Additional Program Information
As a Health Information Professional, you will play a vital role in healthcare facilities or related businesses by reviewing health records for completeness, abstracting and entering pertinent data, locating and releasing health information, ensuring documentation supports medical necessity, coding and classifying diagnoses and procedures and serving as a team leader or frontline supervisor. You will likely work in an electronic environment, utilizing specialized software such as electronic health records (EHR) systems, abstraction systems, release of information platforms, coding and classification tools, encoder/grouper software, and reimbursement systems.
Graduates of the Health Information Technology Associate Degree program are equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills required for entry-level positions in the field. They gain expertise in human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, health information documentation standards, filing systems, the release of information regulations, coding principles, and electronic health record management. Students are eligible for early testing in the last semester prior to graduation. Also, graduates are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) examination administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) (www.ahima.org).
Program Admission
Prospective students must complete a separate admission process for the Health Information Technology Program which is distinct from the general admission process for St. Philip’s College. Detailed information about this process can be found at the St. Philip’s College Health Information Technology Program webpage. Admission into the program requires the completion of all perquisites and general education requirements before enrollment in any program courses with the exception of HITT 1305 medical terminology. There is a mandatory student orientation for the Health Information Technology Program the second Wednesday of the Fall and Spring semesters virtually at 6:30 pm. Students who have a conflict need to notify the program director before the orientation.
HITT 2361 - Clinical - Heath information/Medical Records Technology/ Technician Requirements
Students must meet all clinical requirements before participating in HITT 2361: Clinical - Health Information/Medical Records Technology. Students are responsible for associated costs. All required documentation must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the first Friday of December in the Fall semester before clinical rotation.
Clinical Course Requirements
Students must complete the following six requirements:
1. Immunizations - Students must provide proof of required immunizations (listed below).
2. CPR Certification - American Heart Association (AHA) CPR-BLS certification is required and must remain valid through graduation. Contact the Health Information Technology Clinical Coordinator or Program Director for available classes at SPC.
3. Proof of Personal Health Insurance - All Health Sciences students at St. Philip’s College must have personal health insurance before attending clinicals. Students without proof of insurance will not be allowed to participate.
4. Drug Screening - Initial screening is required, with potential for random testing as deemed necessary by clinical sites, instructors, or faculty.
5. Background Check - Clinical sites may require an additional background check before placement.
6. SPC Clinical Orientation - Mandatory orientation is held the first, second and third semesters of the Fall and Spring semesters virtually. Students unable to attend must notify the Program Director in advance.
Background Check/Drug Screen
All students must complete and submit a background check and drug screening by the first Friday of December before starting clinical rotations, HITT 2361 Clinical Health Information/ Medical Records Technology/Technician. Some clinical sites may require additional screenings before placement. Students are responsible for all associated costs. Further details can be found in the HIT Student Handbook, provided upon acceptance into the program.
Immunizations
Students must provide documentation of the following immunizations before admission to clinicals:
• Tetanus/Diphtheria (DT) - Booster within the last 10 years
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) - Immunization within the last 10 years or proof of immunity
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test - Mantoux test within the last two years; positive results require a chest X-ray with documentation
• Hepatitis A - Completed series; booster or proof of immunity required if over 10 years old
• Hepatitis B - Completed three-shot series; booster or proof of immunity required if over 10 years old
• Varicella (Chickenpox) - Proof of immunization or immunity
• Bacterial Meningitis
• Current Influenza Vaccination
• Additional immunizations may be required based on clinical site requirements.
Program Information
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Health Information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) (www.cahiim.org).
Course Structure:
• Courses are designed to progress from introductory to competency levels and must be taken in sequence.
• Courses include both lecture and lab components, often requiring additional class time beyond credit hours. For example, HITT 1341 includes two lecture hours and four lab hours, equaling six total in-class hours per week. Students should also expect three additional hours per week for study and assignments. For every class time hour, students must include an additional 30-60 minutes for reading, completing homework, and preparing for class.
Academic & Graduation Requirements
• Students must earn a grade of C or better in all required courses. Failure to do so in two or more courses will result in dismissal from the program.
• Students must consult their assigned faculty advisor each semester before enrolling in courses. Advisors are assigned upon program acceptance.
• Graduation application requests must be submitted to your advisor or designee at least one semester before the anticipated graduation date.
• Students are responsible for registration and certification exam fees. Faculty advisors will assist in the process as required by the certifying agency.
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