Why are the CCI medical training programs shorter than other schools?
Many people attending our classes have families, bills and responsibilities. They cannot put everything on hold and attend school for a year or longer. They are willing to work hard, study and complete a training course in less time. CCI offers job skills training. You learn only skills required on the job. This is typically called an accelerated or fast track program.

Do I need to understand computers to be successful in the program?
Almost everyone is somewhat familiar with personal computers. The Medical Billing & Coding program and the Medical Front Office program include computer hardware and software orientation classes.

What kind of jobs are available for graduates of CCI's medical programs?
Students are prepared for a variety of medical front office occupations. These might include medical records technician, medical secretary, patient intake counselor, bookings administrator, insurance billing specialist, medical records coding specialist, and other such positions.

How many students are usually in a class?
CCI medical classes are small. Usually there are 8-10 students in a class. Some classes may be slightly larger.

Are there tests while in school?
Yes, instructors are always monitoring the progress of students. There may be quizzes during class and there will be a final exam at the end of each class module.

What if I fail?
People come to CCI Training Center to succeed. You will find yourself pushing harder because your future matters. Should you have a difficult time in a particular class, you are welcome to repeat the class.

What happens if I miss a day of school?
CCI offers free tutoring. Instructors will be pleased to review class assignments and topics covered. Special reading assignments may be offered to the student.

I'm afraid I might not be able to keep up.
This is a common fear. You will find that other students will assist you, as well as the instructors and program manager. If you make sufficient effort, you will succeed.

Must I take all of the classes?
Our program has been carefully designed by professional medical educators and reviewed by numerous hospitals, clinics and medical experts. The programs have been submitted to the Proprietary Schools section of the Texas Workforce Commission in Austin and have been reviewed by several Texas Workforce county and regional boards. All material in the program is required for success in the medical job market. You need this knowledge to perform your job in your new career.

I have had training before. Can I advance-place out of classes?
You may request advance placement consideration to place out of some non-core class modules. Obtain an Advance Placement Request form from any CCI Training Counselor.

What is the difference between a medical assistant and what CCI teaches?
There are two sections to a medical office. The "back office" deals with direct patient care services. The back office includes medical doctors, nurses and staff help such as CNA's and medical assistants. The other section is the "Front Office". This section deals with scheduling, patient record coding, billing, patient records administration, dictated transcription, and other office services. CCI Training Center only offers Front Office career training.

Can I work while in school?
Yes, CCI offers both day and evening class schedules. Day class hours are 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, five days a week. Evening class hours are 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Some students work evenings or weekends while in school. Please keep in mind your homework and reading schedule. In an effort to complete an accelerated program, you will be required to read quite a bit.

What happens if I must miss an extended number of days of class?
You may request a leave-of-absence for a limited period of time from the school administration office. You may continue school when you return. You may request or be required to retake one or more missed modules. Retakes are at no charge. (Leaves are subject to government agency regulations).

Do I get just one instructor like other schools?
No, you will be in class with a number of different instructors. CCI Training Center has a full-time medical faculty composed of individuals with Master's degrees, PhD's and Medical Doctor degrees. CCI Training Center is a serious medical campus.

Can I get a PELL grant to come to CCI?
CCI offers accelerated programs of 1-4 months in duration. Typically, programs at Title IV schools offering PELL grants are at least 9 to 12 months in length and cost between $14-$20,000 dollars. The Pell grant is designed for entry-level training with proof required of poverty or low-income. A Pell grant only covers about $3,000 worth of schooling per year. CCI saves you that much more because the programs cost so much less.

Are there scholarships available for training?
Absolutely. See: Scholarships

I have some books. Can I use them?
Yes, providing they are identical to the ones currently used in the program. You may also purchase your books elsewhere and bring them to class. See the school catalog for a list of program books.

