Health Information Technology • FAQs
Are the HITT programs completely online?
Yes, 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, and a form will be sent so students may request preferred sites near their location. Some travel may be required.
What types of careers are available in Health Information Management?
There are approximately 50+ careers based on education and experience. See the Career Map by AHIMA at www.hicareers.com/CareerMap/.
I am not sure if online courses are right for me?
With online classes, students do best when setting regular times each week for study and completion of assignments. Having good reading comprehension, and taking the opportunity to ask the instructor questions when clarification is needed, is important in student success. The Distance Education department of Midland College offers the Smarter Measure tool. Smarter Measure 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 as well as your preference in learning new information (learning style), etc.
To use this tool, follow the steps below:
1) Go to http://midland.startermeasure.com.
2) In the First Time User box, click on the Username box and select mchitt.
3) Enter the password midlandcollege
4) Click Login.
Once the student logs in, he/she will be prompted to create a user account. This will allow the student to return to Smartermeasure to complete the assessment in the event they are unable to finish in one setting. It will also allow them to return, call up their report and email it to the program direcctor to discuss.
Contact Sylvia Gray at 432-685-5576 if there are any issues with access.
Please visit http://www.midland.edu/students/academics/smartermeasure.php for your free self-assessment.
What are the requirements for the programs?
TSI REQUIREMENT
Associate Degree students must meet all Midland College requirements, including TSI completion for Math, Reading, and Writing (unless exempt). Students must show that all 3 scores have met the TSI requirements before being accepted into the Associate Degree by transcript evaluation or by the Admissions department.
PREREQUISITES at Midland College
Before students will be accepted into the Associate degree, students must complete with a "C" or better the following courses as prerequisites at Midland College.
1) HITT 1205 or 1305 Medical Terminology (or HPRS 1206/1306)
2) A computer application course (3 or 4 hour) from BCIS 1305/1405
3) One semester of Anatomy and Physiology from courses BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, or Applied Anatomy and Physiology SCIT 1407 or SCIT 1408.
4) See transferability requirements below for students who are considering transfering from another HIT program.
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.
HIT program courses must meet the following requirements before transfer will occur:
*Transferring HIT courses must be from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM).
*Transferring courses must have comparable course objectives equivalent to MC Health Information Technology courses.
*HIT Courses must have been completed within 4 years of starting the program at Midland College (exception HITT 1205 Medical Terminology).
*General academic courses within the HIT program must be completed with a “C” or better and be equivalent to current Midland College courses as proven by a Degree Audit done through the MC Registrar’s Office. There is no time limit for completion of these courses, but official copies must be reviewed by the registrar's office.
*Computer Applications skills course must have been completed within 4 years (BCIS 1305/1405).
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
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 may begin.
Students that will not take any classes on the Midland College campus are still required to have the Meningitis vaccine 10 days prior to the first day of the class.
ON-SITE CLINICALS
Clinical courses will require students to visit facilities to practice skills learned in the courses. Travel may be required, but students may complete clinicals at a facility near their home. (Associates Degree and Coding Certificate)
What computer capabilities do I need for these classes?
High-Speed Internet, Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, and an understanding
of basic computer skills, i.e., email, internet surfing, and downloading and uploading files..
How much does the program cost?
|
Programs |
In-District | Out-of-District | Out-of-State |
|
Health Data Coordinator |
$1,296 |
$1,908 | $2,610 |
|
Health Data Specialist |
$2,160 |
$3,100 | $4,350 |
|
Coding/Billing Certificate |
$2,898 | $3,440 | $4,830 |
|
HIT Associate Degree |
$4,140 | $5,658 | $7,935 |
Tuition estimates are based on full-time hours for each program with the assumption that no previous coursework has been completed. Estimates based on academic year 2012-2013.
New book costs are estimated to be $2,500 for AAS degree, $1,700 for Coding/Billing Certificate, and $1,000 for other certificates.
I am interested in the program. How do I get started?
1) Apply to Midland College online at www.midland.edu/admissions/application-form.php.
2) Complete your financial aid forms at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
3) Request OFFICIAL transcripts from previous colleges attended to be mailed to the Admissions Office at Midland College, 3600 N Garfield, Midland, TX 79705, ATTN: Admissions. Please NOTE on your application when the transcript was requested. 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.
