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

Required Core
ANAT 5Human Biology4
CSIS 50
& CSIS 50L
MS Office Applications
and MS Office Applications Lab
3
MEDA 100Introduction to Health Careers1
MEDA 101Ethics, Law and IT Security in the Medical Office3
MEDA 105Medical Terminology4
MEDA 112Medical Office Computer Applications2
MEDA 113Medical Procedure Coding3
MEDA 114Medical Insurance Management2
MEDA 117ICD 10 Coding3
MEDA 118Pharmacology and Human Diseases3
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
College Composition: Enhanced
Academic Reading and Writing
Advanced Reading and Writing
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS34-36
Additional Requirements24-26
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 Units60

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

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallUnits
ENGL 1A
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
 Units15
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
 Units16
Year 2
Fall
HLTH 4
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
 Units14
Spring
MPC GE Area C 3
MPC GE Area D 3
MPC GE Area F 3
Electives 3
Electives 3
 Units15
 Total Units60

Ready to Work!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.