Noncredit Certificate Program - Harrisburg (many classes offered at other campuses and online)

Print information about the program, including required courses and essential qualifications (pdf)
Program Brochure (pdf)

Nurse Aide Training and Noncredit Health Care Calendar/Brochure (July-Dec 2009)(pdf )   
About the Program - curriculum and costs
Who to Contact

Description of Occupation – Vast amounts of medical information pass through every hospital, medical facility, and medical practice daily. The Medical Coding Specialist is responsible for translating and sequencing this medical documentation into formal standardized, numerical codes for diagnoses and procedures. The Coding Specialist works closely with healthcare providers to ensure the accuracy of the translation. Medical coding is a vital behind-the-scenes activity that supports the billing process and quality patient care.

Medical coding professionals are knowledgeable in anatomy and physiology and have a good understanding of the human body and disease processes in order to code accurately. Coders should have good (and accurate) math, reading and writing skills, must have good near vision with the ability to see details at close range, and have keyboarding skills.

Medical Coding Specialists must be detail-oriented and analytical. For more information regarding physical abilities and behavioral characteristics required for a career as a Medical Coding Specialist, please refer to the attached Technical Standards.

This program is designed for healthcare billing professionals who want to become certified coders. This program focuses on advanced coding skills and preparing for certification in this field.

Places of Employment and Outlook - Outlook is excellent for entry-level positions. According to the United States Bureau of Labor, employment is expected to grow much faster than the average field. Medical Coding Specialists can work in a multitude of settings and practices ranging from medical practices, hospitals, coding and billing services, insurance companies, and governmental agencies to consulting firms. HACC does not offer assistance in job placement for this program at this time.

Salary Ranges for Geographical Area – In April 2009, the median annual salary in Harrisburg (17110) was $40,287 for Medical Records Coding Technician. (www.salary.com)

Related Websites 
Career InfoNet www.careerinfonet.org
American Medical Billing Association www.ambanet.net/cmrs.htm 
American College of Medical Coding Specialists www.acmcs.org 
American Academy of Professional Coders www.aapc.com  
American Health Information Management Association www.ahima.org

If you are interested in this program or have questions, Contact Noncredit Healthcare Education at 717-221-1352 or email mcs@hacc.edu.