Health Information Technology - Medical Coding

Degree: Technical Certificate

Emphasis: Medical Coding

The Medical Coding Technical Certificate program prepares individuals to understand coding principles and guidelines, medical terminology, and regulatory changes for coding at entry-level competencies for coders in various healthcare settings.

Numerous career opportunities exist in hospitals, physician’s offices, clinics, nursing homes, home health agencies and other healthcare settings. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association.

Gainful Employment Disclosure: ws.edu/financial-aid/consumer/gedt/GedtMDCD/Gedt.html

This program is designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.

Admission, Retention and Graduation Requirements

1. All students admitted into the Medical Coding Technical Certificate program will meet the same criteria as established for any technical certificate program offered by Walters State Community College. Primary among these criteria is graduation from high school or a passing score on the GED assessment.
2. Indicate Medical Coding as the desired major on the WSCC application form.
3. Each student enrolled in the Medical Coding Certificate program will be monitored, advised and counseled. Student’s grades will be evaluated at the end of each semester by the director of the coding program. A student must maintain the following standards or be dismissed from the program: (a) a grade of “C” or better in each course; (b) complete designated prerequisite/corequisite courses.
4. Program graduation requirements include the successful completion of the courses listed below with a minimum grade of “C” in each course.
5. In addition, admission into an allied health program requires the following: (a) a completed physical health form; (b) evidence of malpractice liability insurance; and (c) a signed and dated Acknowledgement of the Drug/Alcohol Abuse Policy and Consent forms. These requirements are at the student’s expense. Deadlines are announced in class. (Contents of item 5 are not required for online clinical practicums.)