Health Information Management
Distance Delivered by University of Alaska, Sitka Campus
Please Note: Program is currently only delivered to Alaska and other WUE states:
WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, AZ, UT, CO,
NM, WY, ND, SD, MT, HI
If you have an interest in healthcare and information technology, Health Information Management (HIM) may be the right career choice for you. As one of the fastest growing occupations in one of the fastest growing industries, an HIM career places you right where the expanding arena of healthcare meets the cutting edge of technology. HIM professionals are experts in the field of patient health information and medical records. HIM professional duties can include operating computer information systems, coding diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement, maintaining quality control of health records, and more. These professionals are also the caretakers and guardians of personal health information—ensuring that confidential patient information is secure and released only according to strict state and federal laws.
HIM Inquiry Packet - Sitka Campus (Rev. 02/08/2012) (1 MB)
For additional information about HIM please access the AHIMA website: http://www.ahima.org/
What Programs are offered through UAS?
Associate of Applied Science in HIM
The Health Information Management (HIM) program provides a course of study, using primarily distance delivery methodology, that prepares entry-level health information professionals. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Graduates are eligible to write a national examination; successful completion of the examination leads to the professional credential of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). UAS Program in HIM Professional Practice Affiliation Agreement (256 KB)
Health Care Coding Certificate
An area of HIM specifically focused on coding/classifications systems at both the inpatient and outpatient level. The certificate will allow students to obtain entry-level skills in healthcare coding and the opportunity to continue to earn an associate of applied science degree in Health Information Management. National credentialing exams are available at both the entry and advanced level.
Healthcare Privacy and Security Certificate
This certificate was created in response to the increased complexity of data disclosure, particularly the full implementation of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). It is offered via distance delivery and requires a minimum of 30 credits, 21 of which are specified HIM courses. Students are introduced to legal and ethical implications of data disclosure, and are given an overview of state and federal laws, client rights and responsibilities, contracts, corporate liability, and professional liability.
Healthcare Information Technology Occupational Endorsement
The Healthcare Information Technology Occupational Endorsement is designed to prepare students for employment as entry level Healthcare Information Specialists or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in related health record occupations. This program will introduce the student to the fundamentals of healthcare informatics by focusing on the resources, devices and methods used to acquire, store, retrieve and utilize electronic healthcare information. Students will explore interoperability and meaningful use in the field of EHRs.
View the program FAQ's for a list of common questions with answers asked of the Health Information Management program.