2010-2011 Catalog [Aug. 2010-Aug. 2011] [Archived Catalog]
Health Information Management (2277) (A.S.)
|
|
Return to: Program by Degree Type
Associate in Science
Mission Statement
Creating competent, ethical, confident entry–level health care practitioners committed to professional development through life–long learning in a positive, non–discriminatory and supportive learning environment.
The Career
Health information management is concerned with the management of systems to collect, store, process, retrieve, analyze, disseminate and communicate information related to the research, planning, provision, financing and evaluation of health care services.
Graduates of this program are known as health information technicians. Entry–level health information technicians may be employed in a variety of settings. Some of the common job titles include: coder, supervisor and medical record technician. Opportunities for practice include physician’s office settings, long–term care facilities, home health care agencies, ambulatory settings, federal health care agencies, behavioral health care organizations, insurance companies and acute care hospitals.
For additional information about the health information management profession, call, write or e–mail:
American Health Information Management Association
233 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2150
Chicago, IL 60601–5519
(312) 233-1090
The Program
The Health Information Management program is a combination of general education and professional courses including lecture, laboratory and clinical education components. Graduates of the program are prepared as entry–level practitioners. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are awarded an A.S. degree. Graduates are then eligible to take the national examination to become a registered health information technician. The HIM Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Admission to this program is limited and is based on completion of specific prerequisite courses (see application procedure) with a grade of “C” or better. Students may find it difficult to work during the professional phase of the program due to clinical demands. Students may not take the responsibility of qualified staff. However, after demonstrating proficiency, students may be permitted to undertake certain defined activities with appropriate supervision and direction. Students may be employed in the field of study outside regular educational hours paid and subject to standard employer policies.
Expected Job Growth and Earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of HIM professionals is expected to grow much faster than the average. Nationally, the average salary for HIM professionals is $30,000–$40,000 annually.
Certification and Licensing
Upon completion of this program, graduates must successfully complete an AHIMA certification exam. A credential validates your competence as an HIM professional to employers and the public. A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential requires an associate’s degree and successful performance on the RHIT certification exam.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) in conjunction with the Council on Accreditation of AHIMA.
Application Procedure
To meet the minimum requirements for consideration for acceptance to the Health Information Management program, students must submit a completed HIM program application.
Need More Information?
View Program Information and Contacts |