Advising Tips
Medical Coder
Technical Diploma | 31-530-3
www.cvtc.edu | 1-800-547-2882
General Information
Academic Advising & Student Success
Academic advisors assist students with developing education plans based on their graduation audit. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services).
Library & Academic Support
The one-stop spot for academic help! Free academic help including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, research guidance, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available in Commons.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wishes to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of the class to be eligible for a tuition refund. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.
Financial Aid Consideration
Courses must be part of the student's program to be eligible although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted.
Students with Disabilities
CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.
Title IX Pregnancy and Related Conditions
CVTC does not discriminate against any student based on pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Related conditions include, but are not limited to, childbirth, breastfeeding/pumping, miscarriage, abortion, false pregnancy, and recovery from these or related conditions. Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to reasonable modifications to ensure equal access to CVTC's educational program and activity. Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to discuss appropriate and available modifications based on their individual needs. Students are encouraged to request pregnancy-related modifications as promptly as possible.
Pre-Core Information
Students who have pre-core status have been accepted into the college but not into the program. Pre-core status may be granted because the program is filled to capacity, academic preparedness requirements need to be satisfied, or the program start date is in the future. For more detailed information, visit the Pre-Core Health Advisement page.
Helpful Background
Before beginning this program, students should have experience with the basic use of Microsoft Windows (word processing, spreadsheet, databases, and presentation software). Students who have little to no experience with these applications are strongly encouraged to take 103-102 Microsoft Office Suite before starting the program.
Demanding Coursework
The Medical Coder program is academically rigorous. Students are encouraged to complete courses as pre-core. See pre-core category for a list of courses available. Note: A grade of "B-" or better in all core courses of the program, which includes course numbers in the 500s. A grade of "C" or better is required in all general education courses, which includes course numbers in the 800s.
Courses Available to Pre-core Students
By completing the courses listed below ahead of time, students can decrease their credit load when they reach the highly demanding core program courses and increase their success rate in the program. It is strongly recommended that pre-core students complete these courses while waiting to enroll (or before enrolling) in the core program. Students who complete these courses as pre-core students will NOT be able to finish the program early; core program courses must be taken sequentially.
These courses are typically taken by pre-core students:
- 836-113 Prep for Basic Biology (If needed for admission)
- 836-133 Prep for Basic Chemistry (If needed as prerequisite for 806-177 General Anatomy & Physiology)
- 501-101 Medical Terminology (Best if taken before 806-177 General Anatomy & Physiology, if possible)
- 806-177 General Anatomy & Physiology (Prerequisite: High School Chemistry or 836-133, or taken concurrently)
- 530-182 Human Disease for Health Professions (Prerequisite: 501-101 Medical Terminology and 806-177 General Anatomy & Physiology, or taken concurrently)
Please Note: Students who complete these courses as pre-core students will not be able to finish the program early, because program core courses involve many pre-requisites and must be taken sequentially.
Program Information
Technology Requirements
Students must have regular access to a computer with an internet connection. Additionally, students will be required to have a webcam and headset with a microphone and speakers. Students may purchase a webcam and headset from anywhere they choose. However, there are a couple options of webcams for purchase through eCampus, CVTC's online bookstore, and can be charged to financial aid if funds available.
Having access to a laptop/computer with reliable Wi-Fi will be necessary. Please check to make sure that it meets the minimum recommended specifications below:
|
Windows/PC |
Mac |
|---|---|
|
Operating System: RAM: 8GB |
Operating System: RAM: 8GB |
Course Delivery Methods
The Medical Coder program courses are delivered in an online or MyChoice format. MyChoice courses allow students to complete coursework in person or online depending on their needs, which can vary from week to week. In MyChoice courses, specific time for face-to-face delivery will be scheduled and always available, but it's the student's choice to attend. Students are expected to complete assignments and tests through Canvas. Organization and time management skills, along with regular access to a computer with high-speed Internet connection, are essential for student success.
Course Sequence
Most core program courses are designed to be taken in consecutive semesters for optimum learning and to ensure the student can successfully complete the program in a timely manner. The courses listed in first semester (summer) must be taken before the 530 courses listed in second semester (fall). It is strongly recommended that students meet with an academic advisor to design a student education plan to facilitate program success.
Criminal Background Check
Upon starting the core program, students will be provided directions on how to request a criminal background check from a third party vendor. Please note that a fee will apply. Upon receipt of the criminal background check results, if a student has a criminal history, they will be advised of the possibility of being denied clinical placement. This denial could result in not being able to attend clinical(s) or graduate from the program. Additional background checks may be required during the student's enrollment in the program based on clinical site requirements. Students will be informed by CVTC if they need a criminal background check renewal.
Health Information Management & Technology Associate Degree Program
Students interested in furthering their education in the field of Health Information Management & Technology (HIMT) can complete that associate degree program at CVTC. The Medical Coder courses are part of this program, so students would already be on their way to this associate degree. The HIMT Program is offered in the MyChoice delivery format, so students can take this program fully online or come to scheduled classroom sessions as they choose. Check out the HIMT Associate Degree information here.
Last Updated: February 25, 2026 @ 8:23 a.m.
Printed: 3/7/2026 7:58 a.m.