1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
602–285–7500

Phoenix College Offers New Hospital-Based Medical Coding Program to Meet Valley Health Care Demands

by: Christy Skeen

Phoenix College is taking a proactive approach in meeting the demands of the Valley’s health care industry.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, medical coders and health information technicians are projected to be one of the top 15 fastest growing occupations in the nation from 2000 to 2010. Therefore, beginning this summer, Phoenix College will offer the first Hospital-Based Medical Coding Program within the Maricopa County Community College District.

As the only one of its kind, this flexible program offers day and evening classes. Students have an opportunity to enroll on a full-time or part-time basis and all coding classes will be taught by professional coders. Students will also receive hands-on clinical experience in hospitals and other healthcare organizations throughout the Valley.

Overall, this unique program is designed to prepare individuals for diagnostic and procedural coding positions in hospital-based settings such as hospital outpatient clinics, emergency departments, inpatient facilities or hospital sponsored surgery centers. This certificate program includes theoretical and laboratory instruction on the college campus, as well as a professional practice affiliation in a health care setting.

"For the past 37 years the Health Information Technology Program has been dedicated to providing quality occupational training to individuals seeking entry-level employment in health care," said Phoenix College Health Information Technology program director, Debbie Dennis. "As the demand for quality medical coders continues to increase our hope is that we meet the needs of the coding health care community by preparing graduates for this increasing demand. We are very excited about this new program and look forward to working with future students our community partners."

According to the Arizona Hospital Association Benchmark Job Profile, coders within the Metro Phoenix area receive a salary ranging from $13 to $20 an hour.

The curriculum, which requires the completion of 37.5 credit hours, will provide the strong theoretical foundation needed for the credentialing examinations for professional coders.

The approximate total cost for the program ranges from $1,500 to $1,600, which includes tuition, lab fees and textbooks.

In addition to the Hospital-Based Medical Coding Certificate Program, Phoenix College also offers an AAS degree in Health Information Technology and Certificate Programs in Physician-Based Medical Coding and Medical Billing.

Phoenix College will host an information session on Wednesday, May 21 at 5 p.m. for those interested in learning more about this new program. The session is scheduled in Dalby Building – Room 221 on the Phoenix College Campus.

For more information about the program or orientation, please call (602) 285-7427 or by email: debi.moser@pcmail.maricopa.edu.