Combing convenient online instruction, laboratory simulations, and supervised practice, this certificate prepares students for a career as a billing and coding specialist. Instruction includes core courses essential to health care professionals as well as specialty courses in medical billing and coding. Simulation of a front office reception and business area in the allied health laboratory allows for realistic practice. Supervised practice in local physician's offices, hospitals, and clinics provides actual experiences to prepare students for entry-level positions as billing and coding specialist. The 100-credit associate of applied science degree in medical billing and coding will add coding content particular to the hospital and clinical settings as well as education to prepare a student for the clinical and supervisory roles. A program application is required after students have completed core classes. Application dates are August 1 and December 1. Twenty students accepted annually by the use of a competitive point system.