BCC Celebrates 10 Years of Medical Coding, HIM Program

BCC President Ellen Kennedy says she was excited to overhear two graduates who 'raved' about the program at a dentist's office. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College's Medical Coding and Health Information Management Program has seen around 150 graduates since its inception in 2014.

Many have found the career path to be rewarding and accessible, as Berkshire County residents can work for top medical institutions remotely.

Ann Marie Perry said her life since her 2015 graduation has seen a constant upward and positive trajectory, being transformed both professionally and personally. She now works as a data quality specialist for Massachusetts General Brigham Hospital in Boston.

"Had you asked me 10 years ago whether that would have ever been in the realm of what I thought was possible for myself, I assure you, the answer would have been a resounding 'no,'" Perry said.

"Berkshire Community College and this distinguished HIM program made what seemed like the impossible possible and for that, I'm forever grateful."

Staff members, students, and graduates gathered at BCC's Connector area on Thursday to mark one decade of the program and honor those who paved the way for it. Last year, Medical Coding earned a national Professional Certificate Approval Program accreditation.

College President Ellen Kennedy said they convened in a "joyful celebration" of the program and the opportunities it has provided to students and their families as well as medical practices.

Aimed to provide a seamless transition to employment, it is an educational partnership between Berkshire Health Systems, the college's Division of Workforce Development and Community Education, and the Division of Science and Business.