VGCC offers new Medical Coding program


Vance-Granville Community College is introducing a new Medical Coding curriculum certificate program this fall. The program will be scheduled in a uniquely accelerated fashion that allows students to complete the 17-credit-hour certificate over two semesters (August 2014 to May 2015).

Six courses are required for the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate: Medical Terminology I and II (OST 141 and 142), Medical Coding, Billing & Insurance (OST 148), Procedure Coding (OST 247), Diagnostic Coding (OST 248) and CPC Certification (OST 249). The last course prepares students to sit for the “Certified Professional Coder” exam offered by the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).

For the convenience of working adults, this certificate will be available online, with regular opportunities for students to interact with their instructors in real time.

“In just two semesters, a student can complete the first step to starting a career in medical coding and billing,” said Christal Swilley, who oversees the certificate as program head for Office Administration at VGCC. “Medical coding and related career fields have grown in recent years and are expected to continue growing, as the demand for health services increases and insurance continues to change.”

Medical coding is the process of taking written medical records and converting them into a numerical language in order to submit a bill for services or supplies to an insurance company for payment. Employment opportunities are available in medical offices, hospitals, insurance companies, laboratories, medical supply companies, and other health-care-related organizations.

To complete the certificate on this accelerated schedule, students should anticipate spending 20 hours per week on their course work, according to Swilley.

Once students complete the Medical Coding certificate, these courses can be applied to the Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Office Administration.

Orientation and advising of new students is taking place throughout the summer. The fall semester begins Aug. 18.

For more information, contact Christal Swilley at (252) 738-3325 or swilleyc@vgcc.edu.