The Medical Coding Specialist Program is designed to educate and prepare students for entry-level medical coding jobs. The outpatient/inpatient certificate of achievement provides individuals with the content knowledge and skills needed to abstract and critically analyze medical data for positions in the Health Information Management (HIM) field and the medical technology industry.  

With a high demand for medical coders in today's job market, these professionals are considered an essential entity in various healthcare settings such as acute, extended, and long term care facilities, surgical centers, clinics, and physician offices. As a major building block among HIM professionals, medical coders are known as medical language experts who interpret and process health information for health data collection, revenue reimbursement, and research to improve quality of care.

The curriculum emphasizes identified competencies and hands-on integration and use of technology systems seen in many healthcare institutions.  Completion of all courses will require a “C” or above to receive the Certificate of Achievement and to sit for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or American Academy of Procedural Coders (AAPC) certification exams. 

Program Level Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology when coding diagnostic and procedural codes.
2. Examine various classification systems utilized to collect medical data in healthcare facilities.
3. Use common computer and HIM-related software applications for database management techniques.
4. Summarize fundamental knowledge, increase attention to detail, and master application skills as a coding professional.
5. Describe key industry performance indicators of revenue management and their use in performance evaluation.

Review Graduation Requirements. 

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Required Courses
HIT G103	Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals	3
HIT G100	Introduction to Health Information Technology	3
HIT G102	Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare	2
HIT G108	Inpatient & Outpatient Diagnostic Coding	3
HIT G110	Inpatient Procedural Coding	3
HIT G205	Medical Coding Specialist Practicum	1
CS G130	Survey Of Computer Science/Information Technology	4
BIOL G221	Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology	4
HIT G106	Outpatient Procedural Coding	3
HIT G202	Revenue Management	3
BIOL G200	Pharmacology - Medications And Drugs	3
BIOL G160	Physiology And Disease Mechanisms	3
Total Units		35

Recommended Program Sequence

These sequences are general maps for students to finish all requirements for the Certificate. There may be advisories or time requirements that students may want to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with a GWC Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Year 1:

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 1
BIOL G221	Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology	4
BIOL G160	Physiology And Disease Mechanisms	3
Units		7

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 2
HIT G103	Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals	3
HIT G100	Introduction to Health Information Technology	3
BIOL G200	Pharmacology - Medications And Drugs	3
HIT G108	Inpatient & Outpatient Diagnostic Coding	3
Units		12

Year 2:

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 3
HIT G102	Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare	2
HIT G110	Inpatient Procedural Coding	3
HIT G106	Outpatient Procedural Coding	3
HIT G202	Revenue Management	3
Units		11

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 4
HIT G205	Medical Coding Specialist Practicum	1
CS G130	Survey Of Computer Science/Information Technology	4
Units		5