Health Information Coding Specialist
Certificate of Applied Science Degree
(Curriculum changes to program approved by BOR May, 2008)
Advisor: Lynn Ward
This program is offered completely on-line.
Health information coding is the transformation of verbal descriptions of diseases, injuries and procedures into alphanumeric designations used for data retrieval , analysis, and claims processing.
Upon completion of the Certificate in Health Information Coding Specialist, students will be prepared to begin a successful career as a health information coding specialist. Students are prepared to sit for the National Certified Coding Associate exam administered through AHIMA (www.ahima.org).
Outcomes - Graduates are prepared to:
-
Analyze health records and assign appropriate codes according to national and international guidelines;
-
Research and rely on knowledge in correct medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and disease processes to determine the correct codes and sequences;
-
Use computer applications and software specific to the coding environment;
-
Maintain confidentiality of health information and adhere to regulations pertaining to privacy laws and guidelines; and
- Professionally interact in the healthcare environment with healthcare providers, patient/clients, and the public.
The Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate program is approved through AHIMA and the Assembly on Education.
Students must complete all prerequisite coursework and meet for advisement with the HICS program director (via phone) before acceptance into the program.
A grade of “C-” or above must be achieved in all courses to advance in the program and graduate.
Estimated Resident Program Cost:
| Tuition and Fees | $4499 |
| Application Fee | $30 |
| Lab Fees | $70 |
| Books/Supplies | $1850 |
| TOTAL: | $6449 |
NOTE: Curriculum is based on a full time schedule.
Fall Semester
| Course | No. | Title | Credits |
| AH | 101 | Healthcare Delivery in the US | 2+ |
| AH | 185 | Basic Medical Terminology | 3+ |
| AH | 194 | Basic Pharmaceutical | 1+ |
| BIO | 127 | Anatomy & Physiology I for non-clinical majors | 4+ |
| CIT | 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3+ |
| MATH | 103** | Introductory Algebra or higher | 4+ |
SUBTOTAL |
17 |
Spring Semester
| Course | No. | Title | Credits |
| COMM | 135 | Interpersonal Comm OR | |
| PSY | 101 | General Psychology OR | |
| SOC | 111 | Introduction to Sociology | 3+ |
| AH | 201* | Medical Science | 3+ |
| ENGL | 124** | Business and Professional Comm | 3+ |
| HI | 132* | Health Data Content & Structure | 3+ |
| HI | 236* | ICD Coding | 3+ |
| HI | 237* | CPT Coding | 3+ |
SUBTOTAL |
18 |
Summer Semester
| Course | No. | Title | Credits |
| OO | 111* | Fund of Health Insurance | 4+ |
| HI | 256* | Intermediate ICD Coding | 3+ |
| HI | 257* | Intermediate CPT Coding | 3+ |
| HI | 270* | Professional Practice Experience | 2+ |
SUBTOTAL |
12 |
Recommended Course
| Course | No. | Title | Credits |
| HI | 116 | CCA Preparation | 1 |
Total Program Credits: 47~
~ Many students need preliminary math and English courses before enrolling in the program requirements. These courses may increase the total number of program credits. Students should review their math and English placement before planning out their full program schedules.
+ A grade of "C-" or above required for graduation
* Indicates prerequisites needed
** Placement in course(s) is determined by placement assessment
