Health Information Management (A.A.S)

Career Information

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Additional Information

The Health Information Management Program is a two year associate of applied science degree designed to prepare individuals to manage and code the medical information obtained in medical records, organize the coded information from the medical records for reimbursement purposes, abstract other data to meet administrative and governmental requirements, and manage medical and legal inquires for medical record information. Employment of individuals with these skills is essential for healthcare providers whether the provider is a hospital, clinic, physician's office, nursing home, or other healthcare agency. Graduates of this program will be prepared for a variety of positions in the health information services market, such as technicians, supervisors, coordinators, assistant directors, and directors. The program is designed to offer a wide variety of learning experiences including classroom lecture, use of computers, and software designed for health information technology, and professional practice experience in various medical settings.

The Health Information Management accreditor of Walters State Community College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for Associate degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2028-2029. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL 60601; by phone at 312.235.3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.

HIM Program Outcomes

RHIT Certification Exam Outcomes

Time Period	AHIMA National Mean Pass Rate	WSCC HIM Program Pass Rate
2021-2022	68%	67%
2020-2021	70%	100%
2019-2020	73%	80%

HIM Job Placement Rate
Employed within 6 months of graduation in various functions of HIM

Time Period	Placement Rate
2021-2022	90.9%
2020-2021	83.33%
2019-2020	83.33%

HIM Retention Rate

Time Period	Retention Rate
2021-2022	75%
2020-2021	78.04%
2019-2020	88.89% New definition of retention rate calculation

Graduation Rate
New outcome added to program outcomes 2019-2020

Time Period	First-Time, First-Year Undergraduates Only includes first time Walters State students first time attending college completing HIM program within 3 years	All HIM Graduates Includes HIM graduates with previous college courses completed at any college
2021-2022	0%	100%
2020-2021	100%	100%
2019-2020	0%	83.33%

RHIT Exam Scores, First Time Test Takers

Time Period	AHIMA National Average Scaled Score	WSCC HIM Program Average Scaled Score
2021-2022	310	315

Admission Retention and Graduation Requirements

Any student desiring to pursue an associate of applied science degree in Health Information Management must:

Apply, meet admission requirements and be accepted by WSCC.
Indicate Health Information Management as the desired major on WSCC Application form.
See an advisor from the Health Information Programs department or division of Health Programs and obtain clearance to register.
Complete all required developmental education courses prior to making application for the Health Information Management program.
In addition, admission into an allied health program requires the following:
- a completed physical health form;
- evidence of malpractice liability insurance;
- a signed and dated acknowledgement of the Drug/Alcohol Abuse Policy and Consent forms. The physical health form, malpractice insurance, and Tennessee Professional Assistance fees are at the student's expense.
Each student enrolled in the Health Information Management program will be monitored, advised and counseled. Students' grades will be evaluated at the end of each semester by the director of the program. A student must maintain the following standards or be dismissed from the program:
- a grade of "C" or better in each course;
- complete designated prerequisite/corequisite courses.
Program graduation requirements include the successful completion of the courses listed below with a minimum grade of "C" in each course.
Successful completion of BIOL 2010/2011 and BIOL 2020/21 with a grade of "C" or better is a prerequisite to HIMT 2307.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beginning salary ranges from $20,000 - $30,000 annually.
Pay is better in larger cities such as Knoxville and Johnson City than in the more rural areas.
Students will be qualified for supervisory positions in Health Information Management departments in hospitals and supervisory positions in physician office settings.
If students have further questions about the profession, pay, etc. refer to https://ahima.org/career-map

Estimated Expenses

Textbooks | $800-$1,000 per semester

Professional Liability Insurance | $40