Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Medical Coder/Biller 
Program Type:	ATD (Applied Technology Diploma)
Career Cluster:	Health Science

	College Credit	Clock Hour	
Program Number	N/A	H170530	
CIP Number	0351071400	0351071405	
Grade Level	Applied Technology Diploma (ATD)	30, 31	
Program Length	37 credit hours	1110 clock hours	
CTSO	HOSA	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	Please see the CIP to SOC Crosswalk located at the link below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml 	
Basic Skills Level:	N/A	N/A	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The program is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of health care settings as entry level coder, medical record coder, coding technician, or coding clerks, or medical coder/billers or Medical Records and Health Information Technicians.

The content includes but is not limited to medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, fundamentals of disease process including pharmacology, health care delivery systems, basics of medical records services, ethical and legal responsibilities, safety/security procedures, basic data processing, and employability skills.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is an Applied Technology Diploma (ATD) program that is part of a technical degree program, is less than 60 credit hours, and leads to employment in a specific occupation.  An ATD program may consist of either technical credit or college credit.  A public school district may offer an ATD program only as clock hour credit, with college credit awarded to a student upon articulation to a state college.

Clock Hour Program

When offered at the district level, this program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 2 occupational completion points and the courses as shown below. 

OCP	Course Number	Course Title	Length	
A	HIM0009	Introduction to Health Information Technology	90 hours	
B	HIM0091	Medical Coder/Biller I	350 hours	
	HIM0092	Medical Coder/Biller II	350 hours	
	HIM0093	Medical Coder/Biller III	320 hours	

College Credit Program

When offered at the college credit level, this ATD program is part of the Health Information Technology AS (1351070700) and has a program length of 37 credits.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate an understanding of healthcare organizations and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Explore health informatics as an allied health profession.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of health data concepts.
05.0	Manage the functions of a health record.
06.0	Demonstrate an understanding of Health Information Technology.
07.0	Discuss classification systems, clinical vocabularies and terminologies.
08.0	Evaluate ethical issues in Health Information Professions.
09.0	Demonstrate compliance with laws, regulations, and standards that impact healthcare.
10.0	Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information associated with treatment, payment, and operations (TPO). 
11.0	Demonstrate computer knowledge and skills.
12.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
13.0	Describe the anatomy and physiology of the human body.
14.0	Demonstrate proficiency in the application of medical terminology.
15.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of disease process in relationship to the human body, including pharmacology.
16.0	Perform proficiently in the use of ICD and HCPCS/CPT coding systems, both manual and automated.
17.0	Perform coding complexities proficiently.
18.0	Articulate the significance of health information services as it relates to the medical coder/biller.
19.0	Ensure professional and ethical behavior of a medical coder/biller.
20.0	Take part in healthcare revenue cycle management processes.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Medical Coder/Biller - ATD 
Clock Hour Program Number:	H170530

When this program is offered at the district level, the following organization of courses, standards and benchmarks apply.

