Total Number of Credits Required for Certificate: 42*
*A new college orientation requirement, completion of the one-credit ACDV 101 course, Transitioning to College, went into effect spring 2010. If you are a credit student who is new to college (meaning you have not successfully completed college coursework at another institution(s)), you are required to take ACDV 101 during your first semester at CCBC, thereby increasing the number of credits required for the certificate to 43 credits. Students are required to provide an official transcript(s) to document successful completion of college coursework at another institution(s) in order for this requirement to be waived.
Program Description:
The Medical Coding certificate is designed to prepare future coding professionals for positions as medical coders in the health care industry. Medical Coding professionals combine health information knowledge with computer technology and management skills. They utilize clinical decisions to evaluate reimbursement of insurance claims, and provide information for indexing statistics and research. Medical Coding is used to help prevent legal difficulties and ensure that providers received full reimbursement in a timely manner.
Students who successfully complete the Medical Coding Certification Program will find employment in various health care settings such as hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, ambulatory care facilities, nursing facilities, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), insurance companies, and health data organizations.
The Medical Coding certificate program is approved by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) http://ahima.org/schools/AACPschools.aspx. Students who successfully complete the program are awarded a certificate and are eligible to sit for the AHIMA CCA (Certified Coding Associate), CCS (Certified Coding Specialist), or CCS-P (Certified Coding – Physician Based) exam.
Students must complete the program sequence and graduate within three years. Students who do not complete the program within three years will be required to repeat courses where the most current skills and knowledge are critical.