Health Information Management, BS

Baccalaureate Program Outcomes-HIM Application Process and Policies Academic Policies

Progression Dismissal Policies HIM Major Requirements

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HIM professionals play a critical role in maintaining, collecting and analyzing the data that doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers rely on to deliver quality healthcare. They are experts in managing patient health information and medical records, administering computer information systems and coding the diagnosis and procedures for healthcare services provided to patients. Health information programs incorporate the disciplines of medicine, management, finance, information technology, and law into one curriculum. Because of this unique mixture, health information graduates can choose from a variety of work settings across an array of healthcare environments.

In 2006 the HFSON was granted approval by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to offer a baccalaureate degree in Allied Health with a concentration in Health Information Management (HIM).

The inaugural class of seven began in the fall of 2007. The first class graduated on May 17, 2009. Since that time the program has grown from 7 students to over 100. The HIM Program was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) in 2009 and the degree named changed to a Bachelor in Science of Health Information Management.

As the world moves from a paper-based to an electronic society, so does the health care field. The health care community is working to develop an electronic health patient record. The HIM profession is at the forefront of this movement. Advances in medical science, legislative reforms, computerization, and the need to manage health care delivery systems and health care costs have enhanced the roles of the health information manager.

HIM professionals work in a multitude of settings throughout the healthcare industry including hospitals, physician offices and clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, government agencies and home care providers. Degreed HIM graduates may hold positions as a Health Information Manager, Compliance Officer, Data Quality Manager, Educator, Coding Professional, Coding Compliance Manager, privacy/security officer, project manager, Reimbursement or Revenue Cycle Manager, Data Analysts, Data Integrity Manager and Information Systems Managers to name a few.  Additional roles can be found through AHIMA Career Map.

The primary purpose of the program is to provide the academic foundation necessary to prepare students to be competent Health Information Management Professionals and meet the entry-level competencies that will enable them to apply management and problem solving skills to every aspect of a medical/health record information system, regardless of the setting or environment.

The HIM Program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) leads to the Bachelor of Science degree in HIM. Graduates are eligible to write the national AHIMA certification examination to become a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). Policies of the Health Information Management program are subject to change due to requirements of external accrediting agencies.

Baccalaureate Program Outcomes-HIM

Graduates of Health Information Management are prepared to:

1. Understand and articulate the historical trends of health records and health information.
2. Identify and perform the diverse tasks required in coding diseases and medical procedures.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal obligations as well as with professional, ethical and organizational standards to ensure the accuracy, privacy, security and confidentiality associated with the access, retention, storage and disposal of recorded patient information.
4. Analyze and provide research data and respond to the informational needs of hospital leadership, lawyers, physicians, third-party payers, governmental agencies and other legally designated parties of interest.
5. Develop and formulate policy and procedures to integrate technology and management of health information/data to support client care, organizational goals, operations, and regulatory compliance.
6. Identify processes and systems to monitor and evaluate the accuracy and retrieval of electronic health information.
7. Use current and emerging technologies to support the management, analysis and presentation of health information/data.
8. Apply entry-level knowledge, professional abilities and theories of management to effectively manage a health information management department.
9. Keep current with relevant local, national and global health care and health information management issues, trends, technologies and standards to support health information management systems and processes and guide professional development.

Application Process and Policies

Application, Admission and Recruitment Policies and Criteria

The Health Information Management Program admits students in the fall semester. The College of Health Professions, School of Allied Health admits applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, or gender identity and expression.

Applicants without Previous College Experience

Applicants without previous college experience must meet the requirements for entrance into the University prior to admission to the HIM Program.

Applicants Who Have Current or Prior Enrollment at Coppin in Another Major, or as Undeclared

Applicants must have satisfactorily completed any required general education courses, developmental courses (depending on the point of transfer), prerequisites, and a cumulative grade point average of 2.5.

