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Health Information Technology


Admission Checklist

~ Associate in Applied Science Degree ~
 

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Accreditation Services c/o AHIMA
233 N. Michigan Ave, 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60601-5800
www.cahiim.org

 

Visit the Health Information Technology Website

DESCRIPTION

    Health Information Technology combines the expanding arena of health care with the cutting edge of technology. As a health information management professional, you are the expert on patient data that physicians, nurses, and other allied health providers rely on to perform their jobs. Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT) ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. They may also use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs. RHITs often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research.

PROGRAM MISSION

    The mission of the Health Information Technology (HIT) program at KVCC is to provide the necessary educational opportunities to prepare students for certification and practice as Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT). Health Information Technology is an evolving profession in the health care environment. The HIT program takes the responsibility to educate and develop a skilled work force to support the needs of the health care industry. The HIT professional is a specialist in administering information systems, managing medical records, and coding information for reimbursement and research. With the combined efforts of clinical affiliations, the HIT program offers an opportunity for students to develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to attain an AAS degree and eligibility for the RHIT credential.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    Applicants to certain programs should be aware that a criminal background check may be required while they are enrolled in the program, or as a condition of employment in the field; certain internship and/or practicum sites, such as health care facilities, may limit or deny clinical privileges to those who have a prior or current criminal record; and certain licensing boards may refuse to issue a license to practice based upon prior or current criminal offense(s). To learn more about whether the program or profession in which you are interested has such requirements or limitations, please see the Department Chair.

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES

    Upon successful completion of the Health Information Technology program, the graduate is expected to:

  1. Comply with the professional code of ethics of AHIMA and maintain effective professional conduct at all times.
  2. Be prepared for certification for the RHIT credential.
  3. Demonstrate the entry level skills as outlined in the Domains, Subdomains, and Tasks of AHIMA.
  4. Demonstrate clear and effective communication skills, critical thinking, and problem solving within their scope of practice.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Hospital Home Health Care Agencies Law Firms
Clinics Mental Health Facilities Physicians' Offices
Nursing Homes Health Maintenance Organizations Software Companies
Consulting Firms Private Insurance Companies

CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION

    Students must complete 68 credits in the Health Information Technology program and achieve a minimum grade of "C" in all courses. Students must attain a final GPA of 2.0 or higher. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credentialing examination administered by the American Health Information Management Association.

~ Medical Coding Certificate ~

Admission Checklist

DESCRIPTION

    This certificate has been designed for individuals currently working in the health care field who need to upgrade their coding skills for advancement or certification. ICD-9-CM and CPT coding concepts and guidelines are taught, including computer applications, legal and ethical issues related to coding, and data management skills. All applicants must supply a letter from their employer supporting the need for these courses or a letter describing how this certificate will assist them in their current job. All applications must be approved by the Program Director of the Health Information Technology program. The program is also fully integrated into the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology for those students who wish to continue their studies.

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES

    Upon successful completion of the Medical Coding certificate the graduate is expected to:

  1. Demonstrate entry level skills in coding with ICD-9-CM and CPT.
  2. Describe the relationship between coding and reimbursement in health care.
  3. Demonstrate professional behaviors in the work place including patient confidentiality and professional ethics.
  4. Demonstrate clear and effective communication skills, critical thinking, and problem solving within their scope of practice.
  5. Participate in activities that foster professional growth and continued competence.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

    This is a high-demand occupation for which recruitment bonuses are often offered. Medical Coding remains one of the fastest growing professions in today’s allied health fields. The work performed by these professionals requires attention to detail, organization, patient confidentiality, and good communication skills. Employment opportunities are available in hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient facilities, and other facilities such as home health and long term care.

CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION

    Students must complete 34 credits in the Medical Coding Certificate Program, achieve a minimum grade of "C" in all courses, and attain a final GPA of 2.0 or higher. Pre-requisite: Biology Lab.

FIRST SEMESTER HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE
CREDIT HOURS
BIO213 Anatomy and Physiology I 4
CPT117 Software Applications I 3
ENG101 College Composition 3
HIT101 Intro. to Health Information Technology 3
MAS121 Medical Terminology 3
SECOND SEMESTER
CREDIT HOURS
BIO214 Anatomy and Physiology II 4
CPT121 Software Applications II 3
HIT132 Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Issues 3
HIT136 Introduction to Coding and Classification 3
MAT113 Elements of Mathematics 3
THIRD SEMESTER
CREDIT HOURS
BIO216 Pathophysiology & Principles of Pharmacology for the Health Professional 3
BUS115 Principles of Management 3
COM104 Introduction to Communication 3
HIT142 Directed Practice I 2
HIT201 ICD-9-CM Coding and Classification Systems 4
HIT211 Health Data Collection 3
FOURTH SEMESTER
CREDIT HOURS
HIT212 Quality Improvement 3
HIT222 CPT-4 Coding 4
HIT243 Directed Practice II 2
HIT245 Seminar in Health Information Technology 3
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology 3
______ Humanities Elective 3
  TOTAL CREDITS 68

 

FIRST SEMESTER MEDICAL CODING - CERTIFICATE CREDIT HOURS
BIO213 Anatomy and Physiology I 4
MAS121 Medical Terminology 3
SECOND SEMESTER   CREDIT HOURS
BIO214 Anatomy and Physiology II 4
CPT117 Software Applications I 3
HIT136 Introduction to Coding and Classification 3
THIRD SEMESTER   CREDIT HOURS
BIO216 Pathophysiology & Principles of Pharmacology for the Health Professional 3
HIT201 ICD-9-CM Coding and Classification Systems 4
MAT113 Elements of Mathematics 3
FOURTH SEMESTER   CREDIT HOURS
COM104 Introduction to Communication 3
HIT222 CPT-4 Coding 4
  TOTAL CREDITS 34

Return to Programs of Study


Jim Bourgoin
Director of  Admissions
Our staff is available to discuss your educational interests and our academic programs and student support services.
Admissions Office
Carter Hall Room 220
Monday-Friday
8:00 am-4:30 pm
Ph: (207) 453-5131
      (207) 453-5155
      (800) 528-5882 ext 5131
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Important Dates
Jan 31 - Graduation Applications due
Check here for course cancellations.
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