Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program
Classes Start September 23
Train for a Career in Health Care Information in our nine-month program
ABHES Accredited
On Campus | Hybrid*
At a Glance
~9 Months
Course length
290
Lab hours
400
Class hours
160
Externship hours
*Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
About the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program
Medical Billing and Coding specialists are essential administrative professionals who bridge the gap between healthcare providers, patients, and insurance companies. They translate medical diagnoses, procedures, and clinical notes into standardized alphanumeric codes required for medical billing, claims reimbursement, and healthcare data tracking.
Through comprehensive instruction in medical terminology, anatomy, official coding guidelines, and practice management software, Pima Medical Institute’s Medical Billing and Coding program equips you with the technical precision needed in modern health information management.
Where the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program Can Take You
Certification
This program prepares graduates to apply to sit for National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exams — CEHRS, CMAA and CBCS — or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) credentials — CPC and CPB. Pima Medical Institute serves as a proctor site for NHA exams.*
Entry-level roles
Medical billing specialist, medical coder, health information technician, insurance claims specialist
Career advancement
Billing and coding supervisor, health information manager, compliance auditor, coding educator
*Certification and state registration requirements vary.
Core Skills You’ll Develop
BILLING
Insurance fundamentals, principles of insurance, billing and reimbursement methods and claims management
CODING
Clinical diagnostic medical coding, hospital diagnostic medical coding and procedural medical coding (CPT/ICD)
TECHNOLOGY
Electronic health records, medical terminology and patient records
ADMINISTRATIVE
Medical office management, professional documentation and administrative applications
COMPLIANCE
Medical law and ethics and certification review
FOUNDATIONAL
Anatomy, physiology & terminology, computer basics, math fundamentals, study skills and CPR & first aid
Program Objective
This certificate program will provide you with the training and skills necessary to work as an effective and accurate medical billing and coding professional, a vital role within a medical team. At Pima Medical Institute, the objective of this program is to develop in students the intrapersonal and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level medical biller and coder through didactic instruction, hands-on laboratory practice, and externship experiences. Among the topics covered in the curriculum are medical terminology, medical insurance, billing and reimbursement methodology, patient records, principles of diagnostic and procedural coding, claims management, and other topics necessary to be effective members of the medical billing and coding team. Graduates of this program receive a certificate. The courses within the program are acceptable for credit toward PMI’s Health Care Administration Associate of Applied Science Degree Program.
Hybrid Learning Options
All courses are taught on campus to ensure you get the hands-on clinical experience this program requires. For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses, combining in-person instruction two days a week with online learning three days a week. Externship hours are completed fully in person.
*Not all programs offer hybrid learning options; Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
Find a Campus Near You
Pima Medical Institute has campuses across the West, each offering hands-on Medical Billing and Coding training built for immediate workforce entry.
Clinical Externships
At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.
In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.
Continuing Education
At Pima Medical Institute, we offer an online associate degree in Health Care Administration, an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Get the skills needed to move up within the healthcare industry, with the flexibility of virtual instruction. Work on your degree anywhere, anytime.
Job Outlook
7% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow much faster than average over the next 10 years with a median pay of $50,250 per year.*
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Records Specialists,
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm (visited June 07, 2026).
What careers can you pursue with a Medical Billing and Coding certificate?
The Medical Billing and Coding certificate program prepares students to apply for roles and other related career opportunities including:
- Medical Billing Specialist
- Medical Coder
- Health Information Technician
- Insurance Claims Specialist
Medical billers and coders can work in a variety of environments, including hospitals and medical health systems, outpatient medical centers and specialty clinics, physician practices and group clinics, health insurance companies and billing services agencies and remote / work-from-home employment settings.
Career Services
When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.
Student Services
Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.
Application Process
- Submit the form below
A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
- Chat with our team
They’ll ask about your goals, your background, and what’s drawing you to healthcare. From there, they’ll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
- Attend your campus tour
Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We’ll walk you through programs and what to expect.
