Health Information Technology Program

Are the HITT programs completely online?   

All courses are online with the exception of the clinical courses.  For the associate degree, two clinicals are required.  For the coding certificate, there is one clinical required.

Students will complete clinicals at an approved facility to practice skills learned in the program.  Clinical sites may be added to meet the needs of the distance learning students as needed.  

I am not sure that online courses are right for me?

The Distance Education department of Midland College offers the Readiness for Education at a Distance (READI) tool.  READI allows you to see how well you are prepared for learning online.   Questions on topics such as: how well you can use a computer; how motivated, organized, and self-directed you are; your preference in learning new information (learning style), etc.  Please visit http://www.midland.edu/blackboard/readi.php for your free self-assessment.

What are the requirements for the programs?

• Currently, all HITT programs are open enrollment (associate and certificates).  
• Associate Degree students must meet all Midland College requirements, including THEA testing (unless exempt). Students enrolled in HITT Programs (degree and/or certificate) will require a background check, proof of insurance for the clinical semesters, current immunizations, drug screen, TB tests, OSHA module completion, and HIPAA and Confidentiality statements on file before Clinical Experience courses.
• Clinical courses will require student to visit facilities to practice skills learned in the classroom.  (Associates Degree and Coding Certificate)

What computer capabilities do I need for these classes?

• It is strongly recommend that students have High-Speed Internet.  Dial-up connections may cause problems loading and completing assignments.
• Students should have a reliable computer with Microsoft Office that includes Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Student should have working knowledge of basic computer skills, i.e., email, internet surfing, and downloading files.
• More information can be found at MC’s System Requirements for Online Courses.

How much does the program cost?

(Estimate for academic year 2008-2009)

Tuition estimates are based on full-time hours for each program with the assumption that no previous coursework (general education hours) have been completed.  Book estimates are based on the purchase of new books.  Used books are sometimes available.

I am interested in the program. How do I get started?

1. Apply to Midland College online at www.applytexas.org.
2. Complete your financial aid forms at  www.fafsa.ed.gov
3. Request OFFICIAL transcripts from previous colleges attended.
1. Send one to the Admission’s Office.
2. Send one to HITT Program Director:  Melinda Teel, 3600 N. Garfield, DHS Building, Midland, TX 79705.
3. Evaluation of the transcript may take the Registrar’s Office up to 6 weeks to review.
4. Once you have completed the above steps, contact Melinda Teel, Director of HITT Programs, at mteel@midland.edu or call 432-685-5573 for an advisement.

Will my previous courses transfer to Midland College? 

For credit consideration, an official transcript must be sent to the admissions office for evaluation by the registrar.  Check with the program director (at mteel@midland.edu) for a preliminary view of your credits and an advisement.

I am already working in the field of health information technology. 

Can my work experience be applied to my courses for credit? 

Students with experience in the healthcare field will be taken under consideration on a case-by-case basis.  Proof of employment on letterhead, a current resume, and job description are part of the requirements to request Life Experience Credit.   Clinical courses (HITT 2260 and HITT 2361) will not be waived, however, the number of clinical hours may be reduced.

What does a coder do, and how does a coder get credentialed?

Visit www.healthinformationcareers.com or http://him-coding.com/index.html for more information about coding careers and credentials.  Students who complete the associate program will have these coding courses plus courses in computers, statistics, quality assessment, management and other competencies in HIM healthcare professions.

Do coding credentials waive the requirement for the coding courses? 

Students who have proof of a current CCS or CCS-P credential and maintain their CE credits while attending college may receive credit for the following classes: 

• HITT 1441 Coding and Classification Systems
• HITT 2435 Coding and Reimbursement Methodologies
• HITT 1167 Clinical Experience

How long does the program take to complete?

Certificate Programs can be completed in one year, including the summer semester.

Associate Programs can be completed in two years, including summers.

This is based on Full-Time enrollment.  Part-time enrollment options are available.

Many students choose to take classes on a part-time basis due to family, employment, or other situations.  Courses are arranged so part-time students can complete the programs according to developed course progression.  For a part-time schedule, contact mteel@midland.edu or go to http://www.midland.edu/hitt/course_progression.php

When can I start the program?

Currently, the HITT degree and certificates are open for students to enroll each semester.  Not all classes are offered every semester, so check with the program director for a course progression to stay on track.  It is important to follow the set progression because many classes have prerequisites, and some classes are only offered once a year.   If you start during a semester not listed to begin the program, work on your basic requirements such as ITSC 1409 Software Applications, both anatomy and physiology courses (SCIT 1407, SCIT 1408 or BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402), speech, humanities, physiology, and medical terminology.  Course schedules, up[coming enrollment dates, and course schedules can be found on the college’s main webpage at www.midland.edu.   

Can I get a job when I graduate?

The opportunities for HIM Professionals are growing each year.  There is a high demand for credentialed professionals, and it is expected that there will be a 49% vacancy rate by 2012.  For more information about careers in health information, go to www.healthinformationcareers.com.  Midland College works with students and communities to meet employment needs. 

There is a large demand for credentialed individuals.  With an Associate’s degree, a graduate may sit for the national exam, Registered Health Information Technology (RHIT).  Students completing the Coding Certificate are encouraged to take the CCS-P, (Certified Coding Specialist – Physician based).  By passing this exam, graduates are able to prove coding knowledge and competency in coding and billing.  Those students completing the Transcription Certificate are encouraged to take the certification exam through AHDI for certification as a Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT).

To read more credentialing exam opportunities and requirements, go to www.ahima.org.

Notice*

As future health information technicians, transcriptionists, and coders, there are important ethical and professional considerations of which you should be aware.  Felony convictions may prevent your from being placed for professional practice experiences in health care facilities and other types of organizations (e.g., insurance companies).  Felony convictions may also preclude you from obtaining gainful employment as a health information technician or coder.  Even after obtaining your professional credential (e.g., RHIT, CPC, CCS, and so on) convictions of such crimes may cause your credential to be suspended or revoked.  It is, therefore, very important that you conduct yourself professionally and ethically as a law abiding citizen.