Start a Career in Medical Billing and Clinical Coding
St. Louis Community College'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, organized and translated into standard codes used for billing, insurance claims and accurate patient records.
With online course options available, you can build medical coding skills through a flexible format while learning industry standards and practices. The program prepares you to pursue American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) national certification exams and supports career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, physician offices and other health care settings.
What is Clinical Coding at St. Louis Community College?
Clinical coding, also known as medical coding, focuses on translating health care information into standardized codes used for billing, insurance claims and patient records. This work helps health care organizations maintain accurate documentation and ensures providers have the information needed to support quality care.
STLCC’s clinical coding programs teach you how to review medical records, identify important health care information and assign the correct codes used in hospitals, clinics and medical offices. You’ll learn coding guidelines, terminology and processes used in today’s health care industry.
STLCC offers two programs to meet different career goals:
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Certificate of specialization (CS): This introductory certificate is designed for students and professionals seeking foundational coding skills and credentials for outpatient settings. After completing the program and passing the national exam, you’ll be prepared to pursue the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential.
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Certificate of proficiency (CP): This in-depth certificate builds advanced skills in both inpatient and outpatient medical coding. After completing the program and passing the national exam, you’ll be prepared to pursue the CCA or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentials.
What Can You Do with a Clinical Coding Certificate?
A clinical coding certificate from STLCC prepares you with the skills needed to pursue national certification exams offered by the AHIMA. Depending on the certificate path you complete, you may be eligible to take the CCA or CCS examination.
These credentials can help you qualify for roles as a clinical coding practitioner, clinical coding specialist or other health information professionals who support accurate medical records, billing and health care data management.
Graduates may find opportunities in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, insurance organizations and other health care settings where accurate coding and documentation are essential.
Clinical Coding Program Information
- Degrees offered: Certificate of specialization (CS), certificate of proficiency (CP)
- 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 $127 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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