Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5213
Curriculum Code: 1117
Campus Location: North
Health Sciences Division
Pre-Admission Recommendations: Biology, Math II, Typing, 80% H.S. Average
Recommended High School Courses and/or Experiences: Computer Skills, Math II
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Hospitals, Long Term Care Facilities, Mental Health Facilities, Rehab. Facilities, Ambulatory Health Care Centers, HMOs, other Health Care Facilities
Program Description
The purpose of the Health Information Technology Program is to prepare individuals for employment as health information technicians. Graduates of this program will be prepared for positions in the health information/medical record departments of health care institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations, physician offices, insurance companies and a variety of other health care institutions. Graduates will be prepared in organizing, analyzing and technically evaluating medical records according to established standards. Compilation of statistics, medical coding of information, abstracting medical records and legal aspects of health information will be taught.
The academic content will include a core of liberal arts chosen from the areas of anatomy and physiology, social sciences, humanities, computer science, business and English. The remainder of the curriculum is designed to build technical and computer skills necessary for the health information technician. Computer laboratories and web based activities will also be used for medical coding, statistical analysis, clinical data base management, maintenance and retrieval of patient data and the emerging electronic health record (EHR). During the course of study, students will participate in two professional practice experiences which will provide training and experience in actual health care settings.
Accreditation
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Education (CAHIIM). Graduates of the Health Information Technology program are eligible to write the National Qualifying Examination for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
Department Notes
Cost of books, supplies, identification badges, background checks, toxicology tests, transportation to clinical sites, other costs related to Professional Practice Experience (PPE) and the physical examination prior to these clinicals are the responsibility of the HIT student.
Special Admission Requirements/Prerequisites
- Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or HSE (High School Equivalency).
- Applicants should have high school biology and two units of mathematics. Computer and keyboarding skills are highly recommended.
- Applicants should have at least 80 percent high school average.
- Individuals who have not had biology in high school must take BI 147 prior to taking the anatomy and physiology courses. The Erie Community College math and English pretests must be passed or developmental courses successfully completed before matriculation into the Health Information Technology Program.
- Each student is responsible for providing transportation to off-campus community agencies utilized for the PPE activities. Students must maintain a “C” or better in all required Health Information Technology courses, anatomy & physiology I and II lecture and lab and medical terminology. A C- is not a passing grade.
- Students must meet departmental and all college requirements for graduation.
- A physical examination and current immunization report is required prior to the start of clinical classes.
- Individuals must complete MT 006 or pass the college placement test prior to matriculation into the Health Information Technology curriculum.
- Individuals must complete keyboarding (OF 101, OF 102 or OF 111) or pass a proficiency examination prior to graduation from the Health Information Technology Program.
Program Competencies
Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology, the graduate will be able to:
- apply existing policies for organizing, planning, collecting, processing, controlling and evaluating health information services;
- evaluate health records to determine if they meet institution needs;
- maintain manual or automated incomplete record control systems and systems for retrieval of all other health information;
- apply and follow existing policies for retrieval and retention of health information;
- develop, apply and evaluate policies and procedures for health information, services and functions;
- direct and monitor classifying, indexing, coding and related activities to assure quality;
- apply and follow existing policies for the control, use and release of health information;
- follow procedures to maintain confidentiality and security of health information including computerized information;
- follow existing procedures for abstracting and reporting health information as required by legal, accrediting, licensing and certifying regulations;
- apply coding rules to diagnoses and procedures;
- sequence diagnoses and procedures to ethically and accurately optimize reimbursement;
- organize and display data for research projects, special studies and educational programs;
- follow procedures to maintain security of computerized information;
- assess institutional and patient-related information needs and departmental informational, service and operational needs;
- design and select departmental service and operational systems and information systems for patient-related data;
- implement departmental service and operational systems and information systems for patient-related data;
- evaluate departmental, operational and service systems and information systems for patient-related data;
- apply policies and procedures to the use of networks, including intranet and Internet applications to facilitate the electronic health record (EHR), personal health record (PHR), and other administrative applications;
- conduct oneself in a professional and ethical manner by adhering to the AHIMA Code of Ethics and standard professional practice;
- function as a valuable member of a quality healthcare team; and
- function as health information specialists in a variety of health care settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, physician offices, and tumor registries.
Curriculum
Total Degree Credits: 70.5
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