May 04, 2024  
2024-2025 NOVA Catalog 
    
2024-2025 NOVA Catalog

Health Information Management: Clinical Data Coding, C.S.C.

Location(s): NOL, MEC


CIP Code: 51.0713

NOVA Code: 221-152-01

Purpose: The curriculum is designed for persons who seek entry-level employment as clinical data coding specialists in healthcare organizations by providing them with knowledge in anatomy and medical terminology, skill development in ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT coding classification systems, database management, and clinical data abstracting processes, prospective payment systems, and reimbursement strategies. Clinical data coding specialists are in demand across the spectrum of healthcare organizations including hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies, managed care organizations, contracting groups, and accounting firms. Graduates of the certificate program are eligible to take one of two national certifying examinations administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Office setting (CCS-P).

Mode of Delivery: For students program-placed into the NOVA Clinical Data Coding Program, course content will be delivered 100% online. Some courses will be delivered asynchronous through NOVA Online and other courses will be delivered virtually via a synchronous Zoom format.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must do the following:

Continuation Requirements: All courses (including General Education courses) must be completed with a grade of “C” or better before taking the next course in the sequence and to satisfy graduation requirements.

The curriculum includes one coordinated practice course. Students are expected to complete the courses in the sequence outlined below.

One Year


Total credits for the Clinical Data Coding Career Studies Certificate: 29 credits (includes 3 prerequisite credits)


All first-time students must take a one-credit Student Development (SDV) course prior to enrolling in their 16th credit at NOVA. First-time-to-college students ages 17-24 must complete an SDV course within their first year at NOVA.