Medical Coding and Billing Certificate of Achievement

Program Description

This course of study prepares students for entry-level employment in the medical coding and billing field. The courses are geared towards the students’ successful passing of the American Academy of Professional Coders National Certification Exam--Certified Professional Coder (CPC). During the course of study, students learn the basics of health care finance, office computer skills, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, computerized health record, and other recommended elective courses needed to succeed in the field.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Mathematics, Business & Computer Technology

Department

Computer Information Technology

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Business, Information Technology, Hospitality

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate mastery of course work by ensuring the codes are applied correctly during the medical billing process, which includes abstracting the information from documentation, assigning the appropriate codes, and creating a claim to be paid by insurance carriers.

  2. Obtain employment as a Medical Coder/Biller or in an occupation where the application of knowledge and skills learned within this program are integral to routine duties of the occupation.

  3. Demonstrate competency with Coding Software Program by applying Coding and Billing Guidelines.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

1st Semester

13 units
CIT 010 - Beginning Keyboarding and Word Processing
This course covers the fundamentals of keyboarding including operation of a standard keyboard by touch. It includes instruction and practice in formatting a variety of personal and business documents, such as letters, reports, and tables. The use of speed and accuracy drills designed to develop a keyboarding speed of 30 words per minute for five minutes will be utilized. This is a combined Part I and Part II course students can complete in one semester.

Course Details:

CIT 100 - Introduction to Personal Computers
A survey course for the use of software tools such as word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, presentation and database using Microsoft Office.

Course Details:

CIT 144 - Medical Terminology
The course includes the origin, usage, spelling, pronunciation, and meaning of terminology used to describe the structures of the human body, as well as therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. It is a course for students who are interested in pursuing health occupations such as medical office occupations, nursing, radiological technology, and respiratory care.

Course Details:

BIOL 155 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology

This course is a one-semester introduction to human anatomy and physiology. The course is intended to meet the prerequisite for students entering allied health technician programs or general education requirements of a life science course with a laboratory.

Course Details:

    2nd Semester

    9 units
    CIT 045 - Medical Insurance Billing and Coding
    This course covers ICD/CPT coding, insurance terminology, computerized billing, claims management, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: CIT 010
    2. Prerequisite: CIT 144
      3. and
    CIT 048 - Medical Office Procedures
    The course covers law and ethics, data entry, appointment scheduling, and billing procedures using computer software to provide real life medical office scenarios.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: CIT 010
      2. and
    2. Prerequisite: CIT 144
    CIT 051 - Introduction to Electronic Health Records
    This course introduces the health information technology (HIT) utilized in electronic health records (EHR) systems and fiscal management. Students will obtain hands-on experience through integrated practice management software to obtain a comprehensive picture of health information technology. There is an emphasis on quality assurance, legal, and ethical practices of documenting the clinical and administrative tasks that take place for a total patient encounter.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: CIT 048