Health Information Technology

What does a Health Information Technician do?

Southwestern Illinois College's Health Information Technology (HIT) program prepares students to work as Medical Record/Health Information Technicians. Health Information Technicians ensure the quality of medical records by verifying the completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. They may also use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs. They are the caretakers and guardians of patient health information by ensuring the patient's interests in matters of privacy and security, information release, and guidelines regarding record access are maintained. Contact SWIC Career Activities and Employment Center for possible job shadowing or mentoring opportunities in Health Information Technology.

For further information regarding the field of Health Information Technology, refer to the American Health Information Management Association web site and the U.S. Dept. of Labor Occupational Handbook.

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What are the job opportunities for Health Information Technicians?

Although most HITs work in hospitals, there are also opportunities in office-based physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities, and public health agencies. Any organization that uses patient data or health information such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors may employ health information professionals. Job opportunities in this field are good. See President Obama's plan to computerize the nation's health care records.

SWIC HIT graduate survey results (averaged over a three year period) indicate 80 percent of graduates are employed six months after graduation.

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What is the average/starting salary?

The most recent American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) survey indicates annual salary across the nation is $55,676. Locally, HITs' average starting pay is $27,000 - $32,000, depending on the size and location of the health care facility.

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Where and when is the Health Information Technology program offered?

Health Information Technology courses are offered at the Belleville Campus with clinical experience at hospital/clinical facilities throughout the district and in the St. Louis region. The required general education courses can be taken at the Belleville, Sam Wolf Granite City, or Red Bud campuses. Students are assigned two clinical experience/practicums in the second year of the program.

The Health Information Technology program begins every Fall semester with HIT classes scheduled during the day. The program can be completed in 2 years.

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What are the admission requirements for this program?

To apply for admission to the Health Information Technology Program, applicants must submit the following:

• Health Information Technology application

Official Transcripts/Proof of completion of pre-requisite courses:

The following pre-requisite courses must have been completed within 10 years preceding April 1, with no grade lower than a C . College course grades supersede high school grades when both appear on official transcripts. The most recent grade in courses meeting these requirements is used in determining an applicant's admission qualifications and rank.

• Biology
• Algebra
• Keyboarding/Typing

In addition, students must submit:

• Official High School Transcripts/GED
• Official Transcripts from all colleges, universities or accredited schools of Health Information Technology attended.
  • Those students who have completed college level coursework must have a Southwestern cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater to be considered for admission. Applicants may earn additional points on their application for general education courses completed with a B or better.
• ACT or SWIC GPA Option
• COMPASS testing The Compass test identifies skill levels in math, reading and writing. Students must score high enough to be eligible to enroll in ENG 101 and MATH 94. If results are too low, students must complete required developmental courses prior to enrolling in MATH 94, ENG 101, BIOL 157, BIOL 158, PSYC 151, or SPCH 151.

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How many students do you accept and how is it determined?

The HIT program generally accepts 20 students each Fall semester. Selection of qualified applicants for the Health Information Technology program will be based upon a numerical ranking procedure, using ACT scores or GPA, high school and/or college grades and the percentage of those general education courses required for graduation completed prior to admission with a grade of B or better. See HIT Application Planning Guide. Information on the ACT test, the numerical ranking procedure and the admission process is available from Southwestern's Enrollment Services Office.

To arrange a meeting with a counselor or obtain more information on the entrance requirements for the Health Information Technology program call or visit the Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Avenue 618-222-5206; Candice Rodgers 618-235-2700 ext. 5355; the Sam Wolf Granite City Campus, 4950 Maryville Road 618-931-0600, ext 6633, or the Red Bud Campus, 500 West South 4^th Street, 618-282-6682, ext. 8114.

Applicants will be notified of their status regarding admission as quickly as is possible given the number of applications received. In the event there are fewer qualified candidates than there are spaces available, applications will continue to be accepted until the program's maximum capacity has been reached or until the first week of classes during the Fall semester. Contact the Enrollment Services Office 618-235-2700 ext. 5541/5542 or the Counseling Center 618-235-2700 ext. 5206 to obtain information of a possible application deadline extension. The college reserves the right fill the program in those years when there are fewer applicants than spaces available by whatever means it deems necessary to assure both academic integrity and fairness in the selection process.

