Medical Coding Specialist - Technical Diploma
The Medical Coding Specialist program is designed to prepare students for employment in all types of health care organizations, insurance companies, or government agencies associated with medical coding, reimbursement, health services research, and health care planning. All credits from this technical diploma can be applied to the Health Information Technology associate degree. This technical diploma will take a minimum of three terms to complete. Students will attend an asynchronous HIT/MCS Program Orientation and students are expected to have entry-level computer skills.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
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Follow Your Path
All credits in this technical diploma apply toward the following associate degree(s):
Health Information Technology, 105301
Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Submit the following to transcripts@nwtc.edu:
- High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript).
- College transcript.
- If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- Completed application. Admission Assessment or equivalent or ACT assessment. (For a list of equivalents, please contact a Counselor.)
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students who complete coursework in prerequisite order will take a minimum of three terms to finish the Medical Coding technical diploma.
Summer Before First Semester
8 Week 1
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-501-XXX, 10-806-XXX, and 10-530-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
- This technical diploma will take a minimum of three terms to complete.
Program Outcomes
- Collect health data.
- Apply coding and reimbursement systems.
- Use electronic applications to support coding and data collection.
- Model professional behavior and ethics.
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 35% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following settings: hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, mental health facilities, home health agencies, state and federal health agencies, and private industry as a (an):
- Medical Coding Specialist
- Coding Specialist
- Coding Analyst
- Outpatient Coder
- Inpatient Coder
- Chargemaster Auditor
- Insurance Claims Analyst
What else do I need to know about the program?
Study Abroad Opportunities
The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.
- Online
-
Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.