Medical Billing and Coding is a Certificate Of Completion program (Hybrid) offered by Compass Career College in Hammond, LA. The program takes 48 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $10,080.
Program Overview
The Medical Billing & Coding program at Compass Career College introduces students to the administrative and documentation processes that support healthcare systems. The program focuses on the skills needed to translate medical procedures, diagnoses, and services into standardized codes used for billing, insurance processing, and healthcare record management.
This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in healthcare administrative, billing, coding, and revenue cycle positions. Students develop knowledge and skills related to medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, electronic health records, healthcare reimbursement systems, insurance claims processing, and medical coding. Special emphasis is placed on the accurate application of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), International Classification of Diseases (ICD), and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code sets, as well as compliance with applicable healthcare regulations, documentation standards, and reimbursement requirements.
Students receive instruction in areas such as:
- Medical terminology
- ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems
- Health insurance and reimbursement processes
- Electronic health records (EHR)
- Medical billing procedures
- Healthcare compliance and privacy standards
- Administrative workflows in medical offices
What sets this Program apart
Hands-On Learning. Students learn by doing. Our hands-on training approach builds confidence and develops the practical job skills needed in today's competitive job market.
Experienced Instructors. Our instructors bring real-world industry experience into the classroom, giving students insights that go beyond textbooks — and beyond what online courses can offer.
Career-Oriented Programs. Compass Career College offers state-approved career training programs designed to prepare students for employment in Louisiana's growing industries.
Open Admissions. Compass Career College maintains an open-admission philosophy and is committed to providing access to career training. Admission to programs is based on established requirements and availability. Some programs have specific admission criteria or limited enrollment.
Supportive Learning Environment. Students benefit from a supportive educational community where instructors and staff are committed to helping each student succeed from day one.
Dedicated Workforce Development. Compass Career College focuses on career training, workforce development, and practical education — helping students gain the skills relevant to today’s workforce.
Admission Requirements and Process
The admission process begins with an enrollment application. Please bring photo identification, your high school diploma or your general equivalency diploma. Bring any academic transcripts you may have, which will be evaluated for transfer credits. If you have previously earned certifications other than your high school diploma, bring these with you.
The Medical Billing and Coding program uses open acceptance admissions, so there are no entrance exams or placement tests. Externship sites may require background screening or additional clearances prior to placement.
General Requirements
- Application for AdmissionSubmit a completed enrollment application.
- Proof of identityProvide a valid government-issued photo identification for identity verification purposes; digital photo I.D.s are not accepted.
- Social Security number verificationProvide documentation sufficient to verify a Social Security number when required for federal financial aid eligibility, employment eligibility, or licensure purposes.
- Secondary education credentialProvide an official high school diploma and transcript, recognized high school equivalency credential, or other approved credential in accordance with federal and state…
- TB test and immunizationsSubmit a TB skin test and proof of 2 MMR and a tetanus within 10 years, or sign a waiver prior to admission.
- Externship site requirementsExternship participation may require background screening, drug screening, health documentation or other site-specific requirements as determined by the externship facility.
- OrientationAll admitted students must attend mandatory orientation prior to beginning classes.
Application Process
- 1Submit an enrollment applicationSubmit an enrollment application for admission with the $20 non-refundable application fee.
- 2Provide identificationProvide original valid photo I.D. (driver’s license, passport, military ID, state issued ID, etc.) and your original social security card. Digital photo I.D.s are not accepted.
- 3Provide your diploma and transcriptsProvide an official valid high school diploma/transcript or high school equivalency, plus any academic transcripts to be evaluated for credit and any current certifications earned.
- 4Submit health recordsSubmit a TB skin test and proof of 2 MMR and a tetanus within 10 years, or sign a waiver prior to admission.
- 5Make financial arrangementsApply for funding from the various sources available through Compass Career College if you qualify, or sign an internal payment contract if paying out of pocket; students who qualify for Title IV funding complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note.
- 6Attend orientationStudents must attend orientation prior to the first day of class.
Program Schedule
Classes are held Monday through Thursday. Class times are 8:30 am - 1:45 pm, with a lunch break from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Clinical and externship experiences are scheduled in coordination with affiliated facilities and may include day, evening, night, or weekend assignments.
Allied Health programs begin approximately every 6 weeks. The next Medical Billing and Coding start in Hammond is November 30, 2026.
- November 30th, 2026
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Program costs.
- Tuition: $10,080
- Registration Fee: $100
- ID Badge & Lanyard: $10
- Instructional Materials: $1,450
Total contract price. $11,640.
Instructional materials. This fee covers required instructional materials, which may include textbooks, workbooks, study guides, or electronic learning resources, as applicable to the program. Prices of required text are determined by various publishers and subject to change.
Registration fee. A one-time, non-refundable fee (except as required by law) assessed at enrollment to cover administrative costs associated with application processing, enrollment documentation, and student record setup. A $20 application fee is also listed on the College's online payment page.
Financial aid. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Students interested in financial assistance should apply online using the Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); Compass Career College's federal school code is 040403. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to remain eligible to receive federal financial aid.
Financial assistance programs. Compass Career College participates in various financial assistance programs, which may include Federal Student Aid Programs (including Pell Grants and Direct Loans), TOPS Tech, the MJ Foster Promise Program, Louisiana National Guard Education Programs, Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation, the Louisiana Workforce Investment Act (WIOA), the CHAFEE Educational and Training Voucher, Motivational Education and Training (MET), the Louisiana START Saving Program and AmeriCorps. At this time, Compass Career College does not offer institutional scholarships.
Payment options. Students who are not using financial aid enter into an institutional payment agreement (internal payment contract); payment plan options are available. Title IV funds go towards the student’s contract costs which include tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
Net price calculator. A Medical Billing and Coding net price calculator is available on the College's Net Price Calculator page.
Curriculum
The Medical Billing and Coding curriculum is 800 clock hours, 48 weeks full time: 380 lecture hours, 220 lab hours and a 200-hour externship. Courses marked with an asterisk are delivered in a hybrid format, and all tests are administered in person on campus. The program prepares students for the documentation, coding, and reimbursement side of the healthcare industry, with no clinical or phlebotomy work involved in this program.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name |
|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared to perform medical billing and coding functions in a variety of healthcare settings, including physician offices, clinics, hospitals, healthcare systems, billing services, and other healthcare administrative environments.
Upon successful completion of the program, students may be eligible to sit for the Nationally Registered Certified Coding Specialist (NRCCS) – National Association of Health Professionals (NAHP) certification. Completion of the program does not guarantee certification or employment outcomes.
Student outcomes (2023-2024 aid year). Completion rate 62%; placement rate 88%; licensure rate N/A. These rates are calculated according to the guidelines set forth by our National Accreditor the Council on Occupational Education.
Job placement assistance. The College provides job placement assistance to students and graduates to support their transition from education to employment related to their field of study. Compass Career College does not guarantee employment. Job placement assistance is provided as a support service and is available at no additional cost to graduates.
What to expect as a Compass Career College student
Medical Training Campus. Compass Career College is located at 42353 Deluxe Plaza, Hammond, Louisiana. Business hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Compass Career College utilizes equipment comparable to that used in the student’s chosen field of study. Compass’ Medical Training Campus is housed in a 7,500 square foot building. The facility is comprised of six classrooms. One is primarily used for phlebotomy, one is a computer lab, one classroom is practical nurse training, and the remainder of the classrooms are used for other lecture courses.
Student parking. Student parking is located at the rear of the building. Students must enter the building through the rear door labeled Student Entrance.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Compass Career College is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), reaffirmed in 2023 for six years, and licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Regents.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Main Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
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