Transcript title
Professional Practice
Credits
2
Grading mode
Pass/No Pass grades
Total contact hours
60
Other hours
60
Prerequisites
Instructor approval based on completion of first and second-year HIM curriculum.
Course Description
Provides practical experience in a healthcare setting, under the supervision of a registered health information administrator or registered health information technician. Students report to an approved location and participate in activities related to HIM. Fulfills 60 hours (40 on site/20 off site) of 120 total professional practice experience hours required for program completion. P/NP grading.
Course learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate professional, ethical, and collaborative behavior consistent with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Code of Ethics, organizational policies, and professional practice standards.
2. Apply privacy, confidentiality, and security standards by following Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act), the 21st Century Cures Act, and related organizational policies in all practicum activities.
3. Integrate classroom knowledge with real-world health information management practice by applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional judgment in completing practicum assignments and activities.
4. Demonstrate readiness for professional employment through effective communication, technical proficiency, problem-solving, and reflection on real-world health information management experiences.
Content outline
Student placement in the health information management (HIM) field, referred to as a professional practice experience (PPE), is a CAHIIM-accredited program requirement and an essential component of student education. The PPE provides opportunities to apply classroom knowledge, gain practical experience, and demonstrate AHIMA entry-level competencies in supervised healthcare settings. This course fulfills 60 total professional practice hours (40 on-site / 20 off-site) required for program completion.
- Professional practice orientation and readiness activities
- Review of confidentiality, HIPAA, HITECH, and 21st Century Cures Act requirements
- Application of professional and ethical standards consistent with the AHIMA Code of Ethics
- Observation and participation in HIM operations such as data management, coding, release of information, and revenue cycle functions
- Exposure to quality, compliance, and audit processes within the healthcare environment
- Development of professional communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills
- Documentation of practicum experiences through daily logs, journals, and supervisor evaluations
- Completion of professional portfolio artifacts demonstrating CAHIIM-aligned competencies and readiness for employment
Required materials
Computer and reliable internet access required.
Professional attire for practicum experience, whether in-person or virtually.
