Clinical Data Coding

OPEN UP JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH NOVA’S CLINICAL DATA CODING PROGRAM

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.

NOTE: Students accepted into the Clinical Data Coding program for a Spring 2027 start will complete their program during the Fall 2027 semester, with graduation slated for December 2027.

Launch Your Clinical Data Coding Career!

Enroll in the Clinical Data Coding (CDC) Career Studies Certificate and gain the skills needed for a rewarding career in clinical coding.

This program is designed to align with current employer demand for skilled clinical data coding professionals, emphasizing accuracy, compliance, and real-world healthcare data management skills that today’s healthcare employers are actively seeking.
Application Period: Applications are accepted annually from October 1–15.
Questions? Connect with an academic advisor at the Medical Education Campus (MEC): 6699 Springfield Center Drive, Room 116, Springfield, VA or send an email to MEC Counseling.

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.

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

Curriculum Details

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

The first step to start health career training at NOVA/MEC is to complete this obligatory information session. Please note that the online information sessions provide program information for the current academic year only.

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
Location: Medical Education Campus, Room 302

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to train students in the management of coding and classification 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.

All HIM NOVA Online courses will continue to be delivered through the NOVA Online format, whereas previously on-campus courses will now be delivered via 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.

CLINICAL DATA CODING PROGRAM CAREER OUTCOMES

With NOVA’s certificate in clinical data coding, you’ll be prepared to work across the spectrum of healthcare organizations, including hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies, managed care organizations, contracting grounds, accounting firms, government agencies and community healthcare organizations. Some job titles include medical records specialist, medical administrative assistant, health information technologist and medical registrar.

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.

Transfer Information