Medical Coding Certificate

School: Health Careers, Technology and Applied Learning
Academic Dept: Allied Health Careers
HEGIS: 5213.00
Curriculum Chair: Sue Clarke-Kendrick
Telephone: 914-606-6953
Email: sue.tural-clarke@sunywcc.edu

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program in Fall 2017. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Certificates Defined

Certificate programs are designed to provide a mix of theory and practical training leading to immediate employment upon completion. People who pursue certificates might have an advanced degree and typically want to learn new skills and acquire knowledge. Others might enroll in a certificate program to “test the waters,” with an eye toward pursuing an associate’s degree. Credits earned now in a credit-bearing certificate will apply later toward an associate’s degree at Westchester Community College. Click to learn more about the differences among the award types.

Program Description

This certificate program is intended for those who wish to gain employment in medical coding and health information management. Students will develop a thorough knowledge of medical terminology, health records management, insurance procedures, billing software and medical coding. In addition, students develop skills in business communications and office administration that are vital for success in this growing field. Graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) – including the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam and the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. It is strongly recommended students work for a minimum of one year, full-time, in a coding position before taking the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam. Once certified, graduates can pursue occupational opportunities in either the public or private sector including positions in hospitals, other healthcare facilities, medical billing companies, health insurance companies, clinics and physicians’ offices, state and federal agencies, legal firms, software companies, and consulting firms.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will demonstrate an understanding of:

Coding and coding classification systems
Secondary data sources
The health law and legal policies
Health record content and documentation
Revenue cycle, reimbursement and management
Compliance, regulatory bodies and fraud surveillance
Clinical documentation improvement process

Requirements

General Education Requirements - 3 Credits

Basic Communication (3 credits)

ENG 101 - Writing and Research

Certificate Requirements - 35 Credits

Minimum Total Credits - 38

Educational Plan: The Educational Plan is an advisement tool that provides important information to students about how to complete this degree. Click here to Download the Educational Plan .

Gainful Employment Disclosure

For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed this program, and other important information please visit Medical Coding Certificate - GE Disclosure. For an overview of all gainful employment disclosures at Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gainfulemployment.

Career Path Opportunities

Are you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.

Getting Started

Are you a prospective Westchester Community College graduate? We look forward to seeing you soon! Apply today, then see the College’s Admissions and Enrollment Checklist.