Program Information
This program will prepare you to take the CPC exam to become a certified coder apprentice (CPC-A). After two years of validated work experience in medical coding, the apprentice part of the certificate is dropped.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
All students who have not taken the ACT or SAT within the last 3 years or have had no previous college English or math courses are required to take a placement test prior to enrolling in English or math course.
Requirements
There is a growing need for certified coders in the medical field. Employers feel that credentials are most important for medical coding professionals. Hiring and promotion practices are influenced by credentials. Credentialed employees are rewarded financially.
Butler’s program recognizes the requirements to become a professional certified coder (CPC) through American Academy of Professional Coders. This certification is nationally recognized seeking ethical, accurate and experienced coders.
To become a certified coder, the applicant must have passed the national certification test plus have two years coding experience. Those applicants who are successful in passing the certification examination, but have not met the required “two years of coding work experience” will be awarded the apprentice certification. Upon completion of acquiring the required coding work experience the apprentice coder submits appropriate documentation and receives the official certification diploma. The test is given in the Wichita area.
Students interested in this program certificate must work independently and be extremely accurate. To receive the Butler certificate, students must complete all required courses with a grade of a C or higher. Students must be prepared to purchase reference materials that would be used in a medical office. There is also a fee to take the national certification exam.
If a student has a strong professional background in medical terminology and coding and has at least two years of prior coding experience in an approved medical office, he/she may take only BE 128 Coding Certification Test Preparation. Before enrolling in this course, the student must take a pre-test to verify prerequisite coding skills. The student would not be eligible for the certificate but would be prepared to sit for the nation certification.
Gainful Employment
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our Gainful Employment page.
Contact Information
Karen Wright
Department Chair, Professor
316.218.6212
Office: BOA 5205S
kwright6@butlercc.edu