Medical Billing and Coding
Medical Billing and Coding is an expanding field that offers medical staff tremendous growth potential. USA's program prepares students to sit for the Certified Professional Coders (CPC) examination. This is a gold-standard credential offered through the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Testimonial from a former student:
I worked as a transcriptionist in 2021 when I decided to take my career a step further, and began my journey of becoming a Certified Professional Coder. The USA Center for Continuing Education gave me the tools to do just that. The instructors and courses prepared me to take and pass the CPC exam through the AAPC confidently. I passed the exam, earning my CPC credential and have now been working as a coder with Mobile Infirmary for two years while also serving as an officer of the local chapter of the AAPC.
I owe The USA Center for Continued Education a huge thank you for being the catalyst for a career that I can be proud of and that I enjoy.
Cheryl B., CPC
Medical Coder
Currently Accepting Applications for 2025!
Beginner Track
| Anatomy & Physiology (online) | 1/15/25 - 3/17/25 |
| Medical Terminology (online) | 4/16/25 - 6/16/25 |
| Intro to Medical Billing & Coding | 7/7/25 - 7/24/25 |
| Comprehensive Coding I | 7/28/25 - 8/25/25 |
| Comprehensive Coding II | 9/8/25 - 10/30/25 |
Experienced Track
For students who have successfully completed Anatomy & Physiology and Medical Terminology.
| Intro to Medical Billing & Coding | 1/27/25 - 2/13/25 |
| Comprehensive Coding I | 2/17/25 - 3/27/25 |
| Comprehensive Coding II | 3/31/25 - 5/22/25 |
Cost of Program: $ 3,120
How To Apply:
Submit the MBC Application, $50 Application Fee, and a transcript from school last attended.
The USA Center for Continuing Education (CCE) offers a rigorous preparatory Medical Billing and Coding Program that readies students to sit for the Certified Professional Coders (CPC®) Exam. The CPC® credential is facilitated through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The USA Center for Continuing Education is a licensed partner of the AAPC whose objective it is to prepare students to launch a career in Medical Billing and Coding.
Job Forecast
Medical Billing and Coding Job Outlook according to the United States Bureau of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook indicates a seven percent average growth projection with a national median pay of $47,180 per year.
*Source: O-Net 2022 - Based on national average.
Students who successfully complete the USA CCE Medical Billing and Coding Program will receive a program certificate, but to become a certified coder, the student must take and pass the CPC® Examination.
To enter the program:
1. Go to the Application Process tab and follow the instructions.
2. Once we have received the application, transcript, and application fee we will
go over your information for acceptance into the program. We will work with students
to determine which track is most appropriate based on education and work experience.
(See the Program Outline tab for the two tracks.)
There are two tracks that students may take.
Beginner’s Track is for students entering the program without having taken Human Anatomy and Physiology nor having a working knowledge of medical terminology. A basic knowledge of both of these are vital to pass the CPC® Examination. Course requirements are:
MBC101 Medical Terminology (Online)
MBC102 Human Anatomy & Physiology (Online)
MBC103 Introduction to Medical Coding
MBC104 Comprehensive Coding I
MBC105 Comprehensive Coding II
The beginner track may be completed in eight months.
Experienced Track is for students who have successfully completed Human Anatomy & Physiology and have a working knowledge of medical terminology prior to entering the program. Course requirements are:
MBC203 Introduction to Medical Coding
MBC204 Comprehensive Coding I
MBC205 Comprehensive Coding II
The experienced track may be completed in five months.
Upon program completion, students may receive a one-year AAPC student membership & two (2) CPC test vouchers
Pricing Options
Once accepted into the program, there are two options:
Option 1-Pay-as-you-go: First sign up for the one-time enrollment fee. Then you may enroll in the first course in your track. Program includes the cost of books and materials.
Students will purchase the AAPC student membership and test vouchers separately.
Option 2-Bundled Payment: This is the most cost-effective option. Save approximately $400 by purchasing the package!
The cost of the bundled program varies from $3120 for the experienced track to $3480 for the beginner track. The bundled payment option includes all course fees, books and materials, AAPC student membership and the test vouchers.
