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Which of the AHIMA-approved coding programs are good quality? - codingquestions

Posted: May 08, 2014

Has anyone taken any of the AHIMA-approved coding programs and gotten credentials and a job? I'm just wondering which of them prepare you adequately to pass the credential tests and get hired.

I looked on the AHIMA site at the distance learning coding programs they recommend, and here they are:

Camden County College

Career Step

Dakota State University

Great Falls College Montana State University

Lone Star College

North Dakota State College of Science

Santa Barbara City College

Shoreline Community College

Trident Technical College

Does anyone here have any experience with the programs at these schools? (Yes, I know about Andrews).

Suggestion - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Programs do not necessarily teach the same thing even if they are approved by AHIMA, offered by a college, etc.

I think you are assuming that every AHIMA-approved course prepares you for the same exams. That is not the case. Check the requirements for AHIMA's CCS and CCS-P exam very carefully. At least one of the programs you asked about doesn't meet them, so you could spend 2 full years in that program, spend $$$, and then discover that the program didn't teach enough for you to do inpatient coding or for you to take the CCS. Those programs might only qualify for the CCA exam, which they'll think is just great, but employers won't.

I suggest that you make a chart comparing the programs. List the content, the cost, the time, etc. List the credentials that they state you can qualify to take.

I think you also need to be clear on what you mean by "recommend." The approval is not a "recommendation." It is just a statement that the program met the minimum requirements for a coding program. That can be just outpatient coding, too.

Schools that accept federal funds have to disclose the cost and outcomes of programs. It will be on their website somewhere. That tells you how many students are able to find jobs.

Email the schools and ask them about employment. Ask them about the program's pass rates on the CCS and CPC exams.

No, I'm not assuming that... sm - codingquestions

[ In Reply To ..]
"I think you are assuming that every AHIMA-approved course prepares you for the same exams. That is not the case."

No, I'm not assuming that. If I were, then I wouldn't be asking which ones prepare you for the certification tests and for gainful employment. Thanks for your input.

I think it depends on what you want to do. I went to - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Great Falls College Montana State University. It was an okay program, but it did not prepare me for coding at all. The instructor for the coding classes was just awful. I really learned nothing from her. It did prepare me to pass the RHIT exam, though. If you want to code, I highly recommend getting the CCS and attending a program that will prepare you for it. I've read good things about Andrews. What credential are you looking to get?

I'll cross that school of my list sm - codingquestions

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you. I want to get a CCS and a CPC.

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