AUBURN – The Maine Community College System board of trustees has granted Central Maine Community College authority to grant the certificate in medical coding beginning in the fall.

Students who plan to enroll in the program can begin taking courses during the summer session that begins July 12, including College Writing and Introduction to Computer Applications and Business Math (available at the Western Maine University and Community College Center in South Paris).

Medical Coding is one of the fastest growing occupations in Maine, according to the Maine Department of Labor.

The certificate prepares graduates to perform specialized data entry, classification and record-keeping procedures related to medical diagnostic, treatment, billing and insurance documentation. Graduates are eligible to sit for the certification examination to become a certified professional coder.

“We have heard from a number of health care providers that there is a critical need for qualified medical coders,” said Dean of Academic Affairs Patricia Vampatella. “We are very happy to be providing the opportunity to enter this important field.”

The college also offers a certificate in medical transcription to support the health care industry.

For more information about the program, people should contact the admissions office at 755-5273 or 1-800-891-2002, ext. 273.