Certificate of Completion - Program Map - 2025-2026
Health Sciences

Program Description

The Certificate of Completion in Medical Coding and Billing trains students to convert medical data into codes for clinical care, research, and reimbursement. Accurate coding is essential in healthcare. Graduates can take the Certified Coding Specialist (C.C.S.) or Certified Coding Specialist for Physician’s Office (C.C.S.P.) exams, with two years of work experience recommended before certification. • Capstone experience: HITT 1267, Practicum (or Field Experience)-Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician II. • Minimum grade required for specialized courses: C • Most courses in this Certificate of Completion are also applicable to students completing the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Management. Important: This program requires students to fulfill Specialized Admissions criteria and procedures, including (but not limited to): minimum GPA, testing scores, a background check, substance abuse screening, and immunizations/titers. Acceptance into this program is determined by a competitive ranking formula which factors in individual academic performance, Specialized Admissions criteria, and the successful completion of ranking and/or mandatory courses, as applicable. Students should view the Program Information Guide on the program’s website and consult with a Health Career & Technical Education Counselor when considering applying to this program. For more information including ranking dates, pre/post-admissions requirements, and program contact information, view the Program Information Guide at epcc.edu/academics/health/health-information-management

Career Opportunities

Potential Careers: Medical Coding/Billing Specialists (Hospitals, Private Practices, Insurance Companies, Collection Agencies, etc.) • Quality Managers • Case-Mix Managers • Medical Administrative Staff

Potential Salary: $27,720 to $39,420/year in El Paso and $34,250 to $43,310/year in the State of Texas, depending on career, education, location, and experience.

For more information on possible careers, education requirements, and salaries, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov

Medical Coding & Billing

Certificate of Completion

Prerequisite Semester

Credit Hours

BCIS

1305

Business Computer Applications or

COSC

1301

Introduction to Computing or

ITSC

1301

Introduction to Computers

3

BIOL

2404

Anatomy & Physiology (Specialized, Single-Semester Course, Lecture + Lab)

4

HPRS

1206

Essentials of Medical Terminology

2

9

First Semester

Credit Hours

HITT

1311

Health Information Systems

3

HITT

1401

Health Data Content and Structure

4

HITT

2430

Pathophysiology and Pharmacology

4

11

Second Semester

Credit Hours

HITT

1166

Practicum (or Field Experience)-Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician

1

HITT

1270

Documentation Practices

2

HITT

1341

Coding and Classification Systems

3

HPRS

1209

Interpretation of Laboratory Results

2

8

Third Semester (Summer)

Credit Hours

HITT

1342

Ambulatory Coding

3

HITT

1353

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Information

3

6

Fourth Semester

Credit Hours

HITT

1267

Practicum (or Field Experience)-Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician

2

HITT

2245

Coding Certification Exam Review

2

HITT

2340

Advanced Medical Billing and Reimbursement

3

HITT

2346

Advanced Medical Coding

3

10

Total Credit Hours

44

(C) Core Curriculum Course (F) Field of Study Course

Things To Know

  • BIOL 1306 & 1106 are prerequisites to BIOL 2404, which can be met through course completion or Biology CLEP exam.
  • Please visit your counselor/advisor at the end of each semester to discuss your next semester courses.
  • Some courses in this degree plan may count toward the following: Health Information Management AAS. Visit the above degree plans to see which courses count.
  • It should be noted that acceptance into most programs is based on a competitive ranking system, in which case, an associate degree is desirable. HITT courses may not transfer, depending on the program requirements. Continuing your education toward another health career program may require additional core curriculum requirements. The admission requirements depend on the program and school of your choice. Please contact the counselor for your chosen program and college for more information.
  • For more information and to view the Specialized Admissions Program Information Guide visit the Health Information Management program webpage.

Marketable Skills

By the completion of the Medical Coding & Billing Certificate, students will have gained the following marketable skills:

  • Communication: Students are effective oral and written communicators and display the ability to listen to comprehend.
  • Critical Thinking: Students can interpret and understand complex ideas to solve problems and build connections.
  • Personal Responsibility: Students demonstrate professionalism and a strong, independent work ethic.
  • Social Responsibility: Students demonstrate personal ethics, integrity, and civic engagement.
  • Teamwork: Students are efficient team members and maintain respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion.