Advance Your Coding Expertise. Stand Out in Your Field. 
About the Coding Specialist Program
As of April 1st, 2026 all new enrolments in this program will utilize the new Canadian Coding Browser tool, released by CIHI. Access to the previous Folio coding software will no longer be available to download. If you are enrolling in this program and already have Folio, you may choose to use it, but all curriculum and assessments in this program will be updated to reflect use of the CCB. Please contact us if you have any questions.
This program is recognized by the Canadian College of Health Information Management as preparatory for the Coding and Classification Specialist Certification.
This program will prepare HIM professionals to become specialists in acute care coding and classification.
The Coding Specialist Program will improve accuracy, consistency, and productivity, and improve confidence to code even the most complicated cases. You will be recognized as a coding expert and improve your employability in the coding job market. You will use the Canadian Coding Browser in this program.
This program is ideal for employers who wish to train new coders or improve consistency and efficiency of current coding staff. Group rates are available in these situations so please contact us for more information.
You must be a CHIM to take this program. HICA professionals are not eligible.
Why Take This Program?
- Approximately 120-150 hours of practice and learning
- Learn on your own schedule – start anytime, complete as quickly as you want in up to 15 months
- Teaches you problem solving techniques you can use with any challenging chart
- Hands-on experience with real cases and most relevant, up to date resources
- Supported by expert coding faculty
- Be recognized as an expert
- All graduates will be eligible to apply for CHIMA’s Classification and Coding Specialist Certification (CCCS)
- Graduates may claim 30 CHIMA CPE Credits in the Formal HIM-Related Education category
Who Should Take This Program?
- Newly certified HIM professionals looking to work in acute care coding roles
- Current coders looking to improve their coding accuracy and efficiency
- Outpatient coders looking to move into inpatient coding roles
- Those looking to be more competitive in the coding job market
- Compare the Coding Specialist Program and the Coding Refresher Course
This program requires an application. It is intended for certified Health Information Management professionals who meet at least one of the requirements below:
- Have graduated from an accredited Canadian Health Information Management Program in the past two years OR
- Have worked in a coding role using the ICD-10-CA/CCI classifications within the last 2 years. OR
- Have successfully completed our Coding Refresher within the last 2 years
Proof of one of the above will be required as part of the application process.
Other requirements:
- Proof of active certified membership as a certified HIM professional (CHIM) – HICA is not accepted.
More information on application documents can be found here.
- Approximately 150 hours
- Take up to 15 months to complete, at your own pace
- $1195 CAD
- International students, please contact us before applying.
- Optional Recommended text:
- Optional: ICD-10-CA/CCI Classification Primer, 9th Edition – eBook ($155) or Paperback ($225)
At the completion of this program, learners will be able to:
- Apply coding and classification rules, principles, and standards with confidence
- Display a high level of accuracy, completeness, and efficiency in coding charts of varying degrees of complexity and type
- Apply a systematic process to problem solving any case
- Assign ICD-10-CA and CCI codes for any codes, for any case and explain/justify code selection confidently:
- Explain how and why they arrived at codes
- Identify key information sources and pertinent facts needed for decision-making
- Apply and explain all relevant coding rules and principles
- Access appropriate resources and support
- Use common and helpful tips and tricks to enhance accuracy and efficiency
- Use appropriate and consistent methods of troubleshooting
Each of 6 modules will contain key coding and classification rules, conventions, resources, and tips for clinical cases of each category. Learners must then code a series of charts, in clinical types identified as particularly challenging, frequently problematic, or complex. A journal component will help the learner to bring coding and classification processes to a consistent, conscious level.
Module 1: Fundamentals – Refresher
Module 2: Medicine
Module 3: Surgery
Module 4: Obstetrics
Module 5: Neoplasms
Module 6: Trauma
Faculty
When you enrol, you will be supported by the faculty member of your choice, who will provide guidance, feedback, and expertise to support your success. Explore the profiles below to find the faculty member who best aligns with your professional development goals.
Colleen Nixon
Colleen Nixon
Colleen Nixon, BA, CHIM, is Operations Manager, Coding Classification & Terminology Standards, IM/IT Clinical Documentation, Audit & Reporting at Nova Scotia Health. She has more than 30 years of experience in health information management, including coding and classification, clinical documentation, research, and healthcare data. Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dalhousie University and a Health Records Diploma from the Halifax Infirmary School of Health Record Science. She has served as a Faculty Advisor for CHA Learning’s Coding Classification Specialist Program since 2018.
Learn MoreLaura Monahan
Laura Monahan
Laura J. Monahan, CHIM, CCCS, is a Trauma Data Analyst with Fraser Health and a health information professional with more than 16 years of coding experience. She has worked in health information and coding roles across several Canadian provinces, with experience in DAD coding, health information processing, clinical documentation interpretation, and the application of Canadian Coding Standards. Laura completed the Health Information Management Program at New Brunswick Community College and holds the CHIM and Certified Coding Classification Specialist (CCCS) designations.
Learn MoreRichard Mansfield
Richard Mansfield
Richard Mansfield is a retired health information professional who continues to work as a casual Coder and Data Analyst at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia. He has more than 30 years of experience in health information management and medical coding, including more than two decades at UHNBC, with extensive experience applying ICD-10-CA and CCI classifications. Richard completed the Health Records Administration Program at Douglas College and holds the Certified Classification and Coding Specialist (CCCS) credential. He joined CHA Learning as a faculty member after completing the CCCS program and certification examination in 2020.
Learn MoreDiane Collins
Diane Collins
Diane Collins is a Health Information Management professional with more than 30 years of experience in health information, coding, data quality, and healthcare operations. She spent 13 years as an HIM Supervisor with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, supporting Health Information Management professionals across multiple facilities in rural Saskatchewan. Diane has also contributed to the Provincial Data Quality Committee and has experience providing contract coding services. She has been a CHA Learning faculty member for the Coding Specialist Program since 2019 and the Coding Refresher Program since 2024.
Learn MoreCoding Specialist Program Quick FAQ
- What will I achieve at the completion of this course?
At the end of this course, you will receive a certificate from CHA Learning. You will also be eligible to challenge the exam for the Classification and Coding Specialist Certification (CCCS)
- Do I need to be a certified HIM Professional to enrol?
Yes, you must be a certified, active member of CHIMA to enrol.
- Do I have to have recent coding experience to enrol?
Yes, to enrol in this program you must either have recent coding experience within the last two years, or be a graduate of an accredited HIM program within the last two years.
- Can I take this course if I live outside of Canada?
In some cases, international applicants are eligible to take this course. Please contact us to discuss your situation.
What Our Students Are Saying
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