What is Health Information Management?
Health Information Management Technology (HIMT) is a five-semester, fully online program* with credentials built into the curriculum that you'll earn along the way. In fact, you can earn a medical billing and medical coding certificate within the first three semesters of the program. This valuable credential will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to gain employment while you continue your education and makes you eligible to sit for various external medical coding and/or medical billing certification exams.
* While instruction for this program is completely online, during the Professional Practice portion of your training, where you will gain experience and meet curricular competencies, you will work with a medical facility or company that may require on-site attendance.
Program Achievement/Outcomes
Employment Rate: Within 6 months of graduation 40% of graduates went on for continuing education, 40% of graduates were working in the field, and 20% were not actively seeking jobs in major. *
Retention Rate: 93.3% persistence from 2022 program entry through spring 2023 and 60% retention for fall 2022 to fall 2023 to return to the program (2023 graduates).
Graduation Rate: 83.3% of the students retained from fall 2022 to spring 2023 completed and 17% are continuing.
Student Satisfaction: 100% of the graduate students were satisfied ***
*2022-2023 6-month student graduate survey
***2022-2023 6-month student graduate survey
To view the curriculum and the information packet click here.
Employment Forecast
Nationally and regionally, the future outlook for careers is above the national average. Credentials earned through this program are national credentials, which means you can apply outside the state you reside for employment and have a valid credential.
Professional Practice Requirements
If you live within a 20-county radius of WSCO or within 50 miles of Marietta, you will be placed in clinical sites for your Professional Practice course. Those who reside outside the surrounding area will need to work with the professional practice coordinator three semesters prior to registering for the professional practice course to ensure ample time to conduct research, secure a clinical site, and establish a contract.
Upon successful completion of the Health Information Management Technology degree, students are eligible to sit for the following external certification exam:
*The Associate's Degree Health Information Management Program is in Candidacy Status, pending accreditation review by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
CAHIIM accreditation shows that a program is assessed and undergoes quality assurance annually and meets rigorous standards set forth by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and is committed to continuous improvement. A health information management technology (HIMT) program does need to be accredited by CAHIIM for students to be eligible to sit for the registered health information technician (RHIT) certification exam. Being accredited by CAHIIM does not guarantee a student will pass the RHIT certification exam. The HIMT program at Washington State College of Ohio will still seek CAHIIM accreditation without the RHIT certification exam requirement because employers recognize CAHIIM-accredited programs for providing the necessary education and training for health informatics and information management professionals and graduates of these programs are often preferred in the job market.
Being accredited by CAHIIM allows students of Washington State College of Ohio assurance of receiving an education that meets industry standards, preparing them effectively for careers in health information management. Part of the CAHIIM accreditation process is ensuring our HIMT program complies and is accountable to stakeholders, including students, employers, and regulatory bodies and this enhances the institutions and program credibility and trustworthiness.
While this program is open to everyone, we have developed it especially for those who have a busy lifestyle and need flexibility. So, if you work full-time, have a family, are looking for a career, or need additional credentials and education to advance your career, you can be successful in the HIMT program.
Applicants are urged to apply early. You must have the following to apply to the HIMT degree program:
- Complete a Washington State College of Ohio application for admission.
- Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED Certificate.
- Submit an official high school transcript or GED Certificate, and official transcripts from any college(s) attended.
- Complete an application for the HIMT program.
- Submit three (3) non-family references.
- Successfully complete the one-week free online readiness course. (Starts Monday at 8:00 a.m. and ends Saturday at 5:00 p.m. every week. Sign up here.
- Completed H.S. Algebra II (or higher) or MATH 0106.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher when applying, and upon program entry.
- A grade of “C” or above is required in all courses.
To learn more:
Admissions
740.568.1900
admissions@wscc.edu
Health Sciences Office
740.885.5648
Christina Manley, Director of HIMT
740.568.1910
cmanley1@wscc.edu
Schedule a time with a Student Success Coach
https://appointments.wsco.edu/
Text 740.697.5652
Email healthprograms@wscc.edu
Application Deadlines
Submission Dates: November 1, 2024 - July 15, 2025
Information Packet
Apply Online
WSCO Online Readiness Course (Must be completed before submitting the application below)
