Health Information Technology, AAS

Semester 1

• CSC 110 - Intro to Computers Credits: 3
• HIT 390 - Intro HIT Project Management Credits: 1
• HIT 125 - Essentials of Health Records Credits: 2
• HSC 120 - Medical Terminology I Credits: 3
• HIT 360 - Introduction to HIT Credits: 3

Semester 2

• HIT 450 - Health Statistics Credits: 2
• MAP 141 - Medical Insurance Credits: 3
• HSC 121 - Medical Terminology II Credits: 3
• HIT 120 - Pharmacology for HIT Credits: 1
• BCA 113 - Computer Network Literacy Credits: 3
• Select one course from Option 1 Credits: 3

Semester 3

• HIT 520 - Internship I Credits: 2
• ENG 105 - Composition I Credits: 3
• BIO 733 - Health Science Anatomy Credits: 3
• HIT 162 - Data Security for Health IT Credits: 2

Semester 4

• INF 110 - Fundamental Informatics Credits: 3
• MAP 150 - Adv. Medical Billing/Coding Credits: 3
• HIT 315 - Electronic App for Health Data Credits: 2
•  Select one course from Option 2 Credits:3
• Select one course from Option 3 Credits: 3

Semester 5

• HIT 420 - Legal Aspects of Health Info Credits: 2
• HIT 290 - Reimbursement Methods Credits: 3
• HIT 430 - Quality Improvement Credits: 3
• HIT 521 - Internship II Credits: 4
• HIT 339 - Quality Management Credits: 2

Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 65

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

Approximate total for the program: $12,090*

* Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Organize and maintain patient health records.
• Assist with implementation and upgrades of electronic health records (EHRs).
• Redesign paper-based work processes for an electronic environment.
• Train others on health IT systems.
• Code hospital/physician records for billing.
• Collect and analyze data within health records to assist in areas such as research, review of quality of patient care, reimbursement, population health management.
• Run reports from health IT systems for compliance, management, quality, etc.
• Document privacy and security processes.
• Fill requests for patient information.
• Manage staff and budget (if in supervisory role).
• Perform quality audits (if in supervisory role).
• Maintain registries, if required.
• Work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, cancer registries, government agencies, software companies, long-term care (e.g., nursing homes), etc.
• Manage projects related to Health IT, workflow and quality improvement.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

• General education classes are available at DMACC campuses and online, and Health IT classes are scheduled on the Ankeny Campus or are web-blended/online.  Courses are taught by health information management and health IT professionals and are offered during the day and evening with most coursework arranged to accommodate working professionals.
• Health IT students will be required to sign a confidentiality statement and pass a criminal background check due to potential exposure to patient records and protected health information during the labs and internship courses.  A background check service, www.certifiedbackground.com, is used to conduct criminal background/abuse checks and to track the immunizations and health records of each student after their acceptance into the program and prior to their first internship. Students are responsible for the cost of this service.
• Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participation in health IT education experiences. Students unable to participate in health IT education experiences (internships) will be unable to complete the Health Information Technology program.
• There are many certification options (optional) for health IT professionals depending upon the desired career path. Certifications will enhance the A.A.S. degree. For example, CPEHR (Certified Professional in Electronic Health Records), CPHIT, CPHIE, CHDA, CHPS, CDIP or coding credentials such as CPC, COC/CIC and CCA/CCS-P. Certification may require work experience before meeting eligibility requirements to sit for credentialing examination and continuing education hours to maintain certification. Costs and qualifications vary.
• Internships will be established locally; however, internships may require travel within the state (for example, to a physician office implementing EHRs).
• There are several professional associations for health IT, including the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS). These associations, which require annual dues, have local chapters that provide educational meetings and other professional resources.  
• The health IT job market is expected to grow significantly over the next several years; however, some past graduates of Iowa health IT programs have had to seek employment opportunities outside of their community or outside the state. 
• For additional information about job outlook and salary, visit the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.