Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5213
Curriculum Code: 1969.HIT
Campus Location: North
Health Sciences Division
Pre-Admission Recommendations: Biology, Math II, Keyboarding, Computer Skills, 80% H.S. Average
Recommended High School Courses and/or Experiences: Computer Skills, Math II
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Hospitals, Long Term Care, Mental Health, Rehabilitation Facilities, Ambulatory Health Care Centers, HMOs, PPOs, other Health Care Facilities, third-party payers and a variety of health data/information organizations.
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 healthcare institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations, physician offices, insurance companies and a variety of other healthcare institutions. Students will learn the basic concepts and functions in the Health Information Technology program to prepare them in organizing, analyzing, and technically evaluating health data/information according to established standards. Compilation of statistics, medical coding of information, abstracting health information data,and the legal and ethical aspects of health information will be covered. Graduating with an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Health Information Technology will allow the student to sit for and write the American Health Information Management Association certification examination for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
The academic content will include a core of liberal arts chosen from the areas of anatomy and physiology, social sciences, humanities, computer science, 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 database management, maintenance and retrieval of patient health data and the emerging electronic health record (EHR). During the course of study, students will participate in a professional practice experience which will provide training and experience in a healthcare setting.
Accreditation
The Health Information Management accreditor of ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2029-2030. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.
Licensure Compliance Statement
SUNY Erie Community College Health Information Technology meets the educational requirements by the Board of Regents in New York State to award an Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) with a major in Health Information Technology. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national Licensure examination (RHIT) through the American Health Information Management Association.
Department Notes
Cost of books, supplies, criminal background checks, toxicology tests, transportation to professional practice sites, meals, parking, other costs related to Professional Practice Experience 1/2 (PPE) and the physical examination/immunizations/vaccinations prior to the PPE are the responsibility of the HIT student. Other costs may be incurred.
Admission/Program Requirements and Prerequisites
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Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or HSE (High School Equivalency).
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Applicants should have high school biology and two units of mathematics. Computer and keyboarding skills are highly recommended.
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Applicants should have at least 80 percent high school average.
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Individuals who have not had biology in high school or it has been over 10 years since the completion of the course must take Survey of Anatomy BI 147 and BI 148 prior to taking the Anatomy and Physiology I & II BI 150/151 BI 152/153.
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The SUNY Erie English pretests must be passed, college English transferred from another college or developmental courses successfully completed before matriculation into the Health Information Technology Program.
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Individuals must complete MT 006 or pass the college placement test prior to matriculation into the Health Information Technology curriculum.
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Any Health Information, anatomy and physiology or computer courses completed more than fives (5) years prior to admission or re-admission to the HIT program will not be accepted. These courses must be retaken and a grade of C or better must be earned.
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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 I & II. A C- is not a passing grade for these courses. A second (2) failure in a repeated course (a grade below a “C” in any MR, BI or MA required course) or a second (2) withdrawal (W) from these courses will result in dismissal from the Health Information Technology program.
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A physical examination and current immunizations/vaccinations report are required prior to the start of Professional Practice Experience I and II (MR 252/253).
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Prior to the start of MR 252 students must have completed and passed both the the fall and spring semester first year courses in order to participate in the PPE. Prior to the start of MR 253, students must have completed and passed all of their courses in all three semesters leading up to the spring semester second year in order to participate in the PPE.
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Unprofessional and/or unethical behavior while a student in the HIT program or while participating in the Professional Practice Experience 1/2 (MR 252/253) will result in immediate expulsion from the Health Information Technology program.
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Students must meet all departmental and college requirements for graduation.
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Individuals must complete keyboarding (OF 102 or OF 112) or pass a proficiency examination to meet this requirement.
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Students are required to complete Computer Literacy (CS 101) or transfer it in from another accredited college or university.
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Medical Terminology II (MA 125) is a program prerequisite which must be taken before the start of the spring semester of the second year.
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Additional course/program requirements will be detailed in each course syllabus and the program handbook.
Program Competencies
Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology, the graduate will be able to:
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Synthesize knowledge of medical sciences, clinical classifications systems, vocabularies, and terminologies to effectively use, apply, and interpret health data.
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Analyze data to identify trends through the use of the health/medical record.
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Apply legal, regulatory privacy, and security standards to employ policies and procedures for health information collection, access, and disclosure.
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Synthesize knowledge of health data and reimbursement methodologies to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the revenue cycle processes.
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Interpret legal, regulatory, clinical documentation and medical coding standards to develop, implement, and evaluate compliance in these areas.
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Demonstrate leadership through the appropriate interpretation and evaluation of professional behaviors and ethical standards.
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Follow procedures to maintain the security of computerized and manual health record data , and conduct oneself in a professional and ethical manner by adhering to the AHIMA Code of Ethics.
Program Outcomes
The following HIT program outcome measures are for the academic year 2019-2020:
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Certification Examination Results (RHIT) - 100% for academic year 2019-2020
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Graduate Satisfaction Rate - 100% for academic year 2019-2020
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Employer Satisfaction Rate - 100% for academic year 2019-2020
Curriculum
Total Degree Credits: 63.0
