Health Information Technology, Associate of Applied Science

Program Description

The Health Information Technology (HIT) associate of applied science degree program provides students the opportunity to gain the knowledge and technical skills necessary for managing health information within the health care delivery system. Students will study: anatomy and physiology; medical terminology; diseases; pharmacology and laboratory procedures; the scope of the health information management system; the origin, use, content and format of health records and release of information; ICD-10-CM and CPT coding; health care reimbursement; legal/ethical aspects; data analysis, quality and supervision in health information.

The HIT program is an associate of applied science degree and is designed for the working student.

The HIT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). For further information on accreditation, contact CAHIIM at 233 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2150, Chicago, IL 60601-5519, (312) 233-1100. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the national certification exam. Successful candidates earn the professional credential of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

Special Requirements

Criminal Background: Most of the health programs in HWPS require students undergo the New Mexico Department of Health caregivers criminal history screening program. This involves state and federal felony criminal background checks with fingerprints. This must be completed prior to starting their program or prior to beginning their clinical experiences. Students with a disqualifying conviction can appeal some of those convictions to the School of HWPS. Depending on the program, students may or may not be allowed to remain in the program pending appeal. Students who do not successfully appeal a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to start or remain in the program. A successful appeal does not guarantee eligibility for licensure after graduation in professions that require licensure.

Physical Requirements: Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require the student to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)  Office for more information.

Program Fees: Program fees cover costs incurred on behalf of the student for student-issued equipment, background checks, drug screens, initial treatment/counseling in the event of a needle stick or exposure to bodily fluids, etc.

Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.).

Career and Educational Opportunities

Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.

The health information field has opportunities in hospital medical records/health information departments, clinics, physician offices, long-term care facilities, ambulatory care facilities, managed care organizations, insurance agencies, state health departments, the federal government, entrepreneurship and private industry. Additional career information is available from the American Health Information Management Association.

Assessment Cycle Plans and Reports for this program of study are available.

For the graduation policy refer to the Graduating From CNM   section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.