Health Information Coding Specialist

Certificate of Applied Science Degree

Program Director: Kristine Sher

This program is offered completely on-line.

Program Website

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*

Estimated Resident Program Cost

Item	Cost
Tuition and Fees	$5,298
Books/Supplies	$2,435
Total	$7,762

*

Fall 2024 MUS Student Health Insurance Premiums may be changing. Please check the Health Insurance website and/or Student Central for confirmed premium rates.

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.

AHMS and HTH courses must be completed within five (5) years of application to the program, with the exception of AHMS 144, which along with other courses must be completed within fifteen (15) years of applying to the program. If the student has a Health Information Technology degree from Great Falls College MSU and is currently working in the field, we will accept courses older than 5 years.

NOTE: Curriculum is based on a full time schedule.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Summer		Credits
AHMS 144	Medical Terminology +	3
BIOH 112	Human Form and Function I +	4
HTH 180	Pharmaceuticals for Health Care Providers *,+	1
Select one of the following:
WRIT 101	College Writing I **,+	3
WRIT 121	Introduction to Technical Writing **,+	3
	Credits	11
Fall
AHMS 108	Health Data Content & Structure +	3
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
	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 105	Contemporary Mathematics (or any Math in the MUS Core) **,+	3-4
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	17-18
	Total Credits	44-45

+

A grade of C- or above is required for graduation.

*

Indicates prerequisites needed.

**

Placement in course(s) is determined by placement assessment.