Embarking on a career in medical billing and coding can be a rewarding path, and American Career College (ACC) offers programs to help you enter this growing field. Understanding the costs associated with these programs is a crucial step in your decision-making process. This article breaks down the various fees you can expect when enrolling in medical billing and coding programs at American Career College.
Application Fees for Medical Billing and Coding Programs
When you apply to an ACC diploma program, excluding Vocational Nursing, there is a $20 nonrefundable application fee. For Vocational Nursing and all Associate degree programs, including those in medical billing and coding, the application fee is $60 and is also nonrefundable. It’s important to note that this fee is required each time you apply under certain circumstances, such as re-enrolling after withdrawing for more than 180 days, changing programs, or transferring to a different ACC campus.
Program Fees: What They Cover
Beyond tuition, American Career College program fees are designed to cover a range of essential resources and materials specific to your medical billing and coding education. These fees can vary by program and typically include items such as specialized uniforms, necessary classroom supplies, and administrative and technology resources. Furthermore, these fees support campus safety initiatives, covering training activities and the maintenance of security systems like cameras and emergency broadcasts. For programs with clinical or degree components, the fees also encompass expenses related to health screenings, background checks, exam preparation, professional examinations, and potential licensure or certification costs.
Book and Supplies Costs and Options
To ensure you have all the necessary learning materials, American Career College includes the cost of books, a laptop computer, digital or electronic course materials, and other supplies in the overall program cost. ACC aims to provide these materials at competitive market rates. However, students do have the option to opt out of this bundled service and purchase these items from other sources by the 7th day of class. It’s crucial to understand that opting out means you are responsible for obtaining all required course materials independently, and ACC is not obligated to provide alternative delivery methods. In cases where course materials are exclusively available through the institution, opting out may not be possible.
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)
Effective April 1, 2024, American Career College collects a Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) fee. This fee is calculated at a rate of zero dollars ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges for students whose first payment is scheduled on or after April 1, 2024. The STRF is a state-mandated fund designed to protect students in the event of school closure.
Additional Costs to Consider
When budgeting for your medical billing and coding education at American Career College, remember that the estimated total program charges do not include transportation costs to and from externship or clinical sites. These transportation expenses are the student’s responsibility and should be factored into your overall cost assessment.
Understanding all aspects of the “American Career College Medical Billing And Coding Cost” is vital for prospective students. By considering application fees, program fees, book and supply options, the STRF, and additional costs like transportation, you can gain a clear picture of the financial investment required for your education at American Career College.
