Health Information Technology AS Degree

Associate in Science | SC Program: AS.1600

The Associate of Science in Health Information Technology program prepares students for a career working with health information in a variety of healthcare settings in diverse roles. Health Information Technology professionals perform the essential functions of acquiring, analyzing, maintaining and securing health information vital to providing quality patient care. Health Information Technology graduates are employed in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, ambulatory care facilities, long term care facilities, home health agencies, consulting firms, and any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors. Upon program accreditation, graduates will be eligible to apply for writing the national examination for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). The Health Information Technology program is designed to prepare students for entry into Shasta College’s Health Information Management Baccalaureate Degree program.

This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

Health Information Technology is also part of the Accelerated College Education (ACE) program at Shasta College. ACE is designed for working individuals desiring to complete their college education through a more flexible, alternative pathway. Most of the courses are structured in 8-week compressed blocks, but the program also offers some full-term courses. ACE provides program-specific counselors, support staff, and priority registration for ACE specific courses.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

• Apply the knowledge and skills needed to perform HIM Associate Degree entry-level competencies as defined by the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) Council for Excellence in Education (CEE).
• Apply the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass the national Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam.
• Compete in the job market in the field of health information technology or enroll in an advanced degree program.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as an individual and collaboratively in a group to resolve health information challenges in a changing healthcare environment.

Health & Safety Clinical Clearance

All students participating in clinical experiences must submit proof of immunity through immunizations or serum titers, cleared criminal background check, negative drug screen, current physical examination and negative TB screening. Students are financially responsible for meeting these requirements according to the established program process. Specific information is available on the Health and Safety Requirements tab on the website or students may call the Division Office (530-339-3600).

Student Fees

Fees students may incur aside from the ordinary course enrollment fees:

• Textbooks/Virtual Lab software access fee
• Transportation cost to/from professional practice site (HIT 60)
• Background check fee and required immunizations cost for student’s professional practice experience (HIT 60)

Degree Requirements

In addition to the required 37-39 unit general education pattern for CSU or IGETC, students must complete the core courses listed below for the Associate of Science in Health Information Technology Degree. Students must also obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 with a grade of C or higher in all courses required for the major. A “P” (Pass) grade is not an acceptable grade for courses in this major.