Medical Billing Specialist (MBS)
About
The Medical Billing Specialist (MBS) certificate program prepares students for employment
in support positions such as medical billing, claims review, patient account or patient
access representative, and a variety of other entry-level roles.
Students will learn about healthcare delivery, medical office procedures, medical
billing and claims processing, and an introduction to medical coding.
This program will give the graduate tools to be a valuable resource to physician offices,
large group practices, ambulatory surgery centers, and insurance organizations.
This program is offered in a fully online format. It begins in Fall quarter (September)
and concludes at the end of Spring quarter (June).
Virtual Information Session
Please review the Virtual Information Session for a complete overview of the MBS certificate and related programs.
MBS Certificate
Here is a snapshot of what the program entails.
Prerequisite Requirements
Must be completed before beginning the MBS certificate core curriculum with a grade of C or higher:
- ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)
AND
- HIT 130 Medical Terminology I (3 credits)
OR
- HIT 105 Comprehensive Medical Terminology (5 credits)
Recommendations
We recommend completion of the following classes prior to beginning the Medical Billing Certificate program:
- MATH 85 - Introduction to Algebra
This is a pre-requisite to the BUS 110 class. Completing MATH 85 prior to beginning the program will prevent delays.
- OLL 101 - Online Learning
Recommended for students who are new to online learning.
Computer Skills Requirement
Students will be expected to have intermediate level computer skills and ability to navigate computer programs prior to beginning the Medical Billing Specialist (MBS) program.
(47-52 total credits)
Pre-Requisites | |||
---|---|---|---|
Course Number | Course Title | Prerequisites | Credits |
Prerequisites: |
8 credits | ||
ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | Placement | 5 |
HIT 130 |
Medical Terminology I |
|
3 5 |
Medical Billing Specialist (MBS) Certificate Courses | |||
---|---|---|---|
Course Number | Course Title | Prerequisites | Credits |
Fall: |
12 credits | ||
MO 101 | Healthcare Delivery & Alternate Care | English 101, HIT 130 or HIT 105 (concurrent OK) | 5 |
MO 131 | Beginning Outpatient Dx Coding | HIT 130 or HIT 105, MO 101 (concurrent OK) |
2 |
CU 105 | Word/Excel I | 5 | |
Winter: | 13 credits | ||
BUS 110 OR *MATH& 146 |
Business Math Introduction to Statistics |
Placement Placement |
5 5 |
MO 110 | Medical Office Procedures | MO 101, HIT 130 or HIT 105 |
5 |
MO 159 | Beginning Outpatient Px Coding | MO 101, MO 131, HIT 130 or HIT 105 | 3 |
Spring: | 14 credits | ||
MO 143 | Professional Development and Ethics | MO 110, MO 159 | 3 |
MO 151 | Insurance Claims Processing | MO 110, MO 159, MO 185 (concurrent OK) |
5 |
MO 185 | Medical Billing Specialist (MBS) Practicum | MO 151 (concurrent OK) | 3 |
CU 203 | Excel II | CU 103 or CU 105 | 3 |
Total Credits = | 47-52 |
*Students should complete HIT 105 and MATH 146 if they plan to enroll in the HIT AAS degree
MBS Tuition and Costs
These figures are estimated costs. Students are encouraged to review the official tuition rate information here.
A full time student, averaging 15 credits per quarter can complete the MBS certificate program in 3 quarters (1 academic year) after meeting the pre-requisite.
Estimated MBS Tuition and Costs | |
---|---|
Tuition (WA State Resident) |
15 credits = $1,447.80 (1 quarter) 45 credits = $4,343.40 (3 quarters) |
Books and Supplies | $1,500 ($500 per quarter) |
Course Fees | $360 |
Student Approved Registration Fees | $563 |
TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS | $6,766.40 |
Process to enter the MBS Certificate program
This program does not have a formal application process. Students can register into the first core MBS class (MO 101) in fall quarter if the pre-requisites has been met. The class is limited to 25 students and is first come-first serve. After the class is full, students can be on a wait list, but there is no guarantee of admittance.
Students who are new to TCC start at Step 1 below. Students who are already TCC students can begin at Step 3 below. All students should work with an Academic Advisor to plan class scheduling.
Steps
- Apply to the college to become a TCC student here. After completing the online application, students will receive a welcome admissions email with a student ID# in about 3 business days.
- Once the welcome admissions email has arrived, and a student ID issued, complete the section "Take the Next Steps" #2 - 6 to complete English and Math placement, complete New Student Orientation, connect with an Academic Advisor, and Register for classes.
- Complete any prerequisite or recommend courses prior to beginning the MBS program in fall quarter. (Note: Students should work with an Academic Advisor to plan these classes.)
- Once prerequisite classes have been met, students will be able to enroll into MBS classes without assistance.
- For MBS or Health Information Program specific questions, please contact: Corinne Jarvis, M.Ed, RHIA, CHDA - cjarvis@tacomacc.edu - 253-566-5077.
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