Course Number: HIM0009
Occupational Completion Point: A
Introduction to Health Information Technology – 90 Hours	
01.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the healthcare organizations and health occupations.  The student will be able to:	
01.01	Discuss the evolution of healthcare.	
01.02	Demonstrate an understanding of the infrastructure of healthcare in the United States.	
01.03	Discuss healthcare regulatory agencies and organizations.	
01.04	Recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments, and career growth potential.	
01.05	Summarize the roles of various providers and disciplines throughout the continuum of healthcare. 	
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.  The student will be able to:	
02.01	Apply basic speaking and active listening skills with meaningful feedback. 	
02.02	Apply basic observational skills, related documentation strategies in written and oral form.	
02.03	Identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful communication including barriers. 	
02.04	Recognize verbal and non-verbal cues. 	
02.05	Demonstrate written communication including emails using correct spelling, grammar, formatting and confidentiality. 	
02.06	Demonstrate ability to create professional correspondence using appropriate email practices and etiquette. 	
02.07	Utilize appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations. 	
02.08	Demonstrate the importance of cultural diversity and competence for patients and other healthcare workers by maintaining good interpersonal relationships. 	
02.09	Promote health information training and awareness to internal/external stakeholders. 	
02.10	Model communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation including diverse age, cultural, economic, ethnic, and religious groups. 	
02.11	Distinguish between and identify subjective and objective information. 	
03.0	Explore health information as an allied health profession.  The student will be able to:	
03.01	Discuss the history of health information management.	
03.02	Discuss the professional opportunities within the health information professions.	
03.03	Demonstrate knowledge of professional associations applicable to the field of health information.	
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of health data concepts.  The student will be able to:	
04.01	Describe the various uses of primary and secondary health data and data sets. 	
04.02	Identify various characteristics of health data quality and standards.	
05.0	Manage the functions of a health record.  The student will be able to:	
05.01	Demonstrate an understanding of the various formats of the health record in various settings.	
05.02	Take part in the various uses of a health information as it relates to treatment, payment, and operations (TPO). 	
06.0	Demonstrate an understanding of Health Information Technology.  The student will be able to:	
06.01	Articulate how changing regulations and technology impact the health information field.	
06.02	Validate information from health information systems and applications in healthcare.	
06.03	Demonstrate an understanding of creation, use, storage, retrieval, and exchange of health data.	
07.0	Discuss classification systems, clinical vocabularies and terminologies.  The student will be able to:	
07.01	Explain the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, and terminologies and nomenclatures. 	
08.0	Evaluate ethical issues in Health Information Professions.  The student will be able to:	
08.01	Interpret AHIMA code of ethics.	
08.02	Analyze ethical issues related to health information.	
08.03	Manage ethical issues related to payment and operations.	
09.0	Demonstrate compliance with laws, regulations, and standards that impact healthcare.  The student will be able to:	
09.01	Promote the importance of maintaining ethical and legal standards in gathering, managing, and analyzing the use of health information. 	
09.02	Identify all regulations and standards that impact health information including but not limited to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 	
09.03	Explain the composition of the legal health record in various settings.	
09.04	Apply health information policies and procedures for privacy, confidentiality, and security. 	
09.05	Articulate legal terms and processes that impact healthcare. 	
10.0	Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information associated with treatment, payment and operations (TPO).  The student will be able to:	
10.01	Describe how to adapt workflow necessitated by regulatory change. 	
10.02	Demonstrate knowledge of policies and procedures for access and disclosure of protected health information to authorized users.	
10.03	Adhere to appropriate and applicable healthcare regulatory and accrediting agency guidelines.	
11.0	Demonstrate computer knowledge and skills.  The student will be able to:	
11.01	Demonstrate the ability to create, manage, organize, attach, and retrieve files.	
11.02	Demonstrate ability to connect to and perform research on the internet by identifying reliable reputable websites.	
11.03	Demonstrate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, database, and presentation software.	
11.04	Demonstrate the ability to install software programs. 	
11.05	Demonstrate knowledge of safe computer practices and security procedures including but not limited to encryption, passwords and biometrics.	
12.0	Demonstrate employability skills.  The student will be able to:	
12.01	Identify and exemplify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the healthcare team. 	
12.02	Model professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, confidentiality, cultural diversity, competence, and behavior.	
12.03	Utilize documents that may be required when applying for a position. 	
12.04	Model the process to obtain employment including but not limited to job search, cover letter, resume, application, and thank you letter. 	

	
Course Number: HIM HIM0091
Occupational Completion Point: B
Medical Coder/Biller I – 350 Hours	
13.0	Describe the anatomy and physiology of the human body.  The student will be able to:	
13.01	Describe the structure and function of the respiratory system.	
13.02	Describe the structure and function of the circulatory system.	
13.03	Describe the structure and function of the musculoskeletal and connective tissue system.	
13.04	Describe the structure and function of nervous and sensory systems.	
13.05	Describe the structure and function of the reproductive system.	
13.06	Describe the structure and function of the urinary system.	
13.07	Describe the structure and function of the digestive system.	
13.08	Describe the structure and function of the endocrine system.	
13.09	Describe the structure and function of the integumentary system. 	
13.10	Describe major mental health disorders. 	
14.0	Demonstrate proficiency in the application of medical terminology.  The student will be able to:	
14.01	Identify word parts of medical terminology in daily use.	
14.02	Build, spell and pronounce correctly, appropriate terms from word parts learned and be able to give the meaning of the word.	
14.03	Identify word parts and be able to build, spell and understand new words with those parts.	
14.04	Spell and use medical abbreviations correctly.	
14.05	Identify terminology specific to healthcare settings including surgical, medical, and therapeutic.	
14.06	Apply medical reference sources.	
15.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of disease process in relationship to the human body, including pharmacology.  The student will be able to:	
15.01	Demonstrate an understanding of the predisposing factors and direct causes of disease as they relate to the human body.	
15.02	Demonstrate an understanding of the general pathogenesis and morphology of disease and its role in the disease process.	
15.03	 Demonstrate an understanding of pharmacological agents, mechanisms of actions, modalities, and utilizing drug reference sources.	
15.04	Identify and use therapeutic and diagnostic test terminology.	
	
