Health Information Management - A.A.S. Degree/Certificate

Launch Your Career in a Rapidly Growing Healthcare Field

If you would like a unique career in healthcare the field of Health Information Management (HIM) may be right for you. HIM, ACCs newest program involves the administration, accuracy, storage and security of data related to electronic health records (EHRs). It is entwined in every facet of health care and combines aspects of business, science, and information technology.

ACC offers two ways to enter the HIM field:

1. an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Health Information Management or
2. a Level Two Certificate in Medical Coding

The AAS degree is designed to be completed in five semesters over a period of two years. The Level Two Certificate is a four-semester program that may be completed in eighteen months.

ACC is one of the only colleges in the Gulf-Coast region where you can complete a HIM degree/certificate almost entirely online.*  You will receive instruction from experienced, industry- certified faculty that can help you become gainfully employed in the burgeoning field of Health Information Management.

*Biology 2401 & Biology 2402 (Anatomy & Physiology I & II) cannot be completed online. They may be completed at ACC as face-to-face classes or at any institution with equivalent transferable courses.

Apply

The next application period is April 1, 2024 through June 15, 2024.To apply, complete the HIM Application. Applications may be brought to room S108, emailed to him@alvincollege.edu, or mailed to ACC, Attention HIM Department, 3110 Mustang Rd, Alvin, Texas, 77511. A Personal statement should be included with application when turned in. Applicants must be TSI complete.

HIM Application

Information Session

For more information about the Health Information Management Program, attend an information session and meet our staff. HIM information sessions will be held virtually.

Information Session Meeting Link

Career Opportunities

HIM professionals work for hospitals, physician’s offices, urgent care facilities, HIM vendors, insurance companies, EHR software companies, and more. According to Emsi, the median hourly earnings for HIM Technicians are $18.70 for the Houston Metropolitan Area and $16.92 for the Brazoria and Galveston County regions. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reported in 2017 that the annual mean wage was $41,510 for the State of Texas.

According to the BLS, the need for health information technicians to organize health data will continue to grow. In 2017, there were 17,688 reported jobs in Medical Records and HIM in the state of Texas. By 2021 projections indicate there will be 19,852 jobs, a 12.2% increase. Additionally, the demand for cancer registrars and claims for insurance reimbursement will continue to drive the need for this profession in all areas of healthcare. As the demand grows, so does the need for highly trained individuals possessing health information knowledge and skills.

For more information on career opportunities in Health Information Management, please visit Career Coach where you can explore the local job market, take a career assessment, and build a resumé.

What Will I Study?

Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:

1. Apply critical thinking skills to identify accurate documentation and abstract information pertaining to diagnosis and medical procedures at the highest level of specificity in ICD-10 CM, ICD-10 PCS, HCPCS and CPT code sets.
2. Demonstrate professional communication skills using clear verbal communication, applying effective listening skills, and educating health providers and staff regarding Health Information Management.
3. Demonstrate Health Information Management technology skills by referencing third party websites for eligibility and pre-authorization, abstracting information from practice management/electronic health records systems, and prepare billing utilizing coding encoder systems.
4. Collaborate with Health Care Team members by showing initiative, demonstrating accountability for assigned tasks and showing respect for other team members.
5. Display an awareness and respect of diversity in the healthcare setting through identification of cultural and background differences among co-workers.
6. Model essential employability skills by using coding knowledge to attain certification through AAPC or AHIMA.

Health Information Management - A.A.S. Degree/Certificate

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