Health Information Technology Associate in Science Degree

PROGRAM CODE: 1S03788
Financial Aid Eligible

The Health Information Technology Associate in Science Degree: Health information professionals care for patients by caring for their medical data. They ensure that all of a patient’s health information is complete, accurate, and protected, yet readily available for healthcare providers when needed. Health information management professionals work in a variety of different settings and job titles. They often serve in bridge roles, connecting clinical, operational, and administrative functions. Having skilled HIM professionals on staff ensures an organization has the right information available when and where it is needed while maintaining the highest standards of data integrity, confidentiality, and security. If you see yourself in a career that offers diverse opportunities, would like to work in health care, but not directly with patients, have an aptitude for science, but also like management, law, and computers, enjoy working with professionals, then this profession is for you. HIM programs incorporate the disciplines of medicine, management, finance, information technology, and law into one curriculum. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. Graduates of the Program are, therefore, eligible to take the national examination leading to certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR APPLICANTS: 1. Eligibility for admission to Cypress College. 2.High school diploma; OR General Education Development (GED) test with a minimum score of 450; OR high school proficiency examination. 3.ENGL 100 C with a grade of C or better. 4.CIS 111 C Computer Information Systems with a grade of C or better 5. MATH 120 C Introduction to Probability and Statistics with a grade of C or better 6. HS 145 C Survey of Medical Terminology with a grade of C or better 7. BIO 210C Anatomy and Physiology with a grade of C or better 7.A minimum GPA of 2.0 in all college courses attempted. Applicants are responsible for submitting all documents (records, forms and transcripts) indicating minimum standards and prerequisites have been met to the Health Science Counseling Office. Clinical practice sites are located throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties. The student will need reliable personal transportation in order to travel to assigned agencies at least one day a week in each directed practice course. All enrolled students must meet the same health and safety standards required of agency employees in the contracted clinical facilities. For this reason, each student enrolled in the HIT program must complete specific requirements at his/her own expense prior to agency assignment. Information regarding the specific requirements in place at the time of initial enrollment into HIT Program is provided at a mandatory orientation scheduled for applicants selected each semester. Clean background checks are a must. To earn an Associate Degree, students must complete: (1) all major course requirements with a grade of C or better; (2) Cypress College Native General Education requirements; California State University General Education Breadth requirements (CSU GE Breadth) or IGETC General Education requirements; (3) the Social Justice, Equity and Sustainability and Reading requirements; (4) any elective courses to complete a minimum of 60 units; and, (5) have a minimum GPA of 2.0. At least 50% of all major course work must be completed at Cypress College. This degree requires 60 units in the major in addition to other graduation requirements.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

OUTCOME 1: Provide training for entry-level positions in health information management, health information technology, and health informatics in health information/medical record departments, tumor/ cancer registries, and related areas throughout the health care delivery system.

OUTCOME 2: Prepare students at a level of expertise in health information management and technology that will permit graduates to successfully write their respective national qualifying examinations.

OUTCOME 3: Instill in students the importance of a professional attitude-toward work and encourage participation in local, state, and national professional organizations.

OUTCOME 4: Assist students in developing a sense of self-worth and pride through the acquisition of specific knowledge and skills required in the pursuit of data accuracy and confidentiality in maintaining health information systems

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