Faculty/Program Webpages
Health Information Technology
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The Health Information Technology A.A.S. program is designed to demonstrate how Health information management technicians are the pivotal link in administrative and clinical data for the healthcare team. Health information management includes collecting, analyzing, storing, protecting and ensuring health information. These professionals can perform diagnostic and procedure coding, utilizes electronic systems for reimbursement, report data for enterprise-wide planning and research activities, and maintain a legal patient record. They work to ensure what is put in a medical record is accurate, timely, and accessible when needed, by those allowed to have access to it. Students receive a comprehensive education in health information data structure, content & information governance; information protection; informatics, analytics, and data use; revenue cycle management; health law & compliance; and organizational management & leadership. In the last semester, students complete a 40-hour supervised practicum incorporating their education and we work together to study for the certification exam. Prior experience of the basic elements of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software are recommended. This program pairs well with the Medical Coding Specialist Diploma program. |
Links: 2018 HIM Associate Curriculum Mapping 2018 HIM Associate Degree Curriclum Competencies with AHIMA-Revised Bloom's Taxonomy |
Employment: Employment can be found in academic institutions, government agencies, healthcare software companies, law offices, insurance companies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, hospice, health information management consulting agencies and many other places.
Prior experience of the basic elements of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software are recommended. This program pairs well with the Medical Coding Specialist Diploma program.
Background Check and Health History: In preparation of students professional practice experience in HIMC 2130, students will need to complete a state or federal/national background study as determined by practicum contract or Memorandum of Understanding in HIMC 2115 Computerized Health Information II. Students are encouraged to locate sites close to them or that interest them prior to HIMC 2115 Computerized Health Information II.
Students will also need to complete a Health History Form for Nursing/Allied Health Students. The student is responsible for additional fees to complete the background check(s) and health history form.
Career, Salary, and Job Outlooks:
US Salary Survey Report: HIM Professionals in 2019
AAPC’s 2020 Salary Survey: Results are In!
Medical Records and Health Information Technician, CareerForce Minnesota
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Graduates are eligible for various American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Medical Coding certifications, including, Certified Professional Coder (CPC); Certified Outpatient Coder (COC); and Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC).
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Association Membership: Students are encouraged to maintain an AHIMA student membership. By being a student member, students are eligible for scholarships from AHIMA Foundation and state components. MNHIMA, SDHIMA, or IaHIMA. Students are encouraged to participate and attend regional, state and national events. Minnesota West has multiple scholarship opportunities for students to consider and apply for. |
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Articulation Agreements: Minnesota West HIT program has established articulation agreements with the following schools: Dakota State University, B.S. Health Information Administrator (HIA) |
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