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Health Information Technology

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Application Code: 
1969
Degree Received: 
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Department: 
Physical and Health Sciences
Description: 

Health information technology (HIT) combines a profession in health care with information technology. Health information technicians maintain, collect, and analyze data crucial to the delivery of quality patient care. HIT is an online program that offers individuals the opportunity to pursue a business-related career that is an essential part of the health care industry.

HIT-dedicated courses are offered through the Internet using learning management software. Internet-based students complete all course work online. In addition, each HIT student is assigned to an academic adviser who assists with course selection and sequencing, and serves as the student’s advocate.

Internet-based course offerings are of the same quality and meet the standards of traditional on-campus courses, and they are designed and delivered to meet established course objectives.

Professional Practice Experiences

Students complete non-paid professional practice experiences (PPEs) in the Health Information Department of an acute care facility (200 hours). PPE arrangements are made in consultation with each student so that convenient locations are selected. Health information technology (HIT) program students must earn a minimum grade of "C" or higher on their first and/or second attempt in each BIOL and MEDR course. Two unsuccessful attempts (less than "C") will result in dismissal from the HIT academic program.  Health information technology (HIT) program students must earn a minimum grade of "C" or higher in BUAD 3153 and COMP 1503. Unsuccessful attempts (less than "C") will result in a requirement to repeat the course(s). Students are not a substitute for paid staff during PPEs, which means they are expected to receive appropriate supervision and mentoring during completion of all tasks.

The Joint Commission Hospital Accreditation Standards Manual requires hospitals to implement “a process to ensure that a person’s qualifications are consistent with his/her job responsibilities.” This standard “applies to staff, students, and volunteers,” and it further states that the hospital is responsible for verifying “the following according to law, regulation or hospital policy: information on criminal background.” As such, Alfred State College students who complete PPEs in the coding and reimbursement specialist and health information technology programs may be required to undergo a criminal background check prior to placement at the facility. In addition, the facility may require students to undergo a physical examination (on-site at the facility or by the student’s primary care provider) prior to beginning the professional practice experience. The physical examination includes drug screening, a Tb test, and/or DTB, hepatitis B, and/or MMRV immunization or status. Students may be required to incur costs associated with the criminal background check and/or physical examination.

Once a PPE placement has been arranged, students are expected to contact the professional practice supervisor (e.g., director of Health Information Department) to arrange a schedule for attendance. Students may be required to attend an on-site orientation at the professional practice facility, which could be several days in length.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations: 

Technical Standards:

  • Must be able to visually read computer monitor
  • Must be able to use computer keyboard and mouse
Accreditation/Certification: 

The health information technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Contact CAHIIM, c/o AHIMA, 233 N Michigan Ave, Suite 2150, Chicago, IL 60601-5800 or (312) 233-1131. Visit their Web site at http://www.cahiim.org/.

Graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). Since 1968, when the program was created, Alfred State HIT graduates have traditionally achieved a passing rate above the national average.

Graduates are also eligible to take the Certified Coding Specialist (CCA, CCS and CCS-P) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC, CPC-A, CPC-H-A, CPC-H, and CPC-P) exams. It is strongly recommended that students complete technical elective courses in this area of study and work for a minimum of one year as a coder before taking the coding certification exam(s).

Features & Facilities: 
  • Prepares graduates for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician
  • Accredited nationally by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs in cooperation with the American Health Information Management Association’s Council on Accreditation
Articulation Agreements: 

One-plus-one transfer agreements exist between Alfred State and Corning, Jamestown, Genesee, and American Somoa Community Colleges; students complete their first year of study at the local community college and transfer to Alfred State for their second year. Transfer is guaranteed if a student successfully completes the prescribed first-year schedule of courses with a 2.0 cumulative index.

Career Opportunities: 
  • Hospitals
  • State and Federal Agencies
  • Clinics and Physicians' Offices
  • Law/Computer Firms
  • Insurance Companies
  • Consultant
Transfer Opportunities: 

Although not limited to these schools, a common transfer institutions include SUNY College of Technology at Utica/Rome and Stephens College.

Formal articulation agreements exist with Alfred State College.

Typical Semester Layout: 
First Semester credits
BIOL 1114 Human A&P I 4
COMP 1503 Freshman Composition 3
MEDR 1114 Intro to Health Info Mgt 4
MEDR 1132 Essentials of Pharmacology 2
MEDR 1133 Medical Terminology 3
      16
Second Semester credits
BIOL 2214 Human A&P II 4
BIOL 4403 Pathophysiology 3
MEDR 1223
Health Data Management 3
MEDR 1224 CPT Coding 4
MEDR 1214 ICD-9-CM Coding 4
      18
Summer Program credits
MEDR 1312 Intro to HIM PPE 3
MEDR 1323 Coding PPE 3
      5
Third Semester credits
MEDR 3414 QM & Legal Aspects of HIM 4
SOCI 1163 General Sociology 3
SPCH 1083 Effective Speaking 3
MEDR 5114
Electronic Health Record
4
      14
Fourth Semester credits
HIST 2153 American History II 3
LITR 2603 Introduction to Literature 3
MEDR 5214
Insurance & Reimbursement Proc 4
BUAD 3153 Fundamentals of Mgt 3
MEDR 4514 Alternate Care HIM 4
      17

Also required: One unit of Physical Education. HPED 1111 is online and meets the PE requirement.

CISY 1003 may be taken in the first semester as an elective.

Part-time students are required to take their general education courses prior to MEDR courses.

Employment and Transfer Report
Employment and Transfer Rate: 
94%
Employment and Transfer Survey Details: 
Survey Details200620072008
Receiving Degrees 26 25 24
Responding to Survey 12 (46%) 11 (44%) 17 (71%)
Employed 12 (100%) 10 (91%) 15 (88%)
Employed in Field 12 (100%) 12 (100%) 14 (93%)
Transfered -- -- 1 (6%)
Unemployed & Seeking Employment -- -- --
Unemployed & Not Seeking Employment -- -- 1 (6%)
Employment and Transfer Salary Information: 

Average annual salary for ASC graduates - $35,533 (7 respondents)