Medical Coding (MCOD/MEDC)

The Medical Coding Technical Certificate program is a full-time nine month certificate program designed to prepare students to perform medical diagnosis and procedure coding in an outpatient or ambulatory health care setting. The courses completed in the Medical Coding certificate program correspond to the first year course for the Health Information Management (HIM) degree program. Medical Coding students may elect to continue into HIM degree program after successful completion of the certificate courses on a space-available basis. All admission requirements for the HIM degree program must also be met for acceptance into the HIM program after completion of the Medical Coding Certificate.

Starting Fall 2019, the Medical Coding Certificate will be offered via distance education utilizing the internet and computer technology. Zoom technology will be used in the Coding Classes to enhance student learning. Medical Terminology may be be offered on campus in addition to the distance education offering.  Enrollment is limited.

Courses not previously completed prior to admission to the Medical Coding certificate program, must be completed as specified in the catalog.

Admission Requirements

1. Complete the Roane State Community College (RSCC) admissions process to become an admitted student.  Click here to access the college application.
2. Complete the electronic Allied Health Science (AHS) application on RaiderNet and submit by the published application deadline.
   Note: When choosing the Planned Course of Study, select 'Medical Coding' Coding'. If 'Medical Coding is not selected as a Planned Course of Study you will not be considered for the Medical Coding Program.
3. Any required Learning Support requirements must be completed before a student can enroll in BIOL 2010 -Anatomy and Physiology I.  Placement testing via ACT or Accuplacer may be required.  Visit the Testing Center webpage to schedule, if necessary.
4. If necessary, the following factors are utilized in ranking and accepting applicants:
   1. Completion of HIMT 1300 Medical Terminology
   2. Completion of BIOL 2010 and BIOL 2020.
5. Only HIMT courses which were completed within three years prior to applying for admission or readmission will be considered for credit toward graduation.
6. Complete all other entrance requirements detailed on the Medical Coding webpage.
7. Final selection of students will be made by the AHS Admissions Committee.

Note: Students may not register for discipline-specific courses until their major has been changed by the Allied Health Sciences/Nursing Admissions Advisor.
Note: Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to Tennessee Residents.

Program Application and Deadline

June 15.  Late applications may be considered on a space-available basis.

Students will be notified electronically via RaiderNet email of acceptance to the Medical Coding program.  Students must acknowledge their acceptance via reply email by the designated response date stated in the acceptance email.

Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks and drug screening may be a requirement at affiliated clinical sites utilized for training in the Medical Coding Program. Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow your presence at their facility. This would result in your inability to successfully complete the Medical Coding Program. Students will be responsible for the costs of the background check. Additionally, a criminal background may preclude employment. More information is available from your program director.

Health Guidelines

Students will be required to meet all health guidelines of affiliated clinical agencies. Personal health insurance may be required by some agencies. Students are highly encouraged to carry personal health insurance and are responsible for costs incurred due to injury or illness while enrolled. Students will be responsible for the cost of the physical examination and required immunizations and/or testing.

Students will be required, during the course of the program to demonstrate their physical and/or emotional fitness to meet the essential requirements of the program. Such essential requirements include freedom from communicable diseases, the ability to perform certain tasks, and suitable emotional fitness. Any appraisal measures used to determine such physical and/or emotional fitness will be in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American Disabilities Act of 1990. Students will be required to meet all health guidelines of the affiliating agencies. Students are responsible for cost incurred from injury or illness while in the Medical Coding Program.

Retention

A student must maintain the following standards or he/she will be dismissed from the program.

1. A grade of "C" or better is required in each HIMT course and required science course.
2. Completion of specialty courses as outlined by the degree checklist. Exceptions to this must be approved by the program director.
3. Evidence of malpractice insurance and physical examination must be provided prior to clinical training.

The RSCC policy of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions applies to all students regardless of the program in which they are enrolled. In cases where alcohol and drug violations occur, disciplinary action, as well as the decision whether to test for alcohol or drugs, will be processed through the Dean of Allied Health Sciences and the office of the Dean of Student Services and Multicultural Affairs.

Readmission Procedures

A student must request readmission after a grade of "D" or "F" is received in a core course or after withdrawal from the program at anytime during the semester. 

A student may be considered for readmission to the program if all of the following criteria are met:

1. Students applying for readmission must meet all admissions criteria listed above. The applicant must submit a readmission request in writing to the Program Director at least thirty (30) days prior to enrollment. The request must be a detailed personal reflection of the reason(s) for the unsuccessful performance and a plan of correction.
2. One (1) readmission to the program will be permitted.
3. The applicant applying for readmission may be required to interview with the Program Director for consideration of readmission before the review date by the AHS Admissions Committee.
4. An acceptable level of discipline-specific competency may need to be demonstrated prior to readmission.
5. A student with previous unsatisfactory clinical performance must be recommended for readmission by consensus of the program faculty.
   Note: The AHS Program Director will verify that all readmission documents and criteria including licensure/credentials are current and valid.
6. Readmission to an Allied Health Sciences program is contingent upon the availability of space.
7. Students who are dismissed for reasons associated with academic misconduct or violations of a code of ethics will not be considered for re-admission.
8. A student must repeat the specialty course or courses for which he/she was dismissed and attain a "C" or better in the course.

¹ Recommended to be completed prior to acceptance and must be completed with a grade of C or better. 
² An open course that may be taken by any student & is recommended to be completed prior to acceptance.

Students pursuing this certificate will be advised by the Health Sciences Division. Students wishing to pursue an A.A.S. Health Sciences with an emphasis in Medical Coding should contact their advisor.

Any Learning Support course requirements must be completed before taking BIOL 2010.

A certain number of credit hours in each program must be completed in order to meet the graduation residency requirement. Contact your advisor for the requirement of your program. Only HIMT courses which were completed within three years prior to applying for admission or readmission will be considered for credit toward graduation.

http://www.roanestate.edu/?6028-Medical-Coding