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Medical Coding Program Available Online at HCC

Medical Coding Program Available Online at HCC

Elizabeth (Liz) Brey, JD, RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) has assumed new duties at Highland Community College as Director of the College’s Medical Coding Program.  This program is now available completely online through HCC Online, making the coursework available to fit the flexibility of student schedules.  Medical Coding is a fast-growing field since the associated work can also be completed online.

The Highland program is an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program designed to prepare students to work in the medical field as coders in a variety of healthcare settings. Recipients of this degree will be able to receive the skills and knowledge necessary to use, analyze, and assign the proper codes to medical procedures and diagnoses for the purpose of billing and insurance. Medical Coders are essential members of the healthcare field as they help ensure satisfaction of patient care and also help monitor costs.

Medical coders assemble patients' health information including medical history, symptoms, examination results, diagnostic tests, treatment methods, and all other healthcare provider services. Most medical coders earn an average salary of $24,290 to $39,490 annually.

Obtaining a medical coding degree is the first step in becoming a medical coder. Most employers require a medical coding degree in order to work as a coder. In order to receive certification, you must take a required national exam, administered by either the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

This AAS degree requires 64 credit hours and is designed to prepare students to take the national Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam administered by AHIMA. The entire program will be available online and can be completed in two years with full-time enrollment.

For more than 150 years, HCC has prepared traditional and non-traditional students in Northeast Kansas and beyond to enter the workforce or to continue their education at baccalaureate granting institutions.  With HCC Online, the College brings the classroom to you with online courses designed to help you meet your educational goals from wherever you may need to be. Whether employed, taking care of children, or assuming other responsibilities, busy individuals can take advantage of the convenience that these online courses provide. It is the ideal way to maximize your time and realize your potential without the burden of attending courses in a traditional classroom setting.

For information about Highland’s Medical Coding Program, contact Brey at ebrey@highlandcc.edu or 785.285.1487.

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