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No application is required. Unless otherwise listed within the program specific information, there are no admissions requirements.
No, all professional and continuing education courses are open enrollment. An application to USD is not required. You can search for the course you want on the Find a Course page and click through to the course description to enroll.
Because our courses are not degree-seeking, we are unable to offer financial aid or assist with loan deferments.
It is typically not a requirement, but some aspiring medical coders may benefit from an associate’s degree. However, employers tend to prefer candidates with certificates over degrees, due to the rigorous credentialing exam process. Many professionals in this field obtain certification through organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Medical coders play a vital role in ensuring the quality and continuity of patient care. They are responsible for managing patient records using a numerical coding system, reviewing clinical documentation and doctor’s notes, and translating diagnoses, procedures, and supplies into medical codes that can be submitted to insurance providers.
No, medical coders do not work directly with patients. Their role is strictly administrative, translating physicians’ notes into codes which are used to file claims with insurance providers.
Yes, there are many opportunities to earn healthcare continuing education units online. E-learning offers an excellent opportunity for nurses and other essential workers to learn on their own time, at their own pace, wherever their work takes them.
Continuing education for nurses is available as in-person or online training courses, workshops, conferences, seminars, certification programs, or independent study. As long as the program or resource is approved by your state’s licensing board, it can be applied to the 10 credits required every two years to retain licensure.
There are free continuing education resources for nurses and other healthcare professionals, including research papers, workplace training, and many online sources. Be advised, however, that only approved CEUs can apply to nursing licensure, so be sure your state’s licensing board accepts your choice of free continuing education.
This answer is subjective, depending on what you are personally looking for in terms of salary, growth opportunities, work-life balance, and more.
According to U.S. News & World Report Best Jobs List, these seven healthcare careers have the highest median annual salary — $208,000:
Deciding which healthcare career to pursue is a decision that takes thoughtful consideration. Consult with trusted family members, friends, and any working professionals you know who are already in your desired line of work. Give thought to what educational opportunities you can realistically pursue with your lifestyle and what you are passionate about.
You have five years to complete the certificate.
For successful completion of the certificate programs the following requirements are needed:
Yes. The Division of Professional and Continuing Education is regionally accredited through the University of San Diego by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Prospective students can request to be placed on a waitlist. Should a space open up in a course, those on the waitlist will be notified. We encourage you to register early for courses.
Independent Study Self-Paced courses – USD allows 9 months from the date of registration to complete an independent study formatted course and submit all completed course work for evaluation.
Online Self-Paced courses – USD allows 6 months from the date of registration to complete an online self-paced formatted course and submit all assignments for evaluation within this period
If you need additional time and would like to make an extension request, contact us prior to your upcoming deadline at [email protected] or call between 8:30AM – 5:00PM (PST), M-F, at (619)260-4585 or toll free at (888)321-6658 for a one-time extension. If an extension is granted, it is final.
Classroom, Online Fixed-Date, and Credit Validation formatted courses do not allow for any additional time to complete assignments.
A full refund is provided if PCE cancels a course. Students who need to drop a course due to extenuating circumstances may receive a refund, if the request is received prior within three (3) days of the start date of the course. The refund of the course fee will be returned less a processing fee of 10% or $50, whichever is higher. There are no refunds after the three day withdrawal period. Learn about our registration policies here.
If you have a course or credits you would like to have considered for transfer credit, please contact us. Transfer credits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
An Incomplete (INC) grade grade is available in some circumstances. The instructor makes the final determination of acceptance of assigning an incomplete grade based on the level of work already completed and the amount of assignments remaining.
To receive an ‘INC’ grade, students must complete a Petition for Incomplete and forward it to PCE. PCE will then forward the Petition to the instructor for approval. If coursework is not completed in the agreed extension period, a final grade is assigned, all ‘INC’ grades convert to ‘F’ grades or ‘NG’ (No Grade).
Click here for complete details regarding our refund, drop and transfer policies
A payment confirmation is automatically sent via email once you have registered and paid for a course through the website, please save these receipts for tax purposes. In addition, you can access receipts in your Student Account, Account History.