Course Number: HIM HIM0092
Occupational Completion Point: B
Medical Coder/Biller II – 350 Hours	
16.0	Perform proficiently in the use of ICD and HCPCS/CPT coding systems, both manual and automated.  The student will be able to:	
16.01	Analyze conventions and guidelines used in coding.	
16.02	Map the process to update coding resources. 	
16.03	Assign and verify diagnosis, procedure, HCPCS level II codes, and applicable modifiers and groupings in accordance with official guidelines. 	
16.04	Perform ICD-CM, CPT, and HCPSC Level II coding sets to assign diagnosis and procedure codes to case studies and authentic health records/abstracts in various settings. 	
16.05	Examine components of revenue cycle management and clinical documentation improvement including quality indicators as it relates to coding in various settings. 	
16.06	Analyze documentation compliance and standards to improve documentation practices.  	
17.0	Perform coding complexities proficiently.  The student will be able to:	
17.01	Verify coding concepts to complex authentic health records/abstracts and case studies across the continuum of care in various settings. 	
17.02	Analyze case-mix index, severity of illness systems, risk adjustment systems, and coding quality monitors and reporting.	
17.03	Examine a variety of simulated health records from across the continuum of care to interpret data, assign, and verify codes in various settings.	
17.04	Identify the various classification systems including but not limited to ICD-O, DSM, and ICF.	
18.0	Articulate the significance of health information services as it relates to the medical coder/biller.  The student will be able to:	
18.01	Identify the functions of various departments and how this department interacts with the medical 
coder/biller.	
18.02	Utilize the health record content in various settings.	
18.03	Educate stakeholders on the importance of the health record in relation to state and federal agencies, including compliance area.	

Course Number: HIM HIM0093
Occupational Completion Point: B
Medical Coder/Biller III – 320 Hours	
19.0	Ensure professional and ethical behavior of a medical coder/biller.  The student will be able to:	
19.01	Advocate the scope of work of the medical coder/biller.	
19.02	Comply with ethical coding practices as outlined by professional associations.	
20.0	Take part in healthcare revenue cycle management processes.  The student will be able to:	
20.01	Format applicable third-party payer claims.	
20.02	Analyze various third-party payer types.	
20.03	Perform patient accounting functions.	
20.04	Examine reimbursement methodology systems across the continuum of care in various settings. 	
20.05	Analyze charge master and encounter form maintenance. 	
20.06	Facilitate compliance strategies and reporting as well as regulatory guidelines. 	

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Medical Coder/Biller-ATD
ATD CIP Number:	0351071400	

When this program is offered at the college level, the following standards and benchmarks apply:

