Health Information Management

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The Health Information Management (HIM) online associate degree is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information and Informatics Management Education (CAHIIM) in cooperation with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Students completing this competency-based two-year program will be eligible to apply for the Registered Health Information Technology (RHIT) certification. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) forecasts a 24% growth in health information (or medical records) careers between 2012-2020. All programs in the HIM department are designed to prepare students to manage health information in hospitals, insurance companies, law firms, physician offices, long-term care agencies, rehabilitation and other health organizations. The graduate will maintain and organize health data. They also ensure accessibility, quality, and security of confidential information in both paper and electronic health data records. 

All classes are offered online with the exception of the clinical courses. Student applications are accepted each semester for admission.  Courses must be taken sequentially for progression in the program. Applications are required once completed prerequisite courses and completed TSI requirements are met prior to entering the program. A criminal background check and current immunizations are required after admission but prior to the beginning of professional practice experience (clinical and practicum) classes. 

The Coding and Billing Certificate offers students training in ICD-10-CM, PCS, CPT, HCPCS, and billing processes for both hospital and physician practice. Students are prepared to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification exam through AHIMA upon completion. Acceptable TSI math and reading scores are required for BIOL 2404, a prerequisite course. 

Exempt TSI certificates include Health Data Specialist - Physician Practice and Health Data Specialist-Healthcare Facility. These are one year entry level certificates for students interested in health data management that offer skill development related to that specialty. The Health Data Coordinator certificate is the entry-level certificate consisting of six workforce classes. 

The following certificates are offered in preparation for the Certified Health Technician Specialist (CHTS) options through AHIMA. These certificates are intended for healthcare and IT professionals with experience or education in their field. Certificate options include: Clinician/Practitioner Consultant (CHTS-CP); Practice Workflow and Redesign Specialist (CHTS-PW); Implementation Manager (CHTS-IM); and Trainer (CHTS-TR) www.midland.edu/hitech. Dual certificate preparations are available with the following certificate: Technical Support and Implementation Support Specialist (CHTS-TS/IS). 

Through a HSRA grant (#1-RO1RH26267-01-00), IT and healthcare professionals in West Texas may be eligible for tuition assistance for the following online certificate options (10 courses); Information Technology Liaison (CHTS-TS or IS) or Data Quality Manager (CHTS-PW or IM). www.midland.edu/ruralhit.

To be eligible for graduation from a Health Information Management program, the student must complete the prescribed courses with a minimum grade of “C”, have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, pass a proctored final exam, satisfy all college financial obligations, and return all school property. All HITT courses must be completed within four years of degree completion. Students attending part time are encouraged to complete all general education and prerequisites as the four year time span begins upon admission to the program. Upon successful completion of the requirements, the student will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management. Contact information and Frequently Asked Questions are available at the program website www.midland.edu/hit. 

Special Admission Requirements: The Midland College Health Information Management program has a limited enrollment based on specific admission criteria. For information regarding available admission criteria, review the program website listed above. A downloadable Admission Packet is available online and must be submitted to the HIM office prior to acceptance into the program. Each prospective student will be counseled by program faculty. In addition to the prerequisites, sStudents may take the following courses prior to acceptance into the program: HITT 1205 , HITT 1311 , HITT 1353 , HPRS 2301 , and BIOL 2404 .

The course sequences shown in the programs of study below should be followed when possible. HITT courses must be taken in the sequence shown.

Programs

• Health Information Management, A.A.S.

• Clinical/Practitioner Consultant Certificate
• Coding and Billing Certificate
• Data Quality Manager Certificate
• Health Data Coordinator Certificate
• Health Data Specialist - Health Care Facility Certificate
• Health Data Specialist - Physician Practice Certificate
• Implementation Manager Certificate
• IT Liaison Certificate
• Practice Workflow and Redesign Specialist Certificate
• Technical Software and Implementation Specialist Certificate
• Trainer Certificate

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