Online Medical Billing and Coding Certification Training
Prepare for the CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification exams with online medical billing and coding training through TCC. Choose the best certification for your needs.
Become a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
This 100% online medical billing and coding course from Tulsa Community College prepares you for a career in this field. You’ll learn about legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts, including HIPAA compliance, official coding guidelines, and third-party payer requirements.
You can also choose an exam voucher for the professional medical billing and coding certification that best aligns with your interests and career goals: Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS).
Upon completing the course, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion and be prepared to take your selected certification exam.
Job Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
Medical billing and coding professionals maintain patient records, code diagnoses and procedures, and process insurance claims. TCC graduates may find opportunities in physician offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies these and related professionals within the medical records specialist occupation. Approximately 580 medical records specialists were employed in the Tulsa metropolitan area as of May 2025, with a median annual wage of $51,440.
Nationally, the median annual wage for medical records specialists was $51,140 in May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 14,000 openings projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Medical Billing and Coding FAQs
Medical billers and coders are responsible for processing patient data including medical records and related insurance. In this position, you will code a patient's diagnosis and then request payment from the patient's insurance company. You will play an important role in ensuring that healthcare providers are quickly and accurately paid for the treatment they give patients.
Yes. Medical coders translate patient care into current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the medical services provided are accurately coded. Medical billers are responsible for creating a claim based on the codes a medical coder provides. Many professionals in this area have both medical billing and medical coding skills.
Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate and passing one of the certification exams or an associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Additionally, medical billing and coding professionals must understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
In most cases, it takes between one and three years to become a medical biller and coder. Earning a medical billing and coding certification can take up to one year, while earning an associate degree can take up to three years.
Obtaining a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification implies that an individual has met competencies in medical billing and coding. Students have an opportunity to make confident, informed decisions about the national certification they prefer.
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the gold standard entry-level coding certification for physician, or professional fee, coders.
The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is an entry-level medical coding certification across all settings--physician practices and inpatient hospital.
The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is currently an entry-level medical billing certification for physician practices. The CBCS exam covers medical billing and coding concepts, including the application of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II code sets.
Medical billing and coding can be a rewarding career path if you are detail-oriented, analytical, and interested in working in healthcare. Medical billers and coders play an important role in the healthcare revenue cycle by helping ensure medical services are accurately coded, billed, and reimbursed. Depending on the employer and position, these roles may also offer flexible schedules and remote work opportunities.
Course Objectives
- Medical Billing and Coding course
- Medical coding terminology is required for medical coding, including the structures and functions of the human body
- The disorders and medical procedures common to each body system
- Legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to the field, including HIPAA compliance and third-party guidelines for filing insurance claims
- The main coding manuals: ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II
- How to code diagnoses, services, and procedures for all systems of the body
- Fundamentals of medical billing & coding and medical terminology
- Word parts and the structures and functions of the human body
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Get Started
Start your medical billing and coding career at TCC. Enroll now to build essential skills and prepare for a professional certification exam.
Instructors
Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her clinical experience includes working as a medical assistant for a network of rural health clinics, and as a medical coder, insurance claims specialist, and medical records auditor. Nancy holds a bachelor's degree in vocational education and has developed and taught medical assistant programs.
LaTisha Cottingham has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has six years of teaching experience in the field of medical billing and coding and Medical Assisting. Currently she is employed as an HIM Analyst for a long-term care establishment that is based out of Alabama.