School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)
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, pathology, 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, and data analysis, quality and supervision in health information.
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).
See Recommended Sequence of Courses
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
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.
Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.
For the graduation policy refer to the Graduating from CNM section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.
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