Medical Billing and Coding
Medical Billing and Coding is an expanding field that offers medical staff tremendous growth potential. Our preparatory Medical Billing and Coding Program readies students to sit for the Certified Professional Coders (CPC®) Exam 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.
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
2026 Program Applications Are Being Accepted
Monday and Thursday nights
Apply by submitting the:
Submit Transcript from Last School Attended
Send Electronic Transcripts to usacontinuinged@southalabama.edu
Mail Paper Transcripts to
University of South Alabama
75 S. University Blvd., Ste. 5000
Mobile, AL 36608
2026 Program Courses
Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed a course in Medical Terminology & in Human Anatomy & Physiology. If you have not taken these courses, you may register and take them online here: Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy & Physiology
Introduction to Medical Billing and 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.
Students who attend this class will learn the process of medical billing and how coding is part of that process. Upon completion of the course, they will begin to have a working knowledge of how to use their codebooks by understanding the layout and purpose of each book. They will gain insight into the claims filing and payment process while staying within the confounds of Federal, State and payer guidelines.
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.
Students will come away from this course equipped with the coding knowledge and understanding
that is needed to be ready for the CPC exam questions in the areas covered in this
course.
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.
Upon completion of this course, students will know if they are ready to sit for the
CPC exam. The final exam for this course will alert students to any areas they need
to study in preparation for the CPC exam.
Additional Information
Job Forecast
According to the Bureau of Labor Occupational Outlook the Medical Billing and Coding Job Outlook between 2023 - 2033 is growing at a 9% (much faster than average) rate. with a national salary average of $50,250 ($24.16/hour).
Students must successfully complete the following courses in order to receive a Certificate of Program Completion from USA Center for Continuing Education. Any student who has completed Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy & Physiology might be eligible to waive these courses. In order to waive these courses, submit a transcript containing the course, date taken, and grade.
MBC101 Medical Terminology (Online)
MBC102 Human Anatomy & Physiology (Online)
MBC103 Introduction to Medical Coding
MBC104 Comprehensive Coding I
MBC105 Comprehensive Coding II
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 is $3120. It includes all enrollment and 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 Grant (depending on availability and eligibility)
Alabama Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (depending on eligibility)
Certificates of Completion 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.
There is an 80% attendance requirement for all on-campus courses.
Absence from class will result in a failing grade.
In order to progress to the next course and maintain Blackboard access students must score a final grade of 70% or higher in each course.
Students who, due to special circumstances, cannot complete the program must submit their withdrawal from the program in writing. This will result in a grade of "WD." Failure to attend classes will result in a grade of "F."Additionally, Blackboard (LMS) access will be revoked.
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.
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.