Develop professional skills in medical coding procedures for a variety of healthcare environments.
What is Health Information Technology Coding?
Health Information Technology (HIT) Coding, also known as Medical Coding, is a specialized area within healthcare focused on translating patient care into standardized codes used for billing, data analysis, and insurance purposes. Professionals in HIT Coding work behind the scenes to ensure that healthcare providers' diagnoses, procedures, and services are accurately and efficiently documented using industry-standard classification systems such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS. These professionals are critical in supporting reimbursement, maintaining regulatory compliance, and contributing to quality healthcare outcomes. As a HIT Coder, you will help ensure the accuracy, integrity, and security of patient data while supporting the financial and operational success of healthcare facilities.
Getting Started
What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?
How Do I Pay For This?
Worry no more. With the lowest tuition in Kentucky, financial aid options, and a helping hand to guide you through the application process, we have you covered. GCTC will help you reach your goals at a price that won't break the bank.
Why choose Health Information Technology at Gateway?
The Health Information Technology program provides the knowledge and skills that you will need to successfully perform HIT duties in a healthcare workforce. The Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding prepares you to pursue your interest in roles that span against a range of healthcare delivery systems. The program is aimed at working adults and nontraditional learners who are seeking to earn a certificate. Our medical billing and coding program is delivered exclusively online, except for the onsite, unpaid nonclinical practicum required. General education courses can either be done online or on campus. The online courses are not self-paced. They are set to open with a new lecture and material each week with assignments being due weekly as indicated on your syllabus.
What are the Practicum Requirements?
The program requires students to work a set number of hours in an unpaid, site-approved, site-supervised healthcare setting. You will collaborate with your instructor to find a practicum site during your final term. The certificate program requires 90 hours. You will need to collaborate with your current employer to ensure you have the time off to complete your required practicum. Please note you will not be able to use your current employer as a substitution for practicum hours.
What are the Program Costs?
- Tuition, lab, and fees
- Subject to change based on the academic year and financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Books
- Approximately $800-$1,000 per year
- Criminal background check and drug screen
- $67
- Professional yearly association dues (student)
- $49
- Credentialing exam fee
- $299-$399
- Immunizations
- Varies
What Employability skills do I need to work in the Health Information profession?
Professionalism and Teamwork Skills:
- You must be a team player and willing to work within groups
- Interact professionally and appropriately with others
- Dependable Well-organized
- Time management/meeting deadlines
- Appears professional in dress and demeanor
Critical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning Skills:
- Able to integrate theory and correlate data
- Must be able to recognize and solve problems
- Requires excellent attention to detail
- Solve real-world problems
- Analysis of graphical or numerical data
- Decision Making
Communication Skills:
- Must be able to verbally communicate effectively with patients and co-workers including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff
- Ability to comprehend and accurately follow verbal and written directions
- Must be able to professionally communicate in writing electronic mail messages
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Are there specific enrollment/start dates?
You may enter the program at the beginning of any term (fall or spring). Courses are offered in the fall (starting early August) and spring (starting mid-January).
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Length of Program
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in collaboration with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)
This program is participating in Gateway's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) and is committed to enhancing employability skills for students. Click here for more information about our QEP.
