Many students assume they need advanced mathematics in high school to enter the engineering field. They need even more than they think.

When considering which math curriculum to take in high school, students should consider the following: IIE, a manufacturing trade journal, published results from a survey of 4,700 engineering professors found that most students drop out of engineering because they cannot master the required mathematics. To pursue an engineering degree in college, students need to take rigorous classes in high school. And for the greatest chance to thrive in college, they should consider taking every math classes offered at their high school.

Algebra I & II

Engineers speak mathematics. Algebra is the first step to learning the language. Doing well in algebra remains a key predictor in college success, and even more so for engineers. Without success at this level, students often struggle with future math classes. Learning basic algebraic functions, logarithms, and linear equations creates a strong foundation on which to build mathematics success.

Geometry and Trigonometry

Geometry moves students into the third dimension of mathematics. Right triangle solutions, laws of cosines and equations for conic sections make up part of the necessary curriculum for future engineers. Sometimes, students in high school miss the link between algebra and geometry, but those on track for engineering careers need to make those connections. The work in Trigonometry marries geometry and algebra and prepares students for harder math concepts.

Calculus

Students learn how to calculate the derivative of a function in calculus, and engineers working and teaching in the field suggest that the more practice in doing derivations, the better. In addition, nearly half of students entering college need remediation in math if they stop at Algebra II in high school. In contrast, only one out of six needs help in college if they took high school calculus.

Physics

Though technically a science course, many students report that it feels like a math class, and for good reason. Physics expresses most of its concepts through mathematics. Authors struggle to explain Einstein’s work on special relativity, but nearly everyone knows the mathematical formula born of that research: E=MC2. One college admissions professional confides that students who apply for engineering college without taking physics in high school put themselves at a disadvantage versus those with it on their transcript.

Other Advanced Classes

The best math curriculum also introduces students to the concepts of complex numbers, probability and differential equations; topics covered in statistics, math analysis and AP Calculus, among others. Yet the most advanced high school math classes still only scratch the surface of what an engineer needs to know. James B. Hall, P.E., offers the same advice as the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics: In high school, “...take all the math and science courses available.”

The Best Groups to Find Career and Certification Info

Medical coding is part of the growing health information field. Two groups are guideposts for prospective coders. Learn about the resources they offer.

The medical records field is growing rapidly due to federal requirements set forth in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (also known as HIPAA). One part of this system is medical coding. Coders translate health information into alphanumeric codes that are used for payment reimbursement and data collection.

Because of the need for federal compliance, many employers prefer to hire coders with specialized training and certification. Below are the top coding organizations in the United States that provide education and certification credentials.

American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Medical Coding Education

Education expectations vary by employer. Some may require at least an associate's degree in health information and specialized certification. Others will accept certification only, especially if the applicant has coding or medical office experience.

Both AAPC and AHIMA have online courses available. As these organizations also provide the most sought after certification credentials by employers, some students prefer this option to ensure they're getting proper instruction. The AHIMA website also has a listing of approved online and on-campus schools that have coding programs and heath information management degrees which include coding as part of their curriculum.

Certification Credentials for Coders

While it's not yet legally required that coders are certified, many employers would rather hire workers that have proven experience or credentials. Both organizations offer coding certification exams for a range of working environments and specialties. The AAPC offers the CPC series and three other types explained here:

Certified Professional Coder (CPC): For physician-service based coding including diagnosis and procedures.

Certified Professional Coder - Outpatient Hospital (CPC-H): This credential is for those who work in outpatient hospital services such as an in-house billing and coding department or ambulatory surgical center.

Certified Professional Coder - Payer (CPC-P): This certification focuses on coding after it has been submitted to the payer.

Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC): For coders proficient in this field including diagnosis and surgical procedures.

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA): This credential is for auditing other coding work to make sure it is in compliance with medical and legal requirements.

Specialty: For coders who want to prove their skills in a certain specialty.

AHIMA provides the following certifications:

Certified Coding Associate (CCA): This credential shows proficiency in the fundamentals of coding as a basis for entry-level employment.

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS): For experienced coding in a hospital setting.

Certified Coding Specialist - Physician-Based (CCS-P): For experienced coding in a physician-based setting such as a doctor's office or clinic.

Membership Benefits

Membership in both of these coding groups has several benefits including discounts on classes and supplies. They also provide networking for coders and other health information professionals through conventions and meetings. Doctors and hospitals are seeking medical coders with credentials from AHIMA and AAPC. As the most trusted certification organizations, they're the best resources for prospective and experienced coders.

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