OPEN UP JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH NOVA’S CLINICAL DATA CODING PROGRAM
The application period for the CDC program has been extended until May 31, 2025 for students starting in Fall 2025.
Spring into Success! Join the Clinical Data Coding program's NEW 8-Month Career Studies Certificate Starting Spring 2026!
NOTE:
- The CDC curriculum will remain unchanged; however, the program will now be offered during the Spring and Summer semesters only, starting Spring 2026.
- For prospective students wishing to start in Fall 2025, the application process will be opening in April.
- For more information, contact Dana Pratt, HIM/CDC program director at dpratt@nvcc.edu.
Open the door to rewarding jobs in healthcare by earning a certificate in clinical data coding at NOVA. You’ll also be prepared to pursue an associate degree in health information management.
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
Health Information Management: Clinical Data Coding Career Studies Certificate
With NOVA’s Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Clinical Data Coding, you’ll be ready to take on the vital coder role, ensuring the exchange of correct financial transactions between healthcare providers and payers. The curriculum is designed to train you in the management of coding and classification systems at both inpatient and outpatient levels. You’ll take courses in information technology, business management, and clinical knowledge. Additionally, you’ll be ready to acquire entry-level skills in healthcare data coding and be prepared to continue your studies to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Management. You’ll also be eligible to take the following national coding certification exams: Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician (CCS-P).
- Length
- One Year
- Credits
- 29 (includes 4 prerequisite credits)
- Locations
- Medical Education, Online
WHY STUDY CLINICAL DATA CODING AT NOVA?
Experienced Clinical Data Coding Faculty
You’ll learn from supportive and experienced NOVA faculty who have expertise in clinical data coding. They know what you need to be successful in this fulfilling career field.
Relevant Clinical Data Coding Courses
You’ll take a unique blend of courses in information technology, business management and clinical knowledge.
Affordable Clinical Data Coding Program
You’ll receive an affordable clinical data coding certificate. You may be eligible for NOVA scholarships to offset the cost of your education.
Program Details
Information Session
Information Session
The first step to start health career training at NOVA/MEC is to attend an obligatory information session. Please note that the online information sessions provide program information for the current academic year only.
Start the Information Session Online
There is no in-person Information Session for this program. You are required to include the code provided during the online session on your application as proof of completion.
Pre-Health students who have questions regarding program requirements or need academic advising are encouraged to visit Advising & Counseling.
Phone: 703.822.6570, Medical Education Campus, Room 302.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to train students in the management of coding and classifications systems at both the inpatient and outpatient levels. The program provides students with a unique blend of courses in information technology, business management, and clinical knowledge. Additionally, graduates will be ready to obtain entry-level skills in healthcare data coding, and the opportunity to continue to earn an associate of applied science degree in Health Information Management. In addition, graduates are eligible to take either or all of the following national coding certification examinations: Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician (CCS-P).
Programs Delivered 100% Online
- Starting in Fall 2023, NOVA’s Health Information Management (HIM) program and the Clinical Data Coding (CDC) Career Studies Certificate program are now being delivered 100% online.
- For questions, please contact Professor Dana Pratt, HIM Program Director, at dpratt@nvcc.edu.
Note: All HIM NOVA Online courses will continue to be delivered through the NOVA Online format, whereas previously on-campus courses will now be delivered virtually via a synchronous Zoom format.
More Program Details and Resources
Accreditations
Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the certificate in clinical data coding.
Credits and
Transfer Info
Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to: certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.
Transferring
Learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.