In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, medical coders keep vital data moving. By reviewing patient records and applying standardized codes, they make sure insurance claims are accurate, bills are clear, and information is available when and where it’s needed.
Powering healthcare through coding
At a glance
Format
Online, On-campus
Start dates
Fall, Spring, or Summer
9courses
26credit hours
What you'll learn
In this program, you’ll learn to audit health records—both paper and electronic—and assign accurate ICD-10, ICD-11, and CPT codes. You’ll also gain experience in revenue cycle auditing and insurance processes. These skills prepare you for roles such as coder, medical biller, benefits coordinator, and documentation specialist in hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies.
Get a head start on your bachelor's degree
By completing your undergraduate certificate, you’ll not only earn a valuable credential to make an immediate impact on your career, you’ll also lay the groundwork for a bachelor’s degree in health information management. Transfer your certificate into a Luddy Indianapolis bachelor’s degree.
Certification
Graduates are eligible to seek the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®) credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This certification distinguishes coders who exhibit commitment and demonstrate coding competencies across all settings, including hospitals and physician practices.
A certificate in medical coding can be the foundation for a variety of positions, including:
- Benefits coordinator
- Coder
- Documentation and coding specialist
- Medical biller
- Medical billing customer service representative
Eligible funding
All tuition and fees are eligible for the NextLevel Jobs Work-Ready grant. You must be an Indiana resident, have a high school diploma, but less than an associate’s degree, and submit the FAFSA to qualify.
This certificate is eligible for federal financial aid. You must submit the FAFSA to qualify.
Certificate requirements
The medical coding certificate is a 26-credit-hour program focusing on pathophysiology, pharmacology, coding, medical reimbursement, and basic concepts of health information and is designed to better prepare you to sit for industry standard certifications.
The curriculum includes a unique professional practicum component that integrates classroom instruction with applied, technical experience in an actual health care facility.
You must acquire knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and database design through the completion of designated prerequisites with a minimum grade of C (2.0). Students must achieve a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 to begin courses.
- BIOL-N 211 Anatomy for Health Care Management (3 cr.)
- BIOL-N 207 Physiology for Health Care Management (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 110 Computer Concepts for Health Information (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 330 Medical Terminology (3 cr.)
Fall semester (12 cr.)
- HIM-M 325 Health Care Information Requirements and Standards (3 cr.)
- DSCI-D 301 Data Policy and Governance (3 cr., was LIS-S 301)
- HIM-M 350 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology for HIM I (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 355 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding (3 cr.)
Spring semester (14 cr.)
- HIM-M 351 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology for HIM II (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 358 CPT Coding (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 345 Health Care Law, Ethics, and Information Release (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 470 Health Care Reimbursement Systems (3 cr.)
- HIM-M 457 Practicum in Medical Coding (2 cr.)
Students must earn a C or higher in HIM-M courses. A C- or higher is required for all other courses. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
This plan of study is subject to revision.
Getting started
You can earn this as a stand-alone certificate, or as part of an undergraduate degree. To get started, you’ll need to be admitted to IU Indianapolis as an undergraduate student.
Current students
Contact your advisor to add this certificate to your major.
New students
You will need to apply to IU Indianapolis as an undergraduate student.