Why earn your Certificate in Medical Coding online at CUNY SPS?

The Certificate in Medical Coding at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) prepares students to enter a growing area of the healthcare industry where accurate coded clinical data is essential. Medical coders translate healthcare documentation into standardized diagnostic and procedural codes that support reimbursement, electronic health records, public health reporting, medical research, compliance, data analytics, clinical information systems, and healthcare operations.

This credit-bearing online certificate gives students a strong foundation in anatomy, medical terminology, disease processes, pharmacology, health information management, coding systems, reimbursement, legal and ethical issues, and coding practice. Students learn how coded data is used by healthcare providers, insurance companies, government agencies, and healthcare organizations to support billing, reporting, planning, and decision-making.

About This Program

• Format: Online, Asynchronous
• Credits: 36 total
• Time to Completion: 2 Semesters
• Start Term: Fall
• Tuition: Part-time students - NYS residents: $305 per credit

Why This Program

• Fully online certificate program designed to prepare students for entry-level medical coding roles
• Use credits as pathway to BSHIM
• Prepares graduates for the American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate, or CCA, credential
• Build skills in International Classification of Disease (ICD) diagnosis coding, ICD procedural coding, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), Healthcare Procedural Coding System (HCPCS), reimbursement methodologies, clinical documentation, coding auditing, and coding ethics
• Gain a strong foundation in anatomy, medical terminology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health information management
• Learn how coded clinical data supports reimbursement, resource utilization, electronic health records, quality reporting, public health, medical research, clinical information systems, and healthcare decision-making
• Complete an online coding capstone that allows students to apply diagnostic and procedural coding skills
• Prepare for employment in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, dental offices, health insurance companies, government offices, and related healthcare settings
• Provides a pathway into the BS in Health Information Management or BS in Health Services Administration at CUNY SPS
• Transfer credit may be awarded with departmental approval

Who Is This Program For

This program is ideal for students who want to prepare for entry-level medical coding roles or begin a career in healthcare without immediately pursuing a full bachelor's degree. It is a strong fit for career changers, recent high school or HSE graduates, healthcare administrative staff, billing professionals, patient services staff, and others interested in medical records, coding, reimbursement, and health information.

The Certificate in Medical Coding may also be useful for students who want to build a foundation in health information management before continuing into a bachelor's degree program. Students who complete the certificate may choose to continue their studies in the BS in Health Information Management or BS in Health Services Administration at CUNY SPS.

Skills You'll Gain

• Understand medical terminology and the language of healthcare documentation
• Identify body systems, diseases, procedures, and treatments
• Understand disease process and treatment through the study of pathophysiology and pharmacology concepts relevant to coding
• Apply diagnostic coding using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
• Apply procedural coding using CPT and HCPCS coding systems
• Review clinical documentation and assign accurate medical codes
• Understand reimbursement methodologies and the role of coding in payment systems
• Recognize legal and ethical issues in healthcare and medical coding
• Support accurate electronic health records and coded clinical data
• Understand the role of health information management in healthcare organizations
• Use spreadsheets and related tools to support coding and health information work
• Apply coding knowledge through advanced coding coursework and a coding capstone

Sample Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Certificate in Medical Coding program may be prepared for roles such as:

• Medical Coder
• Coding and Billing Specialist
• Claims Analyst
• Revenue Cycle Auditor
• Outpatient Coder
• Physician Office Coder
• Coding Specialist
• Medical Coding Assistant
• Health Information Technician
• Clinical Documentation Support Assistant
• Reimbursement Specialist
• Insurance Claims Specialist
• Coding Quality Assistant

Program FAQ and Admissions Information

 

What are the admission requirements for the Certificate in Medical Coding program?

To apply for the online Certificate in Medical Coding program, applicants must possess a high school diploma or a High School Equivalency, or HSE, diploma and demonstrate basic proficiency in reading and writing in accordance with University guidelines.

At current, proficiency in reading and writing may be demonstrated by meeting one of the following criteria:

• SAT I verbal score of 480 or higher or critical reading score of 480 or higher
• ACT English score of 20 or higher
• New York State English Regents score of 75 or higher
• A grade of C or higher in a college-level English course

Applicants are also required to submit a personal statement.

What are the Certificate in Medical Coding application deadlines at CUNY SPS and how do I apply for the program?

Apply now and view application deadlines here.

