MEDICAL BILLING & CODING
PROGRAM FAQS

Will I receive a Certificate of Completion from an accredited university?

When you complete the program, you'll earn a University of Missouri–St. Louis Certificate of Completion from a regionally accredited university. The Medical Billing & Coding curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current healthcare industry standards, helping you build the coding, billing, and documentation skills employers value while preparing for the CPC or CBCS certification exam.

How long does the Medical Billing & Coding program take to complete?

The Medical Billing & Coding program is 100% self-paced, so you can progress on your own schedule. While completion times vary, many students finish within 3–6 months. You'll have up to 12 months to complete the program.

What makes UMSL's Medical Billing & Coding program different?

UMSL offers a flexible way to prepare for a career in medical billing and coding without putting your life on hold. The online Medical Billing & Coding program combines the credibility of a regionally accredited university with the flexibility of self-paced learning. You'll develop the coding, billing, and healthcare documentation skills employers are looking for, prepare for the CPC or CBCS certification exam, receive career support to help you connect with employers, and earn a Certificate of Completion from the University of Missouri–St. Louis — all on a timeline that works for you.

Do I need any prior experience in this field to get started?

Our Medical Billing & Coding program is designed for beginners, so you don't need previous healthcare experience to get started. The curriculum is designed to help you develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare for your next career opportunity.

What are the requirements for enrolling in the Medical Billing & Coding program?

The Medical Billing & Coding program is designed for beginners and does not require prior healthcare experience. There are no prerequisites or application requirements to enroll. Students should be prepared to complete coursework online and review any program-specific requirements before enrolling.

Are course materials included, or will I need to purchase textbooks or supplies?

All required digital course materials are included with your tuition at no additional cost. You'll have access to online lessons, learning resources, quizzes, and other materials needed to complete your program.

As you begin the Medical Billing & Coding program, UMSL will provide the resources you need to prepare for your chosen certification pathway. Students pursuing the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) credential through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) will receive all required course materials electronically and do not need to purchase any additional books. Students pursuing the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) will receive the required coding manuals from UMSL at the start of their concentration course.

These resources are designed to help you build essential coding knowledge, practice key skills, and prepare for success on your certification exam.

Will this prepare me for certification exams — even if I'm new to healthcare?

Yes! UMSL's Medical Billing & Coding program is designed to help you build the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare for all of the widely recognized certification exams — even if you're just starting your healthcare journey.

• Beginner-friendly: No prior experience required
• Career-focused: Learn the medical billing, coding, insurance, and healthcare documentation skills employers are looking for
• Step by step: Build your knowledge and confidence through guided online coursework
• Practice along the way: Reinforce key concepts with quizzes, assessments, and real-world coding scenarios
• Certification preparation: Complete a curriculum designed to prepare you for the CPC or CBCS certification exam

Our goal is to help you feel confident, prepared for certification, and ready to begin your career as a medical biller.

Are certification exam vouchers included in the cost of the program?

Yes, the cost of one certification exam voucher is included when you enroll in the UMSL Medical Billing & Coding program, so you won't pay extra for the exam voucher needed to earn your credential.

You may choose to take either of the following:

• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

If you choose to pursue an additional certification, you’ll be responsible for any associated exam fees. Exam preparation materials are available and provided for the CBCS exam only.

What's the difference between this program and the CPC or CBCS certification?

The Medical Billing & Coding program provides the education and training, while the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) are nationally recognized certification credentials awarded after you pass the respective certification exam.

This program is designed to prepare you for the CPC or CBCS exam through:

• 100% online, self-paced coursework
• Curriculum aligned with industry standards and certification exam objectives
  
• A Certificate of Completion from the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL)
  
• Interactive learning materials and certification exam preparation
  
• Career resources and job opportunity assistance for eligible students after program completion

The goal is to help you build the knowledge and skills needed to confidently pursue CPC or CBCS certification and prepare for an entry-level medical billing and coding career.

Can I complete the Medical Billing & Coding program while working full-time?

Yes! UMSL's Medical Billing & Coding program is built for busy adults. Whether you're working full-time, caring for your family, or balancing other responsibilities, you can complete your coursework on a schedule that works for you.

Because the program is self-paced, you can study when it's most convenient and move through the material at your own pace. While many students complete the program in 3–6 months, you'll have up to 12 months to finish your training. This flexibility makes it easier to prepare for the CPC or CBCS certification exam and a new healthcare career — without putting the rest of your life on hold.

What kind of support is included?

You'll have support throughout your learning journey. From your first lesson to your job search, we're here to help you succeed.

Learner Support: Get help with course content, assignments, and navigating the online learning platform whenever you need it.

Career Support: Receive guidance on resumes, interviews, and job readiness as you prepare to pursue opportunities in healthcare.