Health Information Management Technology, A.A.S.

Program Code: CO525

Health Information Management Technology students must achieve a C or better in all required courses before they are eligible for graduation.

In order to comply with certain state statutes and/or clinical affiliation agreements, students may be asked to provide a current physical examination which includes specified immunizations and laboratory work, and a current criminal background check and drug screen.  This will be at the student’s expense.  Students may also be asked to provide proof of comprehensive health and accident insurance.

JJC’s Health Information Management Technology program prepares students for the critical role they will play as health information management professionals. HIM professionals collect, analyze and maintain the data that physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers rely on to deliver quality health care. They are experts in managing patient health information and health records, both computer-based and paper, administering computer information systems, and coding the diagnoses and procedures for healthcare services provided to patients. Health information management professionals also ensure data validity and appropriate access to individual health records.

The Health Information Management Technology A.A.S. program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Program graduates are eligible to take the national Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam given by the American Health Information Management Association.

Many career opportunities for those with a degree or certificate from JJC exist in the HIM and health information technology field.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites employment of health information technicians is projected to grow 22 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.  Employment opportunities exist for HIM professionals in any organization that uses patient data or health information such as hospitals, physicians’ offices, pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors.

For further information from the US Department of Labor, go to:  www.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm