All provisions within this catalog are subject to change without notice. If you have questions or comments, please contact admissions@gfcmsu.edu.
Health Information Coding Specialist
Certificate of Applied Science Degree
Program Director: Kristine Sher
This program is offered completely on-line.
Health information coding is the transformation of verbal descriptions of diseases, injuries, and procedures into alphanumeric designations used for data retrieval, analysis, and claims processing.
Upon completion of the Certificate of Applied Science in Health Information Coding Specialist, students will be prepared to begin a successful career as a health information coding specialist. Students are prepared to sit for the National Certified Coding Associate exam administered through AHIMA (www.ahima.org).
The Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate program is approved through AHIMA and the Assembly on Education.
Graduates are prepared to:
- Use computer applications and software in maintaining health information in health records.
- Research and rely on knowledge in correct medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and disease processes.
- Identify and apply accurate diagnostic and procedural codes for reimbursement.
- Exhibit professional communication skills in oral, written, and electronic formats.
- Maintain confidentiality of health information while developing a commitment to adhering to the standards of professional integrity, honesty, and fairness.
- Interact professionally in the healthcare environment with healthcare providers, patients/clients, and the public while understanding diversity among cultures and societies.
- Apply knowledge of health information technology to solve problems while utilizing critical thinking skills.
Estimated Resident Program Cost*
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $5,298 |
| Application Fee | $30 |
| Books/Supplies | $2,435 |
| Total | $7,762 |
- *
Fall 2022 MUS Student Health Insurance Premiums may be changing. Please check the Health Insurance website and/or Student Central for confirmed premium rates. Students will be charged an additional fee of $21 per credit for online/hybrid courses.
Many students need preliminary math, science, and writing courses before enrolling in the program requirements. These courses may increase the total number of program credits. Students should review their math and writing placement before planning out their full program schedules.
NOTE: Curriculum is based on a full time schedule.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Credits | |
| AHMS 108 | Health Data Content & Structure *,+ | 3 |
| AHMS 144 | Medical Terminology + | 3 |
| BIOH 112 | Human Form and Function I + | 4 |
| CAPP 131 | Basic MS Office + | 3 |
| HTH 180 | Pharmaceuticals for Health Care Providers *,+ | 1 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Fall | ||
| AHMS 157 | Healthcare Reimbursement Methodologies *,+ | 4 |
| AHMS 160 | Beginning Procedural Coding *,+ | 3 |
| AHMS 164 | Beginning Diagnosis Coding: ICD-10 *,+ | 3 |
| AHMS 201 | Medical Science *,+ | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| WRIT 101 | College Writing I **,+ | 3 |
| WRIT 121 | Intro to Technical Writing **,+ | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| AHMS 158 | Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Healthcare *,+ | 3 |
| AHMS 212 | CPT Coding *,+ | 3 |
| AHMS 213 | ICD-10 Coding *,+ | 3 |
| AHMS 285 | HICS/Coding Professional Practice Experience *,+ | 2 |
| M 140 | College Math for Healthcare (OR any math in the MUS Core) **,+ | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| COMX 115 | Introduction to Interpersonal Communication + | 3 |
| PSYX 100 | Introduction to Psychology + | 3 |
| SOCI 101 | Introduction to Sociology + | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
- *
Indicates prerequisites needed.
- **
Placement in course(s) is determined by placement assessment.
- +
A grade of C- or above is required for graduation.