Health Information Management - Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Description
The Health Information Management AAS program prepares individuals in technical coursework, human relations, communications, mathematics and computer technology. The program employs a career ladder approach that includes the following certificates:
• Medical Office Specialist
• Medical Billing Specialist
• Coding Competency
At the end of six academic quarters (approximately two years), students earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Health Information Management. Students are eligible to take the RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) national credential examination upon completion of the AAS degree. The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits the Health Information Management program. Health information technicians collect, analyze, code, manage and maintain medical information regarding patients. Health information technicians must be highly organized and pay attention to detail, maintain patient medical information in a complete, accurate and secure manner while maintaining high ethical standards. Health information technicians work in a wide range of health care facilities including but not limited to hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices and nursing homes. In Oregon, the number of jobs for health information technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2020.
Learning Outcomes
- Classify and apply legal concepts and principles to the practice of health information management includes analysis of data and health record privacy, confidentiality and security.
- Analyze and apply policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of health data and information. Focus is on data quality, data management, data analytics and information governance.
- Differentiate health record content and documentation requirements throughout the continuum of healthcare as the requirements relate to the organizational structure and provider roles.
- Collect, compile, organize, maintain and utilize health information across the continuum of health care, in a variety of formats (paper, electronic, hybrid).
- Evaluate, critique and support the revenue cycle management process while adhering to the internal and external compliance environment (regulations, standards and policies/procedures).
- Evaluate, interpret and support diagnosis/procedural codes according to current guidelines. Including the ranking of code selection by diagnostic/procedural groupings.
- Utilize health information technology and information systems in the performance of health information management functions, duties and processes.
- Utilize collaborative leadership skills to engage stakeholders across the health care industry in the facilitation of professionalism and ethical standards across the health care continuum.
Entrance Requirements
Academic Entrance Requirements
- Required:
Other Entrance Requirements
- Required:
- Students entering the HIM program are required to have a criminal history check prior to enrolling in HIM 104 Health Information Standards and Governance. A student may be prevented from entering the program if there is a felony conviction on their record.
- Documentation of immunizations is required for directed practice (Tdap, MMR, Varicella, TB, Hep B, and Flu).
- Additional immunizations, background checks, and drug screens may be required by directed practice sites at the students expense.
Additional Program Costs (beyond standard tuition/fees and textbooks)
Material Costs
- Required:
- Total cost depends upon preparatory coursework and extent of completion within the program - certificate/degree. Additional costs estimated to be approximately $2,500 include textbooks, technology fees, Directed Practice travel expense, OrHIMA Convention, criminal history check, etc.
- Recommended:
- Students are strongly encouraged to have access to a home computer with high-speed internet access.
Course Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Support Courses | ||
| AH 111 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| BA 214 | Business Communications | 3 |
| CIS 120 | Computer Concepts | 4 |
| Core Courses | ||
| HIM 103 | Introduction to Health Information Management | 4 |
| HIM 104 | Health Information Standards and Governance | 4 |
| HIM 105 | Health Information Compliance and Analytics | 4 |
| HIM 171 | Project Management | 2 |
| HIM 182 | Introduction to Reimbursement and Classification Systems | 4 |
| HIM 184 | Pathophysiology and Pharmacology | 5 |
| HIM 190 | HIPAA for Practical Experience | 2 |
| HIM 193 | Professional Practice Experience I | 2 |
| HIM 201 | Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Care | 4 |
| HIM 202 | Health Information Management Applications | 2 |
| HIM 203 | Health Information Technologies | 4 |
| HIM 265 | Health Information Management Community Service Learning Project | 2 |
| HIM 271 | Quality Improvement in Health Care | 4 |
| HIM 272 | Management Principles and Leadership in HIM | 4 |
| HIM 273 | HIM Capstone | 2 |
| HIM 281 | Healthcare Statistics | 4 |
| HIM 282 | Reimbursement Systems | 4 |
| HIM 283 | Coding Classifications I | 4 |
| HIM 284 | Coding Classifications II | 5 |
| HIM 285 | Revenue Cycle Management | 5 |
| HIM 293 | Professional Practice Experience II | 2 |
| Other Required Courses | ||
| AH 112 | Medical Terminology II | 3 |
| BI 231 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BI 232 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BI 233 | Human Anatomy and Physiology III | 4 |
| CIS 131 | Software Applications | 4 |
| COMM 218 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Total Credits | 105 | |
Advising Notes
HIM is a cohort program, which begins each Fall. Students can complete non-HIM courses prior to entry into the cohort or concurrently. Courses are in sequence for first and second year. Students must complete all first-year courses before enrolling in second-year coursework.
This degree is designed primarily for students planning to enter their chosen career upon graduation. However, credits are transferable per an articulation agreement with the University of Cincinnati for students choosing to pursue an online BS in Health Information Management.
Performance Standards
- Academic Requirements:
- Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree.
- All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
Sample Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| AH 111 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| BA 214 | Business Communications | 3 |
| CIS 120 | Computer Concepts | 4 |
| COMM 218 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| AH 112 | Medical Terminology II | 3 |
| BI 231 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| CIS 131 | Software Applications | 4 |
| HIM 103 | Introduction to Health Information Management | 4 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| BI 232 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| HIM 104 | Health Information Standards and Governance | 4 |
| HIM 171 | Project Management | 2 |
| HIM 190 | HIPAA for Practical Experience | 2 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| BI 233 | Human Anatomy and Physiology III | 4 |
| HIM 105 | Health Information Compliance and Analytics | 4 |
| HIM 182 | Introduction to Reimbursement and Classification Systems | 4 |
| HIM 184 | Pathophysiology and Pharmacology | 5 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Summer | ||
| HIM 193 | Professional Practice Experience I | 2 |
| Credits | 2 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| HIM 201 | Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Care | 4 |
| HIM 202 | Health Information Management Applications | 2 |
| HIM 282 | Reimbursement Systems | 4 |
| HIM 283 | Coding Classifications I | 4 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Winter | ||
| HIM 265 | Health Information Management Community Service Learning Project | 2 |
| HIM 272 | Management Principles and Leadership in HIM | 4 |
| HIM 281 | Healthcare Statistics | 4 |
| HIM 284 | Coding Classifications II | 5 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HIM 203 | Health Information Technologies | 4 |
| HIM 271 | Quality Improvement in Health Care | 4 |
| HIM 273 | HIM Capstone | 2 |
| HIM 285 | Revenue Cycle Management | 5 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Summer | ||
| HIM 293 | Professional Practice Experience II | 2 |
| Credits | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 105 | |
