Medical Coders apply medical, diagnostic
and procedural terminology and coding
for health care facilities such as clinics, private
medical practices, and hospitals, and report data
to third party payers, insurance companies, and
governmental agencies for reimbursements.
Certifications
Students in MECC’s Medical Office Coding
and Procedures program are prepared
to sit for certification as
Certified Professional Coder (CPC),
Certified Coding Associate (CCA),
Certified Coding Specialist
(CCS, hospital based), and
Certified Coding Specialist
(CCS-P, physician based)
Advancement
Students who complete the Medical Office
Coding & Procedures certificate program can
matriculate into the Medical Office Specialist
Associate of Applied Science degree program.
Employment
The Medical Office Coding & Procedures program
provides entry-level skills for employment
in the health care industry as medical records
coders, medical office assistants, medical secretaries,
insurance billing specialists, and medical
records technicians.
Employer's Want Coding Graduates who...
- Are highly motivated and work effectively
with others
- Are skilled in the field of medical coding and
procedures
- Are trained in medical office software and the
use of reference materials
- Are effective in reasoning, decision making,
and problem solving
- Display responsibility, self-esteem, self-management,
and honesty
Salary
Entry-level salaries for Coders range from
$8 to $14 per hour in Southwest Virginia and
Northeast Tennessee.
Some hospitals pay a beginning salary of
$17 per hour for those who are certified;
those certified with experience can earn
$23 per hour and up.
Employment Outlook
The number of healthcare facilities and medical
offices continues to rise in Southwest Virginia
and Northeast Tennessee. The U. S. Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicates
that “job prospects for this occupation are very
good” and is expected to “grow much faster
than the average.”
Online Classes
Classes can be taken
online to provide flexibility to individuals who
are already working in the medical field or have
personal or family obligations that limit the
time they have available to take classes on the
MECC campus.
Contact MECC 
