Health Information ManagementHIM

If you are interested in a rewarding career in health care without direct patient care, then health information management (HIM) may be the career choice for you. 

CAHIM logo

Health Information Management is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) discipline. HIM is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. HIM professionals are highly trained in the latest information management technology applications and understand the workflow in any healthcare provider organization from large hospital systems to private physician practices. They are vital to the daily operations management of health information and electronic health records.

Health Information Management professionals work in various settings and job titles. They often serve in bridge roles, connecting clinical, operational, and administrative functions. These professionals affect the quality of patient information and patient care at every touch point in the healthcare delivery cycle. Having skilled HIM professionals on staff ensures an organization has the right information on hand when and where it is needed while maintaining the highest standards of data integrity, confidentiality, and security. Additionally, HIM professionals offer a unique skill set to ensure healthcare treatment is billed and reimbursed to providers and healthcare organizations.

Midland College offers 60-hour Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Health Information Management, and two certificates are embedded within the AAS coursework. Students can earn a level 1 Health Data Coordinator certificate by completing 17 hours of coursework and a level 1 Medical Coding Certificate by completing 34 hours of coursework. The AAS in HIM is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

 

Why choose HIM at MC?

  • Online program
  • Accommodating schedule
  • Affordable tuition
  • Dedicated faculty with a multitude of backgrounds in Health Information Management
  • 38 students enrolled
  • 74% HIM program retention rate
  • 100% RHIT exam pass rate
  • 100% of graduates were satisfied with the HIM program experience
  • 100% of students graduated within the expected timeframe
  • Graduation highlights (2021-2022 academic year):
         63% of graduates sought employment and were employed within one year
         18% of graduates pursued further education
         13% did not seek employment or further education
         6% are unknown

Impact of HIM

The impact of HIM professionals work is attained through the combination of business, science, and information practices in any organization that uses patient data for any business purpose. Students learn these practices by completing Midland College’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in HIM.

Two certificates are embedded within the AAS HIM course work. Students can earn a level 1 Health Data Coordinator certificate by completing 17hrs of course work and a level 1 Medical Coding Certificate by completing 34hrs of course work. All courses in the certificates count towards earning the AAS in HIM.

Demand

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of health information technicians is projected to grow 13% from 2016 to 2026 The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages.

Nationally Recognized Credentials

Upon successful completion of the AAS HIM course work, graduates are eligible to apply to take the national credentialing exam, the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The successful completion of the RHIT exam adds the RHIT credential to the graduate’s name and widens the scope of employability for them.

Upon successful completion of the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate  coursework, graduates can apply to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) offered through AHIMA or the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Workforce Solutions (WIOA) Eligible

Students choosing this academic pathway may receive funding and other financial assistance and support from Workforce Solutions. See www.facebook.com/PermianBasinWorkforce, call (432) 367-1449 (option 5), or open the flyer for information on the services they provide in partnership with Midland College. The Workforce Solutions office is located on Midland College's main campus, in room 138 of the Technology Center (TC) Building. Note: Students receiving federal and state financial aid are not eligible for WIOA assistance.

HIM work - HIPPA HIM work - screenshot HIM work - forms

 

Join Our Program

Click links below for details

The Health Information Management (HIM) program inspires students to achieve their goals through a quality educational experience in an environment that supports excellence, collaboration, and community.

Our online HIM program is designed to prepare a diverse student population to meet the health information management workforce needs within healthcare organizations and related industries.

Marketable Skills

HIM professionals compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. HIM professionals classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system, generating medical billing and coding processes. Additional marketable skills include:

Technical

  • Use electronic medical record (EHR) software
  • Use medical coding software
  • Use Word document and Excel software
    *(29-2072.00 Medical Records Specialists Report)

Critical Thinking

  • Plans and organizes work
  • Solves problems
  • Makes sound decisions
    *(Employability Skills Framework)

Communication

  • Active listening
  • Comprehends written material
  • Conveys information in writing
    *(Employability Skills Framework)

Interpersonal

  • Understands teamwork
  • Respects individual differences
  • Negotiates to resolve conflict
    *(Employability Skills Framework)

