Coding Certificate (SPC-ACO)

RCBC has two certificate programs; one for coding and one for billing.

Is Medical Coding the Same as Medical Billing? No!

Medical coding is a little bit like translation. Coders take medical reports from doctors, which may include a patient’s condition, the doctor’s diagnosis, a prescription, and whatever procedures the doctor or healthcare provider performed on the patient, and turn that into a set of codes, which make up a crucial part of the medical claim. Coding accuracy is highly important to healthcare organizations due to its impact on revenues and description of health outcomes. See below for information on the Medical Coding Certificate program.

Medical billing is the preparation of invoices for procedures rendered, and these are given to patients and insurance companies. Medical billers act as the financial waypoint between patients, providers, and payers. Without billers, healthcare providers couldn’t be reimbursed for the procedures they perform. Click here for information on the Medical Billing Specialist Certificate.

Program Overview

The part-time, online Coding Certificate Program consists of 27 credits.

The Coding Certificate Program prepares individuals for the CCA, Certified Coding Associate; CCS, Certified Coding Specialist; or the CCS-P, Coding Certificate Specialist - Physician-based credential exam(s) offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The program also prepares individuals for the CPC, Certified Professional Coder; COC, Certified Outpatient Coder; or CIC, Certified Inpatient Coder credential exam(s) offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

The Coding Certificate program gives the student the knowledge to sit for the AHIMA CCA exam. ahima.org/certification-careers/certification-exams/cca/ or one of the AAPC certification exams: .aapc.com/certifications

What career opportunities are available for health information professionals?
The AHIMA Career Map features in-depth information about the many career options for HIM professionals, and includes updated salary study results, and job data. Click here for more information.

Is a credential required to work in the healthcare industry?
Most employers are looking for individuals who hold a national credential. However, some employers will hire recent graduates and give them a timeframe (typically 1-year) to earn a national credential.

Is it true that some employers give a coding test ?
Yes, many employers require that you pass their coding test prior to meeting with the hiring manager. You should be prepared with your own codebooks ( ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT) and a medical dictionary.

What do the abbreviations CCA, CCS, CCS-P mean?
AHIMA credentials
Click here for additional information.

CCA - Certified Coding Associate
CCS - Certified Coding Specialist
CCS-P - Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based

Is the Coding Certificate Program (SPC.ACO) accredited?
No, the Coding Program is not accredited. However, graduates of the Coding Certificate Program are eligible to take the CCA, CCS or CCS-P credential exam offered through AHIMA.

How much does it cost to attend RCBC?
Tuition & fees are based on many factors including in-county, out-of-county, out-of-state and program type. For details, click here

Note: any course that has a prefix of HIT or MCR, refer to the Health Science Tuition and Fees.

Are challenge exams available?
Yes, challenge exams are available for some HIM and MCR courses. The cost to challenge a course for credit is $25 per credit. Arrangements must be coordinated through the HIM Department. Rates are subject to change without notice.

If I completed courses at another school where do I send my transcript(s)?
“Official” transcripts should be mailed or dropped off to:

Office of the Registrar
Rowan College at Burlington County
900 College Circle
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

Important note: To be considered official, transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope from the college or university. A transcript is required from the school that you earned the letter grade. Therefore, if you attended multiple schools, an “official” transcript is required from every school that you earned a grade of “C” or higher that you would like evaluated for possible credit.

How do I register for a credential exam?
If you plan to take an AHIMA credential exam (CCA, CCS, or CCS-P) visit the AHIMA website at for details. The website includes information about exam registration, eligibility, specifications, allowable books, review guide recommendations and more.

What books are required to take a credential exam?
See - How do I register for a credential exam?

Can I earn Continuing Education (CE) credit for taking relevant HIM courses?
Download AHIMA’s Recertification Guide here, refer to the section titled Qualifying Continue Education Activities and Calculation of CEU’s.

Complete an RCBC admission application.
Submit all previous college transcripts to the RCBC Admissions Department for evaluation.
The Coding Certificate no longer requires the completion of a HIM program application.
No program application is required
Student should complete a Change of Major form to SPC.ACO.
There is no GPA requirement for this program, but to be successful in the profession, the student should take and pass each course with a C or better to prepare for the credentialing exam.