5) Complete an Admission Packet to the HITT program after the prerequisites have been completed, including TSI requirements. Students may send application 4 weeks before end of the semester while finishing prerequisites.
6) Contact the Financial Aid office at least 3 weeks prior to to the beginning of the semester to verify your status.
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. A proof of employment letter on company letterhead, a current resume, and job description are part of the requirements to request Life Experience Credit. Clinical courses (HITT 2160 and HITT 2361) will not be waived, but the number of clinical hours may be reduced.
I am attending MC on Pell grant and have vouchers to purchase books from the bookstore. How does this work?
The student must fax or e-mail financial aid to get their signature on the voucher. Financial aid takes the voucher and the student's schedule to the bookstore. The student e-mails the bookstore, bookstore@midland.edu, to inform them they will have a voucher for their books and provide them with the student's mailing address and phone number.
It is a very simple process, but during the crush of students on Pell release date, sometimes the distance students get lost in the shuffle. The students who get the best results, contact the bookstore a week or so before voucher release date. We have their books pulled and ready to go as soon as we receive the voucher.
NOTE: Students should have textbooks BEFORE classes start. Contact your instructor for a syllabus for textbook requirements.
What does a coder do and how does a coder get credentialed?
Visit www.hicareers.com 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 CCA, CCS or CCS-P credential and maintain their CE credits while attending college may receive credit for the following classes:
HITT 1205 Medical Terminology
HITT 1341 Coding and Classification Systems
HITT 1342 Ambulatory Coding
HITT 2335 Coding and Reimbursement Methodologies
HITT 2340 Advanced Medical Billing and Coding
I am having trouble with my student account on Campus Connect. What do I do?
Email the Admissions office at www.midland.edu/admissions/contact, or call 432-685-4531 for issues related to:
- Application to Midland College has not been processed - no confirmation email received
- Need for Campus Connect student ID user name and password
- "Holds" on student accounts.
Registration and cashier departments can be reached at 432-685-4513.
How long does the program take to complete?
The Certificates can be completed from one semester to one year, including the summer semester. Associate Programs can be completed in two years, including summers. Many students choose to take classes on a part-time basis due to family, employment, or other obligations. Courses are arranged so part-time students can complete the programs according to developed course progression. For a part-time schedule, go to www.midland.edu/hitt/course_progression.php or contact Melinda Teel, Program Director at mteel@midland.edu.
When can I start the program?
Students who submit the application and complete prerequisites are accepted each semester for the HITT Associate degree and the Coding & Billing certificate on a first come, first serve basis. 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. Students are accepted each semester to fill open seats in the program.
*Note: There is a four-year window to complete all required HITT courses. Completing all supporting and prerequisite courses prior to admission into the program can be beneficial for part-time students.
What if I miss the deadline for application?
If the program fills before you are accepted or you miss the deadline for applications, there are many courses that can be taken to work on your degree completion. These include coursework for 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. Also, students may take HITT 1311 or HITT 1353 prior to being accepted into the program. As students graduate each semester, there are openings for students to be admitted into the program. Course schedules, upcoming enrollment dates, and course schedules can be found on the college’s main webpage at www.midland.edu. Enroll early because even supporting classes can fill up fast.
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 the end of 2012. AHIMA published an article that reported the growth of needed credential professionals is 75,000 by 2013. Midland College works with students and communities to meet employment needs. According to a workforce survey in Fall 2011, it is estimated that Texas will need over 9,000 more employees to work in Health Information Technology (this includes physician practice, consultants, Regional Extension Centers, and Health Information Exchanges).
For more information about the job market, visit:
How do I get my RHIT?
With an Associate’s degree from a Midland College, graduates may sit for the national exam, the Registered Health Information Technology (RHIT) credential. Students completing the Coding Certificate are encouraged to take the CCS-P, (Certified Coding Specialist – Physician based) or CCA examination. By passing this exam, graduates are able to prove coding knowledge and competency in coding and billing. To read more credentialing exam opportunities and certification 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), convictions of such crimes may cause your credential to be suspended or revoked. It is very important that you conduct yourself professionally and ethically as a law abiding citizen.
For more information, please contact: