Become a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Gain the medical billing and coding training needed to pursue certification with an online course through George Mason University Continuing and Professional Education. You will explore medical terminology, health insurance and reimbursement, healthcare regulations, and essential coding practices.
Through practical training with ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II, you will learn to translate healthcare documentation into standardized codes and understand how accurate coding supports claims and reimbursement.
After completing this medical billing and coding course, you can select a voucher for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam.
Job Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
Medical billing and coding professionals help healthcare organizations maintain accurate patient information, assign standardized codes, and support insurance reimbursement and other administrative processes.
Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of medical records specialists to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 14,000 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The median annual wage for medical records specialists was $51,140 in May 2025. In the state of Virginia, medical billers can make an average of $55,132 per year according to Indeed.
For students considering opportunities in the greater Washington, D.C., region, BLS data show that the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area had approximately 2,810 medical records specialist jobs in May 2023, with a mean annual wage of $63,280.
Medical records specialists work in settings such as hospitals, physicians’ offices, administrative and support services, and professional, scientific, and technical services.
Medical Billing and Coding FAQs
What is a medical biller and coder? What does a medical biller and coder do?
Medical billers and coders help organize and process healthcare information so services can be accurately documented and billed. Medical coders review patient records and assign standardized codes to diagnoses, procedures, and services, while medical billers use that coded information to prepare insurance claims and support reimbursement.
Depending on the employer, a professional may focus on one of these functions or perform both billing and coding responsibilities.
Is there a difference between medical billing and medical coding?
Yes. Medical coding involves translating healthcare documentation into standardized codes, such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II. Medical billing uses those codes to prepare and submit claims to insurance providers and help healthcare organizations receive payment for services.
The two functions are closely connected, and professionals with knowledge of both can better understand the full healthcare revenue cycle.
What are the requirements for a medical billing and coding career?
Requirements vary by employer, but many entry-level positions look for candidates who have completed formal training and earned, or are preparing to earn, an industry certification.
Medical billing and coding professionals also need an understanding of medical terminology, coding guidelines, healthcare reimbursement, HIPAA requirements, and insurance processes. There are no prerequisites to take this course.
How long does it take to become a medical biller and coder?
The timeline depends on the training pathway you choose. George Mason’s online Medical Billing and Coding course includes 370 course hours and provides a focused way to develop billing and coding knowledge and prepare for professional certification.
Because the course is online and self-paced, you can progress through the material according to your schedule.
What is the difference between certification exams (CPC, CCA, AND CBCS)?
Each credential validates medical billing and coding knowledge, but the focus differs. The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential from AAPC focuses on professional medical coding. The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential from AHIMA is designed for entry-level coding professionals across healthcare settings. The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) credential from NHA covers core medical billing and coding competencies.
This course prepares you for all three pathways, allowing you to select the certification that best aligns with your professional goals.
Course Objectives
- Understand medical coding terminology, including the structures and functions of the human body
- Identify common disorders and medical procedures associated with major body systems
- Explore legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts, including HIPAA compliance and third-party payer requirements
- Learn to use ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding systems
- Practice coding diagnoses, services, and procedures
- Build knowledge of medical billing, coding, and medical terminology
- Understand word parts and their relationship to human anatomy and physiology
- Prepare for the CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification exam that best aligns with your goal
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course. Upon successful course completion, you can choose a voucher for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by AAPC, the Certified
Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by AHIMA, or the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by NHA.
Industry certifications are awarded by the respective certification organization after you successfully pass their exam. George Mason University awards a Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of this course.
Certifying Body Exams
This course prepares you for three professional certification pathways: the CPC credential offered by AAPC, the CCA credential offered by AHIMA, and the CBCS credential offered by NHA.
These certifications demonstrate knowledge and competency in areas of medical coding, billing, healthcare documentation, and reimbursement. By preparing for multiple credential options, the course allows you to pursue the certification that best aligns with your professional interests.
Instructors
Nancy Smith
Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her clinical experience includes working as a medical assistant for a network of rural health clinics, and as a medical coder, insurance claims specialist, and medical records auditor. She worked as a medical office manager for ten years, where she recruited and trained all medical assistants. Nancy holds a bachelor’s degree in vocational education and has developed and taught medical assistant programs.
LaTisha Cottingham
LaTisha Cottingham has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has six years of teaching experience in the field of medical billing and coding and Medical Assisting. Currently, she is employed as an HIM Analyst for a Long-Term Care establishment that is based out of Alabama. Previously she was employed as the lead instructor for the Allied Health Department for a local career institute. LaTisha’s field of expertise is in the area of physician-based inpatient coding and Emergency Department coding. The certifications that she holds are as follows: a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). In preparation for ICD-10-CM, LaTisha received her ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer Certification from American Health Information Association (AHIMA), where she is currently a member. LaTisha is also a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA) where she is a test proctor.
Carline Dalgleish
Carline Dalgleish has worked in medical office administration for over 30 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems, a master’s degree in Leadership, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Health Information Management. She is a Registered Health Information Administrator and an AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer. Dalgleish is the author of an ICD-10 coding system and owns her own consulting firm.
Lydia S. Stewart
Lydia S. Stewart, RN, BSN, currently serves as the Revenue Cycle Manager at a large regional medical center. Lydia has been a Registered Nurse for 23 years, 15 of those years specializing in Critical Care Nursing and supervision. She is responsible for Medical Audits, Charge Capture, and governmental compliance audits and reviews. Lydia is a member of the Louisiana Medical Auditor Association and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).
Bunny Reeves
Bunny Reeves is the senior ambulatory surgery coder at the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She trains student coders at Maimonides Medical Center and previously trained and supervised entry-level coders at Staten Island’s St. Vincent Medical Center. Reeves is a Certified Coding Specialist, accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Sharon L. Blackford
Sharon L. Blackford, MA, BA, RMA, has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She has a Master’s degree in Organizational Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and has served as a Registered Medical Assistant since 1994. Sharon was an active duty Clinical Specialist in the U.S. Army for 10 years. Sharon later moved to the Gulf Coast to accept a position as the Director of Education of Blue Cliff College and was promoted to Campus Director.
Stacey O’Brien
Stacey O’Brien has more than 10 years of experience in medical coding and reimbursement. Ms. O’Brien has been a risk adjustment coder for a Medicare advantage plan, audited medical records for a consulting firm, and currently supervises the coding and electronic claims submission process for a group medical practice. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a CPC coding certification from the AAPC.
April Adams
April Adams, M.S., RHIA, CDIP, CPC-I, CPB, CPMA, has worked in the healthcare field since 2011, transitioning from a high school biology and chemistry teacher to a specialist in medical coding and auditing. She focuses on HCC, clinical documentation improvement (CDI), and DRGs and has taught health information management (HIM) courses, including medical terminology, law and ethics, coding, and revenue cycle management since 2018.
April possesses a master’s in health information management with a specialization in data analytics. She also serves on the board of the Dallas-Fort Worth Health Information Management Association and holds multiple industry certifications.
Medical Terminology Instructors
Our medical terminology course section is taught by multiple experienced instructors. See the master course page for a full list of these instructors.
Instructor Interaction
The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.