Medical Coding Specialist, Certificate of Achievement

Program Overview

This AHIMA-approved certificate program equips students with the skills to become Certified Coding Associates (CCA). Through courses in medical terminology, coding, and healthcare law, students gain the knowledge and practical experience necessary to work as medical coders in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physician's offices. The program prepares students for the national certification exam and emphasizes accurate coding for reimbursement, patient outcome analysis, and research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This certificate program provides students with the necessary skills to work as medical coders in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, physician's offices, or long-term care facilities. Medical coders assign valid codes to medical diagnoses and procedures, which helps in reimbursement, analysis of patient outcomes, and research. The program prepares students for the national certification exam to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA). To graduate with this certificate, students must maintain a grade of C or better in all courses. The program is approved by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Outline:

Course List:

• COMP 101: Introduction to Computer Applications (4 units)
• or CIS 101: Introduction to Computers and Information Systems (4 units)
• HIT 135: Basic Medical Terminology (3 units)
• BMS 146: Human Form and Function (3 units)
• HIT 101: Introduction to Health Information Management (3 units)
• HIT 102: Legal Aspects of Health Care (3 units)
• HIT 204: Basic Pathophysiology (3 units)
• HIT 201: Pharmacology for Allied Health (2 units)
• HIT 202: International Classification of Diseases, Diagnostic Coding (2 units)
• HIT 203: International Classification of Diseases, Procedural Coding (3 units)
• HIT 210: CPT Procedural Coding (3 units)
• HIT 255: Medical Insurance and Reimbursement Methodologies (4 units)
• HIT 205: Advanced Coding Applications (4 units)
• HIT 280: Medical Coding Practicum (2 units)

Total Units:

38 units

Note:

1. HIT 150 plus HIT 250 can also satisfy the COMP 101 or CIS 101 requirement. Except for HIT 205, all HIT classes must be completed before enrolling in HIT 280 Medical Coding Practicum. A background check, health check, drug screen, and other requirements may be required by the host facility for the practicum.

Careers:

This program prepares students for a career as a medical coder in various healthcare settings, including:

• Acute care hospitals
• Clinics
• Physician's offices
• Long-term care facilities
• Other healthcare settings
Medical coders ensure accurate coding of medical diagnoses and procedures, which facilitates reimbursement, analysis of patient outcomes, and research.