Program Costs*
Medical Coding Specialist
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| Awards | Credits | Course Delivery ( COVID delivery changes) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Coding Specialist - A.A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | Rosemount | Hybrid | 100% Online |
| Medical Coding Specialist - Diploma | 40 cr. | Rosemount | Hybrid | 100% Online |
| Medical Coding Specialist - Certificate | 12 cr. | Rosemount | Hybrid | 100% Online |
| Program Datasheet: Download the Medical Coding Specialist Datasheet | ||
Medical Coding Specialist A.A.S. Degree:
prepares students for an entry-level professional fee medical coding position as well as prepares the student with skills to advance within the healthcare system. These positions are often offered by physician and non-physician practitioner clinics, acute care hospitals, third party payers, or consulting firms with a need for a medical coder.
The student will have working knowledge of healthcare law and a full understanding of the need to protect patient privacy. Our program utilizes a simulated electronic health record designed with industry standards which facilitates practice in abstracting patient information.
Upon completion of the A.A.S. degree students can code both procedure and diagnosis and are ready to take the American Academy of Professional Coder Certified Professional Coder examination, which is proctored at DCTC. Students will have Leadership knowledge and the communication skills necessary for leadership positions.
Medical Coding Specialist Diploma: prepares students for an entry-level professional fee medical coding position. These positions are often offered by physician and non-physician practitioner clinics, acute care hospitals, or third-party payers. The student will have working knowledge of healthcare law and a full understanding of the need to protect patient privacy. Our program utilizes a simulated electronic health record designed with industry standards which facilitates practice in abstracting patient information. Upon completion of the diploma students can code both
procedure and diagnosis and are ready to take the American Academy of Professional Coder Certified Professional Coder examination.
Medical Coding Specialist Certificate: is designed for healthcare employees who have experience in the medical coding revenue cycle, and they wish to gain enough knowledge and practice in coding to sit for the American Academy of Professional Coders, Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. This program is designed as well for employers who would like to have employees become certified coders and provide the funding for this education as part of their Corporate Compliance Program or part of employee benefits.
Students can take the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) certification exams on site at DCTC.
This program offers Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Seek credit for life experience to accelerate your progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate. Visit the Credit for Prior Learning page to learn more.
| Medical Coding Specialist A.A.S. Degree • 60 credits |
Medical Coding Specialist Diploma • 40 credits |
Medical Coding Specialist Certificate • 12 credits |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $185.49/cr. | $185.49/cr. | $185.49/cr. |
| Fees | $21.45/cr. | $21.45/cr. | $21.45/cr. |
| Grand Total | $12,416.40 | $8,277.60 | $2,483.28 |
Each year, Dakota County Technical College and the DCTC Foundation make more than $200,000 in scholarships available to our students. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.
Students looking for ways to help finance their college education can find part-time jobs on campus with various DCTC departments and programs. Deliver your completed Work-Study Application to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and search for openings at College Central Network Services. For more information, you can review Work Study Procedure.
Step 1: Apply now for financial aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
DCTC's Federal School Code: 010402
Step 2: After receiving an official award letter from DCTC, you may apply online for a Federal Stafford Student Loan. Visit the Loans page for more information.
Medical Coding Specialist have a variety of work environments which may include medical primary care offices, urgent care centers, emergency rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, independent diagnostic imaging centers, medical specialty centers, hospitals, third party payers, billing companies, medical consulting firms, or government agencies. Employers may offer ‘work at home’ programs.
According to CAREERwise Education, Minnesota's career, education and job resource, employment in the Medical Records and Health Information Technicians field is seeing very high growth compared to other career and there will be a need for about 3,285 new Medical Records and Health Information Technicians to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.
Articulation Agreements are formal agreements between two or more colleges and/or universities to accept credits in transfer toward a specific academic program. DCTC has articulation agreements in place with a number of public and private colleges and universities.
MN Transfer.org is your official guide to a seamless transfer experience in Minnesota Higher Education. Use this resource to find agreements that DCTC has entered with other Minnesota State institutions.
Do you want to see how your courses transfer to programs at participating colleges and universities? Add the coursework you've taken and use Transferology to find out how it might transfer to any of the participating schools in the Transferology network. Get an account and create a plan now!
Whether you're a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or an international student or transferring from high school or a four-year university, DCTC will help you through the process. Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.
The Medical Coding program at DCTC is active throughout the year and makes headlines in college publications. Read about student successes and the accomplishments of our instructors.
As a student in DCTC's Medical Coding program, you have many opportunities to make connections in the industry through your involvement in professional clubs and organizations.
DCTC features active, industry-relevant clubs for Medical Coding students right on campus. Getting involved in these clubs allows you to make the most of your college experience and gives you an edge when seeking employment. The following clubs are open to all Medical Coding students:
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
Business Professionals of America is the leading CTSO (Career Technical Student Organization) for students pursuing careers in accounting, business management, office administration, information technology and other related career fields.
Lions Club
Lions are an international network of 1.3 million people from over 200 countries who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world. Students will be able to help determine the types of services the club will provide based on the needs of the campus and surrounding community.
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national non-profit organization for students in trade, industrial, technical, and health occupation programs in community and technical colleges. There are nearly 100 competitions through SkillsUSA that relate to programs of study at DCTC or leadership skills. Students who compete and take first place in Minnesota will advance to nationals. Participation is SkillsUSA is a great addition to your resume!
