By completing the noncredit Medical Billing Specialist Program at Montgomery County Community College, Keith Beaver successfully transitioned to a new career. He is now continuing his education to earn his associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Photo courtesy of Keith Beaver.
After COVID-19 disrupted the restaurant industry, Keith Beaver of Birdsboro decided it was time for a change.
With more than 20 years of experience in various restaurant positions, Beaver enjoyed
the work but started thinking about his future and other careers. He took his first
major step by earning his GED. Then an online search steered him to Montgomery County
Community College (MCCC) and its noncredit, 186-hour Medical Billing Specialist program. After contacting MCCC to learn more, he enrolled in the program, beginning
his studies in fall 2022.
Determined to succeed, Beaver balanced working full-time at a restaurant while attending classes online on Tuesday and Thursday nights, plus full-day sessions on Saturdays. Despite the demanding schedule, he thrived in MCCC’s supportive learning environment.
“The instructors were impressive, and they made it fun and interesting,” he said. “I continue to stay I contact with some of them.”
Bernadette DeBias, MCCC’s Director of Workforce, who manages the program for MCCC, attributes the success of the program to the instructional team. The instructors are subject matter experts and managers of revenue cycle management departments at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Jefferson Health, and Doylestown Health, among others. The program model includes obtaining an industry-validated credential, and the employer partners hire directly out of the program.
“This program isn’t easy. It takes hard work, dedication, and grit, but it leads to a viable career pathway in revenue cycle management within healthcare,” said DeBias. “Students earn an industry-validated credential, but they don’t stop there. The program is worth college credit toward a Health Administration associate degree at MCCC. Individuals with all of the subsequent credentials, and degrees are making six-figure salaries at major healthcare systems. You have to start somewhere, and this is the gateway credential where new careers are made.”
His journey began with foundational skills like computer literacy, spreadsheets, and typing, where he significantly improved his typing speed from 25 words per minute to nearly 60 by the end of the course. As classes continued, Beaver gained a deep understanding of the medical billing process, insurance appeals, and account management—all skills that became essential in his new career.
Beaver credits the program’s hands-on instruction and creative teaching methods for his success, including passing the national certification exam for Certified Billing and Coding Specialist through the National Healthcareer Association.
“The instructors did an excellent job preparing us for the difficult certification exam. I did very well on the exam,” Beaver said.
Even before he completed the program, Beaver was already in contact with some of MCCC’s industry partners through DeBias.
Beaver accepted a position at R1 RCM, a third-party revenue cycle management company, where he handles appeals and account follow-ups using the skills he learned at MCCC.
“Two years in, I still keep my textbook in my desk for reference,” Beaver said. “It’s amazing how much you continue to learn about the insurance world on the job.”
Completing the program and starting a new career boosted Beaver’s confidence and inspired him to continue his education while working full-time. He’s on track to complete an associate degree in the Medical Coding and Billing Specialist Program by May 2025 at Reading Area Community College. Additionally, he has been accepted as a junior at Albright College, where he will study Business Administration, with aspirations of earning his master’s degree.
Looking back on his journey, Beaver has no regrets about leaving his former job behind.
“If you’re thinking about a career change, I’d say do it,” Beaver said. “MCCC was an awesome jumping off point for starting an exciting new career.”
Montgomery County Community College’s Medical Billing Specialist hybrid program provides a foundation in medical billing, coding and medical administrative support functions. Students learn customer service skills as well as the support functions needed by medical offices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 10-year job outlook for medical records specialists is expected to grow by 9%, which is faster than average, and the 2023 annual median pay was approximately $48,780.
MCCC’s Workforce Development Division provides sector-specific, employer-validated, customized training programs for non-profits, businesses and industry in Montgomery County and the region.
For more information about the Medical Billing Specialist Program or other workforce programs, contact Director of Workforce Development Bernadette DeBias at bdebias@mc3.edu.