A Career In Medical Coding | Complete 16 Page Guide

WVJC Online’s Free Medical Coding Career Guide!

Are you interested in a career in medical coding? If so, this guide was created with you in mind! In our free 16-page guide, you will learn about the WVJC Online medical coding training program, the industry landscape, valuable certification*, frequently asked questions, and more!

Download your free guide today!

*Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding certification exam. Required/ Included in Tuition/Fees. The Institution’s most recent pass rate (2022-23 academic year) on the Certified Professional Coders exam is 30%. See catalog for details.

About West Virginia Junior College

For over 130 years, West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) has been at the forefront of education in West Virginia and the surrounding states. The institution’s legacy began with brick-and-mortar colleges, first established in 1892 in Charleston, West Virginia, then in Morgantown, WV, in 1922, and Bridgeport, WV, in 2002.

Recognizing the evolving needs of local employers and residents, in 2011, WVJC began developing its hands-on training into an online format known as WVJC Online. WVJC Online aims to provide students in West Virginia and the surrounding states access to quality education, enabling them to pursue their educational goals from the comfort of their homes.

WVJC Online offers a range of nursing, allied healthcare, and professional services programs that align with the demands of regional employers. Upholding its commitment to personalized support and quality career training, WVJC’s faculty embodies its core values and purpose. At the heart of WVJC’s mission are fundamental values that each member of the institution is held to, encapsulated by the acronym WE CARE: Work Ethic, Exemplary, Caring, Accountability, Relationships, and Excellence. Through this collective commitment to the student experience, WVJC can fulfill its purpose of empowering change by creating opportunity.

What you can expect to learn

WVJC Accreditation and Licensing
Medical Coding Overview
The WVJC Academic Process
Earning Your Specialized Occupational Medical Coding Associate Degree
The American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Medical Coding Career Outlook
Benefits of Attending WVJC
Frequently Asked Questions

WVJC Accreditation and Licensing

West Virginia Junior College
148 Willey Street
Morgantown, WV 26505

ABHES – West Virginia Junior College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools to award diplomas and associate’s degrees. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools contact information is 6116 Executive Blvd, Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD 20852, Phone (301) 291-7550.

WVHEPC and CTCS – West Virginia Junior College is authorized by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, 1018 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Suite 700, Charleston, WV 25301, (304) 558-2101, to offer baccalaureate programs and West Virginia Junior College is authorized to offer post-secondary education programs leading to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in the state of West Virginia in accordance with its permit issued by the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education, 1018 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Suite 700, Charleston, WV 25301, (304) 558-0265 in accordance with Chapter 18B of the West Virginia State Code.

NC-SARA – approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). For the most current list of NC-SARA member states and to determine if your state is a member state, visit the NC-SARA website.

Medical Coding Overview

Medical coders play a crucial role within healthcare systems by facilitating communication between healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients. The WVJC Online medical coding training program is designed to equip aspiring medical coders with the necessary skills to manage electronic healthcare records, billing, and insurance claims more proficiently.

According to the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC), medical coders are responsible for translating patient visit documentation into standardized codes, thus identifying diagnoses, medical procedures, services, and supplies. Using standardized codes, including CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II classification systems, medical coders ensure the accurate organization of patient-to-provider interactions, which are vital for maintaining precise patient records and providing payment to providers.

Due to the extensive range of potential medical scenarios, a medical coder must be knowledgeable and pay close attention to detail. Accurate medical coding is essential for insurance claim processing, and any inaccuracies in code entry could lead to insurance companies denying payment. Consequently, medical coders must possess extensive knowledge and be self-disciplined to ensure the accuracy of their work.

While medical coders do not serve a direct patient care role, they are essential to the operations of medical facilities. If you are interested in a behind-the-scenes healthcare career, contact WVJC Online by requesting information!

The WVJC Academic Process

WVJC has been training career-ready professionals for over a century. During this time, an established six-step academic process has been developed to guide students through their educational journey: Plan, Equip, Learn, Enhance, Apply, and Succeed.

Step One: Plan

A student’s first point of contact at WVJC is their admissions team member, who will guide them through the application and admission process. The admissions team will provide detailed information about the institution, program of choice, and our academic process. They will also work closely with the student to create a personalized plan to help them meet their educational, career, and financial goals.

Step Two: Equip

Upon meeting with the admissions team and determining that WVJC is a good fit for them, they will be connected with a financial aid team member to discuss financing their education. The WVJC financial aid team will equip students with the resources they need to create a financial plan, help them file the FAFSA to determine eligibility for financial aid^, and provide information on additional funding options such as institutional scholarships** and student loans.

Step Three: Learn

After completing the admissions and financial aid process, the student’s admissions team member will guide them through enrollment and register them for New Student Orientation. During this course, students will continue learning about WVJC, their chosen program, and the resources available as a WVJC Online student. Once the orientation course is completed, students are prepared to enter classes related to their program, where they will learn the skills and knowledge necessary for their future careers.

Step Four: Enhance

At this point in their education, students will have fulfilled the learning requirements of their program. As an added benefit, the institution will pay for the cost of two attempts to sit for an American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) certification*. When students sit for and pass an industry certification exam, it signifies that they meet national standards for comprehension and skills in their field.

Step Five: Apply

Students will then put their skills into practice by completing an externship experience arranged by the WVJC career management department. This opportunity allows students to gain real-world experience, connect with regional employers, and further develop their skills.

Step Six: Succeed

At the end of their WVJC student journey, graduates will be conferred with their associate degree or diploma, which will allow them to begin their new careers.