Personal

  • Works independently
  • Demonstrates a willingness to learn
  • Demonstrates professionalism
    *(Employability Skills Framework)

References:

JOB Opportunities

There are a number of in-demand job options in the health information management field, including jobs such as:

  • Document imaging specialist
  • HIM imaging specialist
  • Health information technician
  • Healthcare data analyst
  • Inpatient medical coder
  • Outpatient medical coder
  • Medical coding auditor
  • Medical records abstractor
  • Medical records specialist
  • Data quality specialist
  • Release of information specialist
  • Revenue cycle specialist

Health Information Management Careers

Graduates of the HIM certificates and AAS in HIM are prepared for entry level HIM positions in any organization that uses patient data for any business purpose. Examples of traditional employers of HIM graduates are hospitals, clinics, physician offices, surgery centers, behavioral health organizations, home health or hospice organizations, while nontraditional employers are zoos, law offices, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical companies.

Application Steps - For a Summer 2024 Admission

  1. Complete a Midland College application (if not already enrolled as a student). Area of study/interest: Health Information Management. Certificate or Degree: Associate of Applied Science or Certificate-Level 1 (Health Data Coordinator or Medical Coding Specialist). Previous MC students not enrolled for two regular semesters (fall/spring) need to re-apply to the college.

  2. Complete the Health Sciences General Application
    Health Sciences General Application


  3. Complete the HIM Information Packet
    Health Information Management Information Packet (pdf)


  4. Submit the completed HIM Information Packet and send unofficial college transcripts to the HIM office at himhsm@midland.edu.

  5. Official transcripts must be sent to the Midland College Registrar's office at records@midland.edu

Application Steps - For a Fall 2024 Admission

  1. Complete a Midland College application (if not already enrolled as a student). Area of study/interest: Health Information Management. Certificate or Degree: Associate of Applied Science or Certificate-Level 1 (Health Data Coordinator or Medical Coding Specialist). Previous MC students not enrolled for two regular semesters (fall/spring) need to re-apply to the college.

  2. Complete the Health Sciences General Application
    Health Sciences General Application


  3. Complete the HIM Information Packet
    Health Information Management Information Packet (pdf)


  4. Submit the completed HIM Information Packet and send unofficial college transcripts to the HIM office at himhsm@midland.edu.

  5. Official transcripts must be sent to the Midland College Registrar's office at records@midland.edu

Application & Packet DUE DATES

  • Fall Semester - July 5th
  • Spring Semester - November 10th
  • Summer Semester - April 25th
If the date falls on a weekend, then the application deadline will be the next business day.
 

Requirements

  • HIM Associate degree applicants must satisfy all areas of the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI). Certificate applicants are exempt.
  • Before program acceptance, HIM Associate degree and certificate applicants must review and sign the HIM Student Handbook. Associate degree applicants must also review and sign the Health Sciences Policy and Procedure Manual.
  • For any new students, transfer credit will apply for HITT 1205 (or equivalent) and BIOL 2404 (or equivalent) if the final grade is a “C” or better and were completed within five years of program admittance. BIOL 2404 is only required for Associate degree and MCS certificate students.
  • Returning students must reapply to the HIM program if they have not enrolled in an HIM program course within a calendar year. Returning students who have not enrolled in an HIM program course within 5 years will need to retake HITT Medical Terminology and BIOL 2404 Anatomy and Physiology (for Associate degree and MCS certificate students) and earn a “C” or better.
  • Foreign students must comply with additional requirements set by the college. For these requirements visit www.midland.edu/international. Since the program is completely online, foreign students do not qualify for student visa status, however, students can complete the program while living at home or in a different country.
  •  APPLICATION PROCESS AND SELECTION SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Questions about the admission  process? Contact us at himhsm@midland.edu or (432) 685-6893.

Clinical Requirements

Students will be required to have a TB screening, vaccinations as required by participating facility, liability insurance and a negative drug screen prior to any clinical course. The clinical requirement may be met in a virtual format.

All students should be prepared to do clinical experiences at a location apart from where they reside. Any expenses incurred in doing a clinical away from home, including transportation, parking, and living expenses are the responsibility of the student and are not included in tuition costs.

Individuals who have been convicted of a felony may be denied clinical placement by facilities, thereby making completion of the program impossible. The program will not guarantee clinical placement to students with a criminal background.

Credits Awarded with Licensure

If you have a current CCS, CCS-P, CCA, CPC, COC, or CIC credential or current licensure that requires completion of Medical Terminology, and maintain your CEUs while attending college, you may receive credit for the following classes.

Proof of the active credential must be submitted to the HIM program himhsm@midland.edu upon renewal each year while the student is enrolled in the program.

Course Clinician with
current license
that requires
completion of
Medical
Terminology
  AHIMA AAPC

 

CCS

 

CCS-P

 

CCA

 

CPC

COC
(formerly
CPC-H)
CIC
(new
AAPC
Cert.)
HITT 1205 Medical Terminology x x x x x x x
HITT 1341 Coding &
Classification Systems 
  x   x     x
HITT 1342 Ambulatory Coding   x x x x x  
HITT 2335 Coding &
Reimbursement Methodologies
  x x   x x x
HITT 2340 Advanced Medical
Billing & Reimbursement
  x x   x   x x
HITT 2161 Coding Clinical   x x   x x x

PROGRAM ESTIMATED COST OUT OF DISTRICT *

Program/Certificate

Hours

Tuition

Books**

Background Fee

TOTAL

HDC Certificate 17 Hrs $2,703 $1,360   $4,063
MCS Certificate 34 Hrs $5,406 $3,429   $8,835
HIM AAS 60 Hrs $9,540 $4,887 $60 $14,487

* This is subject to change
** Several books may be used in multiple classes

The above program and certificate tuition and book costs are estimates based on the 2023-2024 academic catalog and full-time hours for each program with the assumption that no previous coursework has been completed. 

Proctored Exams

Program courses require proctored exams. Students are responsible for any costs associated with proctor examinations.

AAS-HIM

Associate of Applied Science - Health Information Management Degree

MDC

Medical Coding Specialist Certificate

HDC

Health Data Coordinator Certificate

Course List

Course requirements for each degree and certificates are denoted by number (for Credit Hours) under each program heading, in the table below.
 

 

Semester Credit Hours

Course

AAS-HIM

MCS

HDC

Semester I      
HITT 1205 – Medical Terminology 2 2 2
BCIS 1305 – Computer Applications 3 3 3
BIOL 2404 – Human Anatomy & Physiology (one semester) 4 4  
or BIOL 2401 & BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology 1 & 2 4 4  
HITT 1301 – Health Data Content & Structure 3 3 3
       
Semester II      
HITT 1311 – Health Information Systems 3 3 3
HITT 1353 – Legal & Ethical Aspects of HIM 3 3 3
ENGL 1301 - Composition I 3    
MATH 1342 - Statistics* 3    
       
Semester III      
HITT 1345 - Healthcare Delivery Systems 3   3
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3    
HITT 2339 - Health Information Organization and Supervision 3    
HITT 2330 - Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 3 3  
       
Semester IV      
HITT 1341 - Coding & Classification Systems 3 3  
HITT 1342 - Ambulatory Coding 3 3  
HITT 2343 - Quality Assessment & Performance Improvement 3    
Social/Behavioral Science Elective 3    
       
Semester V      
HITT 2335 - Coding & Reimbursement Methodologies 3 3  
HITT 2340 - Advanced Medical Billing & Reimbursement 3 3  
HITT 2161 - Clinical: Health Information Management - Coding 1 1  
HITT 2160 - Clinical: Health Information Management 1    
HITT 2149 - RHIT Competency Review 1    
Speech Elective 3    
       

Total Hours

*Students completing the online MATH 1342 class at Midland College will need to complete a pencil and paper midterm and final exam at a verifiable testing center. Students are not required to take the exams at Midland College. Students are allowed to use a local college or university’s testing center or even the local library if they provide proctoring services. Students are given advance notice of the exam due dates and have a long open window in which they can schedule their testing time – including nights and weekends. If you have specific questions regarding this requirement, please contact the Math & Science Division Office at (432) 685-4561.

