Description

The Medical Coding One-Year Certificate of Completion provides students with the knowledge and technical skills needed to assign diagnostic and procedure codes used in healthcare reimbursement and data reporting. Students learn the sequencing of codes and the impact of accurate coding on reimbursement, compliance, and healthcare documentation.

The program provides comprehensive instruction in International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) used in a variety of healthcare settings. Coursework prepares students to pursue national coding certification, such as the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and to work as entry-level medical coding professionals.

Students also complete coursework in privacy, security, and release of information practices through HIM 110 HIPAA and Release of Information for Healthcare Professionals, which prepares them to sit for the Release of Information (ROI) certification examination through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the certificate, students will be able to:

1. Apply International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) coding systems to assign accurate diagnostic and procedural codes in compliance with official guidelines.
2. Interpret health record documentation and abstract relevant data to ensure accurate code assignment, data quality, and clinical documentation integrity.
3. Apply reimbursement methodologies and revenue cycle principles (Diagnosis-Related Groups, Ambulatory Payment Classifications, case mix, auditing, and denials) to support compliant billing and optimal reimbursement.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of healthcare law, compliance, privacy, and confidentiality regulations by applying ethical and legal standards to coding and data practices.
5. Utilize health information technology, coding software, and electronic health record systems to support efficient and accurate coding and reporting processes.

Entrance Requirements

Additional Costs (Beyond Standard Tuition/Fees and Textbooks)

Material Costs

• Because this is a fully online program, students are required to have regular access to a computer with a web camera and reliable high-speed internet.

Enrollment Fees

• Total program cost varies depending on preparatory coursework completed prior to admission. Additional expenses are estimated at approximately $1,000 and may include an EHRGo subscription, AHIMA VLab subscription, AHIMA student membership, attendance at the Oregon Health Information Management Association (OrHIMA) Annual Conference, and other related professional expenses.

Course Requirements

Advising Notes

The Medical Coding CC1 follows a cohort model, starting each fall. Before joining the cohort, students must complete AH 111 Medical Terminology and BI 231Z Human Anatomy and Physiology I (preferred) or BI 105 Human Biology for Health Science Careers. While BA 214 Business Communications and/or WR 121Z Composition I are recommended, they may be taken during the Fall term if available. Once enrolled in the cohort, students may complete the remaining courses in the A&P series and COMM 218Z Interpersonal Communication concurrently. The program’s courses are structured in a set sequence throughout the academic year.

Core HIM courses must be completed with a minimum score of 75 percent to progress in the program.

Program Performance Standards

Academic Requirements: 

• Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree.
• All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
• All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.

Sample Plan

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Students may take BI 231Z/ BI 232Z/ BI 233Z sequence in lieu of BI 105 Human Biology for Health Science Careers.