Medical coding certificates are important credentials for any medical coding enthusiasts. A medical coding certificate program is the best way to learn the most important aspects of medical coding, pass medical coding certifications, and access the best career opportunities.
This article focuses on the best medical coding college certificate programs. We’ve included details like tuition costs, education requirements, and why certificate programs can be more pragmatic than enrolling in a four-year degree program.
What Is a Medical Coding Certificate College Program?
A medical coding certificate college program is a credential that teaches you how to translate medical reports written by doctors into helpful, uniform medical codes. A certificate in medical coding will give you the necessary knowledge and skillset to pass certification exams and get an entry-level job. You should get this qualification if you want to work as a medical coder and biller.
What’s the Difference Between a College Medical Coding Certificate and Professional Certification in Medical Coding?
The difference between a college medical coding certificate and professional certification in medical coding is that a certificate is awarded after attending and passing required college classes. A professional medical coding certification is earned by taking tests to show that you’re knowledgeable about the field.
Furthermore, professional certification is overseen by an authorized body or organization, whereas a certificate is taken at a college or university. With a medical coding certification, you’ll still need to take the certification exam to be recognized as a medical coding specialist.
Medical Coding College Certificate vs Medical Coding Certification: Key Differences
| Medical Coding Certificate | Medical Coding Certification |
|---|---|
| Requires six months to one year of study | Can be earned immediately |
| Must attend classes and pass required courses | Must pass an exam – no classroom work required |
| Tuition can be expensive | Candidates only pay a testing fee |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Medical Coding Certificate at College?
It takes between six months to a year to get a medical coding certificate, depending on the program and the school. Online self-paced programs can take longer to finish since students can take courses at their own discretion. Self-paced options are ideal for students who need to work full time while studying.
Best Medical Coding Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| CUNY School of Professional Studies | Certificate in Medical Coding | $305/credit |
| Davenport University | Certificate in Coding and Billing | $885/credit (Michigan residents); $598/credit (non-Michigan residents) |
| DeVry University | Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding | $514/credit |
| Lamar Institute of Technology | Medical Coding Specialist Certificate | $80/credit (Texas residents); $488/credit (non-Texas residents) |
| Mercy College of Ohio | Certificate in Medical Coding | $400/credit |
| Minnesota State College Southeast | Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding | $182.78/credit |
| Rasmussen College | Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding | $269/credit |
| Rutgers University | Certificate in Medical Coding | $472/credit |
| Santa Fe College | Certificate in Revenue Cycle Management/Medical Coder Billing | $106.77/credit (Florida residents); $382.90/credit (non-Florida residents) |
| University of Cincinnati Online | Certificate in Medical Coding | $288/credit (residents), $303.00/credit (non-residents) |
Best Undergraduate Medical Coding Certificate Programs: Explained
Medical coding certificates are often required to work in medical billing and coding at healthcare facilities. Medical coders must pass certification exams, and studying in a medical coding certificate program is a great way to prepare for both exams and job opportunities. Some of the best medical certificate programs in the country are listed below.
Medical Coding College Certificate Program vs Medical Coding Associate Degree
Medical coding college certificate programs are short and focused that offer specific training for certification exams. Medical coding associate degrees are higher-level credentials, with more comprehensive curricula that incorporate a broader education. Some differences between medical coding college certificate programs and medical coding associate degrees include:
- Cost and financial aid. Most certificate programs are less expensive than associate degree programs because they require fewer credits to complete. Many universities charge per credit, so choosing a certificate program with 20 to 40 credits will be cheaper than an associate program with 60 credits.
- Time commitment. A traditional associate degree program takes two years to complete with full-time study, while many certificates can be completed in one year or less.
- Requirements. You can enroll in almost any medical coding certificate program if you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Associate degree programs are more selective, with the university or institution usually having stricter admission criteria.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Medical Coding Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate medical coding certificate is worth it because they help students meet the requirements for taking certification exams. Furthermore, credits earned in a certificate program can be applied directly toward an associate or bachelor’s degree in health information technology.
When it comes to employment, a certificate is often enough to qualify a candidate for medical billing and coding jobs in healthcare settings. A certificate holder can find a job in hospital billing or work in a physician practice, nursing home, or outpatient setting. Other jobs include working for public health and government organizations or health insurance companies.
Medical Coding Certificate Program Coursework
Medical coding certificate programs are designed to help students pass professional certification exams and become medical billers and coders. As such, the coursework is usually based on the content of those exams and will be pretty consistent between schools. You should note that course names may vary depending on the school where you’re studying.
