Coding Specialist--More About the Programs

The Coding Specialist Program prepares you for a career as a medical coder. Coders classify diagnoses and procedures into ICD-9-CM and CPT numerical formats used for reimbursement, data quality and medical research.

The demand for coders has never been greater in today’s job market. Coders work in physicians’ offices, cancer treatment centers, billing companies, insurance companies and hospitals. Moraine Valley’s 22-credit-hour Coding Specialist Program can prepare you to become a medical coding specialist. You will gain a working knowledge of ICD-9-CM and CPT classification systems, as well as basic health information management skills, insurance reimbursement and computer applications.

Upon completion of the Coding Specialist Program, you will have the skills needed for entry-level coding positions and may choose to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam given by the American Health Information Management Association.

Earning the CCA demonstrates a commitment to coding even for those who are new in the field. CCA holders distinguish themselves from non-credentialed coders and those who hold credentials from other organizations that do not require the higher level of expertise. After some years of coding experience, graduates may choose to sit for Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam or the Certified Coding Specialist—Physician-Based (CCS-P) exam. If you decide to continue your education, all coding courses apply toward Moraine Valley’s Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology.