Documentation Coding Specialist Certificate

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Documentation Coding Specialist

Graduates of the Documentation Coding Specialist certificate are prepared for intermediate level positions requiring in-depth knowledge of medical terminology; anatomy and physiology; disease processes and treatment; and documentation requirements to substantiate services provided; as well as reimbursement methods.

Graduates of the above certificate may consider pursuit of national certifying exams administered by the American Health Information Management Association (www.ahima.org) (CCS and CCS-P).

Students pursuing a major in Documentation Coding must submit a formal application prior to enrollment in any major course. This application is separate from the application for admission to the College. All applicants must have a 12t h grade reading and writing level and a 10t h grade math level on assessment testing.

All students will be required to have a criminal background check and drug screening before final acceptance into Documentation Coding Specialist program. Both MUST be completed prior to enrollment into the first semester of the program or prior t o beginning first clinical rotation. Random drug screening can be requested at anytime deemed necessary by a clinical site , clinical instructor, or faculty member of a program. All students must understand that a clinical site may require drug screening prior to the start of each new semester. The individual cost for drug screens and criminal background check are the responsibility of the student. The appropriate forms needed to obtain the required drug screen and criminal background check will be provided by the program director.

All students are required to have up to date immunization on file with the program. Proof of immunizations must be submitted by the end of the first semester in the program or prior to beginning the first clinical. Immunizations must include: 

 DP TB

MMR Hepatitis A

Chicken Pox Hepatitis B

A student transferring from another college must submit an official transcript. Courses taken ten (10) or more years prior to a student’s last enrollment at the College will not count as semester credit hours towards the degree or certificate of completion. Graduation, registration and certification are separate mechanisms and are the responsibility of the student.

All courses within the Documentation Coding program must be taken in sequence. Non-major courses can be taken any semester. All courses within the program curricula must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. All major courses (HITT and HPRS) are offered only as an online option.