Online Healthcare & Medical Programs

Online Medical Billing and Coding Training

Medical billing and coding is a rising star in the healthcare field today. This 100% online course will prepare you to start a career in this high-demand occupation and earn the medical billing and coding professional certification that best aligns with your interests and career goals. You’ll learn how to use the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and the CPT Category II and ICD-10 codes. Additionally, you’ll gain hands-on practice using medical billing and coding software. Upon course completion, you’ll receive a voucher for the certification exam of your choice: CPC, CCA, or CBCS.

Become a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

There has never been a better time to enter the field of Medical Billing and Coding. Healthcare workers are in high demand, as more than 900,000 practicing physicians in the United States rely on medical billers and coders to receive payment for their services. Certified professional coders assign numeric codes to each procedure that appears in a patient's medical record, so that payment can be rendered quickly and correctly. Aside from medical facilities, medical coding jobs are available with health insurance companies, pharmacies, medical suppliers, consulting firms, and medical billing companies.

Job Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical billing and coding specialists earn an average annual salary of $40,350 and work in one of the fastest-growing professions.

The BLS also estimates that at least 27,000 new jobs will be needed in this profession by 2026.

Medical Billing and Coding FAQs

WHAT DOES A MEDICAL BILLER AND CODER DO?

Medical Billers and Coders are responsible for processing patient data including medical records and related insurance. In this position, you will code a patient's diagnosis and then request payment from the patient's insurance company. You will play an important role in ensuring that healthcare providers are quickly and accurately paid for the treatment they give patients.

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MEDICAL BILLING AND A MEDICAL CODING?

Yes. Medical coders translate patient care into current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the medical services provided are accurately coded. Medical billers are responsible for creating a claim based on the codes a medical coder provides. Many professionals in this area do both medical billing and medical coding.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING CAREER?

Entry-level positions typically require completion of a certificate and passing one of the certification exams or an associate degree program in medical billing and coding. Additionally, medical billing and coding professionals must understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A MEDICAL BILLER AND CODER?

In most cases, it takes between one and three years to become a medical biller and coder. Earning a medical billing and coding certification can take up to one year while earning an associate degree can take up to three years.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CERTIFICATION EXAMS (CPC, CCA, AND CBCS)?

Obtaining a CPC, CCA, or CBCS certification implies that an individual has met competencies in the field of medical billing and coding. Certification is invaluable to the student's career goals. Students have an opportunity to make confident, informed decisions about the national certification they prefer.

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the gold standard entry-level coding certification for physician, or professional fee, coders. 

The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is an entry-level medical coding certification across all settings--physician practices and inpatient hospitals.

The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is currently an entry-level medical billing certification for physician practices. In the summer of 2021, the exam will transition to an entry-level billing and coding certification, with the inclusion of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II testing.

IS MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING A GOOD CAREER?

U.S. News & World Report ranked medical records technicians (professionals that perform medical billing, medical coding, or both) as #9 on its list of “25 Best Jobs that Don’t Require a College Degree," #12 in “Best Health Care Support Jobs” and on the “100 Best Jobs” list.

Course Objectives

• Be fully prepared to pass one of the following professional certifications that best aligns with your interest and career goals:
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) 
• Learn how the CPT Category II codes and ICD-10 codes work and how to assign them in common medical billing and coding procedures
  • Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
  • Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• Gain hands-on billing experience with medical billing and coding software
• Externship Starter Kit to help you gain valuable experience in the field
• Medical Biller standalone option for those who aren’t interested in Medical Coding

Prerequisites and Requirements

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Curriculum

I. Medical Terminology

1. Introduction to Medical Terminology
2. The Musculoskeletal System
3. The Cardiovascular System
4. The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
5. The Respiratory System
6. The Digestive System
7. The Urinary System
8. The Nervous System
9. The Special Senses are the Eyes and Ears
10. The Integumentary System
11. The Endocrine System
12. The Reproductive System
13. Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology

II. Medical Billing and Coding

1. Introduction to Medical Billing and Coding
2. Introduction to Health Insurance
3. Managed Healthcare
4. Revenue Cycle Management
5. Legal Aspects of Health Insurance and Reimbursement
6. ICD-10-CM Coding 
7. CPT Coding
8. HCPCS Level II Coding
9. ICD-10-PCS Coding
10. Pharmacology for Coders
11. Midterm
12. Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI)
13. Insurance Claims
14. Commercial Insurance
15. Blue Cross Blue Shield
16. Medicare
17. Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, Workers’ Compensation
18. Certification
19. How to Find a Job in Medical Billing and Coding
20. Final

Instructors

Nancy Smith

Nancy Smith has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her clinical experience includes working as a medical assistant for a network of rural health clinics, and as a medical coder, insurance claims specialist, and medical records auditor. Nancy holds a bachelor's degree in vocational education and has developed and taught medical assistant programs.

