Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Degree Program Dates
Program Overview
The Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Associate of Applied Science degree at Taylor Business Institute prepares students for entry-level roles in healthcare administration, medical billing, and coding across a variety of healthcare environments.
This applied degree focuses on practical medical billing and coding skills, real-world healthcare scenarios, and the use of industry-standard software and systems. Students gain a strong foundation in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, insurance processes, coding systems, and healthcare regulations, while also developing essential computer, communication, and workplace skills needed for professional success.
The program is designed for students seeking immediate entry into the workforce, as well as those interested in continuing their education or advancing in health information and medical administration careers.
What You Will Learn
Through a combination of lectures, labs, and applied coursework, students will learn how to:
- Apply medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology concepts in healthcare
documentation - Understand health insurance terminology, billing processes, and reimbursement systems
- Prepare and process insurance claims, including CMS 1500 and UB-04 forms
- Apply ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems based on medical
documentation
- Use electronic medical records (EMR) and electronic health record (EHR)
- Apply HIPAA guidelines related to privacy and security in healthcare
environments - Collect, interpret, and analyze source documents to create accurate medical
records - Communicate clearly and professionally in healthcare administrative settings
- Collaborate effectively as part of a healthcare team
Tools & Practical Experience
Students gain hands-on experience using:
- Medical billing and coding software
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems (including EHRGo and MediSoft)
- Insurance claim processing systems and documentation
- Medical coding manuals and classification tools
- Microsoft Office and healthcare administrative applications
- Coursework combines theory with lab-based practice, ensuring students apply what they learn in realistic healthcare administrative scenarios.
Applied Learning & Capstone Experience
Applied learning is integrated throughout the program and culminates in the Integrative Seminar in Medical Billing and Coding Specialist.
Students complete practical assignments such as:
- Preparing health insurance claim forms (CMS 1500 and UB-04)
- Assigning diagnostic and procedural codes using ICD, CPT, and HCPCS systems
- Analyzing patient records for accuracy and compliance
- Applying billing and reimbursement processes in case-based scenarios
- Simulating administrative operations in healthcare office environments.
In the final integrative seminar, students demonstrate job readiness by applying their billing and coding knowledge in a comprehensive presentation that reflects their grasp of the program learning outcomes as stated in the catalog.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program are prepared for entrylevel positions, including:
- Medical Biller
- Medical Coder
- Medical Office Assistant
- Unit Secretary
- Patient Service Representative
- Medical Records and Health Information Technician
Program Structure
The Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program includes:
This core includes courses in communication, mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and life sciences that support workplace readiness and life long learning.
- MBS 101 – Introduction to Medical Billing
- MBS 102C – Anatomy and Physiology
- MBS 104A – Medical Terminology
- MBS 106A – Introduction to Medical Coding
- MBS 201A – Medical Billing
- MBS 202A – Medical Coding for Billers
- MBS 203C – Introduction to EMR and EHR
- MBS 206B – Healthcare Regulations and Guidelines
- MBS 211 – Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- MBS 212 – Advanced Medical Billing Lab
- MBS 213 – Advanced Medical Coding Lab
- MBS 203L – EMR / EHR Lab
- MBS 299 – Capstone - Integrative Seminar: MBS
- Microsoft Office and healthcare administrative applications
- Computer and information systems
- Medical billing and coding systems
- Electronic health records platforms
- Healthcare documentation and compliance processes
- Small class sizes (typically 15–25 students)
- Personalized instruction and faculty support
- Access to career services and job readiness resources
Why This Program Works
This program succeeds because it:
- Focuses on job-ready medical billing and coding skills, not just theory
- Integrates hands-on labs and applied learning
- Supports working adults and international students
- Aligns healthcare knowledge, administrative processes, and technology skills in one pathway
Accreditation & Continued Education
Taylor Business Institute is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to award associate degrees and certificates. TBI’s programs are designed for immediate workforce entry, while also providing opportunities for continued education. Graduates of Associate of Applied Science degree programs may pursue further studies at four year colleges or universities offering compatible programs, subject to the transfer policies of the receiving institution.
