The Associate of Science in Health Information Management and Support Services program prepares students for entry-level employment in the exciting and growing field of health information. The program focuses on the skills related to health information management systems, preparing students to work in a wide range of healthcare organizations. The program includes an avenue to credentialing exams, such as the AHIMA Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), including options to higher credentialing exams.
Hands-on, practical experience is the focus of the program, which utilizes the industry coding encoder application and the simulated electronic health record, EHRgo, enabling students to solve problems that simulate those issues encountered in the modern healthcare marketplace. Experiential learning provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and projects and networking opportunities.
The program learning outcomes are:
- Students will identify standards for exchange of health information.
- Students will validate assignment of diagnostic and procedural codes and groupings in accordance with official global guidelines.
- Students will calculate statistics for health care operations.
- Students will report health care data through graphical representations.
- Students will identify the components of risk management related to health information management.
- Students will be able to identify the impact of policy on health care.
- Students will assess ethical standards of practice.
Following the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Describe how to utilize medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, pathology, and pharmacology terms in the field.
- Demonstrate problem solving skills in utilizing the United States healthcare system, including health data management, clinical classification systems, reimbursement methodologies, health statistics, biomedical research, quality management, healthcare privacy, confidentiality, legal and ethical issues, information technology and systems, data storage and retrieval, data security and healthcare information systems, financial and resource management.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the collection, maintenance and record keeping process with healthcare data in accordance with established professional best practice guidelines and interprofessional collaboration.
- Logically interpret and translate diagnosis, conditions, and procedures into medical codes using a variety of standard formats, including ICD, CPT, and HCPCS.
- Describe the utility of analytic tools to visualize, interpret, and present data to help provide decision support and drive strategic initiatives.
The following is a list of example occupations that one could pursue upon graduation:
- Health Information Specialist
- Healthcare Data Analyst
- Medical Records Technician
- Data Integrity Analyst
- Clinical Data Specialist
- Patient Information Coordinator
- Clinical Documentation Specialist
- Research and Decision Support Specialist
The following is a list of example organizations in which one could pursue employment:
- Hospitals
- Ambulatory Care Settings
- Hospice
- Insurance Companies
- Physician Offices
- Health Information Vendors
- Long Term Care Facilities
Include, but are not limited to, the following:
- 29-9021.00 - Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
- 29-2072.00 – Medical Records Specialists
- 43-6013.00 – Medical Secretaries
*Detailed information regarding classifications can be found at www.onetonline.org.
Students must earn a minimum of 60 curriculum credits with a CGPA of 2.0 or higher to graduate with the Associate of Science in Health Information Management and Support Services degree. Students who elect to do so may also sit for the health information management (i.e., RHIT) and medical coder certifications (i.e., CCA). Certification completion is not required to graduate.
Each semester is 16 weeks, split into two 8-week terms. The following term schedule is subject to change.
Semester 1 |
UNV-101S/HIM-101 (First 8 weeks) BIO-111S/BIO-121S (Second 8 weeks) |
Semester 2 |
HIM-115/HIM-201 HIM-125/HIM-145 |
Semester 3 |
HIM-135/HIM-155 MAT-210/CRT-110S* |
Semester 4 |
HIM-225/COM-115S* HIM-250/ ENG-110S* |
Semester 5 |
HIM-215/ENG-112S HIM-240/HIM-297 |
Core Courses
This course integrates the study of human anatomy and physiology with medical terminology, providing a comprehensive foundation for understanding the structure and function of the human body. Students will explore anatomical structures, physiological processes, and how medical terminology facilitates communication within healthcare settings.
Credits 3
This course offers an in-depth exploration into the principles of pathology, the mechanisms of disease processes, and the fundamentals of pharmacology. Students will examine the causes, progression, and effects of various diseases on the human body, while also studying the pharmacological principles underlying drug actions, interactions, and therapeutic uses.
Credits 3
This course provides an introductory exploration into the field of Health Information Management (HIM), focusing on the fundamental principles, practices, and technologies essential to managing healthcare data. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the role HIM plays in healthcare delivery, including its impact on patient care, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Credits 3
This course is an introduction to coding using the ICD-10-CM and ICD-11 classification systems. The student will learn how to use the ICD-10-CM code book and will assign and sequence ICD-10-CM codes for diagnoses in accordance with ICD-10-CM coding conventions and the Official Coding Guidelines for Coding and Reporting in selected areas and body systems.
Credits 3
This course is an introduction to coding using the ICD classification system as it relates to coding procedures. The student will assign and sequence ICD-10-PCS codes for procedures of selected body systems, in accordance with ICD coding conventions and the Official Coding Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.