LaTisha Cottingham

LaTisha Cottingham has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has six years of teaching experience in the field of medical billing and coding and Medical Assisting. Currently, she is employed as an HIM Analyst for a long-term care establishment that is based out of Alabama.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.

Student Loan Option Available with Sallie Mae

(please contact our office at opd@svsu.edu if you decide to apply for the Sallie Mae Loan.)

Click the button below to explore student loan options.

Online Clinical Dental Assistant Training

Dental assistants play a valuable role in any dental care team, often handling a variety of tasks from assisting with treatment procedures to administrative duties. This 100% online course will help you gain the technical skills you need to join a dental office as a clinical dental assistant. Through interactive lessons, you will also prepare for the Radiation Health and Safety and Infection Control components of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Exam.

Become a Clinical Dental Assistant

When you become a dental assistant, you'll enjoy a career that is not only fulfilling, but also rewarding. Caring dental assistants truly make a difference with clients, providing comfort and education. Plus, this field offers flexible hours and is expected to grow exponentially in the future. Dental assistant school is the first step you need to take, and this online Clinical Dental Assistant course will prepare you to become a productive and successful member of a dental hygienist team.

Job Outlook for Clinical Dental Assistants

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a clinical dental assistant is currently just under $38,000 per year.

Employment is projected to grow by 19% through 2026, which is considered much faster than average. Job demand for dental assistants is projected to grow 10% over the next decade.

Clinical Dental Assistant FAQs

WHAT DOES A CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTANT DO?

Clinical dental assistant jobs vary based on the dental office and the state your work in. Typical duties include preparing patients for treatment, sterilizing tools, instructing on proper dental hygiene, passing instruments to the dentist during procedures, keeping records of treatments, scheduling appointments and processing x-rays.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO BECOME A CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTANT?

Most clinical dental assistant training programs can be completed in one year or less. This does not include the time you will spend working in an externship or similar position to gain experience in the field. It also does not include the required two years of work experience you will need to become certified.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A CERTIFIED DENTAL ASSISTANT?

To become a Certified Dental Assistant, you will need to pass the three components of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification Exam and meet the Board’s work experience requirements. You will need to pass the Radiation Health and Safety, Infection Control, and General Chairside components of the DANB Certification Exam as well as complete at least two years of work experience (or a minimum of 3,500 hours accrued over a two to four year period).

WHAT KIND OF HOURS DO CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTANTS WORK?

Most dental assistants work a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week, however there are some dental assistants that work part-time. Many of the hours will be worked during the day, but depending on your dental office, you may be asked to work some evenings or weekends.

WHERE DO CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTANTS WORK?

Almost all clinical dental assistants work in dental offices under the supervision of dentists, though some may find employment with the government or in physicians’ offices. Dental assistants work very closely with dental hygienists. In this position, you will be on your feet for large portions of the day and wear surgical masks, safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

IS A CLINICAL DENTAL ASSISTANT THE SAME AS A DENTAL HYGIENIST?

No, a dental assistant and a dental hygienist are not the same. A dental assistant directly supports a dentist with small, supervised jobs performed on patients’ teeth and administrative tasks in the office. A dental hygienist will work one-on-one with patients with less supervision. A dental assistant can practice after earning a dental assistant training certificate while a dental hygienist must obtain an associate degree in dental hygiene at minimum.

Course Objectives

• Prepare for the Radiology and Infection Control portions of the Dental Assisting National Board
• Identify of teeth and their functions, as well as the anatomy of the head and neck
• Sterilization and disinfection techniques and infection prevention
• Completing patient charting and take vital signs

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites prior to taking this course.

Curriculum

• OVERVIEW OF THE DENTAL PROFESSION

Introduction to the Practice of Dentistry

• DENTAL HEALTH AND DISEASE

Oral health and preventative techniques; etiology of dental disease

• ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Basic human physiology, embryology and histology; head and neck anatomy

• INFECTION CONTROL

Microbiology, infection control and managing hazardous materials

• BASICS OF DENTAL ASSISTING

Patient care, dental charting and pharmacology; anesthesia and sedation, chair-side assisting and dental instruments and tray setups

• RADIOLOGY

Producing and processing quality radiographs; extraoral and digital radiographs 

• DENTAL MATERIALS

Dental cements, bases, liners, and bonding agents; restorative materials, dental dams, matrix, and wedges

• DENTAL ASSISTING IN THE SPECIALTY PRACTICE

Oral pathology and maxillofacial surgery; endodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics

• DENTAL OFFICE MANAGEMENT

Records management; administrative techniques

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.

Student Loan Option Available with Sallie Mae

(please contact our office at opd@svsu.edu if you decide to apply for the Sallie Mae Loan)

Click the button below to explore student loan options.

