Health Information Management

Program description

The Health Information Management Program consists of educational courses in the third and fourth year at the upper division level designed to prepare students to work in management-level positions in a variety of healthcare settings. Health Information Management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. HIM professionals are highly trained in the latest information management technology applications and understand the workflow in any healthcare provider organization from large hospital systems to the private physician practice. They are vital to the daily operations management of health information and electronic health records.

Graduates of the baccalaureate program will receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Information Management and upon program CAHIIM accreditation will be eligible to apply to take the national examination for certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

This baccalaureate degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

1. Qualify for national certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) by achieving a passing score on the AHIMA certification exam.
2. Integrate knowledge of medical, administrative, ethical and legal requirements and standards related to healthcare delivery and protecting patient information as evidenced by successful completion of course competencies and assignments.
3. Apply the principles of health information management related to administering computer information systems, collecting and analyzing patient data, and using classification systems and medical terminologies as evidenced by successful completion of course competencies and assignments.
4. Demonstrate the concepts of effective communication to effectively interact with all healthcare organization levels that utilize patient data in decision-making and operations – clinical, financial, administrative and information systems – as evidenced by successful completion of course competencies and assignments.

Requirements for enrollment in the program

1. Entering as a Freshman (1st year): Designed for students admitted to the Health Information Technology two-year associate degree program at Shasta College who are interested in continuing to earn a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management. Students in this track will enter as freshmen. Students in this pathway should follow the 34-unit Cal-GETC General Education pattern or complete 27 units of the Associate Degree General Education pattern. See a counselor.
2. Entering as a Sophomore (2nd year): Designed for students with previous AS/BS degree in fields other than health information. This track allows students to complete the major requirements (HIT courses) in 1 year.
3. Entering as a Junior (3rd year): Designed for students who graduated with an Associate in Science degree in Health Information Technology from CAHIIM.

Students who did not follow the Cal-GETC general education pattern for the associate degree applying for tracks 2 and 3 may need to take additional lower-division general education courses to meet prerequisites for the core HIMS courses.

As enrollment spaces are determined, applicants scheduled for enrollment will receive an Enrollment Invitation email. The email will provide instructions for responding to the invitation by an established deadline. Those who have accepted the invitation to enroll will be sent information on how to register for courses. If the applicant is not able to attend when offered enrollment, they will be removed from the applicant pool and the applicant will need to reapply to be considered for a subsequent class. Students who are not selected for the cohort have the option of re-applying during a subsequent semester.

a. Major Field of Study: Courses in the major must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. b. General Education: 27-34 units. Select Associate Degree General Education plus an additional 6 units of GE or Cal-GETC Note: If completing California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) all courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher.

Student fees

California residents enrolled in upper division community college coursework will pay $130 per unit. Students will also have to complete and pay for a physical exam, TB skin test, required immunizations, a background check/drug screening, and any additional clinic-specific requirements necessary to begin the clinical experience.

Health and safety clinical clearance

All students participating in clinical experiences must submit proof of immunity through immunizations or serum titers, cleared criminal background check, negative drug screen, current physical examination and negative TB screening. Students are financially responsible for meeting these requirements according to the established program process. Specific information is available on the Health and Safety Requirements tab on the website or students may call the Division Office (530-339-3600).

Degree requirements