Certificate Programs in Health Information Technology

Coding Technology

Continually changing regulations for payment of health services issued by the government and other third-party payers have created a sharp growth in the demand for qualified coders. This demand has created the need for an educational level that will produce skilled coders at a lesser level than an associate or bachelor’s degree.

To ensure that quality training is available to persons interested in this field, a special training program has been developed that combines an understanding of medical terminology and the disease process with ICD-9-CM and CPT coding principles and guidelines.

Career Opportunities Coders are employed in hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, insurance companies, and other settings where diagnostic and procedural data are coded in ICD-9-CM and CPT for reimbursement purposes.

Program graduates are eligible to write the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association. Work experience is strongly suggested before writing this certification exam.

CURRICULUM - Northwest

The course of study is coordinated by the Health Information Technology Program and consists of two semesters of course work. The number of required credit hours depends upon the specific individual courses chosen by the student.

CURRICULUM - Kokomo

Medical Transcription Program

The medical transcriptionist is trained to transcribe medical reports that have been dictated by a physician. These medical reports are a part of the health record. The health record is a permanent legal document of the history and progress of one person’s illness that also serves as a reference for scientific research and insurance reimbursement.

The primary skills necessary for the performance of a medical transcriptionist are medical and computer knowledge and understanding and aptitude for computer keyboarding. Physicians come to rely on the abilities and judgment of experienced transcriptionists to safeguard the accuracy and integrity of medical dictation.

Career Opportunities Transcriptionists are employed in hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, physicians’ offices, and transcription companies.

CURRICULUM

The course of study is coordinated by the Health Information Technology Program and consists of two semesters of course work. A106 and M195 must be completed before enrollment in M109.

For further information on either of the two programs, contact: