HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – A.A.S.

Health Information Technology (HIT) is a combination of health care and information technology. The Health Information Technology Program prepares students in the methods of collecting, organizing, analyzing and protecting traditional and electronic medical information essential to providing quality patient care. Health Information Technicians compile statistics for health information indices, disease registries, and research studies, review clinical documentation to assign codes to diseases and procedures, use storage and retrieval systems to manage the release of patient health information and retrieve health data. In addition, students will obtain the necessary technological skills required to perform the daily activities in the management of health information.

Potential Work Sites

With their training and knowledge of information management, the electronic health record (EHR) and healthcare delivery systems, health information management professionals are able to work in a variety of healthcare settings, which include:

• Hospitals, physician offices, nursing homes, home health agencies, and ambulatory care clinics, etc.

• Insurance companies and HMOs

• Research and Government Agencies

• Accounting, legal and consulting firms

There are numerous job titles and career paths available in this field, which affords the health information management professional with many options and opportunities for growth. For more information about careers in health information, please visit: www.ahima.org/careers.

Professional Practice Experiences (Internships)

Students build competencies in two Professional Practice Experiences (PPEs) offered during their course of study. Through these practice internships, students will obtain “hands-on” experience in actual health care settings. These non-paid internships are completed during regular business hours. Transportation, parking and other costs related to the practicum site is the responsibility of the student.

*Please note: a background check and/or drug testing may be required for PPE placement.

Course Schedule

All Health Information Technology courses are offered in the evening, thus supporting the working professional in their quest to enhance their career options. However, since Health Information Management departments are generally open during regular business hours, students will be required to complete their Professional Practice experiences one or more days of the normal work week. Every effort is made to accommodate student’s work schedules so they will be able to complete the required hours. While intended to prepare individuals for immediate employment, this program also appropriate for transfer to a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management.

Certification

Graduates may apply to write the national certification examination administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon passing this exam, the individual earns the credential of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). Students may also apply to write coding certification exams offered by AHIMA and the American Academy of Professional Coders.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

All students completing this program are expected to achieve the General Education outcomes listed on page 48 as well as the following learning objectives:

• Apply policies, standards, accreditation and regulatory requirements to the collection, organization, processing, management and protection of the health information.

• Analyze clinical databases to identify trends that demonstrate quality, safety, and effectiveness healthcare.

• Interpret the legal and regulatory requirements of healthcare delivery systems, patient privacy, confidentiality and security of health data.

• Demonstrate the use of technology applications in all aspects of health information.

• Demonstrate leadership skills in the management of organizational resources.

• Apply the policies, guidelines and regulatory requirements of data, clinical documentation, classifications/terminologies and reimbursement methodologies to health information.

• Evaluate and develop policies and procedures for health information services.

• Employ and promote ethical standards of practice, as defined in the AHIMA Code of Ethics.

Health Information Technology – A.A.S. Curriculum

First Year – 1st Semester
Courses

First Year – 2nd Semester
Courses

Second Year – 1st Semester
Courses

Second Year – 2nd Semester
Courses

*GS100 College Seminar or GS102 College Success must be taken at the main campus

Additional Degree Requirements

A minimum grade of “C” in the following courses: BU132, HIT101, HIT1119, HIT103, HIT104, HIT200,

HIT201, HIT202, HIT204, HIT205, HIT208, HIT209, HIT118, BIO119, GS100 or GS102, MA120, BIO130/BIO130L, BIO131/BIO131L, & BIO203 and a Quality Point Average of 2.0.

Program Accreditation

The Health Information Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 235-3255
www.cahiim.org

BIO Course Descriptions
BU Course Descriptions
EN Course Descriptions
GS Course Descriptions
HIT Course Descriptions
MA Course Descriptions
PH Course Descriptions
SOC Course Descriptions