Students in the third and fourth year of the Health Information Administration program are required to join the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).  Faculty frequently require students to access the AHIMA site in various courses.  In addition, there are many member benefits that the AHIMA offers.  A student member can also obtain a discount when applying to sit for the RHIA exam.  For more information about Health Information Management, a prospective student may visit www.ahima.org/career-map.

Criminal Background Checks

Most of the professional practice sites where IU Northwest Health Information Administration students complete their professional practice experiences require a national criminal background check before students can be placed in their assigned facilities.  Based on the requirements of these agencies, as well as state and federal regulations, all students in the Health Information programs must undergo a national background check prior to admission and annually thereafter. The Health Information Program has selected CastleBranch.com to complete these background checks. The results of a student's background check may impact their admission status in the Health Information programs, preclude students from attending professional practice experiences, and/or their affect ability to obtain certification.  If an incident occurs that would change the student’s background check, the student is required to notify the Health Information department immediately. The student will be required to pay for a background re-check. Failure to adhere to the above policy will result in dismissal from the program. The student will not be able to re-register until this requirement is met. The student will be responsible for any late registration fees incurred. If professional practice experience time is missed, the student is subject to the professional practice experience absence policy.

Drug Screen

Professional practice sites may require students to have a drug screen prior to attending professional practice experiences at their facility, or may require one on demand in certain situations. Failure to comply immediately will result in removal from the site and possible dismissal from the program. Additionally, a positive drug screen may prevent students from being able to be placed in a professional practice agency. See program information for program-specific policies.

Health Requirements

All Health Information Administration students are required to show proof that they have met the immunization, physical examination, and laboratory examination requirements of hospitals and other health agencies used for professional practice experiences. Specific instructions will be distributed prior to professional practice assignment. Failure to meet those health requirements will make the student ineligible for professional practice classes, which will be subject to the program absence policies and will impact the student’s ability to graduate with the degree.