01.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the healthcare organizations and health occupations.  The student will be able to:	
01.01	Discuss the evolution of healthcare.	
01.02	Demonstrate an understanding of the infrastructure of healthcare in the United States.	
01.03	Discuss healthcare regulatory agencies and organizations.	
01.04	Recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments, and career growth potential.	
01.05	Differentiate the roles of various providers and disciplines throughout the continuum of healthcare and respond to their information needs. 	
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.  The student will be able to:	
02.01	Apply basic speaking and active listening skills with meaningful feedback. 	
02.02	Apply basic observational skills, related documentation strategies in written and oral form.	
02.03	Identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful communication including barriers. 	
02.04	Recognize verbal and non-verbal cues. 	
02.05	Demonstrate written communication including emails using correct spelling, grammar, formatting and confidentiality. 	
02.06	Demonstrate ability to create professional correspondence using appropriate email practices and etiquette. 	
02.07	Utilize appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations. 	
02.08	Demonstrate the importance of cultural diversity and competence for patients and other healthcare workers by maintaining good interpersonal relationships. 	
02.09	Promote health information training and awareness to internal/external stakeholders. 	
02.10	Model communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation including diverse age, cultural, economic, ethnic, and religious groups. 	
02.11	Distinguish between and identify subjective and objective information. 	
03.0	Explore health information as an allied health profession.  The student will be able to:	
03.01	Discuss the history of health information management.	
03.02	Discuss the professional opportunities within the health information professions.	
03.03	Demonstrate knowledge of professional associations applicable to the field of health information.	
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of health data concepts.  The student will be able to:	
04.01	Describe the various uses of primary and secondary health data and data sets. 	
04.02	Identify various characteristics of health data quality and standards.	
05.0	Manage the functions of a health record.  The student will be able to:	
05.01	Demonstrate an understanding of the various formats of the health record in various settings.	
05.02	Take part in the various uses of a health information as it relates to treatment, payment, and operations (TPO). 	
06.0	Demonstrate an understanding of Health Information Technology.  The student will be able to:	
06.01	Articulate how changing regulations and technology impact the health information field.	
06.02	Validate information from health information systems and applications in healthcare.	
06.03	Demonstrate an understanding of creation, use, storage, retrieval, and exchange of health data.	
07.0	Discuss classification systems, clinical vocabularies and terminologies.  The student will be able to:	
07.01	Explain the use of classification systems, clinical vocabularies, terminologies, and nomenclatures. 	
08.0	Evaluate ethical issues in Health Information Professions. – The student will be able to:	
08.01	Interpret AHIMA code of ethics.	
08.02	Analyze ethical issues related to health information.	
08.03	Manage ethical issues related to payment and operations.	
09.0	Demonstrate compliance with laws, regulations, and standards that impact healthcare.  The student will be able to:	
09.01	Promote the importance of maintaining ethical and legal standards in gathering, managing, and analyzing of health information. 	
09.02	Identify all regulations and standards that impact health information including but not limited to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 	
09.03	Explain the composition of the legal health record in various settings.	
09.04	Apply health information policies and procedures for privacy, confidentiality, and security. 	
09.05	Articulate legal terms and processes that impact healthcare. 	
10.0	Apply policies, regulations, and standards to the management of information associated with treatment, payment and operations (TPO).  The student will be able to:	
10.01	Describe how to adapt workflow necessitated by regulatory change. 	
10.02	Demonstrate knowledge of policies and procedures for access and disclosure of protected health information to authorized users.	
10.03	Adhere to appropriate and applicable healthcare regulatory and accrediting agency guidelines.	
11.0	Demonstrate computer knowledge and skills.  The student will be able to:	
11.01	Demonstrate the ability to create, manage, organize, attach, and retrieve files.	
11.02	Demonstrate ability to connect to and perform research on the internet by identifying reliable reputable websites.	
11.03	Demonstrate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, database, and presentation software.	
11.04	Demonstrate the ability to install software programs. 	
11.05	Demonstrate knowledge of safe computer practices and security procedures including but not limited to encryption, passwords and biometrics.	
12.0	Demonstrate employability skills.  The student will be able to:	
12.01	Identify and exemplify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the healthcare team. 	
12.02	Model professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress language, confidentiality, cultural diversity, competence and behavior.	
12.03	Utilize documents that may be required when applying for a position. 	
12.04	Model the process to obtain employment including but not limited to job search, cover letter, resume, application, and thank you letter. 	
13.0	Describe the anatomy and physiology of the human body.  The student will be able to:	
13.01	Describe the structure and function of the respiratory system.	
13.02	Describe the structure and function of the circulatory system.	
13.03	Describe the structure and function of the musculoskeletal and connective tissue system.	
13.04	Describe the structure and function of nervous and sensory systems.	
13.05	Describe the structure and function of the reproductive system.	
13.06	Describe the structure and function of the urinary system.	
13.07	Describe the structure and function of the digestive system.	
13.08	Describe the structure and function of the endocrine system.	
13.09	Describe the structure and function of the integumentary system. 	
13.10	Describe major mental health disorders. 	
14.0	Demonstrate proficiency in the application of medical terminology.  The student will be able to:	
14.01	Identify word parts of medical terminology in daily use.	
14.02	Build, spell and pronounce correctly, appropriate terms from word parts learned and be able to give the meaning of the word.	
14.03	Identify word parts and be able to build, spell and understand new words with those parts.	
14.04	Spell and use medical abbreviations correctly.	
14.05	Identify terminology specific to healthcare settings including surgical, medical, and therapeutic.	
14.06	Apply medical reference sources.	
15.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of disease process in relationship to the human body, including pharmacology.  The student will be able to:	
15.01	Demonstrate an understanding of the predisposing factors and direct causes of disease as they relate to the human body.	
15.02	Demonstrate an understanding of the general pathogenesis and morphology of disease and its role in the disease process.	
15.03	 Demonstrate an understanding of pharmacological agents, mechanisms of action, modalities, and utilizing drug reference sources.	
15.04	Identify and use therapeutic and diagnostic test terminology.	
16.0	Perform proficiently in the use of ICD and HCPCS/CPT coding systems, both manual and automated.  The student will be able to:	
16.01	Analyze conventions and guidelines used in coding.	
16.02	Map the process to update coding resources. 	
16.03	Assign and verify diagnosis, procedure, HCPCS level II codes, and applicable modifiers and groupings in accordance with official guidelines. 	
16.04	Perform ICD, ICD-PCS, CPT, and HCPSC Level II coding to assign diagnosis and procedure codes to case studies and authentic health records/abstracts in various settings. 	
16.05	Examine components of revenue cycle management and clinical documentation improvement including quality indicators as it relates to coding in various settings. 	
16.06	Analyze documentation compliance and standards to improve documentation practices. 	
17.0	Perform coding complexities proficiently.  The student will be able to:	
17.01	Verify coding concepts to complex authentic health records/abstracts and case studies across the continuum of care in various settings.	
17.02	Analyze case-mix index, severity of illness systems, risk adjustment systems, and coding quality monitors and reporting.	
17.03	Examine a variety of simulated health records from across the continuum of care, interpret data, and assign and verify codes in various settings.	
17.04	Identify the various classification systems including but not limited to ICD-O, DSM, and ICF.	
18.0	Articulate the significance of health information services as it relates to the medical coder/biller.  The student will be able to:	
18.01	Identify the functions of various departments and how this department interacts with the Medical 
Coder/Biller.	
18.02	Utilize the health record content in various settings.	
18.03	Educate stakeholders on the importance of the health record in relation to state and federal agencies, including compliance area. 	
19.0	Ensure professional and ethical behavior of a medical coder/biller.  The student will be able to:	
19.01	Advocate the scope of work of the Medical Coder/Biller.	
19.02	Comply with ethical coding practices as outlined by professional associations.	
20.0	Take part in healthcare revenue cycle management processes.  The student will be able to:	
20.01	Format applicable third-party payer claims. 	
20.02	Analyze various third-party payer types.	
20.03	Perform patient accounting functions. 	
20.04	Examine reimbursement methodology systems across the continuum of care in various settings. 	
20.05	Analyze charge master and encounter form maintenance. 	
20.06	Facilitate compliance strategies and reporting as well as regulatory guidelines. 	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students. 

