(CIP: 510707)

NOTE: This program has specific entrance requirements, application, and standards of progress requirements. See the Admissions /Registration and Policies  sections for additional information. The program course requirements are presented in sequence. Part-time students and others who cannot follow this sequence should check course descriptions in the catalog to determine prerequisites and, in addition, should consult their academic advisor regarding the order in which they take courses.

This program is designed for the student who desires a career in a health related field with little or no patient contact. The curriculum provides a solid background in various aspects of health record management. Key topic areas include: records management, collection and dissemination of health data, fraud and abuse, confidentiality and privacy, medical coding, informational governance, and statistical outcomes to name a few.

In addition to General Education Outcomes, upon completion of the program graduates should be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the purpose of various disease/procedure indexes and registries.
• Demonstrate health record management functions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic management principles.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the legal system in relation to health care records.

The graduate of this program will be eligible to take the National Credentialing Examination to become credentialed as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). The graduate of this program will enjoy employment opportunities in a variety of positions such as: supervisor/ management, coders, consultants, vendors, educators, and data analysts, disease registrars, and EHR specialists. The graduate may choose to seek employment in government agencies, health care facilities, medical offices, clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, education, vendors (health care related, as well as, software/hardware), and consulting.

Employment of Health Information Technicians is expected to increase by 15 percent through 2024—faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will be attributed to the rapid growth in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures which are being increasingly scrutinized by health insurance companies, regulators, courts, and consumers. Health Information Technicians are instrumental in the management of health information as providers strive to comply with Federal legislation mandating the use of electronic medical records. Health Information Technicians are a critical component of the health care team.

Students unable to complete the program on a full-time basis should consult the program director.

This program has specific entrance requirements, application, and standards of progress requirements. See the Admissions /Registration and Policies  sections for additional information.

The HIM/HI (degree level) program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) Important information.

If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for any reason, State or National credentialing boards, licensing board and agencies which require criminal background checks on potential employees and students may deny you employment or placement in certain settings, even if you have completed all academic requirements. If you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, please contact the appropriate Health Science Program Director.