Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 19 billion dollars will be spent over the next five years to bring electronic record programs to physician practices and hospitals across the country. HIM professionals have a unique set of skills that will enable them to assist with selection of a viable electronic record system and be a valuable member of the implementation team.

This program will provide an overview of health care organizations and delivery systems, foundations in Health Information Management and many career enhancing courses such as Medical Terminology, Medical Coding, Insurance and Reimbursement and Legal Issues in Healthcare. Along with developing a strong foundation in HIM through coursework, students will have access to coding and chart management lab software and an opportunity for gain hands-on field experience through internships.

Program Mission

The mission of the Health Information Management program is to prepare confident, ethical, and competent entry-level health information technicians who will become valued members of a multifaceted, ever-changing health care delivery system. We will provide graduates with the skills, knowledge, and desire for lifelong learning required to meet the needs of our community and to succeed in the fields of health informatics and information management systems.

Program Goal/Objectives

The successful graduate of this program will be able to:

• Code diagnostic and procedural data for optimal reimbursement and assist with maintaining revenue cycle and compliance with third party payer guidelines;
• Manage, process and analyze health data (electronic, paper or scanned) to ensure an accurate and complete medical record and cost effective processing;
• Formulate and implement health information policies and systems that meet with all national and state laws and regulatory guidelines;
• Apply principles of management and provide leadership to staff.
• Participate in Performance Improvement and other quality initiatives.

Admission Requirements

• Complete the Accuplacer Course Placement Assessment.
• Contact the Office of Admissions to schedule an appointment.
• Submit a report of a current physical exam, including all required health screenings and immunizations (as indicated on the physical examination form).
• Complete all developmental course work prior to enrollment in the HIM program.
• Participate in a personal interview with the HIM Program Director.

Transfer Credit Policy

Students may transfer credits earned at other accredited institutions provided a minimum grade of C has been earned in courses in medical terminology and allied health (AH), coding (MCOD) and science (BIOL) Appropriate transfer credits may be accepted within a three-year time frame.

Accreditation

The program is currently applying for Candidacy Status and accreditation by CAHIIM. Once accredited, HIM graduates will be eligible to take the national qualifying exam for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician through AHIMA.

Employment Opportunities

The field of Health Information is projected to grow at a rapid pace and, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment of health information technicians is expected to increase by 20% through 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. Graduates of the program will have employment options that include: Coding Specialist, HIM Department Director, Assistant Director or Supervisor; Clinical Data Analyst; Privacy, Information Security or Compliance Officer and Quality Improvement Specialist and others. Choices for employment range from hospitals to physician practices, ambulatory care centers, rehabilitation facilities, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, consulting firms, software and IT vendors and government agencies.

Technical Standards

• Have the ability to walk, sit, and stand for long periods of time (2 hours) in succession.
• 20-20 vision (with or without accommodation).
• Successfully pass a criminal background check (cost incurred by student).
• Possess and maintain professional liability insurance while on Practicum (available through college).
• Possess and maintain personal health insurance while on Practicum.
• HIM students are required to confer with HIM program faculty prior to course selection and registration every semester.

Progression

• Grade of C or better required for all AH, MCOD, BIOL, and HIM courses.
• Courses may be retaken only once.

Health Information Management Degree Program