Health Information Management

Distance Delivered by University of Alaska, Sitka Campus

Please Note: Program is currently only delivered to 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.

What Programs are offered through UAS?

Associate of Applied Science in HIM
The Health Information Management (HIM) program provides a course 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.  Graduates are eligible to write a national examination; successful completion of the examination leads to the professional credential of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

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 associated of applied science degree in Health Information Management.  National credentialing exams are available at both the entry and advanced level.

View the program FAQ's for a list of common questions with answers asked of the Health Information Management program.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS (2008-2009 CATALOG)

Minimum Credit Hours			60
General Education Requirements			20
Written Communication Skills
ENGL	S111	Methods of Written Communication	3
Select one from the following (3 credits)
ENGL	S211	Intermediate Composition: Writing about Literature	3
ENGL	S212	Technical Report Writing	3
Oral Communication Skills
Select one from the following (3 credits)
COMM	S111	Fundamentals of Oral Communication*	3
COMM	S235	Small Group Communication and Team Building*	3
COMM	S237	Interpersonal Communication*	3
COMM	S241	Public Speaking*	3
*Grade C or better
Other Skills
BIOL	S111	Anatomy and Physiology I	4
BIOL	S112	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
___	S__	GER Elective*	3
*Natural sciences, mathematics, or social sciences
Major Requirements			40
CIOS	S105	Computer Literacy	3
HIM	S124	Introduction to Health Information Practice	5
HIM	S135	Medical Terminology	3
HIM	S160	Alternative Delivery Systems	3
HIM	S180	Computer Applications/Emerging Technologies	2
HIM	S190	CPT Coding	3
HIM	S210	ICD-9-CM Coding	3
HIM	S215	Billing and Reimbursement	2
HIM	S240	Legal Aspects of Health Information	3
HIM	S250	Quality Management	2
HIM	S260	Data Quality and Reimbursement	2
HIM	S270	Pathophysiology	3
HIM	S271	Pharmacology	1
HIM	S280	Health Care Management	3
HIM	S291	Internship in Healthcare Management	2

Contact Information

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 or by email cheryl.stromme@uas.alaska.edu

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