Health Information Management

Return to: Programs of Study

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) national certification. 

All programs in the HIM department are developed to prepare students to analyze, acquire, and protect health information in hospitals, insurance companies, law firms, physician offices, long-term care agencies, governmental and public health offices, rehabilitation and other health organizations. The graduate will maintain, analyze, and organize health data. HIM professionals also ensure accessibility, quality and security of confidential information in both paper and electronic formats. HIM professionals have a skill set that incorporates information technology, leadership, and analytical skills.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) forecasts a 22 percent growth in health information (or medical records) careers between 2012-2022. Graduates may find work in areas of management, coding and reimbursement, compliance, patient access departments, quality reporting, claims processing, data mining, patient advocacy, and other related positions.

All classes are offered online with the exception of the clinical courses. Clinical courses require students to attend a facility to complete on-site hours.  Student applications are accepted each semester for the next semester admission.  Courses must be taken sequentially for progression in the program. Once prerequisite courses and TSI requirements are met, the HIM application must be submitted for consideration to the program (related to Associate degree and Coding and Billing certificate).  A criminal background check and current immunizations are required after admission but prior to the beginning of professional practice experience (clinical and practicum) classes. 

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 mock RHIT exam (applies to AAS), 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. 

Additional information and Frequently Asked Questions are available at the program website www.midland.edu/him.

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 any of the programs. Each prospective student will be counseled by program faculty. In addition to the prerequisites, students may take the following courses prior to acceptance into the program:HITT 1205 , HITT 1311 , HITT 1353 , HPRS 2301 , and BIOL 2404 .

Certificate Options in the HIM Program

The Coding and Billing Certificate offers students training in coding diagnosis and procedures, CPT, HCPCS, and billing processes for both hospital and physician practice. The supporting classes for coding skill development include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and pathophysiology. Coding skills are developed through application of coding through practice, use of encoder software, and through the clinical practicum experience.  Students are prepared to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification exam through AHIMA upon completion. Students applying for this certificate must complete the TSI college admission test to meet math, reading and writing scores.Acceptable TSI math and reading scores are required for BIOL 2404 , a prerequisite course. 

HIM certificates exempt from TSI admissions testing include: 1)Health Data Specialist - Physician Practice, a one-year certificate for students interested in health data management focusing on information technology, legal requirements, and health information processes required in settings such as clinics and group practices;  2) Health Data Coordinator certificate is the entry-level certificate consisting of six classes preparing students for positions that process health information and/or registration processes, billing pre-certifications, etc. in various health care settings.

Rural Health IT Workforce Program: This is a 12-18 month certificate program of 8-week online courses in preparation for the CHTS examinations. IT and healthcare professionals in West Texas may be eligible for tuition assistance for the following online certificate options:  Information Technology Liaison (CHTS-TS or IS) or Data Quality Manager (CHTS-PW or IM). The program consist of 10 courses plus practicum). Application and information is available at www.midland.edu/ruralhit. HSRA grant (#1-RO1RH26267-01-00)

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

The Midland College Health Information Management associate degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics & Information Management Education (CAHIIM).\

Programs

• Health Information Management, A.A.S.

• Coding and Billing Certificate
• Data Quality Manager Certificate
• Health Data Coordinator Certificate
• Health Data Specialist - Physician Practice Certificate
• IT Liaison Certificate

Return to: Programs of Study