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Alexandria Technical and Community College prides itself on adapting to meet the needs of current and future students. One example of the college’s adaptability is its Healthcare Administrative Specialist and Medical Coding Specialist programs.

"Alexandria Tech helped me spread my wings,” said Amanda, a graduate of the Healthcare Administrative Specialist program. “Through my time at Alexandria College, I found who I am and who I should continue to be.”

At Alexandria College, student success is a core priority, and faculty strive to understand each student's individual circumstances. Through flexible online offerings, these programs are designed to allow students to take classes on their schedule.

“Being mostly online, students can take general education courses on campus if they would like,” said Lindsey Maass, Alexandria College Healthcare Administrative Specialist instructor. “It also allows a student to work outside of school if they want to or need to.”

To make sure the Medical Coding Specialist program is competitive with the most current practices and prepares students for the career field of medical coding, faculty adjust the curriculum. In 2023, the faculty integrated the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) curriculum into the program.

“Partnering with AAPC assures students that they are receiving education aligned with industry standards,” Maass said. “Students will benefit in many ways, including learning the most up-to-date and relevant coding practices that align with what employers in the healthcare industry are looking for, certification opportunities to enhance their employability in the job market, and access to AAPC resources.”

The biggest change to the curriculum due to the integration is the creation of 3 new courses: AAPC Coding I, AAPC Coding II, and Advanced Medical Coding. The courses utilize the AAPC curriculum, which prepares students for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification examination after graduation.

A need was identified in the programs for a shorter credential for students interested in healthcare administration. The Patient Access Specialist certificate can be earned on the way to an Associate Degree or independently. 

The healthcare administration and medical coding programs are designed to build on one another—credits from the certificates apply directly to the requirements for related diplomas and associate degrees. This allows students to get credentials quickly and get to work while they finish their education.

For example, a student in the Healthcare Administrative Specialist program can earn a Medical Coding Specialist diploma by taking just three additional courses, effectively doubling their job prospects while allowing them to find their preferred niche in the industry.

The industry of medical coding and administration is constantly changing due to the introduction of new technologies and medical advancements. Alexandria College gives students the tools they need to successfully enter the career field after graduation.