Books and Materials
The cost for the AAPC coding books are included in the cost of the program (needed for Introduction to Coding, Comprehensive Coding I and II). The learning materials for Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy & Physiology are included in the cost of the courses.
Financial Aid
While federal loans and pell grants are not available for this program, there are funding options for students.
WIOA (Workforce Initiative & Opportunity Act): Potential funding for students who meet eligibility requirements.
Alabama Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
South Alabama Rural Training (SART) Program: Potential funding for students in some areas of Mobile County.
USA Center for Continuing Education Payment Plan - up to 6-months payment plan available upon completion of application packet, program acceptance, and approval from the Center for Continuing Education.
For more information, please contact the Center at 251-460-7200.
Mobile's medical community is the most rapidly growing area in the state. All employees in the medical field will appreciate this timely and much needed course. This study of basic medical terminology includes prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, abbreviations and symbols. A programmed learning, word building system will be used to learn word parts used to construct or analyze new terms. This provides you the opportunity to decipher unfamiliar terms and check their spelling, definition, usage and pronunciation. Abbreviations will be introduced as related terms are presented.
(This is an online course. Students may begin once application packet is complete.)
This course is designed to orient students to basic human anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on organ systems with associated pathophysiology. Upon completion, students will be able to correctly identify the major organ systems and subsystems, describe major diseases associated with each system, identify major medical tests to diagnose pathophysiologies discussed including the skin in health and disease and the musculoskeletal, nervous, sensory, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, and genitourinary systems.
(This is an online course. Students may begin once application packet is complete.)
Introduction to Coding is about the business of medicine, specifically coding as a profession. It also introduces students to the tools of their trade; CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II books. The laws governing the medical field and the importance of compliance with them is included in this course.
Course is held on campus.
This comprehensive coding course is an in-depth study of ICD-10-CM coding and guidelines, and specific sections of CPT and HCPCS Level II code books. The specific CPT sections include Evaluation and Management, Medicine, Radiology and Pathology with their section guidelines and modifiers.
Course is held on campus.
Comprehensive Coding II is an in-depth study of coding in all surgical specialties and anesthesia. It also includes any associated ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding and modifiers.
Course is held on campus.
Certificates will only be granted to those who have enrolled in and successfully completed the program and have paid all applicable registrations and fees. Course prerequisites must also be followed.
Please note completion of the University of South Alabama's Center for Continuing Education Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding does not confer the designation of being a certified coder. The CCEs certificate program is designed to prepare you to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) is a registered trademark of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC®) and is an entity independent of the USA Center for Continuing Education. The CCE is a licensed educational partner of the AAPC. Registration and requirements for the CPC® exam and certification can be found at their website www.aapc.com.
Medical Billing & Coding Program Refund Policy
In the event you withdraw from a class, we are happy to refund your fees according to the policy below.
Students Who Bundled Payment-
100% refund for all withdrawals made ten (10) or more business days (Monday-Friday) before the first day of class.
50% refund for withdrawals made inside the ten (10) business days (Monday-Friday) before the first day of class.
25% refund for withdrawals made before the last day of the Introduction to Medical Coding class.
No refund for withdrawals made after the last day of the Introduction to Medical Coding class.
Students Who Pay-Per-Course-
100% refund for all withdrawals made ten (10) or more business days (Monday-Friday) before the first day of class.
50% refund for withdrawals made inside the ten (10) business days (Monday-Friday) before the first day of class.
No refund beginning the first day of class.
Exceptions: For online courses no refunds are available once the student has access to the course.
All Medical Billing & Coding Students-
The one-time enrollment fee is nonrefundable.
The cost of any used materials (including books, software, memberships, exam vouchers, etc.), shall be deducted from refund.
Full Certificate Program Options
Online programs are offered through our content partners. Information for these programs can be obtained by clicking on the links below. Students who wish to pursue an online course do not need to go through the application process.
Medical Billing and Coding Program in partnership with Education to Go is an ideal program for students new to a medical career. If you’re seeking entry into the healthcare industry, this comprehensive program will provide you with all of the information you need to earn a certification in medical billing and coding.
Professional Medical Billing and Coding Program in partnership with Career Step offers features like time management tools and creative study aids that easily begin your journey to a new career.
(251) 460-7200
usacontinuinged@southalabama.edu