Upon successful completion of this certificate students should have the skills required to pass the CCA examination.  Students should be able to obtain an entry-level position as a medical billing and coding specialist working under the supervision of an experienced coder. Program graduates will be required to gain a minimum of one year work experience after graduation to be successful on the CCS or CPC advanced coding exams.

 Prerequisites

Students will need to demonstrate proficiencies in reading, English, and mathematics based on the COMPASS assessment test, ACT or SAT scores, or by taking the recommended/required classes.  Some of the courses in this curriculum have specific prerequisites.  Prerequisites can be found on the reverse side (Guide to Completing Program Requirements) or in the college catalog.

 Program Staff Recommendation

ENGL 101 English Composition I, CSIS 101 Microcomputer Applications, ALHE 122 Introduction to Pharmacology, ALHT 110 Introduction to Health Information, ALHT 230 Introduction to CPT Coding, ALHT 225 Introduction to ICD-9-CM Coding, ALHT 145 Medical Coding National Exam Review or Permission of instructor. Students planning to work as a professional coder should also consider completing the Health Information Technology Associate Degree Program advanced coding courses.

 General Education (GE) Courses

Certificate students are not required to take specific elective courses for this program.  Students completing this program will earn several credit hours that can be applied to the associate degree, if they choose to pursue that option at a later date.  Students should work closely with their advisors to determine the most efficient method of obtaining career goals.

 Program Core Courses

ALHE 105 Medical Terminology, ALHT 225 Introduction to ICD-9-CM Coding, ALMA 110 Medical Assisting I, ALHT 230 Introduction to CPT Coding, ALMA 125 Human Body in Health & Disease, ALHT 145 Medical Coding National Exam Review.                                          

 Program Outcomes

1.     Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology and human disease.

2.     Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Medical Terminology.

3.     Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of physician office health data content, requirements and standards.

4.     Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of physician office clinical classification reimbursement methodologies.

5.     Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of physician office information technology and health care delivery.

 Course Sequence

This is the suggested sequence of courses for full-time students. Consult your advisor for information specific to your academic situation. If you are a part-time student or have transferred courses from another school, you should generally complete the courses listed under Semester I before moving on to Semester II.  Please be sure to consult the course descriptions. 

 Staff Recommended Pre/Co-Requisites

1) ENGL 101 English Composition I                                          3

2) CSIS  100 Microcomputer Business Applications                     3

3) ALHE 122 Introduction to Pharmacology or ALHE 104              3
4) ALHT 110 Introduction to Health Information Technology           3
5) Or permission of the Instructor

Medical Coding Specialist Certificate

recommended Sequence of Courses

Semester I

ALHE 105 Medical Terminology                                              3

ALMA 125 Human Body in Health & Disease                            3

ALHT 225 Introduction to ICD-9-CM Coding                              3

Semester II

ALMA 110 Medical Assisting I (Front Office)                             3

ALHT 230 Introduction to CPT Coding                                     3
 

Semester III

ALHT 145 Medical Coding National Exam Review                   1

Total Program Credits                                                      16

 OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL STUDY

Students completing the Medical Coding Certificate are encouraged to consider continuing their education to complete  the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology.