The Medical Coding Specialist Certificate is a two-year program designed to prepare students for employment as medical coders. Medical coders are health information professionals who specialize in analyzing health record documentation and determining diagnoses and procedures required for reporting purposes. Medical codes determined by medical coders are used primarily for reimbursement purposes; however, medical codes are also used for public health, research, operational and organizational planning, and benchmarking purposes in healthcare.

The work of medical coders requires knowledge of biomedical sciences, healthcare delivery, health information technology, and health record documentation. Therefore, the rigor of this certificate provides students with challenging curricula in these domains.

Medical coders traditionally work in hospitals, ambulatory healthcare facilities, and physician offices to code records for reimbursement. However, some medical coding professionals use their knowledge and expertise for non-traditional employment opportunities with third-party payers, medical software vendors, and the government (among others).

The healthcare industry depends on highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals in all areas of practice. Therefore, individuals considering a career in medical coding should recognize the importance of earning medical coding credentials after completion of this certificate program. Credentialing in healthcare is often required for employment, demonstrates professional competence, and illustrates a commitment to one's profession. Successful completion of this program prepares students to sit for either the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and/or the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and/or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentialing examination offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

(Major Code 4660; CIP Code 51.0713)

Medical Information and Revenue Management Program web page

Program Outcomes

Johnson County Community College (JCCC) is committed to offering high-quality affordable programs that focus on developing knowledge and skills conducive to life-long learning. Both the General Education Student Learning Outcomes and Institutional Learning Outcomes convey JCCC's approach to programmatic outcomes. Additionally, students who successfully complete the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate from JCCC will be able to:

  • Assign diagnosis and procedure codes according to official coding guidelines.
  • Identify compliance requirements throughout the health information life cycle.
  • Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of health information.
  • Utilize technologies designed for health information management.
  • Evaluate compliance with regulatory requirements and reimbursement methodologies.
  • Apply legal processes impacting health information.
  • Assess ethical standards of practice.
  • Demonstrate fundamental leadership skills.