Health Information Technology

Lori Blubaugh, RHIA, CCS, Program Director
256.352.8337
lori.blubaugh@wallacestate.edu 

Associate in Applied Science Degree (5-6 semesters)

At a Glance

HIT (Health Information Technology) professionals do not often see patients, but they know that patient health information is human information, and they are committed to ensuring that patient's health information is complete, accurate, and protected. HIT professionals care for patients by caring for their medical data. They are responsible for the quality, integrity, security, and protection of patient health information. So, if your interests include computers, science, healthcare, and data, why not combine these with a career in health information technology?

The Health Information Technician is a skilled professional who analyzes and evaluates highly sensitive data in health records. Skills of the Health Information Technician are varied but include: supervising the release of health information, maintaining and utilizing information storage and retrieval systems, compiling various health statistics, and supervising electronic health information management systems. Health information technicians may be employed by any facility that manages patient information, such as hospitals, clinics, physician offices, insurance companies, or medical research centers. The Health Information Technology degree is the preferred training for medical coding specialists. The medical coding specialists perform a detailed review of medical records to identify diagnoses and operative procedures. Alphanumeric and/or numeric classification codes are assigned to each diagnosis and procedure using automated or manual methods. Principle classification systems used include the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and the current Procedural Coding System (PCS).

Health Information professionals play a vital role in making our healthcare system work. They perform the data collection and analysis that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals need to do their jobs well and are a key part of quality patient care. With experience, the RHIT-credentialed individual holds the potential for advancement to management positions. This program is offered through online classes with the exception of professional practice experiences and required on-campus meetings for program orientation and proficiency exam completion.

Program Description

The Health Information Technology (HIT) Program at WSCC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Only graduates of CAHIIM-accredited programs are eligible to take the national examination to become Registered Health Information Technicians (RHITs). Technicians trained in non-CAHIIM accredited programs or trained on the job are not eligible to take the examination. Wallace State Community College is one of only three CAHIIM-accredited programs in the State of Alabama.

HIT program students have the opportunity to spend many hours in a simulation lab or a professional setting to practice skills obtained in the classroom. Students enrolled in professional practice experience (clinical) courses are assigned hours consistent with the day shift. Assignment for professional practice experience will be at the discretion of program officials, and students may be required to travel to different locations for the 'hands-on training'.

HIT students earn stackable certificates as they progress through the HIT Program. All applicants start with the Health Information Certificate, then move on to the next certification with each semester completed. If the student progresses through the program with no breaks, they will earn their associate degree and three certificates in 6 semesters.

The Health Information Certificate is earned after the completion of 1 semester of HIT courses.  This certificate provides entry-level training to students interested in the Healthcare Industry.  Students who complete the Health Information Certificate are equipped with knowledge that may be used upon entering any Health Division Program at Wallace State Community College.  Employment opportunities include health information clerk, medical office receptionist, hospital departmental receptionist, unit secretary, patient access clerk, patient scheduler, and the release of information clerk. Courses completed may be used toward the Health Information Technology Associate Degree or related certificates.

The Medical Scribe Certificate is designed as a step between the short certificate and the Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology.  A medical scribe is a health information professional who directly assists the physician with entering patient care documentation into the electronic health system or electronic medical record.  The medical scribe must have an excellent understanding of medical terminology and disease processes, including diagnosis and treatment.  They also require knowledge of documentation guidelines, basic medical coding guidelines, and release of information, making the health information technology graduate uniquely qualified for the medical scribe position.

Serving as a personal assistant to the physician while care is provided to the patient, the medical scribe may gather information needed for the patient encounter, provide written information to the patient and help with the documentation required for the medical coding process. The Medical Scribe Certificate is completed after two semesters of general education courses and two semesters of program courses. 

The Medical Billing and Coding Certificate is designed as a step between the short-term certificate and the Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology. Medical coding specialists perform a detailed review of medical records to identify diagnoses and operative procedures. Alphanumeric and/or Numeric classification codes are assigned to each diagnosis and procedure, using automated or manual methods. Principle classification systems used include the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and the current Procedural Coding Systems (PCS). Coders also operate computerized grouper programs to cluster diagnoses and procedures into payment categories.

With a balanced emphasis on coding typically done in a physician’s office and inpatient and outpatient coding that is done in acute care settings, this comprehensive coding program is completed after two semesters of general education courses and three semesters of program courses. Successful coding certificate graduates will have in-depth coding skills in ICD, CPT, PCS, and reimbursement schemes with special knowledge of DRGs, APCs, and Chargemaster Descriptions.

The American Health Information Management Association has established a national certification program for medical coders. Each new graduate qualifies as a candidate for the AHIMA national examination to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA). When coupled with extensive, on-the-job experience, the Medical Coding coursework prepares the student to take the AHIMA examination to become a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Office (CCS-P) and take American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) coding certification exams such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.

The HIM profession has evolved from simply creating files, filing loose papers, transcribing reports, and maintaining paper indices to a much broader scope due to the movement of the digital age. Although HIM professionals are still viewed by many as ‘the keepers of data’ because of the high priority of HIM professionals on security and privacy, HIM professionals can fulfill many different roles in various types of facilities. 

Admission Requirements

1. Unconditional admission to the college – College application must be submitted by the program application deadline of June 1st.
2. The student must be in good standing with the college.
3. Receipt of complete program applications accepted between March 1st and June 1st for Fall entry. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
4. The HIT program online application is located on the program’s webpage at www.wallacestate.edu. Online application instructions are under the Application to Program tab. All applicants are required to upload all necessary documentation for consideration.
5. Official transcripts from each college attended must be provided to the Admissions Office, and all unofficial transcripts must be uploaded with the program application. Students must include transcripts from ALL colleges attended.
6. The student must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for the program as documented on the required WSCC physical form at www.wallacestate.edu-see Physical Form Essential Functions.
7. A minimum of 17 ACT composite score (National or Residual) is required for admission consideration. Proof of score must be uploaded to online application. ACT scores are available on Degree Works reports, transcripts including High School, and through ACT.org. If ordering your score report, please use Code 008red for HIT program admission in the fall semester. Students who complete required HIT general education classes with at least a grade of “C” between June 2 and September 1 may be considered for program acceptance on a space-available basis.3 and allow 4-6 weeks for processing. Wallace will receive your score from ACT and add it on your myWallace account.  To use scores available on ACT.org you will need to print to PDF, we do not accept screenshots. We will accept ACT Superscores from ACT, but not manually calculated ACT Superscores. Higher scores will receive more points in the application process. Scan the document to PDF format and save the file as: your FULL NAME ACT.pdf, you will upload the document to your online application.
8. Students must have the following prerequisite programs completed by the end of the summer semester of the program admission year with a grade of 'C' or higher.

• ENG 101
• MTH 100 or higher (MTH 110, MTH 112, MTH 113, MTH 120, MTH 125, MTH 126, MTH 227, MTH 237, MTH 238, MTH 265)
• BIO 201
• BIO 202
• HIT 110
• CIS 146
• ORI 110-if required

The following courses can be taken as prerequisite courses; however, a student may be allowed to take them after admission to the program on a space-available basis:

• PSY 200
• IDS 102

Students must possess a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale with a grade of “C” or better on all general required pre-HIT courses. Grade point average is calculated using only HIT major and HIT general education courses.

Selection and Notification

1. The Health Information Technology program admits one class annually in the fall. Students will be admitted to program courses during the fall semester only. Students can enroll in HIT 115 and HIT 294 prior to program acceptance.
2. Admission to the Health Information Technology program is competitive, and the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
3. Candidates are ranked for admission based on ACT scores, weighted GPA (GPA x 9), and completion of admission requirements.
4. Program applications will be reviewed for completion of program admission requirements. Written notification of program acceptance status will be sent to each applicant via information supplied on the program application.
5. Following acceptance into the program, students must respond confirming their intent to enroll by using the internet link provided on their letter, by the deadline indicated on the letter. A student who fails to respond, by the set deadline, will forfeit his/her place in the class

Program Expectations

Students admitted into the Health Information Technology program are expected to comply with the Health Science Program Regulations and Expectations as published in the Programs of Study section of the Wallace State College Catalog.

Required Competencies

1. HIM compliance with medical coding, the release of information, and regulatory requirements.
2. Revenue cycle management, coding documentation, performing coding audits, utilization review.
3. Knowledge of health data structure, content, and standards.
4. Quality management and performance improvement skills.
5. Access, disclosure, privacy, and security of private health information.
6. Data analysis and use, healthcare statistics, registries, auditing procedures.
7. Maintenance and monitoring of data storage systems.
8. Application of leadership concepts and techniques, including management functions.

The HIT program is an Online Program except for the required new cohort orientation day, second-year orientation day, and professional practice experience (clinical): A student must schedule HIT online classes in accordance with either the full-time or part-time completion option. The professional practice experience activities must be completed on-site during the day shift, not online. Instructors require online students to take make-up exams on campus. Instructors may also require online course exams to be proctored, according to program policy. On-campus classes are not available. The HIT program utilizes the college's LMS system for communication, information, and submission of assignments, so students are expected to have access to a computer with a webcam and internet access.

Full-time Program: A student who has completed all HIT-required general education courses may complete the HIT program courses in four semesters. HIT courses, excluding new cohort orientation day, second-year orientation day, and professional practice experience classes, are completed online.

Part-time Program: A student who has completed all HIT general education courses may choose to complete the program by taking classes on a part-time basis. All tracks in the HIT program are expected to be completed within three years (or eight semesters) following entry into the program.

