Medical Billing and Coding

The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most up to date information. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate the ability to code and bill accurately according to professional and regulatory guidelines to optimize reimbursement.
• Perform administrative skills utilized by medical billing and coding professionals in medical facilities.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors appropriate to a member of the health care team.

A healthcare professional working in billing and coding must be able to multi-task, use critical thinking skills, communicate effectively, and be a self-regulator of their time and tasks. They must possess personal integrity and be detail oriented and organized in order to do their job well and effectively contribute to quality patient care. The nature of the career evolves sitting at a computer for long periods of time.

Healthcare in America has undergone tremendous change in recent years, especially with regard to reimbursement for medical services. Currently, reimbursement for health care services is dependent on the assignment of codes to describe diagnoses, services, and procedures.  Medical coding specialists learn the translation of written documentation of disease, injuries, and/or procedures into alphanumeric classifications.  In addition to the application of codes, professional reimbursement specialists must learn the medical billing process, which includes the application of the above codes to conform to individual insurance requirements and electronic application of billing procedures.

For up-to-date information consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook .

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for medical record and health information specialists is $22.69 an hour. The job outlook is on the rise with a 9% increase projected from 2020-30.

Our program is offered in fall, winter and spring.

• Step 1: Apply for admission to Yakima Valley College and pay your $30 application fee.
• Step 2: Submit Medical Billing and Coding Program Advising packet to be informed of program expectations and connect with an academic advisor.

Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)

Complete FAFSA online

Placement Exam

Take a Placement Exam if needed. You may also receive Placement through transfer courses or other means.

Complete YVC New Student Orientation

New students must complete the New Student Orientation on campus before registering for classes.

YVC offers a unique approach to obtaining a variety of health professional certificates or degrees.

• Our shorter-term certificate offerings range from 5 to 69 credits in length.
• Our Associate of Applied Science Degree, we offer several options which range from 90 to 106 credits in length.

Our Allied Health Technology programs provide career and enrichment coursework and clinical experiences in order to build the knowledge, skills, and competencies for providing care for people of all ages in a variety of medical professions. Each program has different admission criteria, coursework, and degree options, ranging from introductory classes and certificates to associate of applied science degrees focused on a specific area of study. The majority of courses are offered in an online format. Clinical laboratory practice and clinical externship are required in some program courses.