Purpose
The Medical Information Coder/Biller College Credit Certificate (CCC) is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of health care settings as an entry level coder, medical record coder, coding technician, coding clerk, or medical coder/biller. Medical information coder/biller professionals provide reliable and valid information for healthcare reimbursement and research.
The Certificate is comprised of courses that provide coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards, and technical knowledge and skills necessary for further education and careers in the Health Science Career cluster of programs. This certificate’s competency-based applied learning contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills required of programs in the Health Science Career cluster.
Accreditation
The Florida SouthWestern State College Health Information Technology Associate in Science (AS) degree program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601-5800 www.cahiim.org/
Medical Information Coder/Biller Credentialing Opportunities
Students who complete the Medical Coder/Biller certificate will be prepared to take credentialing exams from the following organizations:
1. AHIMA - The American Health Information Management Association
The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential exam is the first step in a facility coding career. The CCA is an entry-level credential that distinguishes new coders in the job market. Individuals with a CCA credential:
- Exhibit a level of commitment, competency, and professional capability usually absent in a newcomer to the field.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the coding profession.
- Distinguish themselves from non-credentialed coders and those holding credentials from other organizations less demanding of the higher level of expertise required to earn AHIMA certification.
The AHIMA CCS and CCS-P exams demonstrate mastery level skills in coding. Most individuals will gain two or more years of work experience in coding before taking the CCS or CCS-P exams.
2. AAPC - The American Academy of Professional Coders
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential exam is the first step in a professional fee coding career. The CPC credential demonstrates expertise in physician-based settings. The CPC-H credential demonstrates expertise in outpatient facility-based coding skills.
Course Prerequisites
Many courses require prerequisites. Check the description of each course in the list below for prerequisites, minimum grade requirements, and other restrictions. Students must complete all prerequisites prior to registering for a course.
Graduation Requirements
Students must fulfill all requirements of their program to be eligible for graduation. All courses required for the certificate must be passed with a grade of “C” or better.
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