Course Registration

Online Veterinary Assistant Training

Veterinary assistants take charge of making sure office visits and procedures go smoothly for animals under veterinary care. Our 100% online course will train you to become a veterinary assistant, so you can turn your love of animals into a rewarding career.

Become a Veterinary Assistant

Do you love animals? Have you ever thought about a career as a veterinary assistant? This intensive course will provide the information you need to become a productive member of a veterinary team. The course is designed for people who want to work as veterinary assistants at veterinary hospitals and for those already employed in related positions. Upon completion of the course, you will also have the opportunity to gain access to an Externship Starter Kit.

Job Outlook for Veterinary Assistant

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a veterinary assistant is currently just over $26,000 per year.

Jobs are expected to increase by 19% through 2026, which is considered much faster than average positions. There should be plenty of job opportunities for veterinary assistants regardless of location.

Veterinary Assistant FAQs

WHAT DOES A VETERINARY ASSISTANT DO?

The number one job of a veterinary assistant is to support the veterinarian as well as veterinarian technicians with basic tasks. Veterinary assistants typically feed, weigh, bathe, and take the temperature of animals. They may also help give medication, clean cages, and help restrain animals during treatment or other medical procedures as needed.

DO VETERINARY ASSISTANTS HANDLE ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES?

Some veterinary assistants perform clerical work such as scheduling appointments and speaking with customers. As a vet assistant, you may handle many of the logistical and operating duties, such as check-in, billing, and after-visit care. Duties will vary depending on the office you work in, but every task is to ensure the health and well-being of animals inside the veterinary practice.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VETERINARY ASSISTANT AND A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN?

Veterinary assistants are typically trained through a certificate program to help with basic duties. Veterinary technicians, on the other hand, have a formal education and work as the nurse of a veterinarian. Veterinary technicians need two-year associate degrees accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

CAN I GO FROM A VETERINARY ASSISTANT TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN?

Yes. If you pursue additional education and licensing, you could become a veterinary technician. Working as a vet assistant is a great first step to understanding the industry, different specialties, and advanced duties required to work as a vet technician.

Course Objectives

• Anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems
• Handling medical records and communicating with clients and coworkers
• Restraining animals for procedures, take vital signs, and bathe them
• Nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication
• Preparing prescriptions, taking blood samples and radiographs

Prerequisites And Requirements

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Curriculum

• GETTING STARTED
• WELCOME TO THE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
• GETTING READY FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT
• PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 1: DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AND THE SKELETAL SYSTEM
• PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 2: THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, ENDOCRINE SYSTEM, AND MUSCLES AND JOINTS
• PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 3: THE CIRCULATORY AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS
• PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 4: THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM, UROGENITAL SYSTEM, LIVER, AND SPLEEN
• FRONT OFFICE DUTIES: RECORDS, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND CLIENT RELATIONS
• MORE FRONT OFFICE TIPS, AND DETERMINING THE AGE AND GENDER OF KITTENS AND PUPPIES
• CANINE RESTRAINT
• FELINE AND EXOTIC RESTRAINT
• THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: PROCEDURES, RESTRAINT, AND VITAL SIGNS
• EVERYDAY PROCEDURES FOR THE VETERINARY ASSISTANT
• WORKPLACE HAZARDS AND INFECTION CONTROL
• THE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE AND STERILIZATION PROCEDURES
• VACCINOLOGY
• NUTRITION BASICS AND PRESCRIPTION FOODS
• PRESCRIPTIONS: PREPARING AND CALCULATING DOSES
• PRESCRIPTIONS: TYPES OF MEDICATIONS AND WHAT THEY DO
• GIVING MEDICATIONS
• THE EUTHANASIA PROCESS
• TAKING BLOOD SAMPLES
• INTERPRETING BLOOD TESTS AND HANDLING BLOOD
• URINE COLLECTION, HANDLING, AND INTERPRETATION
• TESTS: SEROLOGY, SCRAPINGS, SMEARS, FLOTATIONS, AND NECROPSIES
• RADIOGRAPHS AND PERSONAL SAFETY
• RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING
• PAIN RECOGNITION AND EMERGENCY CARE
• DENTISTRY: CHARTING, TOOTH DISEASE, AND DENTAL CARE
• EXTERNAL PARASITES: FLEAS, TICKS, MITES, AND MORE
• PARASITES OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT AND HEART
• POISONINGS IN PETS
• SURGERY 1: PREPARING THE PATIENT
• SURGERY 2: YOUR ROLE DURING AND AFTER
• UNDERSTANDING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
• THE JOB SEARCH AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.

Student Loan Option Available with Sallie Mae

(please contact our office at opd@svsu.edu if you decide to apply for the Sallie Mae Loan)

Click the button below to explore student loan options.

Course Registration