Launch a career in health care outside the clinical setting with Stark State College’s medical coding certificate. Gain practical medical coding skills that today’s health care organizations actively need. You’ll leave with industry‑relevant training, career flexibility and a faster, affordable path to a job that’s in demand right now.
Major code: 3055 Pre-code: 3056 Health and Public Services Division Medical Technology Programs Department
Morning/Night Track
The catalog in force is assigned to students based on the academic year they first applied to the college, and changes only when students change their major or request the change in writing. Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-28.
2026-27 Catalog
Effective Summer 2026
Some courses listed within the program may require a prerequisite or co-requisite.
Pre/Co-requisites will be listed within each course hyperlink below.
Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-04 and 3357:15-13-05
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | ||
| HIT121 | Health Data Management and Delivery Systems | 4 |
| HIT123 | Healthcare Legal and Ethical Issues 1 | 2 |
| HIT124 | Clinical Classification Systems I | 4 |
| HIT221 | Clinical Classifications Systems II | 3 |
| HIT233 | Clinical Classification Systems III | 2 |
| HIT231 | Virtual Professional Practice Experience Coding Lab 2 | 1 |
| HIT232 | Healthcare Reimbursement Methodology | 2 |
| Non-technical | ||
| SSC101 | Student Success Seminar | 1 |
| BIO123 | Principles of Human Structure and Function (lab) 3,4 | 5 |
| BIO124 | Human Diseases | 3 |
| BIO125 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| BIO222 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| ITD122 | Computer Applications for Professionals | 3 |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
Students in the Health Information Management major are required to take HIT121 Health Data Management and Delivery Systems. HIT230 Healthcare Delivery in the U.S. is required for all other majors.
- 2
The coding professional practice experience is on campus in our virtual lab.
- 3
BIO121 Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO122 Anatomy and Physiology II may be substituted for BIO123 Principles of Human Structure and Function
- 4
Application criteria require a “B” or better in HS BIO or BIO101 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology to apply to the MC program
Minimum grade of “C” in all technical and non-technical courses in the program curriculum is required.
Medical Coding One-Year Certificate – Math requirement not needed
The classes in this certificate also apply toward the completion of an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management (3050).
Student Advising Notes
Academic Advising
Students should make an appointment to see their advisor before registering for classes each semester. They should have prepared a completed registration form, including courses they wish to take, prior to this meeting.
Course Sequence
The semester-by-semester listing below provides the normal scheduling option for students seeking a one-year certificate.
| First Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SSC101 | Student Success Seminar | 1 |
| HIT121 | Health Data Management and Delivery Systems | 4 |
| HIT123 | Healthcare Legal and Ethical Issues 1 | 2 |
| BIO123 | Principles of Human Structure and Function (lab) 3,4 | 5 |
| BIO125 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ITD122 | Computer Applications for Professionals | 3 |
| HIT124 | Clinical Classification Systems I | 4 |
| BIO124 | Human Diseases | 3 |
| BIO222 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| HIT232 | Healthcare Reimbursement Methodology | 2 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| HIT221 | Clinical Classifications Systems II | 3 |
| HIT233 | Clinical Classification Systems III | 2 |
| HIT231 | Virtual Professional Practice Experience Coding Lab 2 | 1 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
- Successfully pass the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification exams.
- Conduct an analysis of the medical record to ensure that the documentation supports the diagnoses, and reflects the patient’s progress and clinical findings.
- Accurately and efficiently apply diagnoses and procedure codes using ICD-10-CM and CPT/HCPCS codes while utilizing electronic application and work processes to support clinical classification and coding.
- Apply policies and procedures for the use of clinical data required in reimbursement. Prospective payment systems in healthcare delivery. Ensure the accuracy of diagnostic and procedural groups such as DRG, APC, etc.
- Adhere to current regulations, codes, statutes, federal and state laws including HIPAA and ARRA, and established coding guidelines in code assignment to validate coding accuracy using the clinical information found in the health record.