College offers classes in medical billing
In today's health care field, an increasing demand for knowledgeable billing and coding professionals has created an opportunity for a solid return on investment for students who complete a medical billing and coding program offered at McHenry County College.
The next session of classes begins Jan. 18, with morning classes offered from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays through July 23 and evening classes offered from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays through July 22.
This six-month course is ideal for beginners as well as for those already working in the health care setting who want to expand their knowledge and are thinking about pursuing national professional certification.
"For these, and many other adults in the community who may not have the time to participate in longer degree programs, this medical billing and coding course is an excellent opportunity to gain essential knowledge and skills and obtain employment in the health care field in a relatively short amount of time," said Ruth Kormanak, coordinator of professional education at MCC.
Five students who have completed the medical billing and coding program at MCC last semester took and passed the national coding certification exam and are now certified professional coders.
"Four of these five people had no prior health care field experience. This is truly an awesome achievement and proof positive that this is a solid course, which provides the educational content and instructor guidance necessary for successful results," Kormanak said.
According to a 2008 survey performed by the American Academy of Professional Coders, the average salary range for most coders is $39,400 to $46,500. This survey also indicates that coders with specialty coding credentials earn even more money.
The fee for this course is $3,198 and includes all required textbooks and materials. To register, call the MCC Registration office at (815) 455-8588. For more information about this course, call MaryAnn Dimitrov at (847) 915-0360.