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Program Overview
Medical Coding Specialists translate written medical documentation, provided by physicians and other health care providers, into a numeric form. The Medical Coding Specialist assigns and sequences diagnostic and procedural codes using universally recognized coding systems, e.g., an anterolateral myocardial infarction (heart attack) is translated to I21.09.
Coded Information Serves Many Purposes
- Reimbursement - codes are printed on the claims submitted to insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid.
- Research - physicians can access medical records for research purposes based on coded information. For example, a physician may request to see the medical records for all patients who were treated for gastric (stomach) ulcers in the past two years. These records would be identified in a computer list of patients with diagnosis codes of K25.0-K25.9.
- Public Health - a government or public health agency may use coded diagnostic information to track the occurrence of certain diseases. For example, they may find an increased incidence of a certain type of cancer in a certain region of the country.
- Patient Care - a medical device manufacturer may issue a recall on a specific device, such as a pacemaker, and the records of such patients could be identified and retrieved based on the procedure code for pacemaker insertion.
The Medical Coding Specialist technical diploma at Madison College will prepare you for a career in this high-demand field.
Aptitudes and Interests
Possessing these aptitudes and interests may help you succeed in the Medical Coding Specialist program:
- Ability to be precise and detail-oriented
- Ability to adhere to standards and guidelines
- Passion for medical information
- Ability to communicate well with others
- Ability to accept challenges and problem-solve
- Respect for confidential information
Program Details
The Medical Coding Specialist Program is offered on a part-time basis only; it will take at least two years to complete the program. Classes are offered in the online format. A few classes require students to take proctored final exams on campus or by other arrangements.
Medical Coding Specialist is all online – virtual campus
Careers
The Medical Coding Specialist program will prepare you for entry-level coding specialist positions in health care facilities such as hospitals, managed care organizations, skilled nursing facilities, coding and billing services, physician practice groups, governmental agencies, home health agencies, computer software companies, clinics, consulting firms, insurance companies and veterinary hospitals.
Career Outlook and Salary
The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in the health information management field will grow faster than average (16% or more) through 2032.
The 2023 Madison College Graduate Employment Report (six months after graduation) indicates an average annual salary of $45,594 ($21.92/hour) for new graduates of the Medical Coding Specialist.
A 2023 national survey done by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) indicates the average annual wage for certified professional coders (CPC) is $58,895 ($28.31/hour) and for certified outpatient coders (COC) is $64,267 ($30.90/hour). Survey results for Wisconsin show the average annual wage for coding and billing professionals to be $60,204 ($28.94/hour).
A 2019 national survey done by the American Health Information Management Association indicates the average annual salary for a coding professional is $66,370 ($31.90/hour). It also showed those with mastery-level coding credentials (CCS and CCS-P) garnered higher average salaries than those with entry-level coding credential (CCA): CCS - $79,060; CCS-P - $77,790; CCA - $53,790.
As of June 2024, the website www.salary.com indicates the annual salary range for a medical coder in the Madison area is $41,791 - $69,715 ($20.09 - $33.52 per hour) with the median salary at $54,284 ($26.10/hour).
Certification Opportunities
There are several certification exams that can be taken to earn national coding credentials. The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam demonstrates entry-level skills. The other certification exams demonstrate mastery level (experienced) skills. Many employers require certification. Certification may result in a salary increase and/or promotion.
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA):
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
- Certified Coding Specialist - Physician-Based (CCS-P)
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC):
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)
- Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
- Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)
Resources
- Program Handbook (pdf)
- Is Coding Hard? (pdf)
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
Pre-Program CoursesCore Program CoursesCluster 1Cluster 2Cluster 3 -
Admission
Apply Now - Secure Your Spot on the Waiting List!
This program operates on a waiting list. To be eligible to enroll in program classes, students must first complete academic preparedness requirements and go through the declaration process.
Before submitting an application, be sure to:
- Review the Waiting List section.
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements.
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 0-1 year wait time between when students are core ready and when they become eligible to enroll in program classes. This timeline may vary depending on how many students complete the declaration process each semester.
- Program Capacity: 21 spots each Fall and Spring semester
- Make sure you can meet the program’s essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
Need help? Learn more about the Madison College experience and get support with your application.
Start your application today and take the next step toward your career goals!
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, academic preparedness requirements, and complete the declaration process. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Medical Coding Specialist career.
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Waiting List
This program uses a waiting list to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and program demand. This means there are typically more applicants than there are open seats in the program. A waiting list helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will complete the declaration process.
Pre-core students can run their Degree Progress Report to confirm which academic preparedness requirements are satisfied/not satisfied and view specific ways to satisfy requirements.
Prerequisites:
- Algebra (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree in a related biological science)
- English and Reading (testing, college coursework or bachelor's degree)
Course Requirements: Must be completed in the last five years to satisfy program requirements
- Body Structure and Function or General Anatomy and Physiology or Anatomy and Physiology 1&2
- Medical Terminology
- Microsoft Windows
- Digital Literacy for Healthcare
You also must complete a mandatory waiting list workshop in Brightspace.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the Medical Coding Specialist program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be prepared to:
- Collect health data
- Apply coding and reimbursement systems
- Model professional behaviors and ethics
- Use electronic applications to support coding and data collection
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2022 2023 2024 Number of Program Graduates 22 20 23 Number of Surveys Sent 22 20 23 Number of Surveys Returned 16 17 15 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 16 17 14 Percent Available for Employment 100.0% 100.0% 93.3% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 0.0% 0.0% 6.7% Available for Employment
2022 2023 2024 Graduates Employed 14 13 9 Percent of Graduates Employed 87.5% 76.5% 64.3% Employed in Related Occupation 7 6 5 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 50.0% 46.2% 55.6% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 7 7 4 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 50.0% 53.8% 44.4% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 2 4 5 Percent Seeking Employment 12.5% 23.5% 35.7% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.8 3.4 3.4 Number of Satisfaction Responses 16 16 14 Very Satisfied (4) 12 9 6 Percent Very Satisfied 75.0% 56.3% 42.9% Satisfied (3) 4 5 8 Percent Satisfied 25.0% 31.3% 57.1% Unsatisfied (2) 0 1 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 6.3% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 6.3% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Number of Primary Reason Responses 16 17 15 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2022 2023 2024 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 14 13 9 Before Enrollment 8 5 0 Percent Before Enrollment 57.1% 38.5% 0.0% While Attending the College 0 2 3 Percent While Attending the College 0.0% 15.4% 33.3% After Training at the College 6 6 6 Percent After Training at the College 42.9% 46.2% 66.7% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2022 2023 2024 Number of Employment Location Responses 14 13 9 In College District 9 9 7 Percent In College District 64.3% 69.2% 77.8% In Wisconsin, Not in District 5 3 1 Percent of In Wisconsin 35.7% 23.1% 11.1% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 1 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 11.1% Employer Location Unknown 0 1 0 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 7.7% 0.0% Salary Trend 2022 2023 2024 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 7 6 3 Average Monthly Wage $3,838 $3,771 $4,020 Average Hourly Wage $22.31 $21.92 $23.37 Average Work Hours per Week 40.0 40.0 40.0 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 2 Average Hourly Wage $20.03 Average Work Hours per Week 28.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2024 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Connections Counseling Front Desk Receptionist Mile Bluff Medical Center Outpatient Coder Mauston Turville Bay MRI Centers Coder Unity Point Health-Meriter Patient Access Specialist UW Medical Foundation Medical Coder Middleton * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu