Associate of Science in Health Information Technology

Indiana University Northwest

Clinical Coordinator: Wellman

Adjunct Instructors: Coffman, Kaminski, Wilson

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Structure of the Professional Program Health information technology core courses are offered primarily during the day. General-education courses are offered during both the day and evening.

Design of the Professional Curriculum Students accepted into the Health Information Technology Program typically begin the course of study in the fall semester. The curriculum consists of general-education courses, technical courses in health information technology, and clinical experience in hospitals in the Lake County area. The Health Information Technology Program is designed to:

• Provide educational experiences to prepare students for beginning a career as a health information technician.
  
• Provide concentrated clinical experiences by a rotation schedule through the hospitals and other health care institutions in the community.
  
• Provide the medical community with individuals qualified to effectively carry out the functions of the health information discipline.
  
• Contribute to students’ liberal education by providing a core of general-education courses.
  
• Qualify students for progression to the baccalaureate degree in health information administration.
  
• Assist students in reaching their goals by providing academic, occupational, and personal guidance.

Additional Cost In addition to regular university fees, students are responsible for the cost of a physical examination before attending clinical sites. They are also responsible for any travel expenses incurred as part of the clinical experience.

Opportunity for Students to Work Many students accept part-time employment in local health care facilities while completing the professional course work.

Program Facilities The Health Information Technology Program offices and classrooms are located in Hawthorn Hall at Indiana University Northwest.

Accreditation The Health Information Technology Program of Indiana University Northwest is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of the American Health Information Management Association in collaboration with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

National Exam Program graduates are eligible to write the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association.

ADMISSION 

General Information

Criteria Used for Selection of Class Students may apply for admission to the Health Information Technology Program after qualifying for regular admission to Indiana University. Admission to the program is based on high school and/or college grade point average, SAT scores, and a personal interview.

Class Size 25 students each fall semester.

Specific Requirements

Application Deadline April 1 of the year of anticipated entry.

Total Number of Prerequisite Credit Hours This is a direct high school entry program.

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average 2.00 on a 4.00 scale. Grades from remedial courses are not figured into the cumulative grade point average.

Distribution of Credit Hours in Specific Areas Students must complete 26 credit hours in the liberal arts as part of the degree requirements.

Limitations of Course Work Remedial courses may not be counted as credit hours toward a degree. Courses completed in the former Division of General and Technical Studies do not count toward a degree.

Minimum Specific Grade Point Average The program computes a selected course grade point average based on courses the student may have taken that are required by the program. Grades from remedial courses are not included.

Interview All qualified applicants must participate in an interview.

Technical Standards See School of Allied Health Sciences policy.

Medical Requirement Documentation of completion of a physical examination is required prior to placement in a clinical site.

Indiana Residents Preference Policy See School of Allied Health Sciences policy.

Volunteer Experience While volunteer experience is not required, it is very helpful in making a career choice.

CURRICULUM

Prerequisites

Professional Program

First Year
Fall
Elementary Composition I ENG W131	3 cr.
Human Anatomy and Physiology I PHSL P261	4 cr.
Medical Terminology AHLT M195*	3 cr.
Introduction to Computers CSCI A106	3 cr.
Health Statistics AHLT M120*	2 cr.
Total 15 cr.
Spring
Human Anatomy and Physiology II PHSL P262	4 cr.
Introduction to Health Records AHLT M101	5 cr.
Introductory Psychology I PSY P101*	3 cr.
Computer Applications in Health Information Technology AHLT M107* 2 cr.
Total 14 cr.
Summer Session I
Clinical Experience I AHLT M102*	3 cr.
Total 3 cr.
Fall
Coding and Classification Systems AHLT M201* 5 cr.
Clinical Experience II AHLT M202*	5 cr.
Health Record Law AHLT M245*	2 cr.
Principles of Sociology SOC S161	3 cr.
Pathology AHLT R200*	3 cr.
Total 18 cr.
Spring
Health Care Delivery and Quality Assessment AHLT M203*	4 cr.
Clinical Experience III AHLT M204*	2 cr.
Organizational Behavior and Leadership BUS Z301	3 cr.
Supervision in Health Information Services AHLT M200* 3 cr.
Public Speaking SPCH S121	3 cr.
-or- S122	3 cr.
Total 15 cr.

Scholarships The Indiana Health Information Management Association sponsors scholarships for second-year students in accredited health information technology programs. Other scholarship opportunities may be available.

Awards The program faculty will recommend students with superior academic performance for degrees awarded with distinction.

Graduation Requirements Satisfactory completion of 65 credit hours to include 26 credit hours of general-education courses and 39 credit hours of professional courses. All course work must be completed in compliance with the program’s and school’s academic and professional policies.