Health Information Management

Health Information Management at Collin

Collin College's Health Information Management (HIM) Program offers three awards designed to prepare students for careers in health information management (HIM), coding, billing, and healthcare data management. All courses within the Medical Coding and Billing, Level 1 Certificate and Data Management Applications for Healthcare, Level 2 Certificate are included in the Health Information Management, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, allowing students to seamlessly continue their education.

Health Information Management, AAS

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Health Information Management (HIM) is a 60-credit hour degree program that prepares students for careers in managing and protecting patient health information. HIM professionals play a crucial role in ensuring accurate health data collection, coding, and analysis, supporting healthcare providers, insurance companies, and research efforts.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) and follows the AHIMA Foundation's curricular competencies for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential. Graduates are eligible to sit for the RHIT exam, facilitated by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

ACCREDITATION
The AAS in Health Information Management is accredited through the CAHIIM. They may be contacted at:

233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st floor
Chicago, IL 60601-5800
312.233.1100
www.cahiim.org

Note: Medical Coding and Billing, Level 1 Certificate and Data Management Applications for Healthcare, Level 2 Certificate are not accredited by CAHIIM

Program Highlights:

• Fully online coursework
• Health Information Management, AAS is Accredited by CAHIIM
• Eligibility for the RHIT credential exam
• Pathway to the Bachelor of Applied Science in Clinical Operations Management at Collin College

SPECIAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of Collin College admission requirements
• Placement at college level in reading, writing, and mathematics (TSI testing)
• Minimum 2.5 GPA, with a grade of "C" or better in all HIM-specific courses
• Submission of a HIM program application, including a 500-word essay and two reference letters

Does not apply to Medical Coding and Billing, Level 1 Certificate and Data Management Applications for Healthcare, Level 2 Certificate

Professional Practice Experience (PPE):

• Onsite PPE requires proof of immunizations, background check, and drug screening
• Virtual PPE (VPPE) is available for students preferring supervised remote activities

Medical Coding and Billing, Level 1 Certificate

The Medical Coding and Billing Certificate is a 27-credit hour program that prepares students for entry-level positions as medical coders and billers. The curriculum aligns with AHIMA and AAPC standards and provides foundational knowledge for students pursuing certification exams such as:

• Certified Coding Associate (CCA) - AHIMA
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) - AAPC
• Certified Professional Biller (CPB®) - AAPC

Certificate Highlights:

• Fully online coursework
• Prepares students for national coding and billing certification exams
• All courses apply toward the AAS-HIM degree
• No separate application required - Any Collin College student in good standing may enroll

Data Management Applications for Healthcare, Level 2 Certificate

The Data Management Applications for Healthcare Certificate is a 17-credit hour program designed for students interested in managing and analyzing healthcare data. This certificate provides training in data management systems, healthcare analytics, and database applications, supporting the increasing demand for health data specialists.

Certificate Highlights:

• Fully online coursework
• Focus on healthcare data management and analysis
• All courses apply toward the AAS-HIM degree
• No separate application required - Any Collin College student in good standing may enroll

Career Pathways & Continuing Education

• Graduates of the Medical Coding and Billing Certificate or Data Management Applications for Healthcare Certificate can continue to the AAS-HIM degree to expand their career options and qualify for the RHIT credential.
• The AAS-HIM degree serves as a foundation for further studies, including Collin College's Bachelor of Applied Science in Clinical Operations Management.

For more information, visit www.collin.edu/him or contact Lydia Danton, Program Director, at LDanton@collin.edu.

Department Website
http://www.collin.edu/him/