Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

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

Career Studies Certificate
Northern Virginia Community College

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).


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

Applicants must do the following:

  • Comply with all general admission requirements for Allied Health Programs.
  • View a Clinical Data Coding information session online at www.nvcc.edu/medical/divisions/allied/him.html.
  • Have a NOVA application on file.
  • Present evidence of a high school diploma or GED.
  • Have completed or qualify for ENG 111.
  • Provide evidence of good physical and mental health by submitting a physical exam form and CPR certification. Both must be completed before the start of clinical experience.

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

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Northern Virginia Community College within your first year
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript, https://www.nvcc.edu/cro/transfercredit/index.html

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript.
Credit for Prior Learning NOVA strives to provide students with opportunities to receive credit for prior learning while still maintaining the integrity of our academic programs. Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional. ways; https://www.nvcc.edu/prior-learning/
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Northern Virginia Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
43891
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market; We also offer courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. In fact, NOVA has guaranteed admission agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities for students who meet specific requirements.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://www.nvcc.edu/gaa/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information ManagementAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearOnline
Mountain Empire Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information ManagementAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Health Information ManagementAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
George Mason UniversityApplied Science, BASBachelorBachelor of Applied Science4-YearHybrid, In-Person, Online
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
29-9021.00Health Information Technologists and Medical RegistrarsApply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and followup information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2072.00Medical Records SpecialistsCompile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
Cost To Complete
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