Medical coding Specialists are professionals skilled in classifying patient medical records.  Coding practitioners transform verbal descriptions of diseases, supplies, and procedures into numerical designations.  Coding accuracy is extremely important to medical practices and hospital facilities because of its impact on revenues.  Coding specialists are utilized for reimbursement of healthcare insurance claims, to maintain accurate statistics, and to conduct research.  Coders are employed at both ambulatory and inpatient facilities.  Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam for coding specialists.

Job prospects are good and the industry is expected to grow much faster than average compared to other occupations through at least the year 2012.  This growth is due in part to the increase in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures being developed. In addition, the increase in elderly population and growth of the entire medical industry help to make this career an essential part of the medical team.  Salaries are better than average for medical coders. Salary surveys can be viewed at the www.aapc.com.

Prerequisites for entry into the program:
University Skills Placement Test requirements and appropriate developmental courses, if necessary.