Program overview
Earn a Coding Specialist Certificate in one year.
Courses in the program include ICD-10-CM diagnostic coding, ICD-10-PCS procedural coding, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding, and coding practicum which are offered virtual/hybrid or on-ground. The medical billing course is offered online.
The well-rounded curriculum will prepare the graduate for the workforce toward a successful new career path in diverse health care settings to include but not limited to hospitals, physician offices, behavioral health facilities, skilled-nursing facilities, home health organizations, hospice care, health plan payers and research organizations.
The Health Information Management (HIM) Program offers on-ground, virtual and online depending on the class. The HIM program evening classes are from 5 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. The HIM coding classes are from 5 p.m.- 9:45 p.m. and offered virtual/hybrid or on-ground.
All HIM and coding courses are held at MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute.
Student Success: Lauren Gordon
Lauren Gordon graduated from MCC in May with a coding specialist certificate and credits her thorough education to securing a great job before graduation.
Gordon had worked as a waitress and aspired to have a career in the medical field. She enrolled at MCC-Penn Valley in January 2018, attended classes in the evening and took a few online classes throughout the program.
"I chose MCC because it's affordable, has locations throughout the city that were convenient for me and the online classes accommodated my busy schedule" Gordon said.
Program admission
There is an application process for acceptance to the program beyond the standard MCC admissions application. There are prerequisites required for the program that must be completed for consideration for acceptance.
This is a two semester program offering early evening, virtual and online classes that begin in January. The program accepts approximately 25 students per class.
Steps to apply to the coding specialist program
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Follow the steps to apply to MCC, submit transcripts and discover ways to pay for college.
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Complete all required prerequisite courses to include:
- HIM 100 Medical Terminology,
- HLSC 108 Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions or BIOL 109 Human Anatomy and Physiology or
- BIOL 110 Human Anatomy and BIOL 210 Human Physiology and HLSC100 Introduction to Health Professions only if you are not transferring in 12 or more college credits.
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Download the program application packet and follow the directions carefully. Be sure to note all of the program requirements.
Program acceptance
For consideration for the spring start date the student will be contacted in December advising the student if they were accepted into the program. If the student is still in the process of obtaining their prerequisite courses, DO apply by the application deadlines.
The acceptance letter will be sent once the final grades for the prerequisite courses are posted. Students accepted into the program will work directly with the program coordinator to determine next steps. Students not accepted into the program should contact the Student Advising Department or the Health Science Institute to determine next steps.
Careers
Bright outlook (9% 2022-32) for Medical Coding Specialists. (O*Net Online)
According to American Academy of Professional Coders, certified Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars earn the following 2023 annual median wage in the United States: $58,055; Missouri: $54,604; and Kansas: $55,427.
More program information
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There are prerequisites required for the program that must be completed for consideration for acceptance.
The Coding Specialist Certificate Program is a one-year certificate program where upon graduation the student is eligible to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam offered by AAPC.
Some courses taught in the Coding Specialist Certificate Program can be applied toward the Health Information Management Program should the student desire to continue their education endeavors toward a college degree.
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Coding professionals are employed in diverse healthcare settings such as physician practices, clinics, outpatient facilities, and hospitals. Having a coding credential indicates knowledge in medical coding, billing, auditing, compliance, and practice management.
Many coding positions are remote but understand that initially you may start out at a facility so your productivity and proficiency can be monitored before you are able to work remotely.
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Graduation Year Retention Rates Graduation Rates Exam Passing Rates Employed in Health care Related Field Benchmark
82%Benchmark
80%Benchmark
80%Benchmark
80%2020 100% 100% 25% those reported 33% those reported** 2021 100% 100% 50% those reported 8% those reported*
2022 100% 100% 42.8% those reported 7% those reported
*Unless student indicates they are employed, this is unknown
**12.5% transferred into the HIM Program -
Tuition Coding Specialist Certificate
27.5-28.5 credit hoursIn-district:
$121/credit hour$3,327.50 - 3,448.50 Out-of-district
$237/credit hour$6,517.50 - 6,754.50 Out-of-state
$320/credit hour$8,800.00 - 9,120.00 Program Fees total cost - used/new *Textbooks $500.00 - 800.00 FCSR N/A Immunizations N/A Certified Profile N/A *Approximate cost
Total approximate cost of the Coding Specialist Certificate Program (in-district):
Coding Certificate - $4,127.50Approximate cost per semester (in-district):
Coding - $2,063.75