Medical Coding Specialist

Degree Type
Technical Diploma
Program code
MECS
Program Number
315302
Credits
30.00
Estimated Cost
$5,035
Location
La Crosse

If you enjoy precision and detail, consider a medical coding career. As a medical coder, you'll review medical documentation provided by physicians and translate it into numeric codes that represent diagnoses and treatment. In addition to coding, courses also cover anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, diseases, health data management, and computer applications. The coded data are used for many purposes, including healthcare claims and research.

Graduates of this program are employed as entry-level coding specialists in hospitals, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers, care facilities, consulting companies, billing services, and insurance companies.

Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Coding Associate exam of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Additional certification exams and career opportunities are available for those with on-the-job coding experience.

Graduation Facts
Graduates - 10
Graduates Responding - 6
Employed In Related Occupation - 0
Employed In Non-related Occupations - 0
Seeking Employment - 0
Continuing Education - 6
Not In Labor Market - 0
Graduates Responding Employed Part Time in Related Occupation - 0
Graduates Responding Employed Full Time in Related Occupation - 0
FT Median Annual Salary - $49,755 (Median earnings based on graduate exit interview data not available. This salary represents cost-of-living adjusted 25th percentile salary by occupation from Lightcast Analyst, used as a proxy for entry-level salary.)
Career Opportunities

Certified Medical Coder

Certified Professional Coder

Health Information Coder

Medical Billing Specialist

Medical Coding Specialist

Program Outcomes
Collect health data
Use electronic applications to support coding and data collection
Apply coding and reimbursement systems
Model professionalism, ethics, self-reflection and patient advocacy
Admissions Requirements

Additional Requirements

  • To enroll in the Medical Coding Specialist program, first apply for admission to the College, then electronically sign the program's Technical Standards. You can find a link to this document below.
Software & Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.

Prior Learning

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more about what may apply to this program.

Pathway - Associates Degree
Health Information Technology
Pathway - Technical Diplomas
Medical Coding Specialist