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 physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and medical terminology, skill development in ICD-10-CM/PCS 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 the 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: Applicants must do the following:
• Comply with all General Admission Requirements for Allied Health Programs.
• Have at least a 2.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) at the last school attended.
• Complete the prerequisite courses listed below with a grade of “C” or higher in each course.
• Provide evidence of good physical and mental health by submitting a physical exam form. The form must be completed before the start of clinical experience.
• Demostrate Computer Competency.
• View and complete the information session located on the Health Information Management web site https://www.nvcc.edu/medical/divisions/allied/hit.html.
• Be prepared to start course work during the 1st Summer Session.
The curriculum includes one coordinated practice course. Students are expected to complete the courses in the sequence outlined below.
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 “C” or higher.