Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree program in Healthcare Administration and Medical Coding offers a unique blend of healthcare administration principles and specialized training in medical coding and billing, providing a distinct learning opportunity for those interested in a career in healthcare.

Healthcare Administration Core Courses: Include core courses covering essential topics such as medical terminology, healthcare ethics,
healthcare law and regulations, healthcare systems and policies, and healthcare management.

Medical Coding and Billing: A significant part of the program is dedicated to practical training in medical coding and billing practices. Students will gain the skills to accurately assign medical codes to diagnoses, procedures, and services using standard classification systems such as ICD (International Classification of Diseases) and CPT (Current Procedural Terminology). The curriculum also includes insurance claim processing, reimbursement methodologies, and compliance with healthcare regulations related to coding and billing practices.

Health Information Technology (HIT): Given technology's integral role in healthcare administration and medical coding, students receive training in HIT systems and software used for coding, billing, and electronic health records (EHR).

Legal and Ethical Considerations: Courses covering healthcare ethics, privacy laws (such as HIPAA), and regulations related to coding and billing practices are essential components of the curriculum. Students learn about the legal and ethical responsibilities of handling sensitive patient information, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and maintaining the integrity of healthcare data.

Soft Skills Development: Effective communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are critical in medical coding and billing roles. Therefore, our program includes instructions in soft skills development to enhance a student's interpersonal abilities, problem-solving skills, and professionalism in a healthcare environment.

Preparation for Certification Exams: Our program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in professional certification exams in medical coding and billing, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exams. This preparation not only enhances job prospects but also demonstrates medical coding and billing proficiency to potential employers, giving our graduates a competitive edge in the job market.

Overall, an A.A.S degree in Healthcare Administration and Medical Coding provides a comprehensive education that combines healthcare administration principles with specialized training in medical coding and billing, preparing our graduates for roles in healthcare settings that require expertise in both areas.

Academic Map - Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration

Technical Certificate in Healthcare Administration

Healthcare Administration is a 30-credit hour certificate program. All credit is applicable to the AAS Healthcare Administration Degree. Graduates are trained for entry-level medical office positions such as receptionists and office clerks.

Academic Map – Technical Certificate in Healthcare Administration

Certificate of Proficiency in Healthcare Administration

Certificate of Proficiency Program Description: Healthcare Administration Certificate of Proficiency is a 9-credit hour program designed to provide students with minimum knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in the healthcare setting.

Academic Map – Certificate of Proficiency in Healthcare Administration

Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology Certificate of Proficiency is a 10-credit hour program designed to provide students with knowledge of medical terminology and an introduction to human anatomy and the functions of organ systems.

Academic Map – Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Terminology

The Associate of Applied Science degree, Technical Certificates, and Certificates of Proficiency are designed for employment purposes, and it should not be assumed that the degree or the courses in these programs can be transferred to all four-year institutions. While some institutions do accept some (or in some cases all) courses in A.A.S. programs, the general rule is that courses in A.A.S. degrees are not accepted in transfer toward bachelor's degrees unless that degree has been articulated with that specific institution. Students to whom transfer is important should get assurances in writing in advance from the institution to which they wish to transfer. Contact the Division Chair of Business Technology for information regarding articulation agreements for the A.A.S. in Healthcare Administration.