Medical Coding Specialist

  • Credits: 60
  • Degree Type: A.A.S.
  • Campus: , Online

Program Description

The Medical Coding Specialist program prepares students in many of the procedures associated with billing for medical services. Students receive training in medical billing processes including patient account management, diagnosis and procedure coding and medical insurance claim processing.

Thorough understanding of medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology and human disease conditions is necessary for anyone working in this field. Medical coding involves using nationally-recognized coding systems to classify procedures and diagnoses related to medical treatment. These codes provide information that is used in insurance claims processing.

Many different types of insurance programs are handled in the medical office. Students will examine insurance programs/plans such as Medicare, Medicaid & TRICARE, profit and non-profit third-party payers, workers' compensation packages and disability coverage.

Graduates of the program are eligible to complete entry-level national coding certification exams.

Employment

Graduates of the medical secretary, medical administrative secretary and emphasis area programs have employment opportunities in a variety of health care settings including, but not limited to, hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, government agencies, public health, home health agencies, long-term care facilities, and dental offices.


According to CAREERwise, the median hourly pay as a Medical Records and Health Information Technicians in the state of Minnesota is $21.41 per hour. The employment outlook through 2024 is expected to grow approximately 9.8%, a very high-growth career.

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Program Course Listings

View semester order by campus: Online

Required Courses
Course # Course Name Credit(s)
ADMM 1110 Intro to Hlth Info Mgmt 3
ADMM 1135 Medical Language Applic 4
ADMM 1150 Medical Billing/Insurance 3
ADMM 1160 CPT/HCPCS Coding 3
ADMM 1165 ICD Coding 3
ADMM 2240 Medical Coding Ethics 3
ADMM 2260 Interm CPT/HCPCS Coding 3
ADMM 2265 Interm ICD Coding 3
ADMM 2280 Medical Office Simulation 3
ADMM 2285 Certification Review 3
CPTR 1104 Intro to Computer Tech 3
CRLT 2103 Job Seeking/Keeping 1
HLTH 1106 Medical Terminology 2
HLTH 2002 Pharmacology 2
HLTH 2208 Pathophysiology 3
SSCI 1101 Human Relations 3
BIOL 2252 Anatomy & Phys I 3
BIOL 2254 Anatomy & Phys II 3
ENGL 1111 Composition I 3
  G1: Communication Elec ( *See Elective Options Listed Below ) 3
  G5: History/Social Elec ( *See Elective Options Listed Below ) 3
TOTAL CREDITS: 60
 

Program Elective Course Options

For this particular pathway, NCTC recommends a student explore further coursework in the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum areas listed below. Need help? Schedule an appointment with a Northland Academic Advisor for assistance in selecting courses.
Course # Course Name Credits
G1: Communications Electives
SPCH 1101 Intro to Public Speaking 3
SPCH 1103 Interpersonal Communicati 3
G5: History/Social Science Electives
PSYC 1105 Intro to Psychology 3
PSYC 2201 Developmental Psychology 3

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Program Specific Requirements

All required courses must be completed with a grade of C or better to graduate.

The program requires students to have current working knowledge of specific required courses. Courses older than 5 years will not be accepted for transfer into the program:
ADMM 1110, 1135, 1150, 1160, 1165, 2240, 2260, 2265, 2280, 2285
BIOL 2252, 2254, CPTR 1104
HLTH 1106, 2002, 2208

These courses may be waived if an applicant has recent experience working or education in the health related fields.

Computer required. Web cam and online proctoring fees may apply.

Students achieving assessment scores below the established minimums must register and successfully complete (with a grade of "C" or better) the required developmental courses in order to meet graduation requirements.

The college minimum scores for the Accuplacer Assessment test are as follows:
Reading Comprehension: 250
Arithmetic: 230

Program Accreditation

Northland Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Program Accreditation »

Why choose Northland?

Whether you're looking for a stepping stone to a four-year degree, hands-on training to jump start your career, or something in between - you'll find it at Northland.

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Program Faculty

  • Lori Anderson
  • Medical Administrative Assistant Instructor
  • Campus: East Grand Forks
  • Tel: (218) 793-2559
  • Toll Free: 1.800.959.6282