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

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 three 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:

• Comply with all general admission requirements for Health Sciences Programs.
• View a Clinical Data Coding information session online.
• Have a NOVA application on file.
• Present evidence of a high school diploma or GED.
• Complete BIO 145 Basic Human Anatomy & Physiology with a “C” or higher (or BIO 141 Human Anatomy And Physiology I and BIO 142 Human Anatomy and Physiology II with a “C” or higher).
• Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. For Health Science programs, GPA evaluation will prioritize a student’s record at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). If no NOVA GPA is available, the GPA from the student’s most recent institution will be considered.

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