NMCC’S ONLINE MEDICAL CODING PROGRAM RECEIVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATION THROUGH 2027

Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) is pleased to announce that its Medical Coding program has received approval from the AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP). This recognition identifies coding education programs that have been evaluated by a peer review process and meet the national minimum standards for entry-level coding professionals. This process allows academic institutions to be acknowledged as providers of an approved coding certificate program.

NMCC's Medical Coding program is a fully online, nine-month certificate program designed to prepare students for the rapidly expanding field of medical coding. The curriculum focuses on developing an understanding of medical terminology and the ability to apply it to professional coding standards. Students receive instruction in key areas such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and clinical classification systems.

Students complete a comprehensive coding curriculum that includes more than 26 hours of instruction in ICD-10-CM/PCS coding, CPT coding, and reimbursement methodologies. Prior to graduation students must complete a 60-hour virtual internship, allowing them to experience authentic patient charts in various healthcare settings under the supervision of a preceptor.

NMCC Medical Coding Faculty Member Rhonda Harvey, MBA, RHIA, CCS, led the pursuit of national accreditation. NMCC's program is the first in Maine to receive accreditation from AHIMA's PCAP program. This status is recognized through August 22, 2027, ensuring graduates' eligibility for certification as a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) through AHIMA. With experience, graduates may become eligible for additional national certification examinations through AHIMA or the American Academy of Professional Coders.

"NMCC is proud to add Medical Coding to our list of nationally accredited programs in the healthcare field. Rhonda Harvey has been instrumental in building the curriculum and delivering the quality instruction that made this achievement possible. Students enrolling in this program can have confidence that their credential meets AHIMA's standards of rigor and that they will be prepared to meet the demands of this critical profession. Thank you to Rhonda and her team for their efforts in reaching this goal," stated NMCC Interim President Angela Buck.

In 2022, NMCC transitioned the program to a fully online format to provide greater flexibility for non-traditional students. According to Program Director and NMCC Faculty Member Rhonda Harvey, most students enrolled in the program are non-traditional and hold jobs while pursuing their education, requiring more flexibility than an in-person format would allow.

Upon receiving notification of the program's approval, Harvey stated that she was excited by the news. "Program accreditation assures that the education provided to our students is recognized by employers and professional organizations. Secondly, the accreditation process necessitates that educational programs engage in ongoing review and evaluation to consistently meet high standards, ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped to fulfill the needs of healthcare employers and organizations."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical records specialists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growing demand is also reflected in the local job market.

"Healthcare organizations rely on the expertise of certified coders more than ever, and the demand for new coders continues to grow," stated VP of Operations at AR Gould Hospital Daryl Boucher. "As the complexity of medical care has increased, high quality education is essential. We are grateful that Northern Maine Community College provides a tremendous local option for education."

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