Medical Coding Certificate
The medical coding certificate curriculum is designed to prepare students to function as medical coders, abstractors, and billers in health record services located in hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory care facilities, insurance companies, and governmental agencies. The coder/abstractor/biller is trained in the following functions normally performed by a health record service: analyzing and technically evaluating health records and reports; compiling, interpreting, and utilizing hospital and health care statistics; coding symptoms, diseases, and operations according to recognized classification systems; and abstracting and retrieving medical information. Students will be introduced to specialty coding and electronic billing requirements in an outpatient setting. All students must complete HINM-designated courses within the three years prior to graduation. HINM-designated courses not meeting this time requirement must be retaken, or the student must test out in current course content.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and communication skills.
- Show competency in compiling health records and coding medical data using different formats and coding systems.
- Demonstrate entry-level knowledge, clinical skills, and professional abilities appropriate for an HIM professional.
- Demonstrate correct spelling, punctuation, and proficiency in communicating through the oral and written use of basic medical terminology.
Program Advising
Academic advising helps students reach their educational and career goals. Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans. The program advising guide outlines the certificate requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Related careers include health data analyst, insurance claims specialist, records technician specialist, clinical coding specialist, physician practice manager, patient information coordinator, cancer registrar, HIM department supervisor, data quality manager, and HIM systems analyst.
- AHIMA Student and Career Centernew window
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
HEALTH SCIENCES ADMISSIONS
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