Earning Your Specialized Occupational Medical Coding
Associate Degree

WVJC Online’s Medical Coding program offers comprehensive training to students, enabling them to gain skills in various coding and billing tasks in two years or less. Through our direct admission approach, students can immediately immerse themselves in courses directly related to medical coding upon being accepted into the program.

The robust medical coding training program curriculum covers fundamental and advanced coding skills, including CPT and ICD-10-CM coding, electronic health records management, insurance billing and coding, medical terminology, and more. For a detailed list of required courses in the program, refer to page 9 of our downloadable guide.

Upon successfully completing the online medical coding training program, students will earn an Associate Degree in Specialized Occupational Medical Coding and have the opportunity to sit for the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A) certification* exam. Preparation for the exam is incorporated into the curriculum of WVJC Online’s medical coding training program. As an additional benefit, the institution will pay for the cost of two attempts to sit for and pass the exam.

The American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC)

The medical coding profession demands impeccable attention to detail and continued learning. As a medical coder, your education continues after you graduate from WVJC Online. As an added benefit to our graduates, the college will pay for the cost of two attempts to sit for the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A) certification* exam.

The AAPC was established in 1988 and is currently the largest worldwide organization for training and credentialing in medical coding, billing, auditing, and similar fields. Earning an AAPC certification holds significant value, proving to potential employers that you have met established competency and skill level standards.

Upon passing the certification exam, graduates will earn the CPC-A credential. Due to the detailed nature of the medical coding field, the “-A” will remain attached to the credential until further experience and education requirements through the AAPC are met. To maintain your medical coding certification with the AAPC, you must complete ongoing education units and maintain an active AAPC membership.

Medical Coding Career Outlook

WVJC Online’s medical coding courses equip students with a comprehensive skill set, making them versatile and essential healthcare team members. Medical coders possess specialized skills crucial to the smooth operations of medical facilities, opening an abundance of opportunities across various sectors, including hospitals, private practices, insurance companies, law firms, government agencies, and more.

The field of medical coding is rapidly expanding, and there is a growing demand for qualified coders. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates an 8% national increase in the need for medical records specialists from 2022 to 2023. While this growth represents a national average, employment demands may vary by state or region.

As medical coders gain experience and expand their knowledge, they gain the potential for additional career flexibility. While beginner medical coders are often required to work on-site as they develop their skills, they have the potential to advance and obtain more flexibility. According to an AAPC survey, 25% of medical coders work remotely.

Additionally, experienced medical coding professionals can transition to the education sector, becoming instructors to train aspiring medical coders. This career path requires specific licensures and requirements through the AAPC.

Can you envision yourself working in a medical coding career? Get started on your educational journey with WVJC Online by requesting information!

Benefits of WVJC Online

WVJC Online’s supportive learning environment and established educational approach empower students to earn their degrees or diplomas and gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. We understand busy students’ challenges while juggling family, work, and education. We prioritize the student experience, ensuring they feel supported during their educational journey.

One of the significant advantages of attending WVJC Online is our direct admission approach, meaning that students will save valuable time and money by taking only courses directly related to their field of study. This can reduce the overall time and money spent on education compared to a traditional college. WVJC Online’s courses are designed to be accelerated, meaning students will complete classes in 6-week sessions. Compared to traditional college semesters with long breaks in between, students can expect to cover more material in less time with our accelerated approach. WVJC Online students can anticipate being challenged academically but receive support from the institution when needed.

WVJC Online provides a more personalized learning approach than a traditional lecture-based school. Students interact with fellow students and professors during classroom instruction and optional virtual study sessions. Additionally, students gain the knowledge needed to sit for valuable industry-specific certification* exams incorporated directly into their program. Then, toward the end of their program, students will complete an externship experience, where they will apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world environment.

WVJC Online ensures access to support resources through our career services department during their time as students and beyond. Our career management team offers students professional, personal, and academic development assistance, including resume writing, job placement, tutoring, career planning, and more. In addition, the career management department facilitates the organization of a student’s externship experience.

As an added benefit, WVJC Online alums have lifelong access to the career management team for assistance with career development and industry refresher courses^ at no additional cost to the student.

WVJC Online understands the importance of earning a quality education. We aim to provide every student with exceptional support and resources from the first time they contact us through graduation and beyond. Join the WVJC Online family and Get Started today!

*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam.
^Career Management Services are subject to specific conditions and requirements and continued campus operations. Please see the campus catalog for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How to get a medical coding certification?
A: Preparation to sit for the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice certification* is incorporated directly into WVJC Online’s Medical Coding program curriculum. As an added benefit of the program, the Institution will pay for the cost of two attempts to sit for the exam.

Q: How long is schooling for medical coding?
A: The duration of schooling to become a medical coder varies depending on the type of program a student chooses; according to HealthJob, a medical coding certificate program can take up to twelve months, an associate degree can take two years or more, and a bachelor’s degree can take four years or more. WVJC Online’s accelerated Medical Coding program awards students an Associate Degree in Specialized Occupational Medical Coding in two years or less.

Q: Is medical coding a good career?
A: Medical coding can be an ideal career for someone who thrives in a behind-the-scenes position. Medical billers and coders are crucial members of the healthcare team and are essential for the smooth operation of a medical facility.

Q: Where do medical coders work?
A: The unique skill set of medical coders allows them to be versatile healthcare team members in various facilities, including healthcare, government agencies, insurance companies, and more.

Q: What do medical coders do?
A: The role of a medical coder is to streamline the communication between patients, care teams, and insurance companies using a standardized labeling system. Using codes accurately is vital to ensure the patient receives quality care, detailed medical records are maintained, and physicians receive payment for their services.

Do you still have questions about a career in medical coding? Contact the WVJC Online admissions team to learn more by Requesting Information!