Medical Coding Specialist Certificate Program Program overview Earn a Medical Coding Specialist Certificate in one year. Courses in the program include ICD-10-CM diagnostic coding, ICD-10-PCS procedural coding, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding, and coding practicum which are offered virtual/hybrid or on-ground. The medical billing course is offered online. The well-rounded curriculum will prepare the graduate for the workforce toward a successful new career path in diverse health care settings to include but not limited to hospitals, physician offices, behavioral health facilities, skilled-nursing facilities, home health organizations, hospice care, health plan payers and research organizations. The Health Information Management (HIM) Program offers on-ground, virtual and online depending on the class. The HIM program evening classes are from 5 - 7:15 p.m. The HIM coding classes are from 5 - 9:45 p.m. and offered virtual/hybrid or on-ground. All HIM and medical coding courses are held at MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute. Program admission There is an application process for acceptance to the program beyond the standard MCC admissions application. There are prerequisites required for the program that must be completed for consideration for acceptance. This is a two semester program offering early evening, virtual and online classes that begin in January. The program accepts approximately 25 students per class. Steps to apply Step 1 - Apply to MCC: Follow the steps to apply to MCC, submit transcripts and discover ways to pay for college. Step 2 - Complete all required prerequisite courses: Complete All Required Prerequisite Courses To Include: HIM 100 Medical Terminology, HLSC 108 Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions or BIOL 109 Human Anatomy and Physiology or BIOL 110 Human Anatomy and BIOL 210 Human Physiology and HLSC100 Introduction to Health Professions only if you are not transferring in 12 or more college credits. Step 3 - Complete the program application packet: Download the program application packet and follow the directions carefully. Be sure to note all of the program requirements. Program acceptance For consideration for the spring start date the student will be contacted in December advising the student if they were accepted into the program. If the student is still in the process of obtaining their prerequisite courses, DO apply by the application deadlines. The acceptance letter will be sent once the final grades for the prerequisite courses are posted. Students accepted into the program will work directly with the program coordinator to determine next steps. Students not accepted into the program should contact the Student Advising Department or the Health Science Institute to determine next steps. Careers Bright outlook (9% 2022-32) for Medical Coding Specialists. According to American Academy of Professional Coders, certified Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars earn the following 2024 annual median wage in the United States: $67,310 ($32.36/hour); Missouri: $51,590; and Kansas: $66,520. There are prerequisites required for the program that must be completed for consideration for acceptance. The Medical Coding Specialist Certificate Program is a one-year certificate program where upon graduation the student is eligible to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam offered by AAPC. Some courses taught in the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate Program can be applied toward the Health Information Management Program should the student desire to continue their education endeavors toward a college degree. Professional qualities and essential functions Medical coding professionals are employed in diverse healthcare settings such as physician practices, clinics, outpatient facilities, and hospitals. Having a medical coding credential indicates knowledge in medical coding, billing, auditing, compliance, and practice management. Many medical coding positions are remote but understand that initially you may start out at a facility so your productivity and proficiency can be monitored before you are able to work remotely. Three-year program outcomes Graduation Year, Retention Rates, Graduation Rates, Exam Passing Rates, Employed in Health care Related Field – Benchmark 82% 80% 80% 80% 2022 100% 100% 42.8% of those reported; 7% of those reported; 2023 100% 100% 80% of those reported; 100% of those reported; 2024 100% 100% 85.7% of those reported; 100% of those reported. Unless student indicates they are employed, this is unknown; 12.5% transferred into the HIM Program; Program costs. Tuition – Medical Coding Specialist Certificate 27.5-28.5 Credit Hours In-district: $126/credit hour, $3,465.00 - $3,591.00 Out-of-district/Metro Rate; $246/credit hour $6,765.00 - $7,011.00 Out-of-state; $320/credit hour ($332 beginning Fall 2026) $9,130.00 - $9,462.00 Program Fees total cost - used/new; Textbooks/Materials $1,000.00 - $1,300.00; Approximate cost; Total approximate cost of the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate Program (in-district): Medical Coding Certificate - $4,658.15; Approximate Cost Per Semester (in-district): Medical Coding - $1,164.54. Learn about MCC's Payment Plan. Ready to start your future? Apply to MCC today! Locations MCC-Online MCC-Penn Valley Campus locations and maps Contact information Matt Patterson, RHIA, CPC, CIC — 816.604.4903 Copyright © 2026 Metropolitan Community College #J-18808-Ljbffr