Applicants with a RHIT or Certified Coding Credentials

This program is designed for the professional who has earned an associate’s degree at an accredited college or university and has received the RHIT credential, as well as students who have earned a certified coding credential. The program involves instruction and professional practice experience. The academic load varies depending on the student’s experience, as well as previous instruction received. Each individual student will be evaluated independently to develop their course of study and where applicable, approved credits from other colleges and universities will be accepted. Other exceptions will be determined by the Chair of the Program.

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning or CPL is college credit that can be awarded for skills and knowledge gained outside of a traditional classroom. Many of our students come to us with years of life, work, and military experience. You can save time and money as you pursue your degree by earning credit for learning gained through that experience.  Credit may be awarded through a portfolio assessment process for up to 30 credits.  Students must be admitted to Coppin prior to applying for credit for prior learning.  Contact the Chair of the Program for additional information.

Health Information Management Admission Criteria

Students interested in admittance to the Health Information Management (HIM) Program will be eligible to be admitted in the fall semester of each academic year, (except upon approval of the Chair, Associate Dean or Dean). Applications for the fall semester are due prior to or on February 1st. The following criteria must be met:

1. Admission to the University
2. Letter of Interest to include:
   1. Why interested in HIM
   2. Experience with technology
   3. Plan for success specific to completing their degree
   4. Knowledge and understanding of the profession
   5. What activities (if applicable) has the student been in engaged in to prepare them for a career in HIM to include but not limited to:
      1. Outside interests
      2. Organizations affiliation
      3. Employment history
      4. Certifications
      5. Volunteer history
3. Cumulative GPA of 2.5
4. Completed the following prerequisites:
   1. All General Education Requirements
   2. All 100 and 200 level courses to include:
      1. HSC 101   
      2. HSC 190   
      3. ECON 103   
      4. BIOL 107  
      5. BIOL 201  
      6. BIOL 203  
      7. ACCT 201   
      8. MATH 203   
5. Copy of most recent transcript from Coppin and any other institution.
6. Three letters of recommendation from employer, faculty or community leader. An interview will be conducted as needed to clarify or expand on information as appropriate.

Registration

Registration includes (1) the selection of courses each semester, (2) the completion of all registration forms, and (3) the payment of assessed tuition and fees. Students are admitted to classes only after they have officially registered. Entering freshmen and any entering transfer students with fewer than twenty-five credits are required by the University to take placement tests before registering for courses.

Pre-registration

A pre-registration period is scheduled during every regular semester. At that time, matriculating students are expected to consult faculty advisors to make an early selection of courses for the following semester. Registration is completed when tuition and fees are paid at the beginning of the regular registration period. Pre-registration is required for all professional practice HIM experiences. Students who have not pre-registered will be enrolled in professional practice experiences only if there is a vacancy. Students are encouraged to pre-register.

Academic Policies

Grading

Refer to CSU student handbook for details on the Grading System for CSU.

The grading scale (%) used for all HIM courses is: *

A	90 - 100
B	80 - 89
C	70 - 79
D	60 - 69
F	68 and below

The grade of “A” designates work of superior quality, “B”–work of good quality, “C”–work of satisfactory quality, grade “D” or below not satisfactory quality, but allowable for credit. The grade of “D” or below indicates failure (a final grade of “D” is not acceptable in HIM courses and major support courses). The “AU” grade represents auditing students and has no grade-point value. Such students must pay the appropriate fees and register for the course(s) to be audited. At each mid-semester period, instructors submit interim grades to indicate the quality of the student’s work at that time. These mid-semester grades are used only for advising students and for referring them to appropriate academic support services. They do not become a part of a student’s permanent record.

Students’ performance in the Professional Practice Component will be graded. Students who are not performing at a satisfactory level must be so advised at mid-point in the course. 

Progression

Satisfactory progress in the HIM Program promotes and enhances retention and expansion of knowledge and skills. Therefore, once HIM courses are begun students are expected to progress each semester in accordance with the Plan of Study.

