Medical Billing and Coding Specialist is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by Southeastern College in North Charleston, SC. The program takes 8 months to complete, with tuition of $12,756 per semester.
Program Overview
Individuals trained in utilizing electronic healthcare records have the opportunity to improve the quality and convenience of patient care, increase patient participation in their own care, improve the accuracy of coding, diagnoses, and insurance processing, and increase the efficiency and cost savings of the medical practice. This program is intended to train those who wish to gain employment in medical billing and health information management utilizing electronic health systems. Employment opportunities may be in either the public or private sector, including positions in the offices of private physicians, hospitals, and medical centers. Students will develop a thorough knowledge of medical terminology, health records management, insurance procedures and billing software, medical coding, as well as skills in business communications and office administration that are vital for success in this growing field. A Certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of this program. Outside work is required.
Students who have successfully met all educational and institutional requirements for a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Specialist from Southeastern College are eligible to have their names submitted to the National Health Career Association to be considered as a candidate for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) examination.
Objectives.
The Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program is designed to train the student for an entry level position as a medical billing specialist, medical coding specialist, and for a variety of positions in the health information field and to function effectively as an integral member of the physician’s health care team. Graduates of the program will possess the skills to successfully perform medical office procedures, medical keyboarding, health care records management, process medical insurance, follow healthcare laws and ethics, and basic coding procedures.
Admission Requirements and Process
All applicants will be required to do a pre-enrollment interview with an Admissions Coordinator to determine the necessary requirements for entrance into the program. To be considered for enrollment, applicants must supply verification of standard high school graduation, GED completion, or proof of graduation from a foreign institution comparable to a United States secondary school; home-schooled applicants are considered upon receipt of the proper state credential.
Admissions requirements.
- Have a High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Pass the entrance examination
Prerequisites.
- Background Check and Drug Screening where applicable
Please see Program Handbook for additional policies for this program.
Distance education. Students enrolling in distance education programs or courses must complete an Online Assessment Survey before beginning; the minimum score required is 30.
General Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentProvide verification of standard high school graduation (transcript or diploma), GED completion, or a foreign secondary credential evaluated as equivalent to U.S. high school…
- Entrance examinationAchieve a minimum score of 13 on the Wonderlic entrance examination for this program, or provide equivalent results (SAT 870, ACT 16 or ASVAB 31).
- Pre-enrollment interviewComplete a pre-enrollment interview with an Admissions Coordinator to determine the necessary requirements for entrance into the program.
- Background check and drug screeningComplete a background check and drug screening where applicable.
- Online Assessment SurveyScore at least 30 on the Online Assessment Survey before beginning distance education courses.
Application Process
- 1Meet with an Admissions CoordinatorComplete a pre-enrollment interview with an Admissions Coordinator to determine the necessary requirements for entrance into the program.
- 2Provide proof of high school graduationArrange for your school or the issuing agency to send your high school, GED or degree credentials directly to the admissions office.
- 3Take the entrance examinationTake Southeastern College's entrance examination (minimum Wonderlic score of 13 for this program) or provide SAT, ACT or ASVAB results.
- 4Complete the enrollment processComplete the enrollment process well before the date you have chosen to enter school; this permits proper scheduling and ensures availability of classroom space.
- 5Apply for financial aidComplete the FAFSA (school code 035554) and make an appointment with a Financial Aid Officer at your campus.FAFSA Code for North Charleston Branch Campus: 035554Complete FAFSA Application
Program Schedule
Program length. This program can be completed in 8 months for full-time students or in 15 months for part-time students.
Campus hours. Classes are in session year-round, except for the holidays and vacations listed in the Academic Calendar. The Columbia and North Charleston campuses are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, Fridays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Start dates. The catalog publishes term dates (each term begins on a Monday; for example, the Winter 2027 semester begins January 11, 2027) but no program-specific start dates; contact the campus for the next start.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition and fees (South Carolina). At Southeastern College, tuition and fees are charged to the student by the semester/pay period. Each semester is 16-weeks in duration for credit hour programs. Each pay period is 450 hours (900 clock hour program), 370 hours (740 clock hour program) and 500 hours (1500 clock hour program) in duration for clock hour programs. Southeastern College students are not charged by the course or by credit hours.
The catalog lists 2 semesters for this program. The following fees are charged each semester/pay period in addition to tuition, and the one-time fees are charged at enrollment:
- Tuition per 16-week semester (full-time): $12,756.00
- Technology fee (per semester/pay period): $400.00
- Student services fee (per semester/pay period): $300.00
- Program fee (per semester/pay period): $100.00
- Lab fee (per semester/pay period): $100.00
- Application fee (one-time): $50.00
- Registration fee (one-time): $50.00
- Transcript fee: $5.00
- Diploma shipping and handling fee: $100.00
Tuition for students less than full time is charged based on a pro-rata calculation at the beginning of the semester/pay period. Programs that require a student kit will be assessed a fee accordingly. Textbook prices are available on the student portal by course. If applicable, students taking online courses who have the textbooks shipped will have shipping charges assessed for them.
Financial aid. Southeastern College is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV Federal Aid Programs. Prospective students who seek financial assistance must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and make an appointment with a Financial Aid Officer. The college's aid programs include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Direct Stafford Student Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Work Study and Southeastern College and private scholarships. Federal School Code (FAFSA) for this campus: 035554.
Military and veterans. Southeastern College is approved by the Florida and North Carolina state approving agencies for veterans training, and its VA Pending Payment Policy protects students using Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) or VR&E (Chapter 31) benefits. Tuition Assistance funds are available to eligible Service members; Active Duty students must meet with their branch of service before enrolling.
Net price calculator. Southeastern College Net Price Calculator
Curriculum
To receive a Certificate as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, students must complete 31.5 credit hours (882 clock hours). This Certificate program can be completed in 8 months for full-time students and 15 months for part-time students.
Course delivery. Medical Billing and Coding Specialist courses are available via distance education. Distance education courses are delivered through Southeastern College’s online course delivery platform.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Career focus. The Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program is designed to train the student for an entry level position as a medical billing specialist, medical coding specialist, and for a variety of positions in the health information field and to function effectively as an integral member of the physician’s health care team. Graduates of the program will possess the skills to successfully perform medical office procedures, medical keyboarding, health care records management, process medical insurance, follow healthcare laws and ethics, and basic coding procedures.
Credentialing.
Students who have successfully met all educational and institutional requirements for a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding Specialist from Southeastern College are eligible to have their names submitted to the National Health Career Association to be considered as a candidate for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) examination.
Graduation and employment rates (ACCSC 2025 annual report, as of 10/10/2025). Full-time cohort (distance education) starting April 2023 – March 2024: 89% graduation rate (of 9) and 50% employment rate (of 8).
Professional licensure disclosure: Certificate-Medical-Billing-and-Coding-Specialist-Disclosure-Form-2026.pdf
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Why Accreditation Is Important
Southeastern College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The Columbia and North Charleston campuses are licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
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