Medical Coding Program FAQ's
What is a Certified Coding Associate?
A Certified Coding Associate is an entry level coder. The CCA position is a starting point for those entering the coding field and a means of expanding job opportunities and continuing education. A Certified Coding Associate has demonstrated competency in the field. Many employers prefer to hire credentialed coders because of their training and qualifications. Traditionally, a CCA receives a higher salary than those who are not certified. The CCA examination is sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
What are the courses?
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Medical Billing
- ICD-9 Coding
- CPT Coding
- Medical Office Software Applications
- Review Class and Preparation for CCA Examination
Successful completion of this program will allow the participant to apply for professional employment in; acute care facilities, medical and dental offices, and any other organization that manages healthcare reimbursement or authorization. Upon completion of this program the participant will also have the necessary knowledge and skills to offer private coding and billing services.
How can Hartnell College help me become a Certified Coding Associate?
Becoming a CCA is an exciting way to enter the growing healthcare field. At Hartnell College, we are committed to serving our community, its students, and the healthcare profession and industry. We take a deliberate, practical, and hands-on approach to training that is complimented with personal, tailored support from our administrators and faculty. Our goal is to develop competent, motivated medical coders who will become valued assets to medical organizations in our community.
What training is provided?
Students receive over 290 contact hours that include class and laboratory instruction, along with tutoring and workshop sessions. The comprehensive curriculum is taught by a staff of medical coding specialists.
What time commitments do I need to make away from the classroom?
To be successful, participating students need to commit a minimum of 15 hours per week to homework, reading assignments, and course study.
How many instructional hours are included?
- Class hours: 290+ hours of instruction and laboratory training
- Additional hours of tutorial and job skills training as needed
Yes! Hartnell College’s Medical Coding Program isn’t just about theory—it’s about applying what you learn to the real world.
What activities do students engage in outside of the classes?
- Student Evaluations: evaluations will be done to assess the program, its instructors, and students’ progress in the program
- Job Skills and Professional Development
- Clinical Site Visits (required of all students) Potentially up to 100 hours.
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA) Examination
Instructors are Medical Coding Specialists from various practice settings. They are hand-picked to teach specific topics, depending on their expertise and experience.
What are the admission requirements?
- Attain minimum required Assessment Test scores for English, Reading, and Math
- Participate in formal interview
- High school diploma or GED
- Keyboarding and assessment tests
- $600 deposit for textbooks
- Strong English, reading and communications skills
The candidate’s background, interview, and all pre-admission testing will be reviewed carefully to determine the capabilities of the prospective student’s success in this program. If remediation is necessary, the student will be expected to complete courses either prior to admission or concurrently. Students may be asked to provide official transcripts of any previous academic work or training to determine placement in the program. All conditions of admission must be met by specified deadlines.
What are all the Program’s requirements?
Once accepted into the Program, all requirements outlined below must be met by the specified deadlines before a student is allowed to receive a Certificate of Completion. Failure to do so may result in a delay of completion of the Program.
- High School Diploma or Equivalent -
Students must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent for admission into the program.
- Keyboarding -
Each student must take a keyboarding test during the first two weeks of class (a testing date will be assigned). Students are required to type 25 words a minute for five minutes with 5 or fewer errors. Students not meeting this requirement will be expected to arrange for keyboarding practice. Students must meet this 25 WPM requirement before the start of the Medical Office Software Applications course.
- $600 Deposit -
Each student is required to submit a $600 deposit to cover textbooks. $300 will be refunded after completion of the program.
Students will keep textbooks.
- CCA Examination - Each student is required to take the CCA Examination after completion of the program.
There are no tuition fees to students. Program tuition is being paid by a grant (RFA # 06-0336) funded and awarded by the California Community College Chancellors Office, under the California Healthcare initiatives. There is only a $600 deposit to cover textbooks.
Are there any costs I’m responsible for?
- $600 deposit to cover textbooks. $300 will be refunded after completion of program. Students will keep textbooks.
- Parking Permit (optional): Fall = $25, Spring = $25 , Summer = $10
- CCA Examination fee (currently $250 to non-AHIMA members)
- Fill out the Application Form and Questionnaire
- Take STAAR Assessment Test
- Meet for a formal interview