- We help you complete your application
Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program Eligibility Requirements
- Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
- Additional requirements may apply by campus
Tuition & financial aid
Federal aid (FAFSA), institutional scholarships and payment plans are available for those who qualify to help make your education affordable.
FAQs About our Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program
What Is a Medical Billing and Coding Professional?
Medical billing and coding professionals are vital to the relationship between providers, patients and insurance companies. Also called a Medical Coder, their role is incredibly important to the success of medical and insurance offices.
What Does a Medical Billing and Coding Professional Do?
Medical billing and coding professionals analyze records, complete insurance forms, assign codes to determine medical billing and insurance payment and maintain accurate transcription of procedures and injuries within a specific office.
What Will I Learn?
Students in the Medical Billing and Coding certificate program will learn the skills needed to work in the field. Courses at the school are taught by instructors with years of experience and focus on computer basics, billing procedures, medical terminology, among other topics.
This program is built to prepare graduates to work accurately in a fast-paced environment. Medical law and ethics are also covered to provide students with a well-rounded education.
Why Choose Medical Billing & Coding?
Healthcare providers rely on skilled coding professionals to maintain financial stability, ensure compliance with federal health laws, and keep patient records accurate.
Billing & Coding Specialists perform responsibilities such as:
- Reviewing clinical records to assign accurate CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes
- Submitting health insurance claims electronically to commercial and government payers
- Auditing patient charts for coding accuracy and medical necessity
- Managing insurance claim denials, appeals, and resubmissions
- Posting payments, generating patient statements, and handling billing inquiries
- Ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations and official coding rules
What experience will I gain in the capstone and externship?
The curriculum integrates both components at the end of the program to ensure students transition smoothly into professional medical settings.
- The Capstone Course: Focuses heavily on real-world applications of insurance claims and revenue cycle management. It concludes with a comprehensive Certification Review sequence explicitly designed to help graduates pass national credentialing exams, such as the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) test.
- The Clinical Externship: Involves placement in a real healthcare environment, such as a hospital, physician’s office, or clinic. You will perform hands-on medical coding and billing tasks under professional supervision.
How can I get certified?
Graduates of Pima Medical Institute’s Medical Billing & Coding program are eligible to sit for industry-recognized national credentialing exams. Options include:
Credential | Organization |
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Certified Coding Specialist Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) | American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) NHA |
*Availability and requirements vary by state.
What are Medical Billing and Coding specialists called?
Medical Billing and Coding specialists may also be referred to as:
- Medical Records and Health Information Technician
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) / Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
- Health Insurance Claims Specialist / Billing Coordinator
Can I work from home as a medical coder?
Yes. Many healthcare providers, insurance companies, and medical billing agencies offer remote work options for certified medical coders.
What is the difference between medical billing and medical coding?
Medical coding involves translating medical records into standardized diagnostic and procedural code sets. Medical billing involves using those codes to create claims, submit them to insurance payers, and collect payment.
How long is Pima Medical Institute's Medical Billing and Coding program?
Pima Medical Institute’s Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program takes 9 months to complete.
*Individual completion times may vary.
Program Outline
Learn more about the courses in this program.
Career Prep Sequence
Professional Sequence I
Professional Sequence II
Professional Sequence III
Professional Sequence IV
Capstone Sequence
Nobody Says It Better Than Our Students
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Disclosures And Accreditations
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Medical Billing and Coding program is offered via on-ground and hybrid delivery methods. The program is available to residents of Arizona and there are no licensure requirements for graduates to obtain employment in the field in this state. While there may be online components, completion of this program requires on-ground attendance at the campus at which the student is enrolled and cannot be completed solely via distance education. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that moving out of the state in which they enrolled may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate outside of their state of enrollment he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists Pima Medical Institute programs and states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.
State Licensure Determination Disclosure – Certificate Programs