International Classification of Diseases
This course is designed to help students learn how to read and understand operating reports and medical codes. In addition, it covers human anatomy as it relates to coding, patient records, and medical references. It also covers theoretical concepts, like ethics in coding, and practical subjects like data quality and the applicability of coding concepts to digital record technologies.
Pathopharmacology
This course deals with common diseases and the medical therapies used to treat them. Students learn foundational knowledge of common illnesses and basic concepts in medical procedures. This includes origins of diseases, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, appropriate treatments and dosages, administration methods, and health outcomes.
Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology
This course teaches foundational knowledge about the structures and functions of the human body, from the cellular level to the body’s physiological systems. Students learn about the cooperative dynamics between the various systems of the body. It usually has a lab that includes simulation activities, computer exercises, and observation.
Current Procedural Terminology Coding
This course explains contemporary procedural language, which is used to code procedures conducted by healthcare providers. Knowing this terminology gives medical coders deeper knowledge of the field, which helps with proper code assignment. The curriculum focuses on the Healthcare Common Process Coding System (HCPCS) and its purpose, as well as its usage.
Health Information Law and Ethics
The study of health information law and ethics examines the ways healthcare legislation, processes, regulations, and ethical issues affect health information. While taking this course, students learn to recognize and deal with potential ethical challenges. They also learn how to maintain patient privacy and abide by healthcare laws in their coding and billing work.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Medical Coding Certificate from College?
With a medical coding certificate from college, you can qualify for certification exams and prove your expertise to potential employers. People with medical coding college certificates can work as billing specialists, medical coders, and medical records analysts.
Medical coders are professionals who examine and handle hospital medical claims and documents. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a nine percent increase in the number of jobs available for those who specialize in medical records and information technology. An additional 37,100 jobs are expected to be created by 2030 as a result of this surge in demand.
Best Medical Coding Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) | $50,605 |
| Medical Coding Specialist | $49,910 |
| Medical Records Coordinator | $40,953 |
| Medical Records Technician | $39,178 |
| Health Information Management Clerk | $37,898 |
Best Medical Coding Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
Earning a professional medical coding certificate will give you access to the best medical coding jobs. A medical coding certificate will qualify you for entry-level jobs and teach you the foundational skills required for this field. However, even with a certificate, you will still need medical coding certification to apply for most medical coding jobs.
Should I Also Get a Medical Coding Certification?
Yes, you should also get a medical coding certification. While a medical coding certificate is an excellent way to learn about the field, a certification from an authorized body is often required to get jobs in this field. Nationally recognized certifications are accepted by businesses, government agencies, and medical societies.
Best Medical Coding Certifications
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Certification. Medical coders must be able to correctly identify medical data taken from patient records to earn their CCS certification. This certification demonstrates that you can analyze patient records and assign numeric codes, that you are knowledgeable about the CPT and ICD-10-CM coding systems, and that you have a solid understanding of medical terminology.
- Certified Coding Specialist Physician-Based (CCS-P) Certification. Medical coders can show that they have the appropriate skillset for medical settings by earning the CCS-P certification. The certification affirms your ability to analyze patient records and comprehend the CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS II coding systems.
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC-A) Certification. Your proficiency in HCPCS Level II supply, CPT, procedural coding, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes will be validated with the CPC certification. After obtaining this certification, you will be able to show that you can code medical claims in a doctor’s office or similar environment.
- Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) Certification. Your expertise in CPT, HCPCS level II supply and procedure codes, ICD-10-CM diagnostic codes, and the management of outpatient records are proven with the COC certification. After obtaining this certification, you will be able to work as a coder in an outpatient facility.
- Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) Certification. This certification proves competency in ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, which are specifically utilized in risk-adjustment payment models.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Medical Coding Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate for medical coding is worth it because the coursework teaches the intricacies of medical coding and billing. Furthermore, you can land a high-paying medical coding job with the correct training. As long as you enroll in an appropriate school for your goals, the time and work that it takes to become a medical coder will be well worth it.
Medical Coding Certificates FAQ
The median annual pay for medical records and health information experts in 2020 was $45,240, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical coding wage ranges can be influenced by factors such as education level, years of experience, job location, and certifications.
You can become a medical coder by completing a certificate program in medical coding and billing and passing a professional certification exam. As an alternative, you can enroll in an associate degree program in health information management.
Some of the skills needed for medical coding are research, communication, knowledge of medical codes, ICD-10, customer billing, CPT coding, HCPCS coding, health information technology, clinical documentation, and inpatient coding.
Yes, it can be difficult to get a job as a medical coder immediately after graduation without work experience. You can improve your chances by getting certificates and certifications, applying for internships, and building a network through your educational institution.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