60

34

17

 

To receive an AAS degree in HIM, a student must:

  • Complete a minimum of 60 credit hours as follows
       a. 15 credit hours of required General Education Requirements 
           Coursework, and
       b. 45 credit hours of specialty coursework
  • Complete, at minimum 25% of degree credit hours through instruction at Midland College
  • Complete all courses with a “C” or better
  • Have an overall GPA of 2.0 or better

To receive a MCS or HDC Certificate, a student must:

  • Complete a minimum of
       a. 34 credit hours of specialty coursework for the MCS
       b. 17 credit hours of specialty coursework for the HDC
  • Complete, at minimum 25% of certificate credit hours through instruction at Midland College
  • Complete all courses with a “C” or better
  • Have an overall GPA of 2.0 or better

What makes a great HIM student?

  • Organized and detail-oriented individuals
  • Comfortable with a computer and technology
  • Access to a reliable computer
  • Strong internet connection
  • Ability to handle a heavy workload and sitting at a computer for long periods of time

Deborah White

“I learned that the Health Information Management program at Midland College is AHIMA- accredited, and as a graduate, I would be eligible to take the RHIT [Registered Health Information Technician] exam and would also have an opportunity to be a CCS [Certified Coding Specialist]. In addition, Midland College was much more reasonable than Kaplan, and I could take advantage of scholarships. It took me four years to earn an associate degree.

I was a single mother raising a teen-age son and working full time. I also had to have three surgeries due to complications from a broken leg. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined to get through the program. Midland College is one of the only schools in this region accredited at such a high level.

I’ve been working 40 hours a week from my home office since late 2014. Occasionally, I have to go to the UMC Business & Technology Center for meetings. Working remotely from the house isn’t for everyone, but it definitely works for me. I really love medical coding. I enjoy the attention to detail that it requires.” 

 

Delilha Chavez

"I am happy to share that I have been a student member of AHIMA since September 2020 and I recently graduated from the Midland College AAS-HIM program. Right after graduation, I sat for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam and was successful at earning my credential.

I have decided to focus further on my education and continue with the BAS-HSM program at MC. I have truly enjoyed my education at MC and encourage all HIM students to push forward in their courses. To keep open communication with their instructors because they are there to help, as all of my instructors at MC have been flexible, understanding and helpful.

I also encourage students to deeply research the HIM profession, such as the different types of credentials, who offers them, job salaries and job descriptions. Doing this can help students determine which domain they would be the most interested in and which career opportunities are available to them. Before they invest study time and money into an area they will not enjoy."

Apply for General Scholarships through the Financial Aid Portal

FAFSA Requirement

The student's FAFSA application must be on file with MC Financial Aid to access the Financial Aid Portal and apply for scholarships.

If the student's FAFSA application is not on file with MC Financial Aid, the student needs to complete the FAFSA application, and once processed, will have access to complete the general scholarship application.

FAFSA Information


How to Apply

  1. Complete current year FAFSA or TASFA applications
  2. Register for 6+ credit hours towards a degree or certification
  3. Minimum GPA of 2.50 or higher each semester

For additional scholarship details and deadlines, visit the General Scholarships page.

General Scholarships

Visit the course catalog for the most complete and up-to-date information.

 

Accreditation

The Health Information Management accreditor of Midland College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

The College’s accreditation for an Associate degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2030-2031.

All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.

CAHIM logi

RHIT/AHIMA logo

 

Contact

Advisor & Coordinator

Diana Vo
Davidson Family Health Sciences Building
Room 218
(432) 685-6893
dvo@midland.edu
himhsm@midland.edu

Division Office

Health Sciences

Davidson Family Health Sciences Building
Room 105
(432) 685-4863
Building Floor Plan

MAP

Faculty

Health Information Management Faculty Contact Information

 

 

 

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Thank you for choosing Midland College! If you are here to collect a few credits, take courses to transfer, or here to start a new career, we welcome you.

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