Medical Coding Specialist

previously Medical Coding Assistant

This degree or certificate prepares students with the knowledge and skills to assign medical codes accurately using current classification systems. Students learn coding for diagnoses and procedures, healthcare insurance and reimbursement, and documentation review. Emphasis is placed on applying coding guidelines in various healthcare settings, preparing graduates for entry-level coding roles in the medical field. Students must complete all required courses for a minimum of 31 units. Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program students gain competencies in the application of biomedical knowledge and legal, ethical, and medical standards, the communication and analysis of statistical data and in planning and implementation of clinical informational and data systems. Coders ensure that valid codes are applied to medical diagnoses and procedures per coding classification guidelines. They facilitate reimbursement, analyze patient outcomes, and medical research. Students will be able to prepare for national AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) exam once they complete and receive this certificate.

Associate in Science Program Map  Certificate Program Map

PREREQUISITE COURSES REQUIRED COURSES FOR CERTIFICATE UNITS

MOA 180 Health Information Management & HIPAA Standards
3

MOA 182 Medical Terminology for Body Systems
3

MOA 183 Introduction to Health Insurance & Reimbursement 4
MOA 180 MOA 184
Healthcare Delivery Systems
3
MOA 180 MOA 188
Healthcare Law and Ethics
3
MOA 180 MOA 193 Principles of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding
3
MOA 180  MOA 194
International Classification of Diseases (ICD) Clinical Modifications (CM) Version 10 3
MOA 180 MOA 195
International Classification of Diseases: Procedure Classification System 3
MOA 181 or 182 MOA 197
Body System Diseases & Diagnoses for Medical Office Staff
3
  MOA 50
 MOA Internship
3
  TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED 31
NOTE: ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK MIGHT BE REQUIRED IF PREREQUISITES ARE NOT MET.  SEE A COUNSELOR TO PREPARE A STUDENT EDUCATIONAL PLAN.
February 2026

GCC Catalog Addendum Spring 2026

Important Notice: In the event of a discrepancy between the information presented above and the online and/or print versions of the GCC Catalog, please contact a counselor or the office of Admissions and Records. For previous years requirements please see the catalog from that year.