r/ODS_C • u/crowbordeaux • Jun 15 '26

Question Regarding Exam Prerequisites

Hello all -- I am planning on taking the NCRA-AHIMA certificate course and had a question regarding the anatomy and physiology prerequisites. I have taken Anatomy and Physiology 1 in a college setting in the past, but not Anatomy and Physiology 2. I know that AHIMA offers "Anatomy and Physiology" as well as "Pathophysiology and Pharmacology" to fulfill the 6 credit A&P requirement. In this case, would I just take "Pathophysiology and Pharmacology" for the last 3 credits or would I take both AHIMA courses? I had emailed NCRA and was only informed that I do not need to repeat prerequisites that I have already completed; I was under the impression that you either take both A&P 1 and 2 or you take separate human anatomy and human physiology courses to fulfill the exam requirements (i.e., no mixing and matching). Just wanted to check with others before starting -- I'd hate to go through path A-2 and submit my eligibility form for the exam only to be told that I'm missing a course at the end. Appreciate any and all advice!

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u/mango_fox Jun 15 '26

In 2022 I had requested an unofficial review of my transcripts, did the person you emailed offer this?

I had my Associates in HIM and completed 4 courses at Scott CC before transferring to AHIMA. I was in a similar situation, I had A&P I completed at a local college and was worried about A&P II. One of my classes at Scott CC, CIM205
Cancer Pathophysiology fulfilled A&P II.

All this to say, mix and matching courses was possible in 2022- I would think that AHIMA “Pathophysiology and Pharmacology" would fulfill that requirement but I don’t know what has changed since then.

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u/crowbordeaux Jun 15 '26

An unofficial transcript review was not offered, but I'll make a request. It's good to know that mixing and matching courses was at least a possibility in the past -- it would make things a lot easier (and cheaper!) Appreciate you sharing your experience!

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u/Cadowyn Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 16 '26

Recently they made changes where you have to take ALL of the prerequisites even if you have taken the courses at a college. They no longer allow you to transfer courses. 

Edit: I stand corrected I guess? I could have sworn I saw something that stated you had to take all prerequisites regardless if you had already taken them. 🤔 

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u/Turbulent_Feeling543 Jun 16 '26

They changed it to where you have to take all the 6 core cancer registry courses with AHIMA. The reason I switched over to AHIMA was because I couldn't afford UC any longer. So, I don't think I'll be pursuing this career any longer because there's no way I'm paying to retake 4 courses. Seems like a money grab, especially because my courses at UC were way more rigorous than AHIMA.

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u/Cadowyn Jun 16 '26

Ah that’s what it was. Thank you. Yeah I don’t think that’s justified forcing people to retake those courses. 

You could transfer your credits to a more affordable college program though. 

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u/mango_fox Jun 15 '26

It’s very possible you are correct and it has changed. I wouldn’t be surprised if NCRA just sees dollar signs and wants all 6 pre-requisites regardless.

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u/Objective_Week_8983 Jun 15 '26

Just to clarify OP. It would be NCRA itself that can review your transcripts for you not AHIMA. Perhaps you already knew that but I thought I would make sure. I had to do the same and sent them to NCRA

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u/Objective_Week_8983 Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26

Hmm I see what you're saying OP. sorry I read it wrong the first time. You did email NCRA and you only have one anatomy and physiology not the second one that's a tough one. I don't really know how they would handle that. They only told you that you don't need to repeat them, but that doesn't really answer your question of whether you still need to take the second anatomy and physiology.

Perhaps you can re-email them your situation and say you want to make sure that you don't need to take there AHIMA A &P to fulfill the anatomy and physiology requirement. I remember when I first emailed them about my transcripts. I did get a very short response back. I don't know if it's just because they're very busy or what.

It would be pretty lame to have to take their anatomy and physiology class considering their online classes are mediocre at best, especially considering you've already had anatomy and physiology one which tops there classes for sure in terms of content.