MC
________________________________________
Professional & Community Education4203 S. Providence Rd · Columbia, MO 65203 Ph: 573-214-3803 · Fax: 573-214-3811
Medical Coding Program
Spring 2016 Application Packet
Thank you for your interest in the Professional Medical Coding Program sponsored by Columbia Area Career Center. This classroom-based, instructor-led program will help you develop the background knowledge and skills you need in preparation for the examination to become a certified medical coder. This letter explains the important considerations of the application and certification process and timelines for our program.
BECOMING CERTIFIED
It is important that you understand that completion of the Professional Medical Coding program is not a requirement for certification. If you think you have the skills and experience to pass the examination, you may apply by contacting either the American Health Information Management Association
(AHIMA-www.ahima.org) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC-www.aapc.com). Both
professional organizations recommend in-depth knowledge and two- to three-years of coding experience before taking the exam. Please visit their websites to learn more about certification requirements and alternative education programs.
GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
There are seven courses in the Professional Medical Coding Program. The courses are arranged in four blocks over a period of 7 months. Two courses will be offered in the first three blocks, Block IV will be one Certification Prep course that will help you prepare for one of the certification exams. Block V is the Professional Development course simultaneous with the Professional Experience internship. Courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence, as each course provides the requisite knowledge base for those that follow. The classes begin at 4:30 pm until 8:30 pm two nights per week. There will also be a 40 hour internship opportunity that will occur simultaneously with the classes, details of which will be discussed at your first class.
Tuition is $1,749 and textbooks are $750, which totals $2,499. This can be paid in full or in 3 payments of $1,000 (due Feb 25, 2016), $1,000 (April 25, 2016) and $499 (due June 25, 2016). If you are employed by a healthcare facility, a continuing education benefit may be available to cover some or all of your expenses. Please check with your Human Resources Department.
PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL CODING PROGRAM BLOCK SCHEDULE
Students beginning Spring 2016
Class frequency: Tues. & Thurs. evenings (4:30-6:30 pm and 6:30-8:30 pm)
BLOCK I- March 1, 2016 through April 7, 2016
Medical Terminology (10 sessions at 2 hours each=20 hours) Health Record Content (10 sessions at 2 hours each= 20 hours) BLOCK II- April 12, 2016 through May 12, 2016
Human Disease/Anatomy and Physiology (10 sessions at 2 hours each=20 hours) Intro to CPT (10 sessions at 2 hours each= 20 hours) BLOCK III- May 19, 2016 through July 7, 2016
Intro to ICD-10-CM Coding (15 sessions at 2 hours each=30 hours) Intro to ICD-10-PCS Coding (15 sessions at 2 hours each=30 hours) BLOCK IV- July 12, 2016 through July 21, 2016
Certification Preparation (entire 4 hours) (4 sessions at 4 hours each= 16 hours) BLOCK V- July 26, 2016 through August 4, 2016
Professional Development (4 sessions at 2 hours each= 8 hours)
40 Hours of Professional Experience (internship or job shadowing) will occur simultaneously with class and must be completed prior to graduation.
Failure to complete internship will prevent student from graduating.
ADMISSION CRITERIA
1. Complete application (form enclosed) 2. Pay application fee of $45
3. Submit Letter of intent (form enclosed)
4. Submit professional letter of recommendation in support of your application (form enclosed) 5. Submit copy of high school diploma or equivalent
6. Sign up and complete NCRC Admission Test
7. Possible Interview (to be held after application deadline)
ADMISSION TIMELINES
APPLICATION DEADLINE – Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 4:00pm
February 12-16, 2016 – Review of applications, possible interviews and acceptance phone calls placed.
February 25, 2016 – Tuition due in full; Students using a payment plan must make a down payment to hold their spot in the Medical Coding Program.
March 1, 2016 - Classes begin (orientation will be held during the first class session).
NCRC Test Dates:
Wednesday, October 28, 2015 12pm-4pm Wednesday, November, 4, 2015 12pm-4pm Tuesday, November 10, 2015 5pm-9pm Wednesday, November 18, 2015 8am-12pm Wednesday, December 2, 2015 5pm-9pm Tuesday, December 8, 2015 8am-12pm Tuesday, December 15, 2015 12pm-4pm Wednesday, January 6, 2016 8am-12pm Tuesday, February 9, 2016 5pm-9pm
Send application packet to:
Admissions Committee – Professional Medical Coding
Columbia Area Career Center – Professional & Community Education 4203 S. Providence Road
COLUMBIA AREA CAREER CENTER
PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL CODING PROGRAM
Please complete this application as accurately as possible in typed form or print legibly in ink. Application for Spring 2016 must be received by February 11, 2016.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Last First Middle Maiden/Former Name
Current Address City State Zip
Home Phone Cell Phone
Email address Date of Birth
Emergency Contact Relationship to Applicant Phone Number
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES – please list 3
Name, Company/School, & Phone # Relationship
Name, Company/School, & Phone # Relationship
Name, Company/School, & Phone # Relationship
List any current certificates, licenses, or other credentials:
List any previous employment, training, workshops, seminars, or other educational opportunities you have experienced related to the healthcare field.
I certify that the above information is correct and complete. I understand that I am responsible for notifying the Program Director of any changes of address or phone number. I also
understand that I am responsible for my own transportation to and from clinical sites and may be required to obtain a physical examination prior to beginning clinical experiences. I authorize Columbia Area Career Center to release my application, letter of intent and letters of reference information for scholarship consideration.
EDUCATION
List all high schools or other secondary schools attended. Submit a copy of transcript. Name of School City and State Dates Attended Diploma Received
POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
List all formal education beyond high school. Submit a copy of transcript.
Name of Institution City and State Major Dates Attended Credential Earned
EMPLOYMENT
List all work experiences, both full and part-time since high school. List most recent first. Employer City and State Title or Position Dates Employed
Have you ever taken college entrance examinations? Yes _____ No _____ If so, which one(s)?
______________________________ ______________ ________________________
Test Name Score Date Taken
______________________________ ______________ ________________________
Test Name Score Date Taken
______________________________ ______________ ________________________
Professional & Community Education
Medical Coding Program
Letter of Intent
Please discuss your interest in the Medical Coding Program in the space provided below. Include in your discussion how these interests have developed, why you wish to become a medical coder, and what you plan to do upon completion of this program.
Name of Student
Professional & Community Education
Medical Coding Program
Letter of Recommendation Form
Application to the Medical Coding Program requires a letter of recommendation. Please utilize this form to submit your recommendation.
Applicant’s Name
Name Relationship to applicant
Address Phone Number Signature Date
