Medical Coding Specialist
The Medical Coding Specialist program provides a student with training in medical terminology, electronic health records, coding classification systems, and database management.
Students entering this field should be detail-oriented and work well with numbers. Students will learn how to safely manage a patient's protected health information and methodically transfer medical record information into codes—both diagnostic and procedural.
The Medical Coding Specialist program is recognized by the Texas Workforce Investment Council (formerly the Texas Skills Standards Board) which verifies that the knowledge and skill competencies required by industry are included within the curriculum.
Program Outcomes
- Translate, interpret, and use medical terminology, jargon, etiology, drug classifications, health abbreviations and symbols.
- Apply and identify proper document requirements in health care management.
- Extract information and sequence codes according to established guidelines and standards.
- Analyze and identify current medical ethics,legal terminology, and health care trends.
- Utilize basic medical office functions,software, and management concepts.
Communication
Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning
Teamwork
Social Responsibility
Personal Responsibility
Professional Ethics and Confidentiality
Ability to Research
Career Information
A Medical Coding Specialist degree opens opportunities in Medical Coder, Medical Biller, Medical Reimbursement Specialist.
| Course | Title | SCH |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ||
| HITT 1305 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| MDCA 1321 | Administrative Procedures | 3 |
| POFM 1300 | Basic Medical Coding | 3 |
| POFM 1302 | Medical Software Applications | 3 |
| POFT 1127 | Introduction to Keyboarding | 1 |
| POFT 1303 | Introduction to Accounting | 3 |
| Second Semester | ||
| HITT 1303 | Medical Terminology II | 3 |
| HITT 1313 | Coding & Insurance | 3 |
| MDCA 1205 | Medical Law & Ethics | 2 |
| POFM 2310 | Intermediate Medical Coding | 3 |
| ITSW 1301 | Introduction to Word Processing | 3 |
| Third Semester | ||
| HITT 2330 | Pathophysiology & Pharmacology | 3 |
| BIOL 2301 | Anatomy & Physiology I (lec) | 3 |
| BIOL 2101 | Anatomy & Physiology I (lab) | 1 |
| HITT 2346 | Advanced Medical Coding | 3 |
| XXXX x3xx | Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 |
| XXXX x3xx | Socia/Behavioral Science | 3 |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| ENGL 2311 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| HITT 2245/HITT 1266 | Coding Certification Exam Review or Practicum-Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician | 2 |
| HPRS 2331 | General Health Professions Management | 3 |
| HITT 1301 | Health Data Content and Structure | 3 |
| SPCH 1321 | Business and Professional Communication | 3 |
| Total | 60 | |
| course | title | sch |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ||
| HITT 1305 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| MDCA 1321 | Administrative Procedures | 3 |
| POFM 1300 | Basic Medical Coding | 3 |
| POFM 1302 | Medical Software Applications | 3 |
| POFT 1127 | Introduction to Keyboarding | 1 |
| POFT 1303 | Introduction to Accounting | 3 |
| Second Semester | ||
| HITT 1303 | Medical Terminology II | 3 |
| HITT 1313 | Coding & Insurance | 3 |
| MDCA 1205 | Medical Law & Ethics | 2 |
| POFM 2310 | Intermediate Medical Coding | 3 |
| ITSW 1301 | Introduction to Word Processing | 3 |
| Total | 30 | |
Students may pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Administration.
Students may pursue certification as a medical coder.
Students may pursue certification as a medical biller.
What kind of salary can I expect?
According to O*NET OnLine the role of medical coders has a bright outlook and
the local salary is typically $16 to $20 per hour. Other areas of the state have a
slightly higher salary range.
How long will the degree take?
The typical amount of time to complete an associate’s degree is two years. A
certificate usually takes one year to complete.
Do you have job placement help?
LSCPA does provide job assistance. We have a job board that all students can
access throughout their time at school.
Tonya J. Harbert
Instructor I
Umphrey Industrial Technology Center, Office 201H
Phone: (409) 984-6501
Email: keithtj@lamarpa.edu
Sheila K. Guillot
Chair of Business & Technology
Umphrey Industrial Technology Center, Office 201B
Phone: (409) 984-6381
Email: guillsr@lamarpa.edu
Kellie C. Buckner
Adjunct Instructor
Umphrey Industrial Technology Center, Office 201B
Phone: (409) 984-6381
Email: bucknerkc@lamarpa.edu
Adriane M. Champagne
Instructor I
Student Success Center, Office 130
Phone: (409) 984-6416
Email: champagneam@lamarpa.edu
LSCPA's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is provided in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f), 34 CFR 668.46).
Overview
Associate of Applied Science
Certificates
Contact
- Tonya Harbert
- Program Director
- Umphrey Industrial Technology Center, Office 201H
- 409-984-6501
- keithtj@lamarpa.edu