Vermont Business Magazine College of St Joseph, Rutland, will offer an Associate of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Medical Coding and Billing beginning this fall. College of St Joseph added the concentration in Medical Billing and Coding as a way to respond to needs in the health care community, as well as providing good-paying careers for our students," said Dr Jonas Prida, interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty. "Consistent changes in the field of electronic medical records mean that employers are looking for people with the most up-to-date skills, and our program provides them."
This 60-credit, undergraduate program can be completed in just two years. The faculty, consisting of experienced professionals, will educate students in basic health science principles, as well as more focused areas of medical terminology and medical coding and billing practices.
Medical coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnosis, procedures and medical services into universal medical alphanumeric codes. Medical coding and billing professionals are tasked with coding a patient’s diagnosis, as well as requesting payments from the patient’s insurance company.
“Our students benefit because jobs in billing and coding pay well and are available throughout the country, which is important given our diverse student population. Additionally, the concentration can be completed in two years, making it an attractive path to a sustainable career,” Prida said.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible for certification with the American Association of Professional Coders and the American Health Information Management Association. Graduates may also choose to continue their education and pursue a Bachelor’s degree at CSJ.
“There are many certificate programs available. However, an Associate’s in Health Science with a concentration in Medical Billing and Coding allows for upward mobility, as well as future education growth toward a Bachelor’s Degree,” said Roger Weeden, radiologic sciences program director. “There are many areas where a student may find quality work and the profession offers an excellent work-life balance.”
Weeden will be teaching several of the medical coding and billing courses at CSJ. He holds a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding from SUNY Adirondack.
In addition to the new associate's degree in Health Science, College of St. Joseph also offers undergraduate degrees in Health Science with pre-physician assistant and pre-physical therapy tracks, radiologic sciences, and sonography.