Health Information Management

On Campus and Distance Delivered by University of Alaska, Sitka Campus

Please Note: We can currently deliver our program ONLY to Alaska

Today professionals in every field rely increasingly on information to function effectively. Advances in technology have made the flow of information more available, more comprehensive, more useful. Advances in medical science, legislative reforms, computerization, and the necessity to enhance the management of health care delivery systems and health care costs have created an explosion in the demand for health care information specialists–people with the knowledge and skills necessary to process, analyze, and distribute health care information in diverse practice environments.A career as a health information professional offers a unique opportunity to blend an interest in medicine with the multifaceted information management challenges of tomorrow. The Health Information Management program at the University of Alaska Southeast will prepare graduates for employment in this dynamic field.	HIM FAQs    The Health Information Management program at the University of Alaska Southeast will prepare graduates for employment as health information specialists.
Degree Requirements: The Health Information Management (HIM) A.A.S. degree program requires a minimum of 60 semester credit hours. Once HIM specific courses are taken, students have 5 years to complete the degree. General Requirements: Methods of Written Communication (3 credits) Intermediate Composition OR Technical Report Writing (3 credits) Oral Communication Skills (3 credits) Math/Science or Social Science Elective: (3 credits) Natural Sciences (8 credits): Anatomy and Physiology I (4 cr) Anatomy and Physiology II (4 cr) Computer Literacy (3 cr) Major Requirements: Health Information Management: Intro to Health Information Practice (5) Medical Terminology (3) Alternative Delivery Systems (3) Computer Applications/Emerging Technologies (2) CPT coding (3) ICD-9-CM Coding (3) Billing & Reimbursement (2) Legal Aspects of Health Info (3) Quality Management (2) Data Quality & Reimbursement (2) Pathophysiology (3) Pharmacology (1) Health Care Management (3) Internship in Healthcare Mgmt. (2)	Are there any prerequisites to entering this program ? Students without prior college are encouraged to take some general education requirements prior to enrolling in HIM specific courses. Specifically, students are encouraged to take college level English and a computer course either before or concurrently with HIM courses. Prior to enrolling in any HIM courses, students should have an advising interview with the program director (this can be done online or by telephone) so that a degree plan can be developed collaboratively. Applicants should be aware that professional practices are part of HIM courses, and transportation to various health agencies for these experiences is the responsibility of the student. The University is self-insured and enrolled students are covered by professional liability insurance.
What kind of jobs are available in this field? Employment opportunities abound for health information professionals. While many practitioners currently work in hospital settings, expanding opportunities for employment include those in ambulatory, long term, behavioral health facililties, industrial clinics, state and federal agencies, private industry, and educational facilities. The Health Information Management program at the University of Alaska Southeast will prepare graduates for employment as health information specialists. The field has been identified as one of the top ten growth careers for the next decade by the Department of Labor. Graduates have a wide variety of possibilities in both type and location of employment, with career opportunities throughout the nation and internationally.	What kind of training do I need for this job? The Health Information Management (HIM) program offers a distance delivered Associate of Applied Science degree through the Sitka Campus of the University of Alaska Southeast, which prepares students for entry-level positions as health information professionals. The curriculum has been distance delivered since the program’s implementation in 1992, and is now being designed for web-based delivery to make it available nationwide. The HIM program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Upon graduation, students are eligible to write the national certification exam; successful candidates earn the professional credential of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
Also available: HIM CODING SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE PROGRAM HIM HEALTH CARE PRIVACY CERTIFICATE Coding Brochure (pdf file) HIM Privacy Brochure (pdf file)	For more information or to take the first step toward an exciting new career, call the UAS Sitka Campus at 907-747-6653, ext. 9473 or 1-800-478-6653 and ask to speak with Cheryl Stromme.