Medical Coding Pathway
Medical Coders manage health information data by ensuring that it maintains its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper files and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories.
The Medical Coding programs focus on preparing the students for in-depth knowledge of coding. These programs will give you the skills and knowledge you need to gain national certification as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Why Become a Medical Coder?
- Jobs for Medical Coders are projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029.
- Half of all medical coders earn over $20.50 per hour and can earn up to $42,630 annually.
- With additional coursework, Medical coders can move up the ladder to become Information clerks, Medical Billing, Medical and Health Service Mangers, Medical Assistant, Medical Transcriptionists and Pharmacy Technicians.
- Medical Coders work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals; state, local and private, physician office, dental offices, medical clinics and other healthcare facilities.
Program Locations
Find your region below and click to expand to find out about program length, prerequisites and more:
California
Provider: Coastline College (General)
Medical Coding & Billing Certificate
Program Length: 6 months
Northwest (Washington and Oregon)
Provider: Clackamas Community College
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate
Program Length: 8 months
Prerequisites: Complete with a C or better in Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I or II or III, and Medical Terminology and English Composition courses.
Provider: Portland Community College
Medical Coding & Billing Certificate
Program Length: 3 months
Prerequisites: Complete with a C or better in Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology for Coders courses
Nevada
Provider: Coastline College (General)
Medical Coding & Billing Certificate
Program Length: 6 months
Provider: College of Southern Nevada
Medical Coding & Billing Certificate
Program Length: 9 months
Prerequisite: Some classes may be required and will be reviewed before mandatory orientation with the school.
Colorado
Provider: Coastline College (General)
Medical Coding & Billing Certificate
Program Length: 6 months
Provider: Arapahoe Community College
Medical Office Technology Billing & Reimbursement
Program Length: 25 units
Prerequisites: None
Provider: Community College of Denver
Medical Coding
Provider: Community College of Aurora
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Certificate
Prerequisites: None
Program status
We appreciate your interest in the Education Fund’s programs and services. We have received a tremendous response to our education and training programs and have reached our enrollment limit for many of our current programs. As a result, we are not accepting applications for this Education Fund program. (We may have limited availability for members in the Northwest, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico and we encourage you to login to MyEdFund to check availability.)
We anticipate a high level of interest and limited availability again in 2023, and we encourage you to create an individualized educational plan for 2023 with your Career Counselor/Regional Coordinator. You can make an appointment via MyEdFund, our secure, online member portal.