* The student must complete prerequisites of each course prior to enrolling in the next course. A grade of “C” 70% or better must be achieved in the science courses, HIM courses and major support courses. The student who does not achieve a grade of 70% or greater must pass the failed course in the next semester it is offered before enrolling in higher courses in the sequence. If the student does not successfully complete the failed course the next semester it is offered, the student will be dismissed from the Program.

Courses required in the HIM Program may not be taken more than twice*. Students must adhere to the sequence of courses as outlined in the Plan of Study. *Exception for medical withdrawal and extraordinary circumstances however the student may experience additional expenses when enrolling in the course based on exceptions.

Probation Policies: A student will be placed on probation in the School of Allied Health, Health Information Management Program for any of the following reasons:

1. A student who earns less than the required cumulative grade point average of 2.5 will be placed on probation.
2. A student will also be placed on probation for failure to achieve a grade of “C” (70%) or better in science courses, HIM courses and required major support courses.
3. A student will be placed on probation for referral(s) to the Chairperson, and/or Dean for academic related issues associated with not adhering with the policies or guidelines.

Dismissal Policies

A student shall be dismissed from the Health Information Management Program for any of the following reasons:

1. Failure to achieve a grade of “C” (70%) or better in science courses, HIM courses and major support courses required as per the plan of study after the second attempt. This includes withdrawing from a course while failing and not passing it on the second attempt. A student may enroll in courses in the major only two (2) times.
2. Failure to maintain the cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 required in the HIM Department for two (2) consecutive semesters.
3. Additional reasons for dismissal from the HIM department include but are not limited to:
   1. If a student is determined to be unsafe.
   2. Found to be under the influence of a prescribed medication that might impair the student’s safe practicum performance; the use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs while in class or in practicum.
   3. Has blatant breach of client, agency, University, HIM and/or student- to- student confidentiality. An example of student-to-student confidentiality breach includes inappropriate release of student’s health information.
   4. Action or lack of action that cause an adverse complication in the class or practicum setting. Failure to follow agency, University, CHP, or HIM policies.
   5. Academic dishonesty or a violation of the HIM Honor Code.
   6. Unprofessional conduct (Refer to Honor Code and Student Code of Conduct)
   7. Failure to demonstrate in the practicum setting the ability to be physically and mentally competent at all times.
   8. An encumbered credential for any credentialed student.
4. If matriculation extends beyond five (5) years of the initial enrollment in professional courses, including withdrawal time.

Process for Requesting Reinstatement

The applicant seeking re-admission to the Health Information Management department must submit a reinstatement request packet to the Office of the department. The reinstatement request packet should include a copy of the student’s most recent transcript, a completed copy of the reinstatement checklist and a written letter of request addressed to the Admission, Progression and Retention Committee by February 1st for the fall semester and September 1st for the spring semester. The letter must discuss activities done since dismissal, which will help the applicant be successful. Activities can include: working in area of healthcare, studying, tutorial, support services, removal of distraction which caused failure and decreasing work hours. The committee may request the applicant to come in for an interview.  The applicant will receive a letter from the department about the final decision.

The reinstatement packet must be complete and submitted by the deadline in order to be evaluated.

If an applicant is reinstated, the applicant cannot withdraw from nor fail any other HIM courses. Additionally, the applicant shall be required to sign an academic integrity statement and have ongoing interaction with his/her advisor on a regular basis.

Requirements for Graduation

HIM students must sit for the RHIA Certification Exam. To be recommended for graduation clearance the student must be enrolled, achieve satisfactory grades for all courses required in the Plan of Study, submit a graduation application and pay the application fee by the designated deadline and apply for the RHIA exam prior to the end of the final semester.  Students are encouraged to take the exam prior to graduation, but it must be taken by or on June 30 following the final semester. A student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to graduate. 

Student Participation in Governance within the Health Information Management

Students participate in program development and evaluation. At the end of each course, students have the opportunity to evaluate both the course and the instructor(s). Students participating on HIM Advisory Board are selected through the Student Health Information Management Association.

Articulation Agreement

No more than a maximum of 70 credits, will be accepted from a community college and 90 credits from a university.