Special Notes

Students should be encouraged to become members and participate in the activities of the professional organizations:  American Health Information Management Association and/or American Academy of Procedural Coders.  

About AHIMA Credentials:  Completers of the Medical Biller Coder program may take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential exam as the first step in their coding career.  The CCA is an entry-level credential that distinguishes new coders in the job market. Individuals with a CCA credential: 
•	Exhibit a level of commitment, competency, and professional capability usually absent in a newcomer to the field. 
•	Demonstrate a commitment to the coding profession. 
•	Distinguish themselves from non-credentialed coders and those holding credentials from other organizations less demanding of the higher level of expertise required to earn AHIMA certification. 

The CCA should be viewed as the starting point for an individual entering a career as a coder.  The AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P) exams demonstrate mastery level skills in coding.  Most individuals challenge the CCS or CCS-P exams after two or more years of work experience in coding. 

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
919 North Michigan Ave., Suite 2150, Chicago, IL. 60611-5519, (312) 233-1100

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) sponsors a certification exam for coders with expertise in physician-based settings which leads to the title of Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Professional Coder Hospital (CPC-H).

American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
309 West 700 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, #800-626-2633

The National Healthcare Association also offers a national certification examination for a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS).

National Healthcareer Association www.nhanow.com
7500 West 160th Street, Stilwell, KS 66085, #800-499-9092 

Outcomes 01-12 are referred to as the Health Information Technology core and do not have to be completed if the students has previously completed the core in another program at any level.  The Core should be taken first or concurrently with the first course in the program.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the co-curricular career and technical student organization providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. 

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access.  Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.

Program Length

In accordance with Rule 6A-10.024, F.A.C., an ATD program consists of a course of study that is part of an AS or AAS degree program, is less than 60 credit hours, is approximately 50% of the technical component (non-general education) and leads to employment in a specific occupation.  An ATD program may consist of either technical credit or college credit. 

Students must have a high school diploma, a GED, or a certificate of completion to be admitted to an ATD program.  Within six weeks of entry, students in ATD programs of 450 or more hours must be tested pursuant to Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C. and if below minimum standards for completion from the program, must receive remedial instruction.  The minimum standards must be at least the equivalent of a score of ten (10) on all sections of basic skills test approved in Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C.  Students must successfully complete all remedial instruction before completing the ATD.  

Community Colleges may offer either college or career credit toward the ATD.  A Career Center in a public school district may offer an ATD program only as technical credit, with college credit awarded to a student upon articulation to a community college (Section 1004.02, F.S.) 

When offered at a community college the standard length of this program is 37 credits.  When offered at a technical center the standard length of this program is 1110 clock hours.

In accordance with Rule 6A-10.024, F.A.C., all faculty providing instruction must have at least a baccalaureate degree or an associate degree with demonstrated competencies in the specific instructional program as defined by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.