Health Care Billing and Coding, Specialized Diploma
Program Overview
Northampton's Healthcare Billing and Coding diploma program equips students with the skills to enter the healthcare field as medical billing and coding professionals. The program includes courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and coding methodologies. Students can choose between on-ground or online course delivery and full-time or part-time study modes. Graduates are prepared for careers in hospitals, community health centers, and other healthcare settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
Northampton's Healthcare Billing and Coding specialized diploma program swiftly trains individuals to enter the modern healthcare environment. Intended for completion within three part-time semesters, the program equips students with career-specific skills for effective teamwork in specialized office settings.
Objectives:
- Acquire expertise in utilizing state-of-the-art office equipment and computer software.
- Develop marketable interpersonal skills for success in healthcare environments.
- Cultivate professional attitudes, values, and ethics.
- Master critical thinking, priority setting, and decision-making abilities essential in the quality-oriented business environment of today.
Program Description:
The program prepares individuals for the responsibilities and challenges of skilled medical billing and coding professionals. These specialists translate healthcare procedures into standardized codes for insurance companies and handle tasks such as compiling and submitting claims and billing patients. The healthcare pathways curriculum includes courses like Basics of Human Anatomy and Physiology, CPT Coding Methodology, and PCS Coding Methodologies, contributing to the program's excellent record of graduate employment in a range of healthcare settings.
Outline:
Course Structure:
- On-ground and online course delivery options.
- Full-time or part-time study modes.
Course Schedule:
First Semester:
- COLS101 College Success (1 credit)
- BIOS130 Basics of Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 credits)
- HCOA154 Medical Terminology (3 credits)
Second Semester:
- HCOA172 Health Insurance Basics (3 credits)
- HCOA175 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Methodologies (3 credits)
- HCOA176 CPT Coding Methodology (3 credits)
Third Semester:
- HCOA270 Advanced Coding for Medical Services (3 credits)
Careers:
Career Potential:
- Medical Billing Clerk
- Medical Coder
- Medical Records Clerk
- Patient Account Representative
Potential Employers:
- Hospitals
- Community Health Centers
- Ambulatory Surgical Units
- Outpatient Laboratory Centers
- Physician's Offices
- Urgent Care Centers
- Elder Care Facilities
Northampton Community College
Overview:
Northampton Community College (NCC) is a public community college located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. NCC is known for its affordability and commitment to student success.
Services Offered:
NCC provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Personalized guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Academic Support:
Resources like tutoring, writing centers, and learning labs to enhance academic performance.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help students finance their education.Career Development:
Assistance with career exploration, job search, and resume building.Student Life:
Clubs, organizations, and events to foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for personal growth.Library Services:
Access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and technology resources.Health and Wellness:
Counseling services, health clinics, and wellness programs to support student well-being.Technology Help:
Technical support and resources for students to utilize technology effectively.Student Life and Campus Experience:
NCC offers a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and organizations, attend social events, and engage in extracurricular activities. The college also provides opportunities for leadership development and community involvement.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordability:
NCC is one of the most affordable colleges in the region, offering significant savings compared to other institutions.High-Quality Education:
NCC provides a rigorous and relevant curriculum, preparing students for successful careers or further education.Student Support:
The college offers a wide range of services and resources to support student success, both academically and personally.Flexible Learning Options:
NCC offers a variety of class formats, including online, hybrid, and traditional, to accommodate diverse student needs.Transfer Options:
NCC has transfer agreements with numerous four-year colleges and universities, making it easy for students to continue their education.Academic Programs:
NCC offers over 120 programs of study across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.Business and Technology:
Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, and more.Health Sciences:
Nursing, Medical Assisting, Dental Hygiene, and more.Public Safety:
Criminal Justice, Fire Science, and more.Trades and Skilled Crafts:
Automotive Technology, Welding, and more.Other:
NCC has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. The college also has a robust alumni network, providing opportunities for networking and career advancement.
