Prepare for Medical Billing and Clinical Coding Careers
STLCC’s clinical coding certificate programs introduce you to the behind the scenes work that keeps health care systems running. You’ll learn how medical information is reviewed and translated into standard codes used for billing insurance and maintaining accurate patient records.
This medical coding training program builds the skills needed to prepare for American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) national certification exams and supports work in hospitals, clinics and medical offices.
What is Clinical Coding at St. Louis Community College?
Clinical coding, also called medical coding, focuses on how health care providers record patient visits and how that information is turned into standard codes for billing and insurance. This work helps hospitals clinics and medical offices get paid correctly and keep accurate records.
STLCC’s clinical coding program teaches you how to review medical records and assign codes used across health care settings.
We offer two programs to meet your needs:
- Certificate of specialization (CS): introductory certificate program ideal for students and professionals seeking coding credentials for outpatient settings. After completing the program, you'll be prepared to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) after passing the national exam.
- Certificate of proficiency (CP): in-depth certificate program that develops advanced skills in both inpatient and outpatient medical coding. After completing the program, you'll be prepared to become a CCA or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) after passing the national exam.
What Can You Do with a Clinical Coding Certificate?
Both clinical coding programs prepare students to take national certification examinations offered by AHIMA. Depending on the program path, students may be eligible for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) examination. These credentials prepare graduates for employment as clinical coding practitioners or clinical coding specialists.
Clinical Coding Program Information
- Degrees offered: Certificate of specialization, certificate of proficiency
- Locations: Forest Park, Online
- CS hours to complete: 24
- CP hours to complete: 35
- Program contact name: Patricia Sherman
- Program contact email: psherman@stlcc.edu
- Accreditation:
The clinical coding programs align with the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) coding education curriculum guidelines and provide the foundation to pursue additional study in health information technology. The Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP) has approved these programs.
Tuition for district residents is $122 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Related Programs
At STLCC, you can combine this degree with other programs to enhance your career opportunities, including:
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Clinical Coding Programs
Flexibility for Working Students
Because these programs are geared toward students with full-time jobs, evening courses are available. The programs offer a mixture of face-to-face and online courses.
Stackable Credentials
Stackable credentials help you level up your career opportunities without investing a large amount of time and resources.
Graduate With Little or No Debt
We believe cost should never be a barrier to achieving your potential. Save over $4,700 per year with tuition that's one-third lower than other local institutions. Plus, we'll help you navigate scholarship options and financial aid.
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