The Medical Coder Certificate Program is a college credit certificate program consisting of 32 credit hours.
- Upon program completion, students will have the entry level skills needed for the health information management industry as a medical coder in a variety of health care settings.
- Successful completion of this Medical Coder certificate program provides a foundation for students to prepare and take the following certification exams:
- Certified Professional Coder, CPC, exam administered by AAPC
- Certified Coding Associate, CCA, exam administered by AHIMA
- Certified Coding Specialist, CCS, exam administered by AHIMA
Prerequisites
| Prefix | Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|
| POFI | 1301 | Computer Applications
1I | 3 |
| MDCA | 1313 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MDCA | 1409 | Anatomy & Physiology | 4 |
| Total | 10 |
|---|
Semester I
| Prefix | Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|
| HITT | 1301 | Health Data Content & Structure | 3 |
| HITT | 2330 | Pathophysiology & Pharmacology | 3 |
| HITT | 1341 | Coding & Classification Systems | 3 |
| Total | 9 |
|---|
Semester II
| Prefix | Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|
| HITT | 1311 | Health Information Systems | 3 |
| HITT | 1253 | Legal & Ethical Aspects of Health Information Management | 2 |
| HITT | 1342 | Ambulatory Coding | 3 |
| Total | 8 |
|---|
Semester III
| Prefix | Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|
| HITT | 2335 | Coding & Reimbursement Methodologies | 3 |
| HITT | 2246 | Advanced Medical Coding* | 2 |
| Total | 5 |
|---|
*HITT 2246 Advanced Medical Coding is the capstone course for this program.
Estimated Expenses
- The tuition is charged according to the number of credit hours for which a student enrolls and location of legal residency.
- Tuition includes textbook costs through the IncludEd Program. These and other fees stated are subject to change.
- A Tuition Payment Plan option is available through the Dallas College Business Office.
Tuition and Learning Materials
Dallas County Resident = $79 per credit hour
Out-of-County Resident = $135 per credit hour
Out-of-State/ International Resident = $200 per credit hour
| Prerequisites, Semesters I, II & III | Dallas County Resident | Out-of-County Resident | Out-of-State/ International |
|---|
| Tuition/ Learning Materials (32 credit hours x per credit hour) Estimated Cost | $2,528 | $4,320 | $6,400 |
Financial Aid: Determine financial needs. See financial aid counselor for questions, if needed. Apply early for the next semester! Early application assures availability of funds, if qualified, and allows the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office to prepare a realistic financial aid package.
Financial aid information may be obtained by visiting the Financial Aid page of the Dallas College catalog. Additionally, email questions to FinancialAid@DallasCollege.edu. Following application submittal, allow an 8-to-10-week period for processing.
NOTE: Program guidelines are subject to change. Students are advised to obtain the latest program information packet by visiting the Dallas College program website or contacting the program coordinator and/or advisor.
Mission Statement
Our Mission as the Dallas College Medical Coder Certificate Program in the School of Health Sciences is to provide a high-quality education and skills in a respectful and inclusive environment that builds a foundation for a successful career in Medical Coding.
Program Objectives
- Equip students with the sound knowledge of accurately assigning ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT and HCPCS codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services according to coding guidelines.
- Prepare students for successful completion of the Certified Coding Associate (CCA), certification exam administered by American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and establish a solid foundation in preparation for other coding certification exams.
- Instill the proficient application of coding guidelines, coding software and other medical coding resources that will contribute to successful placement as an entry-level medical coder.
- Develop students into medical coders with the ability to effectively communicate, establish relationships and be active contributors to the Health Information Management industry.
The Medical Coder certificate program is conducted by the Dallas College School of Health Sciences as a contribution to the health education needs of the community it serves.