Medical coding is required for reimbursement by Medicare and all insurers. It drives the cash flow by which health care providers operate. It also supplies critical data for quality evaluation and various statistical analysis purposes.

The Medical Coding Specialist Program is an 18 month Academic Associate Degree program. It is a combination of general education and professional courses concentrating in the business component of health care. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to work in clinics, insurance companies, physicians' offices, hospitals, and other health care affiliates. This program aims to develop the student into a well-rounded individual through its general education components.

There are two coding systems ( ICD 9CM and CPT) and depending on the setting coders will use each system. For students contemplating a career in the coding field, it is necessary to have a good knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, as well as ICD9 and CPT coding systems. In addition to the various coding systems that are in place, 2010 is the target year for a new coding system (ICD10).