Medical Coding Specialist
The Medical Coding Specialist program provides a student with training in medical terminology, electronic health records, coding classification systems, and database management.
Students entering this field should be detail-oriented and work well with numbers. Students will learn how to safely manage a patient's protected health information and methodically transfer medical record information into codes—both diagnostic and procedural.
The Medical Coding Specialist program is recognized by the Texas Workforce Investment Council (formerly the Texas Skills Standards Board) which verifies that the knowledge and skill competencies required by industry are included within the curriculum.
Program Outcomes
- Translate, interpret, and use medical terminology, jargon, etiology, drug classifications, health abbreviations and symbols.
- Apply and identify proper document requirements in health care management.
- Extract information and sequence codes according to established guidelines and standards.
- Analyze and identify current medical ethics,legal terminology, and health care trends.
- Utilize basic medical office functions,software, and management concepts.
Communication
Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning
Teamwork
Social Responsibility
Personal Responsibility
Professional Ethics and Confidentiality
Ability to Research
Career Information
A Medical Coding Specialist degree opens opportunities in Medical Coder, Medical Biller, Medical Reimbursement Specialist.
| Course | Title | SCH |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ||
| ACNT 1303 | Introduction to Accounting | 3 |
| HITT 1212 | History of Health Info Tech in the U.S. | 3 |
| HITT 1305 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| POFM 1202 | Medical Software Applications | 3 |
| MDCA 1321 | Administrative Procedures | 3 |
| POFM 1300 | Basic Medical Coding | 3 |
| Second Semester | ||
| HITT 1253 | Legal & Ethical Aspects of Health Info | 3 |
| HITT 1303 | Medical Terminology II | 3 |
| HITT 1313 | Coding & Insurance | 3 |
| ITSC 1401 | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| POFM 2310 | Intermediate Medical Coding | 3 |
| Third Semester | ||
| HITT 2330 | Pathophysiology & Pharmacology | 3 |
| HITT 2346 | Advanced Medical Coding | 3 |
| MATH 1324 | Math for Business & Social Sciences | 3 |
| MDCA 1309 | A&P for Medical Assistants | 3 |
| XXXX x3xx | Socia/Behavioral Science | 3 |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| ENGL 2311 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| HITT 2245/HITT 1266 | Coding Certification Exam Review or Practicum-Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician | 2 |
| XXXX x3xx | Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 |
| HITT 1301 | Health Data Content and Structure | 3 |
| SPCH 1321 | Business and Professional Communication | 3 |
| Total | 60 | |
| course | title | sch |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ||
| ACNT 1303 | Introduction to Accounting | 3 |
| HITT 1212 | History of Health Info Tech in the U.S. | 3 |
| HITT 1305 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| POFM 1202 | Medical Software Applications | 3 |
| MDCA 1321 | Administrative Procedures | 3 |
| POFM 1300 | Basic Medical Coding | 3 |
| Second Semester | ||
| HITT 1253 | Legal & Ethical Aspects of Health Info | 3 |
| HITT 1303 | Medical Terminology II | 3 |
| HITT 1313 | Coding & Insurance | 3 |
| ITSC 1401 | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| POFM 2310 | Intermediate Medical Coding | 3 |
| Total | 30 | |
Transfer Pathways & Career Advancement
A Medical Coding Specialist can be a first step into a longer-term career in health information and healthcare administration. After completing this program, students may:
- Sit for professional coding certification exams. Graduates are prepared to pursue industry-recognized credentials such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), depending on exam eligibility.
- Apply credits to further their education. Many courses from the Medical Coding Specialist program may apply toward other degrees in Health Information Technology, Health Information Management, or Medical Office Administration (depending on the college and degree plan).
- Transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program. After completing an associate degree, students may transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, Health Informatics, Healthcare Administration, or a related field, where available.
- Pursue advanced roles over time. With experience, additional education, and certification, graduates may qualify for roles such as coding auditor, coding supervisor, revenue cycle analyst, health information specialist, or health information manager.
These “stackable” options allow students to start with a focused coding credential, enter the workforce, and then build their education and career over time.
What kind of salary can I expect?
According to recent data from AAPC’s Medical Coding Salary Survey, Salary.com, ZipRecruiter, and O*NET OnLine:
- The average salary for a Medical Coding Specialist is $55,000–$60,000 per year (about $27–$28 per hour).
- Entry-level coders typically earn $18–$22 per hour.
- Experienced and certified coders (CPC, CCA, CCS, etc.) often earn $25–$30+ per hour.
- Actual pay varies based on experience, certification, employer, and whether the position is on-site or remote.
How long will the degree take?
For most students who attend full time:
- An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree typically takes about two years to complete.
- A Level 1 Certificate usually takes about one year (2 semesters) to complete.
Students who attend part time or who need developmental courses may take longer.
Do you have job placement help?
Yes. LSCPA provides job search assistance to students and graduates.
- We maintain a job board that students can access while they are enrolled.
- Some program faculty and staff can offer resume feedback, interview tips, and networking guidance, and may share information about internship and entry-level opportunities in the area.
While we cannot guarantee job placement, we actively support students in their job search.
Tonya J. Harbert, CPC
Instructor I
Umphrey Industrial Technology Center, Office 201H
Phone: (409) 984-6501
Email: keithtj@lamarpa.edu
Kellie C. Buckner
Adjunct Instructor
Student Success Center, Office 411
Phone: (409) 984-6378
Email: bucknerkc@lamarpa.edu
Adriane M. Champagne
Instructor I
Student Success Center, Office 130
Phone: (409) 984-6416
Email: champagneam@lamarpa.edu
Alpha Beta Gamma
Phi Theta Kappa
LSCPA's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is provided in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f), 34 CFR 668.46).
Overview
Associate of Applied Science
Certificates
Contact
- Tonya J. Harbert, CPC
- Program Director
- Umphrey Industrial Technology Center, Office 201H
- 409-984-6501
- keithtj@lamarpa.edu