2002, more than 147,000 individuals were employed as Medical Coding Specialists and other health information professionals. Approximately 37 percent of the people in this field work in a hospital setting; more opportunities are developing in niche markets [such as insurance companies] as the need for superior data collection and management grows. This career category is projecting more than a 30 percent increase in job opportunities through 2012. Primary reasons for this increase are increased testing procedures and greater scrutiny from third-party payers and regulatory agencies.

 To apply for acceptance into the Medical Sciences certificate program of Medical Billing and Coding, your application file should contain:

1. MTC Application for Admission and nonrefundable application fee.
2. Final high school transcript [or GED results] and college transcripts [if applicable].
3. Successful completion of the Basic Skills Assessment [COMPASS] in reading, writing, and mathematics pre-algebra.
4. A minimum 2.5 accumulative grade point average (GPA) in high school or college level courses (whichever is most recent.)
5. Medical Billing and Coding Program application.

If required, College Foundation Courses are available to help you meet any specialized program admission requirements.

Potential employers may require drug screens and criminal background investigations.  Individuals who have been convicted of a crime, including felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, or drug related arrest may be ineligible for employment.

A complete listing of all requirements and policies/procedures for the program
is available in the Medical Sciences Student Handbook.