Upon Admission

1. Students selected for acceptance must attend the mandatory orientation session. All students must score 100 on the post-orientation exam posted in the HIT 154 course. Failure to do so before the program established deadline will result in forfeiture of their space in the class, resulting in administrative withdrawal of the student from all HIT classes.
2. Selected students, at the request of the Professional Practice Course instructor, must submit:
   1. Documentation of recent physical exam on the proper program issued form
   2. Mantoux (2-step) TB skin test results.
   3. Proof of required vaccinations and at least the second of three Hepatitis B vaccinations (Hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, TDap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), Influenza, and varicella (chicken pox).
   4. Valid CPR certification - only CPR courses designed to certify health care providers are accepted. We only accept American Heart Association BLS/Healthcare Provider Certification.
   5. Copy of current health insurance card (Health insurance coverage is required).
   6. Clear background check and drug screen according to college policy.
   7. Students are required to submit the information during HIT 158 Intro to Clinical Environment utilizing the document management system selected by WSCC. Failure to submit all required clinical documentation before the program established deadline will result in program dismissal.
   8. Students must carry accident and malpractice insurance, available through the College at the time of registration for program classes. Health program students are also required to have health insurance coverage.

Progression

In order to progress in the Health Information Technology program:

1. Students must maintain a grade of “C” (70) or better in all major required Health Information Technology courses. A student will be dismissed from the program if he/she withdraws from or makes a “D” or “F” in a HIT course or other program-required course.
2. Students must register for and complete, with a grade of at least a “C”, required program-specific courses as advised by HIT program advisors each semester. Failure to enroll in these courses will result in program dismissal.
3. Students selected for admission to the program must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in HIT-required courses. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program. Grade point average is calculated using only HIT major and HIT general education courses.
4. Graduation requirements must be met within 3 years of admission to the program. Students in the HIT program for greater than 3 years must retake certain classes to be eligible for graduation. Students who repeat HIT classes must apply the grade earned in the second (or last) attempt towards graduation requirements. Students who withdraw or are dismissed from the program and wish to be readmitted must reapply the following year and follow the procedures and requirements for admission to the HIT program published in the current catalog. Readmission into the program will be allowed one time only. After the second dismissal from the health information program, students are not eligible to apply for readmission.
5. Students accepted for readmission are required to repeat certain classes previously completed, such as lecture classes associated with lab classes. The grade for the second (or last) attempt will be applied towards graduation requirements.
6. Students are required to pass comprehensive proficiency exams during a capstone course of the selected certificate or degree program. If a student does not score at least 70% on this proficiency exam, he/she will fail the capstone course regardless of other course grades. Students who live within 150 miles of campus are required to take the comprehensive proficiency exam on campus with a HIT instructor.  A HIT instructor must virtually proctor students who live more than 100 miles from campus. See HIT Student Handbook and course syllabus for details.
7. Health Information Technology program faculty may require online course exams to be monitored/proctored via electronic and/or other methods according to program policy.

Readmission to Program

Students whose progression through the HIT program is interrupted and who desire to re-enter the program must schedule an appointment with the HIT Program Director to discuss re-entry. The student must apply for readmission to the HIT program according to published application deadlines. Students are only eligible for re-entry within one year from the term of withdrawal or failure. Students who apply for re-entry greater than one year after withdrawal or dismissal must repeat specific HIT courses. The grade earned in the second (or last) attempt in the HIT course is applied towards graduation requirements.

Reinstatement may be denied due to, but not limited to, any of the following circumstances:

1. Failure to possess a GPA of at least 2.5 for all HIT major and HIT general education courses.
2. Space unavailability in a course in which the student wished to be reinstated.
3. Refusal by clinical agencies to accept the student for professional practice.
4. Over 12 months have elapsed since the student was enrolled in a HIT course.
5. The student has been dismissed from the program.

Transfer Students

Students transferring into the Health Information Technology program must meet all requirements for admission to the program. Only with the program director’s approval, those equivalent courses taken at other CAHIIM accredited programs within the last year prior to program admission will be considered for application toward completion of program requirements.

Career Path

The Health Information Technology degree curriculum prepares graduates to work in any setting where health information is generated (physician offices, nursing homes, hospitals, home health care agencies, insurance companies, etc.)

This is not a complete list, but graduates of this program may choose to work in any of the following areas:

• Quality Improvement (facilitates quality improvement projects in the facility)
• Revenue Cycle Management
• Release of Information (Coordinator or Privacy Officer)
• Medical Coding (Coder/DRG Specialist)
• Medical Office (Coordinator or Manager)
• Electronic Data Management/ Information Governance
• Compliance and Risk Management
• Data Analyst

Job prospects for graduates are excellent. Health information technicians’ employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2026.

Annual earnings for registered health information technicians with 2 years of experience or less are $48,780 - $51,250. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists: HIM Professionals in 2024, AHIMA.org)