How To Become A Medical Biller Without Going To School

Medical billing represents a stable career path with solid pay and plenty of opportunities.

It’s also common to feel somewhat intimidated by the presumed academic rigors one may have to endure to enter the field.

So, how do you become a medical biller without going to school?

Let’s take a look at the steps you’ll need to take to pursue a career in medical billing with formal training and without attending a two or four-year college.  

Time To Become A Medical Biller 

There isn’t a set amount of time it takes to become a medical biller. First, you’ll need to possess the prerequisite knowledge to gain medical billing and coding certifications. 

How long that will take will depend on the type of course or training program you opt for. 

Of course, you can choose to pursue a two or four-year university degree, but what are the real benefits? 

Many job seekers are getting employer focused career training to gain the same amount of technical knowledge as those who attend a traditional 2 or 4 year college.

The main benefits of medical billing training programs, like the one offered at Southern Careers institute, is that it’s a fraction of the cost and is completed in less time. 

Vocational schools like SCI can save you thousands of dollars and several months if not years of your time.

Training Programs To Get Certified

Getting certified as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist requires preparing and testing for a CBCS coding certification.

A CBCS certification is essential to become a medical billing specialist in Texas. 

In addition to the CBCS certification, Southern Careers Institute’s medical billing and coding program provides training to earn your Electronic Health Records Specialist, EHRS certification.

You will also be prepared to become a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant by obtaining your CMAA certification.

How To Get CBCS Certified

To understand the steps needed to achieve medical billing certification, it helps to take a deeper dive into the process involved for one of the certifications.

So, let’s take a closer look at how to get a CBCS certification. 

A CBCS exam will test your knowledge of the job requirements involved in medical billing and coding.

To gain your CBCS certification, you’ll need to pass the National Healthcareer Association, NHA examination. 

According to NHA Candidate Handbook, the CBCS certification requirements include: 

1. Have a High School Diploma, GED or Equivalent education.
2. Successfully complete a medical billing and coding training program.
3. Have a minimum  of one year of supervised experience in the field as covered in the NHA exam.

The exam itself consists of 100 scored questions and 20 pretest items. You’ll have a total of 2 hours to complete the exam. 

NHA’s detailed test plan breaks down the five main topics on the CBCS exam. The main topics include:

1. Regulatory Compliance
2. Claims Processing
3. Front-end Duties
4. Payment Adjudication
5. Apply Knowledge of Coding 

Having up to date knowledge is not just needed to pass the exam, but also to excel in your future career as a medical biller.

Is School Needed For Medical Billing? 

To pursue a career in medical billing, you will need proper skills training to be successful.

However, that doesn’t mean you’ll have to attend a two or four year college.

There are a handful of students who go on to get an associates or bachelors degree for the medical billing profession, at a much higher cost and length of schooling. 

Keep in mind – Teaching yourself and having a successful career in medical billing and coding do not go hand-in-hand. 

To have a confident head start in this path, career specific training programs through accredited vocational schools like SCI are the best route. 

At SCI, medical billing and coding training is employer-tailored and program graduates are in demand among our employer network. 

Students get help and guidance with the skills and knowledge needed to become a medical biller. 

Additionally, a CBCS certification, as well as a EHRS and CMAA certification are often needed for jobs in medical billing.

You’ll also need to be able to fulfill the main responsibilities of the job.

Main responsibilities can include the following: 

• Reviewing patient records
• Organizing patient data
• Tracking patient outcomes
• Using software to assign codes for reimbursement
• Electronically recording data 

Passing the national CBCS exam will prove your proficiency in these types of skills associated with medical billing and coding.

The key is to identify a program that works best for you, giving you the skills you’ll need to succeed in medical billing.

CBCS Exam Without Traditional School 

The good news is that becoming a medical biller is a promising career choice.

The job outlook for medical billers and coders is good – the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job growth in that field will grow 11% by 2028, which is quicker than the national average for most jobs.

It also offers a decent salary – medical records and health information technicians make a median salary of around $40,000 per year. 

The even better news is that you can seamlessly pass certification exams like the CBCS.

Training for and passing the CBCS exam is an important step on your path to becoming a medical biller. But it’s also important to understand there are multiple ways to get to that step.

Remember, an associate or bachelor’s degree isn’t required to enter the field.

That means you’re free to pursue other options like an online certification program.

The critical component of passing the CBCS exam is mastering the core skills involved in medical billing and coding, which can include the following:

• Managing electronic health records and their programs and software
• Medical record filing 
• Communicating with patients
• Medical office administration 
• Understanding healthcare regulations

Become A Medical Biller From Home 

Medical billing is a profitable, stable industry to enter. Additionally, it is highly flexible in educational options.

There are options that allow you to become well-versed in medical billing and fully proficient and ready to enter the industry- without a formal 2 or 4 year education.

If you’ve ever wondered how to become a medical biller or coder without going to school for several years, you don’t have to overthink it any longer.

It is possible to become a medical biller from home with an accredited online training program.

At SCI, we offer a online medical billing and coding program that enables you to learn all the skills and information needed to begin your new career path.

You can become eligible for certifications that open a number of job opportunities within the medical coding and billing industry, including but not limited to:

• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist, CBCS
• Medical Administrative Assistant, CMAA
• Electronic Health Records Specialist, EHRS

You’ll pay less for your education, have a more flexible schedule, and be able to take the course at your own pace.

So what are you waiting for?

Start Fresh on a new career path to become a medical biller today!

For more information on how we can help, contact us today! 

Sources

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-4
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-6
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-5
• https://www.nhanow.com/docs/default-source/pdfs/exam-documentation/test-plans/nha-certified-billing-and-coding-specialist-(cbcs)-test-plan.pdf?sfvrsn=2
• https://www.nhanow.com/docs/default-source/pdfs/handbooks/candidate_handbook.pdf

Blog Disclaimer: Information stated in this blog is for general information purposes only. SCITexas.edu does not assume or guarantee income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Southern Careers Institute. Career and program information stated in this blog does not guarantee that programs and specifics are offered at Southern Careers Institute.