Certificate IV in Clinical Classification

This certificate equips you with the knowledge required to apply data coding to medical information.

You will develop skills to translate descriptions of medical diagnoses and procedures into codes, which are recorded as health data.

This requires a good understanding of medical terminology, but doesn't require hands-on contact with patients.

Clinical coders work with hospitals, government organisations and other medical institutes to code medical records.

They ensure coded data meets national and legal reporting requirements.

The data you create will contribute to:

medical research health service planning monitoring patient safety hospital funding models.

This course is offered fully online through our award-winning blended learning model (external link) .

You will be guided through a series of eLearning activities and attend weekly webinars to consolidate your learning.

Assessments are conducted through a combination of webinar and discussion board attendance and online tests.

For commencements from 1 January 2020 up to and including 31 December 2020, the HES Approved Subcontractor is Data-Pro Communications PTY LTD (ABN 88 423 720 983).

To be awarded 22274VIC Certificate IV in Clinical Classification, a student must successfully complete a total of twelve (12) units of competency.

Course structure and units

CORE UNITS

• BSBMED301B - Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
• BSBMED305B - Apply the principles of confidentiality, privacy and security within the medical environment
• BSBWHS201A - Contribute to health and safety of self and others
• BSBWOR401A - Establish effective workplace relationships
• BSBWOR501B - Manage personal work priorities and professional development
• HLTHIR402D - Contribute to organisational effectiveness in the health industry
• VU21652 - Apply knowledge of the health system for clinical coding purposes
• VU21653 - Prepare for clinical coding
• VU21654 - Analyse clinical documentation
• VU21655 - Abstract clinical information to support clinical coding
• VU21656 - Assign codes to an episode of care
• VU21657 - Participate in clinical coding audits

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Applicants are best placed to successfully undertake this qualification if they have language, literacy and numeracy skills that align to Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

The Certificate IV in Clinical Classification develops the skills and knowledge to translate descriptions of medical diagnoses and procedures into codes, which are recorded as health data. Clinical coders are responsible for the coding of moderately complex medical records.