MCO101 Medical Coding Specialist Certificate (Online) | UNC Charlotte School of Professional Studies

Course Overview

UNC Charlotte’s Medical Coding Specialist Certificate Program offers in-depth training that will equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to pursue a new career, re-enter the workforce, or refresh and broaden current skills. Properly trained medical coding specialists perform the coding tasks that support the processing of medical billings, implement proper reporting of transactions, and support secure health information management.

Medical coders assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure by using classification systems software. The classification system determines the amount for which healthcare providers will be reimbursed if the patient is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance programs using the system. Coders may use several coding systems, such as those required for ambulatory settings, physician offices, or long-term care.

Who Should Attend

Individuals interested in pursuing medical coding employment, changing job skills to move into a medical office records environment, or pursuing the skills necessary to become a Certified Medical Coder.

Individuals wanting to make a career change or pursue employment in the healthcare industry and a medical records environment

Individuals working in the healthcare industry
Individuals working for insurance companies
Individuals working for third-party administrator and self-insured organizations
Existing insurance claims processors
Individuals from the healthcare field that have the desire to increase their medical coding knowledge and skills
Individuals with the desire to prepare and become a Certified Medical Coder

Curriculum

Course Work includes:

Introduction to Medical Coding / Healthcare Information Documentation
Diagnosis Coding
Procedure Coding
Coding Guidelines and Processes for Out-Patient / In-Patient Services.

On completion of the program, students will:

Have the ability to analyze health records and assign codes for diseases, diagnosis, and procedures.
Have the ability to abstract key information from health records for reimbursement, statistics, and research purposes.
Have an understanding of the ethical and professional standards expected of Medical Coding professionals.
Have an understanding of the importance of maintaining a high level of accuracy and accountability when performing medical coding documentation.
Understanding of processes and procedures of medical record administration and documentation.
Have the necessary education that will qualify students to sit for numerous national “certification” exams

Certification

After successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take numerous national coding certification exams. Students pursuing certification must apply directly with the organization that governs the certification of interest.

American Academy of Professional Coders (CPC, CPC-H, or CPC-P) Website: www.aapc.com
American Health Information Management Association (CCS or CCS-P) Website: www.ahima.org

Career Outlook

Job prospects and career advancement in healthcare careers is very good. The May 2022 average salary in North Carolina for Medical Records Specialists (29-2072) was $46,890. Employment of health information technicians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020-2030, faster than the average for all occupations, because of an aging population and the need to organize and manage health information data.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

For more information regarding a recent medical coder salary survey, visit the AAPC website.

Textbook Information

Information on required textbooks for the program will be provided to registered students.
Students will be able to purchase textbooks directly from vendors. The estimated cost of textbooks is $350-$400 depending on where you purchase.

Prerequisites

High School Diploma (or equivalent) is required
Computer Applications: Prospective students should be able to operate basic computer applications
Required Reading: Technical Specifications
Although not required, it is highly recommend that participants have experience/background (educational or professional) with medical terminology. Prospective students lacking a medical terminology background should consider enrolling and completing an online self-paced course on Medical Terminology prior to entering the certificate program.

Applies To The Following Certificate

Medical Coding Specialist Certificate : Required

Questions? Call us at 704-687-8900 or schedule a convenient time to connect and learn more.

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MCO101 - 015

2025-2026

Live Online

Available

Mar 04, 2026 to Jul 08, 2026

Schedule and Location

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93.0

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Live Online

Registration Fee non-credit

$2,400.00

$500.00 deposit and 5 payments

Reading List / Textbook

Information on required textbooks for the program will be provided to registered students. Textbooks must be ordered so please allow for enough time to receive textbooks through mail.
Students will be able to purchase textbooks directly from vendors. The estimated cost of textbooks is $350-$400

For More Information

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This program qualifies for the post-enrollment auto-draft payment plan which allows you to put down a deposit and make payments on your balance while taking classes.

Program Duration

4 Months

Location

Live Online

Start Dates

March & July

MCO 101 Course Schedule

Monday/Wednesday 6-8p

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Professional Development

MCO101 - Medical Coding Specialist Certificate (Online)

Course Overview

Course Overview

Who Should Attend

Curriculum

Certification

Career Outlook

Textbook Information

Prerequisites

Applies To The Following Certificate

MCO101 - 015

For More Information

Program Duration

Location

Start Dates

MCO 101 Course Schedule

Contact

Resources

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