2018-2019 Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Health Information Technology Associate of Science


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The Health Information Technology (HIT) degree prepares the student for employment as a health information professional with the knowledge and skills to accurately code diagnoses and procedures for healthcare services provided to patients, and to collect, maintain, and analyze clinical data in electronic health records that physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff rely on to deliver quality healthcare. The HIT associate degree program comprises of the 49-51 unit coursework plus the general education courses needed to get the associate’s degree. Since the associate degree in HIT is a high unit degree (more than 60 units), it typically takes longer than
2 years or 4 semesters to complete. A 2-year time frame for completion would require taking a full load each semester plus summers. The program provides training through didactic instruction and directed practice. Facilities employing health information technology professionals include hospitals, ambulatory care centers, physician offices, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, public health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, medical supply companies, rehabilitation centers, managed care organizations, behavioral and mental health facilities, law firms, and insurance firms. Students are required to hold a valid basic life support CPR card for healthcare providers complete a health clearance and background check and carry professional liability insurance prior to commencing their directed practice.

To earn the Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree in Health Information Technology, students must complete BOTH HIT department requirements and General Education requirements. A previous Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree or higher degree does not automatically meet general education requirements. All outside transcripts must be evaluated toward Saddleback College’s requirements. In order to be eligible for the RHIT credential, you must earn the A.S. degree from Saddleback College.

A minimum grade of “C” in all courses in the major is required to receive the degree.

Occupations/Fields that the program will prepare the student to enter:

  • Revenue Cycle Management/Billing/Clinical Coding
  • Health Information Management
  • Practice Management
  • Patient care registrar
  • Health Information Education
  • Insurance Claims specialist
  • Patient Portal education/liaison
  • Medical office administration
  • Quality Improvement analyst
  • Help Desk
  • Release of Information

Competencies:

  • Data Content, Structure, and Standards
  • Data Governance
  • Revenue Cycle Management/Billing/Clinical Coding
  • Performance Improvement
  • Clinical Documentation Improvement
  • Release of Information
  • Privacy and Security of Health Information
  • Healthcare Information Technologies
  • Healthcare statistics, trends, reporting, and registries

Program Student Learning Outcomes


  • Apply the knowledge of medical sciences (medical terminology, anatomy/physiology, pathology, and pharmacology) to accurately assign codes.
  • Collect, maintain, and analyze health information for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness based upon compliance and regulation standards.
  • Adhere to principles of legal, ethical, accreditation and certification standards as they relate to health information.
  • Participate in planning, adoption, and the use of technology healthcare settings to maximize patient safety and efficiencies.
  • Participate in analyzing and reporting health data for the performance improvement, research, and revenue cycle management.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as an individual and collaboratively in a group to resolve health information management challenges in a dynamic and innovative healthcare environment.

Total Units for the Major: 49-51


*Course has a prerequisite, corequisite, limitation, or recommended preparation; see course description.

 

Associate of Science Degree


Complete a minimum of 60 units including the general education requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0 qualifies the student for the Associate of Science degree. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at Saddleback College.

General Education Requirements for Associate Degrees


Refer to the Graduation Requirements  or to the CSU-GE and IGETC patterns in this catalog for specific courses which meet general education requirements. Refer to ASSIST.org and to the transfer institution’s catalog for transfer requirements.

Accreditation


The Health Information Technology Program (HIT) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
To contact CAHIIM
233 N. Michigan Ave 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60602-5800
(312) 233-1100
Fax (312) 223-1948
info@Cahiim.org

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