Undergraduate
Degree Programs
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Administration
Health Information Administration
This profession incorporates the disciplines of medicine, management, finance, information technology, and law as they pertain to the complexities of patient care, medical research, information privacy and security, data quality assurance, reimbursement procedures and compliance issues.
Description of the Profession
Health information administrators collect, interpret, and protect health data and determine how data are used. They are managers and information specialists who frequently interact with other members of the medical, financial, and administrative staffs. It is their responsibility to ensure that the information system is protected and driven by accurate, up-to-the-minute information.
Some examples of the responsibilities of department managers follow:
• Determine health information policies.
• Design health information collection, storage, and reporting systems.
• Collaborate in the selection, implementation, use and maintenance of electronic health record systems for processing and storing clinical data.
• Serve on interdisciplinary healthcare committees governing quality standards, improvement, and utilization review.
• Advise on the privacy and security of healthcare information.
• Determine departmental budget and resource needs.
• Assure that the healthcare documentation requirements of various accrediting and governmental agencies are met.
Graduates of the Program
While many health information administrators are employed in hospitals, others work for insurance companies, long-term care and psychiatric facilities, software companies, physician group practices, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies. They also coordinate quality management programs for health care facilities, teach in colleges and universities, and perform consulting activities.
The program graduate is eligible to seek registration as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) by successfully passing a national qualifying examination offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). RHIA registration is an important credential when seeking employment as a health information administrator.
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Administration
Educational Program
Length of the Program
A four years course of study includes 55 credit hours of prerequisite course work plus 66 credit hours of professional course work. Students apply in spring semester for he fall admission to the professional component of the program, which is offered in the junior and senior years of a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree. Students apply in the fall for the professional program.
Structure of the Program
The prerequisites and the professional program may be taken on a part-time or full-time basis. Pursing a full time course of study puts the student in the strongest position to pass the national registry exam. Design of the Professional Curriculum The professional courses focus on the management of health information systems and utilization of computerized clinical data. The professional component of the curriculum integrates lecture and laboratory courses with technical and professional practice experiences in hospitals and other health care facilities and related settings.
Additional Cost
In addition to regular university tuition and fees, students should expect to pay lab fees, dues and conference fees related to student membership in AHIMA.
Program Facilities
The Health Information Administration Program is offered in the School of Informatics. Professional practice experiences occur in health care facilities and settings.
Accreditation
The Health Information Administration Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Admission
General Information
Students accepted into the program must complete the School’s admission process and the program admission requirements described below. Admission to the professional program is competitive; therefore, completion of the prerequisites does not guarantee admission to the program.
Criteria used for Selection of Class
Completion of prerequisite courses, required grade point average and completed application process.
Specific Requirements
In addition to the School of Informatics admission policies and procedures found at the beginning of this section of the bulletin, the following admission policies apply to the Health Information Administration Program.
Application Deadline
January 30th for expected fall admission.
Total Number of Prerequisite Credit Hours 55
Limitations of Course Work
Remedial course work will not count toward the 55 required prerequisite credit hours.
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average
2.5 on a 4.0 scale. This requirement is applied at the time of program application and must be maintained. Minimum grade requirement of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or above is required in all prerequisite courses
Curriculum
Prerequisites
Prior to entering the program, students must complete at least 55 credit hours of prerequisites. The current prerequisite plan of study is maintained on the School of Informatics web site. Students should consult with their academic advisors for appropriate courses and semester sequence in order to complete prerequisites. Prerequisites may be taken at any accredited college or university.
Professional Program
Courses in the professional program are sequential and, therefore, must be taken in the order specified by the program faculty. The current professional plan of study is maintained on the School of Informatics web site. Students should consult with their academic advisors for appropriate courses and semester sequence in order to complete the program. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in each professional course. While many of the course offerings Whill many courses are available via distance education technology, applicants should be aware that the program is not an entirely online program. Face to face professional practice experiences are required by CAHIIM, the program’s accrediting agency.
The School of Informatics reserves the right to amend program requirements. Those interested in the program are strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisor from the School of Informatics for the latest information available.
Graduation Requirements
Satisfactory completion of 121 credit hours, including 55 credit hours of prerequisite and general-education courses and 66 credit hours of professional courses. All course work must be completed in compliance with the program’s and School’s academic and professional policies.