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Health Information Coding Specialist Certificate

The Health Information Coding (HIC) Specialist Certificate prepares the students to apply medical coding classifications to healthcare encounters using industry standards through both theory and practical (externship) applications for meeting healthcare industry needs, preparing students for appropriate certificate exams, and providing career ladder opportunities for health care workers.

Total Units:
35-36

First Year

Program Pre-req & Apply to the HIC Program

14-15 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
AH 311 1
Medical Language for Health-Care Providers
3
F(O), S(O), Su(O)
AH 120
Human Disease
3
Pre-req: AH 311 and Advisory BIOL 102
F(O), S(O), Su(O)
AH 124
Pharmacology for the Health Care Professional
2
F(O), S(O)
BIOL 100 2
Introduction to Concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology or
3
F(O), S, Su
BIOL 102 2
Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology
4
F, S
CISC 310
Introduction to Computer Information Science
3
Advisory: familiar with basic functions of word process, spreadsheet, web browser software applications
8W1: F(O,P), S(O,P), Su(O)

1 Formerly AH 110.

2 or BIOL 430 Anatomy & Physiology (5 units) and BIOL 431 Anatomy & Physiology (5 units).

Semester 2 -Acceptance to the HIC Program

13 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
STAT C1000E
Introduction to Probability and Statistics
4
F(O), S(O), Su
HIT 100
Introduction to Health Information Technology: Part 1
3
Admission to the HIC Program
8W1: F(O)
HIT 110
Medical Legal Aspects of Health Information
3
Admission to HIT Program
F(O), S(O)
HIT 120
Basic ICD-CM Coding
3
Admission to the HIT Program
F(O), S(O)

8W1 = first 8 weeks of the semester

8W2 = second 8 weeks of the semester

Year 2

Semester 3

8 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
HIT 122
Advanced ICD Coding
3
Admission to HIC Program
S(O)
HIT 123
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding
1
Admission to HIC Program
8W1: S(O)
HIT 150
Continuous Quality Improvement
3
Admission to HIC Program & HIT 100
8W2: F(O), S(O)
HIT 170
Health Information Technology Directed Practice
1
HIT 102, 110, 122, 123, & 150
8W1: F(O), S(O)

Career Options/Outlook:

Health Information Technicians compile, process, and maintain health records of hospital and clinic patients consistent with the healthcare system\'s medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements.  Typical tasks include:  processing, maintaining, compiling, and reporting patient information for health requirements and standards in a manner consistent with the healthcare industry’s numerical coding system; protecting the security of medical records to ensure that confidentiality is maintained; reviewing records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulations; assigning the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs).

A sample of reported job titles:

Coder, Health Information Clerk, Health Information Specialist, Health Information Technician (Health Information Tech), Health Records Analyst, Health Records Clerk, Health Records Coordinator, Health Records Director, Health Records Technician (Health Records Tech), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Projected job openings in California (2020-2030):

3, 490

Projected growth in California (2020-2030):

10% growth

Median Salary in California (2021):

$53, 740/yr

About this program map:

This program map represents one possible pathway to complete the program. Please see a counselor to create an education plan customized to meet your needs. This map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.

Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC):

The Zero Textbook Costs designation and logo are added to any course that provides free access to all required instructional materials. These are typically shared with students through Canvas. Courses that are designated as ZTC may still require students to purchase supplemental materials such as lab coats, a calculator, art supplies, etc. See full definitions and searching tips on the Zero Textbook Costs page of the college website.

Catalog Year: 2025-2026

Published May 16, 2025

Counselor Contact: Teresa Aldredge | Faculty Contact: Kristen Borth

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