Technical Certificate
Contact Information: Program Office 615-353-3705, E-mail: Eli.Alvarado@nscc.edu, Program Site

The Medical Coding Technical Certificate is intended to provide entry-level skills for students wanting to begin a career in coding medical records. Coding positions are available in various medical environments.

Graduates of the program should be able to:

• Assign CPT code(s) for procedures and/or services rendered;
• Assign ICD-CM codes for reasons for the health encounter; and
• Interpret health record documentation using knowledge of anatomy, physiology, clinical disease processes, pharmacology, and medical terminology to identify diagnoses and/or procedures for code assignment.

Career Opportunities

• Hospitals
• Physician Offices
• Insurance Companies
• Extended Care Facilities

Related Information

A Coding certification examination provided by AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) or AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) is required to become a certified coder.

Admission Requirements

Students must establish placement by transfer credits, college entrance exam scores, or college placement testing.

Grading Policy

A grade of “C” or above must be earned in prerequisite courses (BIOL 2010  and BIOL 2020 ) to meet requirements for enrollment in subsequent Healthcare Management (HCM) courses. A grade of “C” or above in all HCM courses must be earned prior to graduation. Students must maintain a grade of “C” or higher in order to progress in the Healthcare Management program.

Transfer/Advising

This certificate is designed so that a student can apply all of the required courses toward a Nashville State A.A.S. degree in Healthcare Management, Medical Coding concentration. A student who plans to apply the certificate toward an A.A.S. degree should consult his/her advisor about articulation options.