Testimonials
Medical Coding Specialist
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| Awards | Credits | Course Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Coding Specialist - A.A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | Online |
| Medical Coding Specialist - Diploma | 39 cr. | Online |
| Medical Coding Specialist - Certificate | 13 cr. | 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: 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 will receive a discount through the American Association of Professional Coders AAPC for AAPC exam costs and membership.
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.
Dakota County Technical College offers opportunities and academic challenges to everyone, even non-traditional students like me. I never thought I could go back to school, but since I've been in attendance at DCTC, I've seen the faculty and staff's amazing commitment to expanding access to continued learning.
Student Life and DCTC clubs help students engage in one of our basic human needs: community. Especially in learning environments, and virtual ones in particular, engagement in campus life and clear face-to-face communication with other students and faculty are key to success and student mental health. It's been crucial for my educational experience to make friends at campus.
I was encouraged to get involved with BPA activities by my advisor, Professor Adrienne Zarn. The regional BPA competition was a unique experience, and I was happy just to have attended and was overjoyed to find out that I was eligible to go to nationals in California in April 2023. I'm honored to represent my state and DCTC!
Going back to school was a great idea, and I know that two years will fly by since the first one already has. Like most of us, I'm interested in getting the most bang for my buck, and at DCTC that means using the resources and the advantages that are offered us as students. In no time at all, it's back to the grind of the generally "perkless" professional world. I'm going to enjoy every moment of being a student again, use all the student discounts/freebies offered around the Twin Cities (free tickets at the Bloomington Symphony, for example), and be grateful for this opportunity to go back to school and learn a new trade. I feel lucky indeed!
| Medical Coding Specialist A.A.S. Degree • 60 credits |
Medical Coding Specialist Diploma • 39 credits |
Medical Coding Specialist Certificate • 13 credits |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $191.98/cr. | $191.98/cr. | $191.98/cr. |
| Student Fees | $30.65/cr. | $30.65/cr. | $30.65/cr. |
| Textbooks | $2,500 | $1,750 | $500 |
| Professional Industry Training Access Fee | $200 | $200 | $200 |
| Electronic Practice Exams | $80 | $80 | $80 |
| Grand Total | $16,137.80 | $10,712.57 | $3,674.19 |
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 on Handshake. 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 AAPC, medical coders have established a reputation of excellence within the healthcare industry. This is attributed to quality training, certification, and on-the-job experience. Incomes increase year over year, underscoring the value of medical coding certification as a measure of proficiency.
In 2022, the biggest income increases go to Certified Physician Practice Managers® (CPPMs®).
If you are looking to bring in any college credit, visit our Transfer To DCTC Resource Page and DCTC will help you through the process.
If you are looking to transfer to a 4-year institution after completing your degree, DCTC can help you through the process! Check out our Transfer From DCTC Resource Page.
Transferology is used to find out how your courses might transfer to DCTC and any of the participating schools in the Transferology network. Get an account for free and create a plan now!
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.
Rotaract Club
Rotaract is a club for students that volunteer as a team, plan activities and projects, motivate, inspire, and socialize. Rotaract is a division of Rotary International. Rotaract’s core goals are to serve the community, create professional development opportunities for students, network with our Rotary Clubs by inviting speakers and mentors, and be part of an international network of young leaders, and, most importantly, have fun!
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!
For a complete list of extracurricular opportunities at DCTC, visit our Campus Life page.
