Calhoun launches new Online Medical Billing Program for Fall 2020
August 17, 2020Decatur, AL – According to information released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment prospects in the medical billing industry are projected to grow by at least 22 percent over the next few years. To answer this demand, Calhoun Community College is introducing a new fully online Medical Billing certificate program that begins fall 2020.
The College’s Business Administration department will offer the program. According to Dr. James Payne, Calhoun’s Dean of Business and Computer Information Systems, the program is designed to be completed in two semesters and includes preparation for the Medicare Billing Certificate and the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) credentials. All required coursework can be completed online.
“Strong local demand for trained medical billing specialists has provided Calhoun with an opportunity to expand our course offerings in the health field by developing this new short certificate program,” commented Payne. “The coursework will guide students toward the skill set and credentials they need for a career in medical billing, and will introduce them to related careers including medical coding and management of electronic health records,” Payne added.
The program is open to anyone interested in pursuing a career in the medical billing field. “The Medical Billing Specialist certificate includes coursework in vital medical office skills, general knowledge, and is perfect for anyone who is just beginning their studies in this field,” adds Payne. He explains, although the Medical Billing Essentials certificate consists of only the core billing courses, it is still a great choice for people who are already working in the healthcare field and want to obtain additional skills for promotion.
Students who have begun taking courses for another healthcare degree, but have not completed it can use either program to build on their existing skills and start their careers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the local median pay for those employed in the medical records field is $40,620 per year.
For more information on the program or to enroll, please visit Calhoun’s website at www.calhoun.edu/medicalbilling or you may contact the Business & CIS division at (256) 306-2676 directly.
