Do you enjoy puzzles and detective mysteries? Medical coding might be just the right fit for you. Become a health information sleuth.
Medical Coder
20
Recent Graduates
There are 20 recent graduates of this Madison College program.
91%
Work Local
91% of our recent graduates work in Wisconsin.
$45k
Annual Salary
Our recent graduates of this program reported an average starting salary of $45,252.
Medical Coding Specialist
Program Number: 315302
Your Degree:
Technical Diploma
Area of Study:
Health Sciences
Delivery Method:
100% Online
Estimated Time to Complete:
35 Credits | Finish diploma in 1.5 years
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
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Estimated Program Cost

$6,419.66

Financial Aid

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  • Program Overview

    Medical Coding Specialists translate written medical documentation, provided by physicians and other health care providers, into a numeric form. The Medical Coding Specialist assigns and sequences diagnostic and procedural codes using universally recognized coding systems, e.g., an anterolateral myocardial infarction (heart attack) is translated to I21.09.

    Coded Information Serves Many Purposes

    • Reimbursement - codes are printed on the claims submitted to insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid.
    • Research - physicians can access medical records for research purposes based on coded information. For example, a physician may request to see the medical records for all patients who were treated for gastric (stomach) ulcers in the past two years. These records would be identified in a computer list of patients with diagnosis codes of K25.0-K25.9.
    • Public Health - a government or public health agency may use coded diagnostic information to track the occurrence of certain diseases. For example, they may find an increased incidence of a certain type of cancer in a certain region of the country.
    • Patient Care - a medical device manufacturer may issue a recall on a specific device, such as a pacemaker, and the records of such patients could be identified and retrieved based on the procedure code for pacemaker insertion.

    The Medical Coding Specialist technical diploma at Madison College will prepare you for a career in this high-demand field.

    Aptitudes and Interests

    Possessing these aptitudes and interests may help you succeed in the Medical Coding Specialist program:

    • Ability to be precise and detail-oriented
    • Ability to adhere to standards and guidelines
    • Passion for medical information
    • Ability to communicate well with others
    • Ability to accept challenges and problem-solve
    • Respect for confidential information

    Program Details

    The Medical Coding Specialist Program is offered on a part-time basis only; it will take at least two years to complete the program. Classes are offered in the online format. A few classes require students to take proctored final exams on campus or by other arrangements.

    Medical Coding Specialist is all online – virtual campus

    Careers

    The Medical Coding Specialist program will prepare you for entry-level coding specialist positions in health care facilities such as hospitals, managed care organizations, skilled nursing facilities, coding and billing services, physician practice groups, governmental agencies, home health agencies, computer software companies, clinics, consulting firms, insurance companies and veterinary hospitals.

    Career Outlook and Salary

    The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in the health information management field will grow faster than average (16% or more) through 2032.

    The 2023 Madison College Graduate Employment Report (six months after graduation) indicates an average annual salary of $45,594 ($21.92/hour) for new graduates of the Medical Coding Specialist.

    A 2023 national survey done by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) indicates the average annual wage for certified professional coders (CPC) is $58,895 ($28.31/hour) and for certified outpatient coders (COC) is $64,267 ($30.90/hour). Survey results for Wisconsin show the average annual wage for coding and billing professionals to be $60,204 ($28.94/hour).

    A 2019 national survey done by the American Health Information Management Association indicates the average annual salary for a coding professional is $66,370 ($31.90/hour). It also showed those with mastery-level coding credentials (CCS and CCS-P) garnered higher average salaries than those with entry-level coding credential (CCA): CCS - $79,060; CCS-P - $77,790; CCA - $53,790.

    As of June 2024, the website www.salary.com indicates the annual salary range for a medical coder in the Madison area is $41,791 - $69,715 ($20.09 - $33.52 per hour) with the median salary at $54,284 ($26.10/hour).

    Certification Opportunities

    There are several certification exams that can be taken to earn national coding credentials. The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam demonstrates entry-level skills. The other certification exams demonstrate mastery level (experienced) skills. Many employers require certification. Certification may result in a salary increase and/or promotion.

    American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA):

    • Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
    • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
    • Certified Coding Specialist - Physician-Based (CCS-P)

    American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC):

    • Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
    • Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)
    • Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
    • Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)

    Resources

  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    Pre-Program Courses
    10-501-153
    3 credits
    10-501-101
    3 credits
    10-103-121
    1 credit
    10-501-107
    2 credits
    Core Program Courses
    Cluster 1
    10-530-162
    3 credits
    10-530-197
    3 credits
    Cluster 2
    10-530-184
    3 credits
    10-530-159
    3 credits
    10-530-189
    1 credit
    10-530-199
    2 credits
    Cluster 3
    10-530-165
    3 credits
    10-530-187
    3 credits
  • Admission

    To Apply

    Students need to complete the petition process to get into core-program classes for this program. Before submitting an application, it’s important to review the Petition Process webpage which also includes estimated wait times for each program.

