Medical coding specialists must be able to:

• Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail
• Understand technical reading material
• Work at computer monitors for prolonged periods
• Communicate effectively in English

No, there are no plans at this time to have an associate’s degree program for medical coding.

• You must complete the testing requirement
• The three Prerequisites
• Documentation of immunizations

Students must have one of the following:

• Passing scores on a placement test for Reading and Writing OR
• Complete or Exempt status on the reading and writing portions of the TSI requirement

Visit a campus advisor to determine status.

Yes, all applicants must have one of the following:

• Passing scores on a placement test for Reading and Writing OR
• Complete or Exempt status on the reading and writing portions of the TSI requirement

Visit a campus advisor to determine status.

A student must complete Medical Terminology (3-hour class), Anatomy and Physiology, and Health Data Content and Structure.

Yes.

Yes. There are three classes you can challenge:

1. Medical Terminology
2. Health Data Content and Structure
3. A&P (Anatomy and Physiology)

There are 10 classes (refer to curriculum plan).

It depends on the student and how many hours they work. Students that work usually take 2 classes per semester. Students that are not working take approximately 3-4 classes per semester.

This depends on each individual student. Classes are integrated, meaning that both continuing education and credit students take classes together.

Due to limited clinical practicum sites.

Challenge exams afford students the opportunity to take the final exam for a course without having to attend class; an A or B is required (on student transcript) to pass. There is a $10 per credit-hour fee for challenge exams.

Salaries for graduates of ACC’s Medical Coding program may earn between $20,000 and $35,000 a year.

We recently conducted a salary survey, and the starting salary is $11.00+ an hour.

The coding practicum is a clinical coding experience that takes place in a work/clinical setting. The coding practicum is 224 hours and is usually done one day per week during the long semester, one day per week at a clinical site, and one day per week internally (in lab, online or via Blackboard). During the summer students are required to go to their clinical sites for 24 hours per week (12 at a clinical site, 12 internally) for 10 weeks.

No. The ACC faculty schedules the coding practicum and there are various rules and regulations that we must follow. ACC faculty must have an affiliation agreement with the facility prior to going to the clinical affiliation.

No. Working at any of the 32 Seton or St. David's affiliates would cause a conflict of interest regarding when the student was working for salary or working on a grade assignment.

No, you may not get paid for the coding practicum due to the fact if you were to get paid you would be placing ACC in jeopardy of not getting Accredited by the national association (AHIMA).

224 hours per semester. The practicum is done one day per week during the long semester, one day per week at a clinical site, and one day per week internally (in lab, online or via Blackboard) during the Fall and Spring semesters. During the summer, the student will attend their clinical sites approximately 24 hours per week (12 at a clinical site, 12 internally) for 10 weeks.

Yes. The practicum is held 8 a.m.-5 p.m. during the week only; it is not held on weekends, evenings, or holidays.

A process by which a non-governmental agency or association recognizes the competence of individuals who have met certain qualifications as determined by agency or association. To achieve certification from the American Health Information Association, individuals must meet the eligibility requirements for certification and successfully complete the certificate examination.

Certification is important because it:

• Demonstrates to colleagues and superiors a dedication to the healthcare field.
• Sets a person apart from non-certified job candidates.
• Sets the individual as professional that strives to achieve excellence.
• Adds recognition to a candidates capability while ensuring expertise with every signature.

Check with:

• American Health Information Management Association
• Radiology Coding Certification Board

The following certifications are currently offered by AHIMA. If you are interested in taking a certification exam, please visit this website for more information on the following:

• CCA Certified Coding Associate
• CCS Certified Coding Specialist
• CCS-P Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based
• CHP Certified in Healthcare Privacy
• CHS Certified in Healthcare Security
• CHPS Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security
• RHIA Registered Health Information Administrator
• RHIT Registered Health Information Technician

ACC has one general graduation ceremony that is held in May of each year.

Yes. Health Sciences has their own completion ceremony that is held in the Multipurpose Conference Room at the Eastview Campus (Building 8000).

The cost is approximately $32.

The color should be golden yellow.

You need to apply before the second Friday in October for December graduation, before the second Friday in February for May graduation, and before the Friday before the 4th of July for August graduation. You can access the form from any admissions office or online