Credits 3
This course is a continuation of HIM-125 and HIM-115. The student will apply what they learned in HIM-115 and HIM-125, coding procedures and diagnoses using the 3M Encoder to explore the development and use of the DRG reimbursement system. In addition, students will also use, ICD code books, ICD coding conventions and the "Official Coding Guidelines for Coding and Reporting," to assign and sequence ICD-10-CM, ICD-11, and ICD-10-PCS codes for diagnoses and procedures in selected areas and body systems.
Credits 3
Introduction to Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) provides students with a comprehensive overview of the processes and principles essential for effective financial management in healthcare settings. This course explores the lifecycle of healthcare revenue, from patient encounters to reimbursement, emphasizing the roles of healthcare professionals in optimizing revenue and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and ethics.
Credits 3
This course will introduce students to the CPT & HCPCS coding manuals, coding structure, code linkage, fee for service reimbursement and the use of 3M encoder to explore the development and use of the APC codes for the OPPS reimbursement system. Students will assign CPT, HCPCS codes and modifiers according to established guidelines and reporting requirements.
Credits 3
Healthcare Law & Ethics delves into the regulatory framework governing patient privacy, confidentiality, and the secure release of healthcare information. The course explores the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the release of information (ROI) in healthcare settings. Students will examine the intersection of healthcare law, ethical principles, and operational practices of HIM professionals, focusing on compliance, risk management, and patient rights.
Credits 3
AI and Health Information Technology explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) with healthcare IT systems, focusing on how AI technologies are transforming the landscape of healthcare delivery, management, and patient outcomes. This course provides an overview of AI applications and tools within health information technology (HIT), emphasizing their impact on clinical decision-making, operational efficiencies, and healthcare innovation.
Credits 3
This course explores the intersection of quality management and clinical informatics within healthcare systems. Topics include data-driven decision making, patient safety, process optimization, and regulatory compliance. Through case studies and practical exercises, students will gain hands-on experience in leveraging informatics tools to enhance healthcare delivery, achieve better patient outcomes, and comply with industry standards. Students will better understand how to critically analyze healthcare data, implement informatics solutions, and contribute to continuous quality improvement efforts in diverse healthcare settings.
Credits 3
None.
This course focuses on the fundamentals of healthcare leadership, operational management, and strategic planning, including a strong understanding of effective leadership styles and the effects on change management, culture, retention, goals, performance, and overall growth and success as an organization. Students will apply HR functions including but not limited to labor laws, regulations, recruitment, productivity, benchmarking, development, and controlling resources.
Credits 3
This course provides an introduction to governance with data ownership, privacy and compliance. Students will utilize regulatory guidelines to help ensure quality and value of data. Students will learn how to analyze data and use data tools. They will gain skills in sorting large data sets, interpreting data, and applying and abstracting data in a meaningful way. Students will learn the art of data mining and acquire hands-on experience working on data mining projects. Also, students will utilize data dashboards and create other data visualizations, tracking healthcare trends and making recommendations for improvement.
Credits 3
Students will review and practice Health Information Management (HIM) and coding concepts from the Bryan University HIM program, focusing on skills crucial for certification exams. This course encourages self-directed review to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth as they study and prepare for exam mastery. Additionally, this course includes a supervised experiential learning experience(s) with healthcare organizations and HIM professionals, applying acquired technology skills. Students gain practical knowledge of health information functions and systems and complete a capstone project under the guidance of HIM professionals.
Credits 3
General Education Courses
This course introduces the concepts and theories of interpersonal communication. Students will explore the process and functions of communication, developing relationships, communication strategies and skills, and interpersonal language skills, including conflict management.
Credits 3
None.
This course provides foundational topics related to logic and critical thinking including, informal logic, formal logic, and fallacies.
Credits 3
None.
This course covers written communication skills with an emphasis on understanding the writing process, analyzing readings, and practicing writing for personal and professional applications.
Credits 3
None.
A course building on lessons learned in English Composition I. In addition to reviewing the writing process, topics include research techniques, citation techniques, documentation formats, and critical analysis of written topics.
Credits 3
or the equivalence in transfer credit.
This course equips students with the fundamental principles and techniques of statistical analysis, preparing them to interpret data effectively, draw meaningful conclusions, and make informed decisions in both general and healthcare-specific contexts.
Credits 3
None.
A course covering the information and skills needed to succeed in academic studies, including study skills, setting academic goals, managing time, and technology skills such as word processing and presentations.
Credits 3
None.