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Medical Coding Program

Program Description: This is a certification program. The student will gain an understanding of information technology application and core knowledge for medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology and industry standard ICD-9 and CPT-4 codes. Students will also learn the growing importance of security and privacy of medical records: HIPAA (Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

Upon the successful completion of this course the student will serve an extern that will provide invaluable practical experience under the supervision of DVTI and a cooperating physician’s office, clinic or other healthcare facility. Upon graduation, the student will be prepared as a CPL (Certified Professional Coder). Students will also establish the foundation to pursue an advanced degree in Health Information Management.

Needs Assessment: With the increasing shortage of medical office technologists, the skills received from this program will help to bring the much needed core medical knowledge to medical offices. Healthcare workers don’t have to worry about the rising unemployment rate. They work in one of the few industries estimated to grow rapidly in the next few years. This is directly related to the increasing age of one of the largest populations in the U.S., the baby boomers.

To combat this forecasted growth, medical facilities across the nation are increasing the number of Medical Billers, Coders, and Administrative Assistants they have on staff. The hiring increase is expected to continue for years to come and is making the healthcare industry one of the top industries to work in.

Program Outcome: The expected outcome for the program is to provide the graduate with the ability to obtain an entry-level position in office technology in the medical field at a hospital, clinic, physician’s office or other healthcare facility. Students will demonstrate entry-level knowledge and skills as defined by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or program advisory committee for medical coding specialists, medical reimbursement specialists and health information technicians. Besides being prepared as a CPL (Certified Professional Coder), students may choose to apply for certification through AHIMA. This certification is optional and may help the student with employment or job advancement.

Prerequisites: High School Diploma or Equivalent as determined by the NJ Department of Education. If the prospective student does not have a HS Diploma or Equivalent, he/she will be require to show evidence of a 11th grade reading as determined by the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), a state recognized test as indicated by the National Skills Standard Board.