What is the difference between the jobs for Medical Billing & Coding and Medical Transcription?
Medical Transcription is somewhat similar to court reporting. People in these jobs must have an excellent command of the English language with superior grammar and spelling. Accurate typing speed of 55 WPM is also required for admission into the program and you should have the ability to type 70-85 words a minute after you are employed. Medical Coding and Billing deals with patient records, medical accounting, coding and billing practices as well as related medical front office skills.

What type of work environment can I expect in the medical industry?
Medical office employees usually work in clean, well lighted environments. They usually work normal business hours and receive pay and benefits packages.

Am I "Certified" when I graduate?
Upon graduation. you will receive a Certificate of Completion from CCI Training Center. Industry certifications are obtained by taking a test offered by recognized association. However, the majority of these associations require you to have some industry experience before you can register to take their exam. All CCI alumni can return to CCI for a period of one year after graduation to receive tuition-free certification exam preparation when available. You will need to enroll with the appropriate certifying association to take your certification exam. CCI will assist all graduates to prepare for their industry certification exam. Certification indicates to a potential employer that you have achieved a level of mastery of the information, and a degree of competence.

Can I work in a hospital when I graduate?
CCI programs generally train individuals for work in out-patient or clinical environments. Hospitals usually require a period of experience and industry certifications when looking at new hires. Graduating students from CCI Training Center usually find that they continue to learn and hone their new skills for at least six months and sometimes more than a year in a clinic, private practice, imaging center or laboratory environment.

Do I have to find my own externship location?
No, CCI Training Center has numerous externship facilities. You will meet with placement counselors at the school to arrange for your externship.

Can I obtain a grant to come to CCI Training Center?
Yes, if you qualify. See: Government Grant Programs

Can I get a job without industry certifications?
Yes. Clinics, private practices and many other employers are eager to speak with you. Other institutions such as hospitals with more in-depth experience requirements may request a certification prior to employment.

Is externship on-the-job training? Do I get paid for it?
The externship is at the end of the Medical Coding and Billing program. It is required to graduate and is out of classroom (external) training. During this training, you will observe office activities and participate in various tasks. Progress will be monitored by both the externship facility and your instructor. Externship is a total of 100 class hours. You are not paid for externship. It is a form of training common to the medical industry.

I live in a rural area. Can I find a medical job?
Yes, quite possibly. In rural areas, there is usually a shortage of trained, professional medical help. Clinics, private practices and regional facilities are usually eager to speak with experienced applicants.

How well does the medical industry accept CCI graduates?
The job placement office at CCI has numerous reports and references from employers concerning the quality of CCI graduates. CCI has earned a reputation of accepting, training and graduating quality individuals.

I have been out of school for a long time, I don't know if I can get back into gear.
CCI specializes in "adult training techniques". Most of the individuals entering CCI for career training have been out of school for years. We assist the student and progress from easy to more complex subjects and concepts in the program.

I have never done anything remotely like medical. Can I really expect to be successful?
If you apply yourself and are dedicated to the success of your new career, the answer is yes. Career training is designed for individuals who are "career changing". Most people do not have industry experience prior to beginning the program.

Can I audit a class before I decide upon the school?
Absolutely. We always welcome you to join a class for an hour or a day to listen to and meet the instructors and to talk with current students. Find out for yourself why they chose CCI as their career training school. Get first hand information from the people who are actually doing it. Just contact a CCI Training Coordinator and they will arrange for a seat in the classroom. Usually, you can see more than one class during a visit.

I would like to work at home. Will I be able to after this class?
Many occupations may be performed from home. An individual requires ample experience in whatever services they are providing the client and a fair degree of business experience in marketing and accounting to run a personal business. Generally, it is recommended that you gain experience in an industry prior to self-employment.

How much do people get paid right out of school?
This varies with the skills and experience you bring to the interview. It may also vary with the location and size of the firm to which you apply. Several medical industry web sites offer the results of surveys concerning employment compensation.

Do I have to wear any uniforms while in school?
No. Students dress comfortably casual.

For any other questions please call the school and ask for a Training Coordinator.