Health Information Technology Curriculum

Overview of computer systems—hardware, operating systems, the Internet, and application software including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, and databases. Current topics such as the effect of computers on society, and the history and use of computers in business, educational, and other interdisciplinary settings are also studied. This course is not intended to count toward a student’s major field of study in business or computer science.

Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Focus on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communicating, and critical analysis.

Introduces basic human communication principles and theories embedded in a variety of contexts including interpersonal, small group, and public speaking.

In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. Additional topics such as sequences, series, probability, and conics may be included.

A survey of American literature from the period of exploration and settlement to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from among a diverse group of authors for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American experience and character.

General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

This course introduces elements of medical terminology such as foundations of words used to describe the human body and its conditions, terminology for medical procedures, and names of commonly prescribed medications. Spelling, pronunciation and meanings of terms used in a professional healthcare setting are covered, as is recognition of common abbreviations.
Prerequisite course: The designated course must be taken prior to any other HIT core courses.

This lecture and lab course should combine all of the elements of BIOL 2301 Anatomy and Physiology I (lecture) and BIOL 2101 Anatomy and Physiology I (lab), including the learning outcomes listed for both courses.

This lecture and lab course should combine all of the elements of BIOL 2302 Anatomy and Physiology II (lecture) and BIOL 2102 Anatomy and Physiology II (lab), including the learning outcomes listed for both courses.

The main focus of this course is on business applications of software, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics, and business-oriented utilization of the Internet.
The designated course must be taken prior to any other HIT core courses

Study of the pathology and general health management of diseases and injuries across the life span. Topics include etiology, symptoms, and the physical and psychological reactions to diseases and injuries.
Prerequisite course: The designated course must be taken prior to any other HIT core courses

A study of drug classifications, actions, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, and routes of administration. Does NOT include dosage calculations.
Prerequisite course: The designated course must be taken prior to any other HIT core courses.

This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts and techniques for managing and maintaining health record systems. Topics include: record content, format and uses of healthcare data, record systems, storage and retrieval, quantitative analysis of health data, forms design and control, release of information, function of indexes and registers, accreditation, certification and licensure standards applicable to healthcare facilities. Students will be given the opportunity to utilize and practice with current software packages common to the industry.

Introduction to health IT standards, health-related data structures, software applications, and enterprise architecture in health care and public health. Healthcare delivery systems including organization, financing, accreditation, licensure, and regulatory agencies will also be examined.

This course builds on the concepts learned in prior courses and offers practical hands-on application to using Electronic Health Record software. The focus is on point-of-care systems, data standards, privacy, and ethical practices with regard to Health Information exchange and personal health records. The course will prepare students to work in an electronic health record environment.

This course introduces statistical computations and provides students with assignments for compiling inpatient service days, average length of stay, occupancy rates, and mortality rates. Descriptive and inferential statistics and basic research principles are also explored.

This course introduces principles and guidelines for using the International Classification of Diseases system to code diagnoses and procedures in an acute care setting. Examples of patient records and exercises using coding manuals and software tools provide practice in coding and sequencing diagnoses and procedures. History and development of clinical vocabularies and classifications systems are introduced. Application of coding principles to electronic record systems is explored.

This course introduces the legal and regulatory issues in healthcare with emphasis on their application to healthcare information services and documentation of care. Course content includes law, ethics, and compliance issues associated with health information management. Students explore the rights and responsibilities of providers, employers, payers, and patients in a healthcare context. Students are introduced to legal terminology pertaining to civil liability and the judicial and legislative processes. State and Federal confidentiality laws addressing release of information (ROI) and retention of health information / records are examined. Virtual assignments and/or simulations support experiential learning.

This course provides initial supervised professional practice experience. Practicum competencies reinforce previous coursework and include application of knowledge of –and skills in – health record content, structure, functions, and use. Students whose practicum occurs onsite must complete a minimum of 40 clock hours at the site, generally during traditional business hours, and must meet practicum site eligibility requirements. Course objectives for students whose practical experience occurs virtually are accomplished through online activities, simulations, and assignments. All students prepare a written report and present a verbal summary of their practical experience.

This course is a continuation of the study of ICD-10-CM, CPT 4, and other classification and nomenclatures. The relationship with inpatient and ambulatory care reimbursement systems is also explored.

This course addresses quality management processes and performance improvement with an emphasis on health information services. Additional topics presented include: evaluation of patient care and safety, clinical information analysis, integrated quality improvement activities, risk management, utilization management, medical staff organization and function, biomedical research, and compliance.

This course presents an overview of organizational principles and supervisory management. This includes methods and management tools used in the analysis of health information systems, including the development of objectives, policies, and procedures; benchmarking; workflow; productivity measurement; layout analysis; and project management.

This course explores reimbursement and payment methodologies applicable within the various healthcare settings. Forms, processes, practices and the roles of health information management professionals are examined. Concepts related to insurance products, third party, prospective payment, and managed care capitation are explored. Issues of data exchange among patient, provider, and insurer are analyzed in terms of organizational policy, regulatory issues, and information technology operating systems. Management of the chargemaster and importance of coding integrity are emphasized.

This course allows students to complete supervised professional practicum hours at an approved healthcare facility, complete virtual lab assignments using AHIMA Virtual Lab and complete a mock RHIT exam covering all Associate Degree Entry-Level Competencies.