    • View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials, and requirements
       
    • There is currently 0-1 year between acceptance into pre-program and the start of core classes. The estimated time to enter the core program is subject to change based on the variable number of students ready to petition each semester.
       
    • During the course of the program, you must demonstrate the ability to perform these essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations to help you perform these functions, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
       
    • Learn more about the Madison College experience and get help with the admissions process

    After Acceptance

    Once you have been accepted in a pre-program status, your next step is to complete the Petition Requirements. See the Petition information in the next section.    

    Additional Notes

    Students are required to meet the current admission and petition requirements. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.

    Questions?

    Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

  • Petition

    After Admission (Petition Requirements)

    Run a Degree Progress Report to confirm which pre-program requirements are satisfied/not satisfied and specific ways to satisfy requirements.

    Complete the Petition Requirements for Medical Coding Specialist. Courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. A grade of C- will not be accepted.

    Mandatory workshop in BlackBoard

    Prerequisites:

    • Algebra (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree in a related biological science) 
    • English and Reading (testing, college coursework or bachelor's degree)

    Course Requirements: Must be completed in the last five years to satisfy program requirements

    • Body Structure and Function or General Anatomy and Physiology or Anatomy and Physiology 1&2 
    • Medical Terminology 
    • Microsoft Windows 
    • Digital Literacy for Healthcare

    Petitioning

    This program petitions for entry into the following term:

    • Fall - Petition window opens on April 1

    Review the Petition Process for details on how and when to petition.

    After Petitioning

    If awarded a seat, you will receive instructions regarding the below required items. If you do not complete the required items, it may result in losing your seat and starting the application process from the beginning. 

    • Mandatory Orientation
    • Enrollment in core program courses. Students who are awarded a seat are expected to start the core program courses for the awarded term. Students who choose not to begin the core program courses or are not able to begin core program courses may be discontinued from pre-program status.

    Questions?

    Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

  • Career Outcomes

    After completing the Medical Coding Specialist program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be prepared to:

    • Collect health data
    • Apply coding and reimbursement systems
    • Model professional behaviors and ethics
    • Use electronic applications to support coding and data collection
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202120222023
      Number of Program Graduates262220
      Number of Surveys Sent262220
      Number of Surveys Returned201617
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment191617
      Percent Available for Employment95.0%100.0%100.0%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market5.0%0.0%0.0%
      Available for Employment

      202120222023
      Graduates Employed141413
      Percent of Graduates Employed73.7%87.5%76.5%
      Employed in Related Occupation976
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation64.3%50.0%46.2%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation577
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation35.7%50.0%53.8%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Seeking Employment524
      Percent Seeking Employment26.3%12.5%23.5%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202120222023
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.63.83.4
      Number of Satisfaction Responses201616
      Very Satisfied (4)14129
      Percent Very Satisfied70.0%75.0%56.3%
      Satisfied (3)545
      Percent Satisfied25.0%25.0%31.3%
      Unsatisfied (2)001
      Percent Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%6.3%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied5.0%0.0%6.3%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202120222023
      Number of Primary Reason Responses201617
      Preparation for Getting a Job
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job
      Career Change
      Percent Career Change
      Improvement of Existing Skills
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills
      Preparation for Further Education
      Percent Preparation for Further Education
      Personal Interest
      Percent Personal Interest
      Other
      Percent Other0.0%0.0%0.0%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202120222023
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses141413
      Before Enrollment385
      Percent Before Enrollment21.4%57.1%38.5%
      While Attending the College502
      Percent While Attending the College35.7%0.0%15.4%
      After Training at the College666
      Percent After Training at the College42.9%42.9%46.2%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202120222023
      Number of Employment Location Responses141413
      In College District899
      Percent In College District57.1%64.3%69.2%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District553
      Percent of In Wisconsin35.7%35.7%23.1%
      Outside of Wisconsin100
      Percent Outside Wisconsin7.1%0.0%0.0%
      Employer Location Unknown001
      Percent Location Unknown0.0%0.0%7.7%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202120222023
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count876
      Average Monthly Wage$3,502$3,838$3,771
      Average Hourly Wage$20.36$22.31$21.92
      Average Work Hours per Week40.540.040.0
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count1
      Average Hourly Wage$16.75
      Average Work Hours per Week8.0
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2023
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Aspirus Wausau HospitalTrauma RegistrarWausau
      Aspirus Wausau HospitalPre Fee CoderWausau
      Reedsburg Area Medical CenterHealth Information SpecialistReedsburg
      Upland Hills Health CenterMedical CoderDodgeville
      UW Health Hospitals & ClinicsMedical Coding Specialist I
      UW Medical FoundationReimbursement RepresentativeMiddleton

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

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Contact the School of Health Sciences

Madison Truax Campus
Health Building, 300

1705 Hoffman Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

healthsciences@madisoncollege.edu
608.616.1250

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 8 am - 4 pm
  • Friday: 8 am - 12 pm (Help by phone or email)