What courses are included in the Certificate in Medical Coding?

The certificate includes the following required courses:

• BIO 200 – Biology of the Human Body
• BIO 310 – Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
• HIM 200 – Medical Terminology
• HIM 202 – Introduction to Health Information Management
• HIM 210 – Introduction to Spreadsheets
• HIM 300 – Survey of Clinical Classification Systems
• HIM 331 – Legal and Ethical Aspects of Healthcare
• HIM 340 – Diagnosis Coding using the International Classification of Diseases
• HIM 341 – Procedural Coding
• HIM 380 – Reimbursement Methodologies
• HIM 440 – Advanced Coding
• HIM 441 – Coding Capstone

Together, these courses prepare students to understand healthcare documentation, apply diagnostic and procedural codes, understand reimbursement systems, and use coding knowledge in healthcare settings. You can view the full course catalog here.

How many credits is the Certificate in Medical Coding?

The Certificate in Medical Coding is a 36-credit undergraduate certificate.

Is this certificate the same as earning a professional coding credential?

No. The Certificate in Medical Coding is an academic certificate from CUNY SPS. It prepares graduates for the American Health Information Management Association's Certified Coding Associate, or CCA, credential, which is a separate professional credential offered by AHIMA.

Will this program prepare me for the CCA exam?

Yes. The program is designed to prepare graduates for AHIMA's Certified Coding Associate, or CCA, credential. Students who want to sit for the exam should confirm all current AHIMA eligibility and exam requirements before applying.

Can this certificate help me qualify for the CCS credential?

With additional hands-on coding experience, students may evolve to qualify for AHIMA's Certified Coding Specialist, or CCS, credential. Students interested in the CCS should review AHIMA's current requirements for that credential.

What is medical coding?

Medical coding is the process of translating healthcare diagnoses, procedures, services, and treatments into standardized codes. These codes are used for reimbursement, health records, quality reporting, compliance, public health, medical research, healthcare data analysis, and healthcare decision-making.

What coding systems will I study?

Students study coding systems such as ICD, CPT, and HCPCS. These systems are used to classify diagnoses, procedures, and medical services in healthcare settings.

What kinds of organizations hire medical coding professionals?

Graduates may pursue opportunities in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, dental offices, health insurance companies, government offices, revenue cycle departments, and other healthcare organizations that use coded clinical data.

Can this certificate lead into a bachelor's degree?

Yes. The Certificate in Medical Coding can provide a pathway into the BS in Health Information Management or BS in Health Services Administration at CUNY SPS. Students who continue into a bachelor's degree program should work with Admissions and Academic Advisement to understand how credits may apply.

Is transfer credit accepted?

Transfer credit may be awarded with departmental approval.

Do I need previous healthcare experience to apply?

Previous healthcare experience is not required for admission. The program is designed to give students foundational preparation in medical terminology, anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, health information management, coding, reimbursement, and related topics.

General FAQ

 

Is this program fully online?

Yes. The program is delivered 100 percent online. 

Are courses asynchronous and what does that mean? 

There are no required live class sessions. Students complete coursework online on a set schedule with flexibility around timing. 

Is this program designed for working professionals? 

Yes. The fully online format and focused certificate structure are designed for individuals balancing school with work and other responsibilities. 

How do I request information about the program or contact admissions? 

You can request program information here or reach out to Admissions

Text: (646) 517-7876
Email: admissions@sps.cuny.edu
Phone: (646) 664-8544

When can I start? 

You can start during the Fall or Spring term. 

How long does it take to complete the certificate?

The certificate may be completed in as little as 1 semester, depending on course load. 

Is financial aid available?

Students enrolled in the Advanced Certificate in Management do not qualify for financial aid. However, students may wish to contact Financial Aid to discuss available payment plan options. 

Are there scholarships that I can apply for? 

Learn more about CUNY SPS scholarships, CUNY-wide scholarships, external scholarship opportunities, scholarships and grants for veterans, and general scholarship information here. 

What support services are available for students? 

Students have access to academic advising, career services, professional development resources, counseling, disability services, veteran services, writing support, tutoring, library resources, and a range of student support services. 

How do I learn more about student life? 

You can learn more about student life here, and view our list of student clubs and organizations here. 

Is CUNY SPS accredited? 

Yes. CUNY SPS is part of the accredited City University of New York system.