By Jeff Murphy,
                                                									September 23, 2021
                                             
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                New Medical Coding and Billing graduates celebrate graduation from  the University
                                                      of Central Missouri's Professional Certificate Program.
                                                
                                                Graduates of the University of Central Missouri’s Medical Coding and Billing Professional Certificate Program were recognized at a July 29 ceremony at UCM’s Lee’s Summit campus. Through this valuable
                                                   program, students earn an industry-recognized certification and are prepared for a
                                                   rewarding career in the healthcare field. In addition, they receive three credit hours
                                                   in medical terminology that can be applied to multiple degree pathways. 
Thanks to a partnership with KC Scholars, Truman Heartland Community Foundation and
                                                   Community Services League, qualifying students are eligible for scholarships for this
                                                   course as well as other UCM workforce development programs. Information about scholarship
                                                   opportunities are available at this webpage.
Students successfully completing the Medical Coding and Billing Professional Certificate
                                                   program are prepared to take the Certified Professional Coder (CPC-A) certification
                                                   exam from AAPC, which is recognized by employers across the nation. 
“In 2021, KC Scholars added support for stackable credits (accompanied by at least
                                                   three college credits) to its menu of program components,” said Beth Tankersley-Bankhead,
                                                   president and CEO of KC Scholars. "We are pleased to partner with UCM and CSL on the
                                                   Medical Coding and Billing opportunity. We believe that working together to help deserving
                                                   KC residents quickly enter the workforce is simply the right thing to do.” 
Medical billing and coding professionals are in high demand with the US Department
                                                   of Labor projecting over 27,800 new jobs by 2029. This UCM certificate program takes
                                                   approximately three months to complete and is offered in a hybrid format with in-person
                                                   courses in Kansas City as well as online lessons.
At the graduation ceremony, students were encouraged to continue their education and
                                                   advance in their careers through UCM’s variety of certificate and degree programs.
In-person classes are currently forming for several high-demand certificate programs.
                                                   The University of Central Missouri operates campus locations in Warrensburg, online
                                                   and Lee’s Summit. UCM’s Workforce and Professional Education programs are housed at
                                                   the university’s Lee’s Summit location in the Missouri Innovation Campus.