Health Information Management and Technology, A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS #5005
Chairperson: James G. Looby
Brahan Hall, Room 206, (518) 629-7225

Today’s health information technician needs a variety of skills to keep pace with the highly technical emergent medical office work place that is currently evolving to support Electronic Medical Records (EMR). The Health Information Management and Technology A.A.S. program is a relevant up-to-date curriculum designed for students to gain the skills necessary to become an administrative medical office professional in either a private practice or health care facility. The degree program maps to the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) curriculum and graduates are qualified to sit for the AAPC certification Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Physical Practice Management (CPPM) exams. Program graduates are also prepared to take the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam. It must be noted that the program goes far beyond computer skills and knowledge of office software, as course content also focuses on ethics, security, communication and collaboration skills necessary in the rapidly evolving technical health information management field. The program concludes with an optional industry internship.

Highlights:

• Coursework prepares students to enter the health administration field, which is expected to face a shortage of trained workers due to the rapid retirement of the Baby Boom generation.
• Students can complete the degree through full-time or part-time study.
• Those skilled in medical transcription or medical encoding can find positions that pay in excess of $30,000.

Full-time students who wish to complete this program in exactly four terms of study must begin their studies in the fall semester and complete five to six courses each term. Degree requirements can be completed through either full-time or part-time study through on campus or distance learning courses.

All HITC, AITC and CMPT courses must have been taken within seven years in order to be applicable toward this degree program.

Program Entrance Requirements

The estimated cost of books for the student enrolled in the first full-time term as outlined would be approximately $750.