Medical Coding Specialist
Technical Diploma — West Allis Campus

Program Code: 30-530-2

This page was last updated in July 2007.

Overview — Medical Coding is a technical diploma program in the Health Occupations division. Through this 20-credit program, you can become a key member of a health care team in a hospital or other medical setting. Students learn how to retrieve data from health records; gain understanding of disease symptoms, tests and treatments; learn and practice ICD-9-CM coding, CPT coding and more; and gain knowledge of health care reimbursement procedures.

Career Outlook — Graduates of this program can become certified through the American Health Information Management Association and the American Academy of Professional Coders. The employment outlook is favorable.

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — Upon your graduation, employers will expect you to be able to:

• Classify medical data from patient records
• Review patients' records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure
• Have expertise in the various coding systems
• Be an integral member of the healthcare team
• Demonstrate professionalism in a healthcare setting
• Communicate effectively
• Work with detailed data quickly and accurately

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment
• Good health as evidenced by a medical examination
• Proper immunizations
• Documentation of compliance with Wisconsin's Caregiver Law

Possible Career:

Medical Coder

Related Program:

Medical Administrative Specialist

For more information, call 414-456-5310.

Curriculum effective 2007-2008.

Hours per Week: r = related, s = shop, c = clinical

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

‡ Prerequisite required.

For course descriptions, class times, locations or to register online, visit INFOnline