School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)
Description
The need for specialists who understand both the medical record and the technology aspects of the electronic health record will be in high demand as the healthcare industry transitions from a paper-based health record to an electronic one. This program prepares students to work in the profession of electronic health records. Graduates will be able to provide support for health information management systems but will not have training in medical coding.
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 through the New Mexico Department of Health. 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.
Other Compliance Requirements
Many of the health programs in HWPS require students to undergo a routine urine drug screen, provide documentation of current immunizations, have a current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (CPR) certificate and other training prior to beginning the program or beginning clinical education, all of which, along with the criminal background check, are verified through the Office of Verification and Compliance.
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, etc.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites. (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.)
Approximate Costs of this Educational Option
Financial Aid Considerations
Career and Educational Opportunities
Graduates with this certificate would be able to be employed in acute care settings, nursing homes, rehabilitation hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, anywhere the medical record is kept.
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.
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