Health Information Management
Train for a behind-the-scenes career in Health Information Management
Not all healthcare careers happen at the bedside. If you are looking for a non-clinical, purpose-driven career behind the scenes in healthcare that focuses on medical coding, healthcare compliance, data analysis, and information security, our new Healthcare Information Management (HIM) program may prove the perfect career path for you.
What does a Healthcare Information Tech do?
Healthcare Information Technicians collect, analyze, store, and protect patient health information within healthcare systems. They focus on data accuracy, compliance with HIPAA and other regulations, medical coding, data analysis, and utilizing technology to manage electronic health records. Their critical work supports the delivery and improvement of patient care every day. Daily responsibilities typically include the following:
- Help to determine requirements for computerized healthcare systems
- Evaluate and support implementation of health information systems
- Organize and update information in clinical databases
- Compile data and generate reports
- Track patient outcomes for quality assessment
- Validate the integrity of patient data
- Ensure privacy, security, and confidentiality of patients’ health information
What does it take to become a Health Information Technician?
To enroll in Fortis’ NEW Health Information Management (HIM) program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a high school diploma, General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or equivalent
- Be at least 17 years old at the start of studies
- Submit an application form
- Participate in an interview with administrative staff
The Fortis Difference
Once you’ve met all the requirements, you’re ready to enroll in Fortis’ Health Information Management (HIM) program. Why Fortis?
- Personal attention onsite and online
- Instructors who are experienced health information technicians, bringing their first-hand knowledge to the classroom
- Connected career services with locally knowledgeable advisors, connections with local employers and robust career databases. We empower our grads with the skills necessary to approach a job interview ready for success
- Passionate, supportive leadership, staff and instructors dedicated to your success in the classroom and in the job market
- Industry-standard equipment and supplies and technology-driven libraries and resource centers
What does a Health Information Management program at Fortis look like?
Graduates earn a health information management degree (Associate of Science) through a 72-week program that includes an externship.
- Discover Your Specialty
The program covers all key areas in health information management while providing opportunities to focus your learning on your favorite aspects of the field—such as medical coding and compliance, data analysis, and information security. - Hands-On Lab Work with AHIMA Virtual Lab
You’ll get 660 hours of practice using relevant health technology with virtual lab software developed by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). - Real Clinical Experience
After finishing all coursework and lab hours, you’ll complete a 90-clock-hour externship that exposes you to practices, policies, and procedures within health information management departments.
What You’ll Learn
As a student in Fortis’ new HIM program, you’ll learn the essential areas of health information management, including medical coding, healthcare compliance, data analysis, information security and privacy, plus electronic health record (EHR) systems. Guided by experienced health information professionals, you’ll build practical skills that help you support informed healthcare decision-making while protecting the accuracy, quality, and security of patient information.
| Course No. | Course Title | Prerequisite(s) | Lecture | Lab | Extern | Total | Quarter Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AHP100
|
Medical Terminology
|
None
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
AHP214
|
Anatomy and Physiology
|
None
|
40
|
40
|
0
|
80
|
6
|
ENG101
|
English Composition*
|
None
|
40
|
0
|
0
|
40
|
4
|
HIM110
|
Fundamentals of Health Information Management
|
None
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
HIM115
|
Fundamentals of Healthcare Law and Ethics
|
None
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
HIM120
|
Disease Conditions
|
AHP214
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
MAT101
|
College Mathematics*
|
None
|
40
|
0
|
0
|
40
|
4
|
HIM130
|
Health Informatics and Electronic Health Records Management
|
HIM110
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
COM205
|
Effective Communication*
|
None
|
40
|
0
|
0
|
40
|
4
|
HIM125
|
Pathopharmacology for Health Professions
|
HIM120
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
HIM135
|
Medical Coding and Classification Systems
|
None
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
HIM210
|
Introduction to CPT Coding
|
None
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
PSY101
|
General Psychology*
|
None
|
40
|
0
|
0
|
40
|
4
|
HIM215
|
Introduction to Practical Statistics
|
MAT101
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
HIM220
|
Reimbursement Methodologies in Healthcare
|
HIM210
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
HIM225
|
Advanced Medical Coding with Practical Applications
|
HIM210
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
SOC101
|
Sociology*
|
None
|
40
|
0
|
0
|
40
|
4
|
HIM230
|
Healthcare Data Analysis, Quality, and Reporting
|
HIM215
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
HIM235
|
Leadership and Project Management in Health Information Management
|
None
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
HIM240
|
RHIT Review
|
**
|
20
|
40
|
0
|
60
|
4
|
HIM245
|
Health Information Management in Practice
|
**
|
20
|
60
|
0
|
80
|
5
|
HIM250
|
Externship
|
**
|
0
|
0
|
90
|
90
|
3
|
* Indicates a General Education course.
|
Total:
|
540
|
660
|
90
|
1290
|
90
| |
** All preceding program courses as prerequisites
|
Length in Weeks:
|
72
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Length in Months:
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarters:
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
What career opportunities are available for health information management technicians?
Potential entry-level positions in HIM include:
- Health Information Technicians
- Health Information Clerks
- Patient Care Coordinator
- Patient Registrar
- Insurance Claims Clerk
- Medical Coder
- Health Data Analyst
- Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
- Release of Information Specialist