Program Overview

Program Overview

The Medical Coding Specialist certificate program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is designed to prepare individuals for a career as a medical coding specialist. The program is offered through 100% online live learning and can be completed in just four months.

Program Details

• Delivery: Online
• Duration: 4 Months
• Start: March & July
• Topics include:
  • Introduction to Medical Coding / Health Care Information Documentation
  • Diagnosis Coding
  • Procedure Coding
  • Coding Guidelines and Processes for Out-Patient / In-Patient Services

Course Details

This certificate program is offered live online with a Monday/Wednesday schedule from 6-8 p.m. It is an exam and attendance-based certificate program, and participants must earn a grade of 70% or above on all exams and meet minimum attendance requirements to earn the certificate.

Program Outcomes

On completion of the program, students will:

• Have the ability to analyze health records and assign codes for diseases, diagnosis, and procedures
• Have the ability to abstract key information from health records for reimbursement, statistics, and research purposes
• Have an understanding of the ethical and professional standards expected of Medical Coding professionals
• Have an understanding of the importance of maintaining a high level of accuracy and accountability when performing medical coding documentation
• Understanding of processes and procedures of medical record administration and documentation
• Have the necessary education that will qualify students to sit for numerous national certification exams

Admissions

Prerequisites for the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate include:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) is required
• Computer Applications: Participants should be able to operate basic computer applications along with access to high-speed internet.
• Meet or exceed technical specifications Although not required, it is highly recommended that participants have experience/background (educational or professional) with medical terminology.

Career Opportunities

UNC Charlotte Medical Coding Specialist Certificate earners have obtained job titles such as:

• Medical billing and coding specialist
• Office manager
• Administrative specialist
• Medical secretary
• Clinical research coordinator
• Project manager Our certificate earners work for companies and organizations such as:
  • MetLife
  • Atrium Health
  • Novant Health
  • Emory Healthcare
  • Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates (CEENTA)

Program Cost

The Medical Coding Specialist Certificate costs $2,400, or participants can take advantage of the installment payment option. With just a $500 deposit, the remainder of the cost is broken up into five payments to offer maximum flexibility and convenience.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Anne Spychala Family Charitable Foundation Scholarship for Women in Continuing Education empowers individuals to accomplish their goals. The submission deadline is February 27, 2026. Applicants must be enrolled in the full certificate program at the time of application.

Medical Coding Specialist Role

Properly trained medical coding specialists perform the coding tasks that support the processing of medical billings, implement proper reporting of transactions, and support secure health information management. Medical coders assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure by using classification systems software.

Certification

The healthcare environment operates on the basis of professionalism, precision, and dedication to patient welfare. Medical coding certification may be required for many jobs. Earning a certification such as the Certified Professional Coder designation establishes a medical coder as a responsible professional who has undergone a study and assessment program to validate their credentials.

Why Choose This Program

The program is designed to provide the necessary training to produce highly valued medical coding professionals. For those currently in the medical coding field, the program will provide the knowledge to become a more effective and productive coding specialist.

Target Audience

This program is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing medical coding employment, changing job skills to move into a medical office records environment, or pursuing the skills necessary to become a Certified Medical Coder.