College Catalog Programs of Study 2011-2012

HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Clinical Data Coding

 

Career Studies Certificate

MEC

Purpose:  The curriculum is designed for persons who seek entry-level employment as clinical data coding specialists in health care organizations by providing them with knowledge in anatomy and medical terminology, skill development in ICD-9-CM and CPT coding classification systems, database management, and clinical data abstracting processes, prospective payment systems and reimbursement strategies. Clinical data coding specialists are in demand across the spectrum of health care organizations including hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies, managed care organizations, contracting groups, and accounting firms. Graduates of the certificate program are eligible to take one of two national certifying examinations administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Office setting (CCS-P).

Admission Requirements: 

Students must:

  • Comply with all General Admission Requirements for Allied Health Programs.
  • Provide a high school diploma with one unit each of high school level Science (preferably Biology or Chemistry).
  • Earn a score of 81 or higher on the reading section of the English placement test, a score of 85 or higher on the writing section of the English placement test.
  • Provide evidence of good physical and mental health by submitting a physical exam form and CPR certification. Both must be completed before the start of clinical experience.
  • The curriculum includes one coordinated practice course. Students are expected to complete the courses in the sequence outlined below.

One Year Credits
1st Semester
ENG 111 College Composition I 3
HIM 111 Medical Terminology I 3
HIM 141 Fundamentals of Health Information Systems I 3
HIM 250 Health Data Classification Systems I (ICD-9-CM) 4
1NAS 150 Human Biology 4
Total   17
2nd Semester
HIM 196 On-Site Training 1
HIM 110 Intro to Human Pathology 3
HIM 254 Advanced Coding and Reimbursement 3
HIM 255 Health Data Classification Systems II (CPT) 2
HIM 260 Pharmacology for HIM 3
Total   12
Total credits for the Clinical Data Coding Career Studies Certificate=29

All first-time students must take a one-credit Student Development (SDV) course prior to enrolling in their 16th credit at NOVA.

1 Students must complete NAS 150 with a ā€œCā€ or higher.