In the event that there are more qualified applicants than spaces available in this program, those applicants residing outside Southwestern's district or in a district that does not have a joint agreement with Southwestern for this program, will not be eligible for consideration or admission if there are more applicants that positions to be filled. Resident status is determined by address on file with the Enrollment Services Office by April 15.

The admission procedures for the Health Information Technology program are in accordance with Illinois law. The law requires that programs not having sufficient space and resources to accommodate all applicants will accept those applicants best qualified, using rank, ability, and achievement test scores as guides, with preference given to students residing in the district.

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How do I improve my chances of getting accepted?

Applicants are rated by a points system. To find out what you can do to accumulate points see the HIT Application Planning Guide.

For an individual review of your application, contact the Allied Health Coordinators Assistant, Candice Rodgers at 618-235-2700, ext 5355, if needed.

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What classes do I take to become a Health Information Technician?

Acceptance to the program is required before and applicant will be permitted to register for HIT courses.

Associate in Applied Science (0023)

This is a 67 credit hour, 2 year accredited degree program, which can be completed in 4 semesters. The curriculum includes biological, social and computer sciences, HIT technical courses, and assigned clinical experiences. There are 31 credit hours of general education courses and 36 hours of health information courses. General education courses can be completed prior to admission; otherwise all courses must be completed during the semesters indicated. HIT courses begin each Fall for those applicants accepted into the program.

Clinical experience courses are completed off campus in various settings. Students may be required to travel outside of the College district for clinical experience courses and may be required to have background checks and/or drug testing prior. Students are assigned two clinical experience/practicums in the second year of the program.

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Is the Health Information Technology program accredited?

Southwestern Illinois College's Health Information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The program's curriculum is guided by the standards developed by the Commission. Our accreditation status means SWIC has met the standards required and helps to assure the public that our curriculum will graduate competent clinicians. It allows the college's HIT graduates to be eligible to sit for the licensure examination.

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What kind of time commitment is required to completed the program?

Students should check the location and schedule of classes to ensure availability and access. HIT courses are only offered during the day. Students are responsible for their own transportation and attendance at any of the classes and clinical assigned by the program. Specific clinical placement cannot be guaranteed.

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Are there any other requirements I should be aware of while completing this program?

• Applicants accepted to this program must attend all required orientation sessions, meet program specific medical requirements and must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations. Any applicants or enrolled students are encouraged to meet with Special Services to discuss potential issues associated with meeting these requirements at 618-235-2700, ext. 5368.
• Auto and Health insurance is required during clinical education courses. Students are personally responsible for any costs incurred for injuries occurring during their clinical experience.
• HIT students will be required to possess current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level, show proof of immunizations, TB test, physical examination, and verify health insurance coverage before beginning any clinical experience.
• Criminal Background Check, random drug test, and name search on government registries which prohibit employment in healthcare professions are also required prior to clinical experience courses.
  • Positive results from the drug test and student listing on prohibitory government registry will result in dismissal from the program. Dismissal for positive criminal background check, drug test, or listing on a government registry does not qualify students for refund of tuition or lab fees. Students who have concerns regarding their status with the above regulations are encouraged to discuss the matter with the program coordinator for coordinators assistant prior to seeking admission. A student may not apply more than 16 hours of telecourses toward degree requirements. In addition, at least one non-telecourse must be completed in each general education area. On-line courses are exempt from this requirement.
• Applicants admitted to the program must follow the requirements for graduation at the time they are admitted and must meet all course, program degree, and sequencing requirements specified. Students are responsible for program policies as listed in each year's HIT Student Handbook. Students who fail to meet program specific requirements will be dropped from the program and may be required to re-apply and compete for admission in the succeeding semester.

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How much will it cost to complete this program?

The estimated cost of the HIT program for the 2009-2010 academic year is $9,200. This cost includes tuition, course fees, textbooks, etc. For more details see the HIT cost sheet.

Financial aid is available subject to financial need and satisfactory academic progress requirements set by the college. The SWIC Foundation office offers many scholarships and there is a student work program for which financial aid eligibility is not required.

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After I complete this program, are there any other requirements before I can work?

Upon successful completion of the HIT curriculum, graduates are awarded as Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology and are eligible to take the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) registration examination. These examinations are offered throughout the year at various sites in the state and country.

Over a three year average, 85 percent of SWIC HIT graduates pass the registration examination.

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