Health Information Technology
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Practical Experience and Requirements
A grade of "C" or higher is required for satisfactory completion of all HITT/HPRS courses. A student receiving a grade lower than a "C" in an HITT/HPRS course will be required to repeat that course. A student will not be allowed more than a TOTAL of three (3) final grades of "D" or "F" in any HITT/HPRS course or courses. When a student receives a THIRD semester grade of "D" or lower in any HITT/HPRS course or combination of courses- the student will be permanently dismissed from the program.
Students will participate in two practicum/clinical experiences during their second year. Students must have a minimum of a "C" in all previous HITT/HPRS courses to be assigned to a clinical experience. These experiences will take place in a hospital, nursing home, and/or doctor's office setting (placement will be determined by instructor).
Clinical I: 80 hours (acute care), 40 hours (non-acute care), and 40 hours (physician's office)
Clinical II: 40 hours onsite (site TBA) plus 60 hours online and on-campus hours
Student will be responsible for physical exam, drug screen, immunizations, and any other pre-clinical requirements (including costs) of the clinical site. Student will be responsible for transportation to and from the clinical site. Students will not be paid for their clinical hours. Students that are otherwise employed by the site WILL NOT receive clinical hour credit for paid employment. Students must be "off the clock" in order to complete their clinical hours. No exceptions will be made.
Additionally, students will be subject to a criminal background check prior to beginning clinicals (cost is included in clinical course fees). Any prior criminal offenses may disqualify the student from proceeding into clinicals. Decisions on previous offenses are made on a case by case basis and the final decision will lie with the program director and Dean of Health Sciences.
More information on the above policies, as well as further information on the MA program can be found in the Medical Technologies Student Handbook which can be linked to on the this page.
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
Courses in Health Information Technology prepares students to become health information
specialists. The health information technician (HIT) is a professional with a diverse
blend of clinical knowledge and information management skills. Most HIT graduates
work in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, but many are finding employment in
home health agencies, rehabilitation facilities, county health departments, insurance
companies, managed care facilities, county health departments, insurance companies,
managed care institutions, software companies, legal firms, and consulting firms.
Students are trained in assembling, analyzing, coding, abstracting, and maintaining
medical records (paper-based and electronic). Students are also taught basic skills
in supervision and management; are introduced to legal and ethical issues affecting
health care; learn to compile health care statistics; and learn to utilize computer
software related to the healthcare field.