Medical Insurance and Coding Specialist, Associate in Science
This program prepares students for entry-level positions as medical insurance coding specialists.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Succinctly and accurately communicate and follow up with members of the healthcare team using various modalities including up-to-date computer technology.
- Apply accurate procedure and diagnostic codes to medical insurance claims based upon supporting medical information and in accordance with legal regulations and ethical guidelines.
- Locate, use, and refer to credible professional and technical resources as needed in coding and billing procedures.
- Apply critical thinking, adaptability and problem-solving techniques to continuously improve billing operations and staff relations in the medical office.
- Implement efficient time-management techniques to ensure smooth billing operations and contribute to smooth patient flow in a medical office.
Associate in Science Degree Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| ANAT 5 | Human Biology | 4 |
| CSIS 50 & CSIS 50L | MS Office Applications and MS Office Applications Lab | 3 |
| MEDA 100 | Introduction to Health Careers | 1 |
| MEDA 101 | Ethics, Law and IT Security in the Medical Office | 3 |
| MEDA 105 | Medical Terminology | 4 |
| MEDA 112 | Medical Office Computer Applications | 2 |
| MEDA 113 | Medical Procedure Coding | 3 |
| MEDA 114 | Medical Insurance Management | 2 |
| MEDA 117 | ICD 10 Coding | 3 |
| MEDA 118 | Pharmacology and Human Diseases | 3 |
| Current valid healthcare provider CPR certificate (American Heart Association only) | 0 | |
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Healthy Living | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3-5 | |
| College Composition | ||
or ENGL 1AE | College Composition: Enhanced | |
| Academic Reading and Writing | ||
| Advanced Reading and Writing | ||
| TOTAL MAJOR UNITS | 34-36 | |
| Additional Requirements | 24-26 | |
| Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units. | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |
Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.
The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.
Suggested 2-Year Course Sequence
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Units | |
| ENGL 1A or ENGL 1AE | College Composition or College Composition: Enhanced | 3 |
| LIBR 50 | Introduction to Library and Research Skills | 1 |
| CSIS 50 & CSIS 50L | MS Office Applications and MS Office Applications Lab | 3 |
| MEDA 100 | Introduction to Health Careers | 1 |
| MEDA 105 | Medical Terminology | 4 |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| MPC GE Area A2 (MATH 16 Recommended) | 4 | |
| ANAT 5 | Human Biology | 4 |
| MEDA 101 | Ethics, Law and IT Security in the Medical Office | 3 |
| MEDA 114 | Medical Insurance Management | 2 |
| MEDA 117 | ICD 10 Coding | 3 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| HLTH 4 or PSYC 50 | Healthy Living or Health Psychology | 3 |
| MEDA 112 | Medical Office Computer Applications | 2 |
| MEDA 113 | Medical Procedure Coding | 3 |
| MEDA 118 | Pharmacology and Human Diseases | 3 |
| Current valid healthcare provider CPR certificate (American Heart Association only) | 0 | |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Units | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| MPC GE Area C | 3 | |
| MPC GE Area D | 3 | |
| MPC GE Area F | 3 | |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
MPC “Ready to Work” Career Education programs offer students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills needed for employment and job advancement.
All students should consult with a Counselor to discuss career pathways, for support with career exploration and planning, and to create a personalized education plan to help them meet their academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling services provided by MPC and to connect with a Counselor.
Additional resources are available through MPC’s Career & Transfer Resource Center (CTRC). The CTRC offers career resources, workshops, guidance and referrals. Visit the CTRC for support finding online career information and other resources to explore majors, occupations, and employment information.