Health Information Technology Associate Degree

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following settings: hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, mental health facilities, home health agencies, state and federal health agencies, and private industry as a (an):

• Coding Specialist
• Release of Information Specialist
• Health Information Technician
• Insurance/Business Specialist
• Reimbursement Coordinator
• Data Quality & Integrity Monitor
• Privacy and/or Security Officer
• Data Analyst
• HIM Supervisor

Requirements for Program Entry

• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM APPLICATION
• Completed application.
• High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ENTRY
• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
• Attend mandatory online program orientation.
• Complete the caregiver background check and required immunizations. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
• Students are expected to have entry-level computer and keyboarding skills. It is recommended that students complete basic computer and keyboarding skills coursework if deficient in this area.

Program Availability

A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more by contacting one of our Admissions Advisors.

Curriculum

Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Health Information Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.

First Semester

10-890-101

College 101

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-501-107

Digital Literacy Healthcare

2

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-501-107 DIGITAL LITERACY FOR HEALTHCARE...the course will explore the use of the electronic health record, the role of social media in health care communication, the uses of wearable technologies that monitor activity and heart rate, the use of data to manage population health and the impact of new developments on the healthcare workforce.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-501-101

Medical Terminology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-501-101 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ...focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

6

Second Semester

10-530-162

Foundations of HIM

3

10-530-162 FOUNDATIONS OF HIM ...introduces learners to the healthcare delivery system, and the external forces that influence healthcare delivery. Sets an understanding for the expectations and standards related to professional ethics, confidentiality and security of health information. Differentiates the use and structure of healthcare data elements, data standards, and the relationships between them. Prepares learners to collect and maintain health data to ensure a complete and accurate health record. ***It is highly recommended students have basic computer skills prior to taking this course. Students should know how to use web browsers and basic functions Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Word.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-806-189

Basic Anatomy

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-806-189 BASIC ANATOMY ...examines concepts of anatomy and physiology as they relate to health careers. Learners correlate anatomical and physiological terminology to all body systems. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 15; OR preparatory courses-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-801-136

English Composition 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-530-178

Healthcare Law & Ethics

2

10-530-178 HEALTHCARE LAW & ETHICS ...examines regulations for the content, use, confidentiality, disclosure, and retention of health information. An overview of the legal system and ethical issues are addressed. (Corequisite: 10-530-162 Foundations of HIM)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-530-182

Human Diseases for Hlth Profes

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-530-182 HUMAN DISEASE FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS ... prepares learners to interpret clinical documentation that they will encounter in a variety of healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding the common disorders and diseases of each body system to include the etiology (cause), signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests and results, and medical treatments and surgical procedures. (Prerequisite: 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; Co-requisite 10-806-189, Basic Anatomy)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-530-197

ICD Diagnosis Coding

3

10-530-197 ICD DIAGNOSIS CODING ...prepares students to assign ICD diagnosis codes supported by medical documentation with entry level proficiency. Students apply instructional notations, conventions, rules, and official coding guidelines when assigning ICD diagnosis codes to case studies and actual medical record documentation. (Prerequisites: Accepted in Health Information Technology program or Medical Coding Technical Diploma; Corequisites: 10-530-182, Human Diseases for Health Professions and 10-530-162, Foundations of HIM)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

17

Third Semester

10-530-184

CPT Coding

3

10-530-184 CPT CODING...assign CPT codes supported by medical documentation at entry level; apply CPT instructional notations, conventions, rules, and official coding guidelines; case studies and actual medical record documentation. (Corequisite: 10-530-182, Human Diseases for Health Professions)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-530-199

ICD Procedure Coding

2

10-530-199 ICD PROCEDURE CODING ...prepares students to assign ICD procedure codes supported by medical documentation with entry level proficiency. Students apply instructional notations, conventions, rules, and official coding guidelines when assigning ICD procedure codes to case studies and actual medical record documentation. (Co-requisites: 10-530-182, Human Diseases for Health Professions)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...this course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-530-159

Healthcare Revenue Management

3

10-530-159 HEALTHCARE REVENUE MANAGEMENT... Prepares learners to compare and contrast health care payers, evaluate the reimbursement cycle and compliance with regulations. Learners assign payment classifications with entry level proficiency using computerized encoding and grouping software. (Prerequisites: 10-530-197, ICD Diagnosis Coding; Corequisites: 10-530-199, ICD Procedure Coding; 10-530-184, CPT Coding)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-530-165

Intermed Coding

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-530-165 INTERMEDIATE CODING ...prepares students to assign ICD and CPT/HCPCS codes supported by medical documentation and official coding guidance to support appropriate reimbursement. Students will participate in CDI activities, including preparation of appropriate physician queries in accordance with compliance guidelines (Prerequisites: 10-530-197 ICD, Diagnosis Coding, 10-530-199, ICD Procedure Coding; Co-requisites: 10-530-184, CPT Coding, 10-530-159, Healthcare Revenue Management)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

14

Fourth Semester

10-530-167

Manage HIM Resources

3

10-530-167 MANAGEMENT OF HIM RESOURCES ...examines the principles of management to include planning, organizing, human resource management, directing, and controlling as related to the health information department (Prerequisites: 10-530-162, Foundations of HIM)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-804-135

Quantitative Reasoning

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-804-135 QUANTITATIVE REASONING ...This course is intended to develop analytic reasoning and the ability to solve quantitative problems. Topics to be covered may include: construction & interpretation of graphs; descriptive statistics; geometry & spatial visualizations; math of finance; functions and modeling; probability; and logic. Appropriate use of units and dimensions, estimates, mathematical notation, and available technology will be emphasized throughout the course. (Prerequisite: Next Gen QRAS score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR TABE A 9/10 Math greater/equal to no equiv AND Rdg greater/equal to 8.8; OR TABE 11/12 Math greater/equal to no equiv AND Rdg greater/equal to 573; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 21 AND ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16; OR a C or better in Mathematical Reasoning-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall

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10-530-163

HC Stats & Analytics

3

10-530-163 HEALTHCARE STATISTICS AND ANALYTICS ...explores the management of medical data for statistical purposes focusing on descriptive and inferential statistics including definition, collection, calculation and compilation of numerical data. Examines data analytics, retrieval, presentation and research methodologies (Prerequisites: 10-530-162, Foundations of HIM; Corequisite: 10-804-135, Quantitative Reasoning)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-809-198

Intro to Psychology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

12

Fifth Semester

10-530-164

Intro to Health Informatics

3

10-530-164 INTRO TO HEALTH INFORMATICS ...emphasizes the role of information technology in healthcare through an investigation of the electronic health record (EHR), business, and health information software applications. Learners will develop skills to assist in enterprise information management and database architecture design and implementation (Prerequisite: 10-530-162, Foundations of HIM; 10-501-107, Digital Literacy for Healthcare)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-530-166

HIT Capstone

1

10-530-166 HIT CAPSTONE ...explore technical skills and professional attributes desired for the HIM profession, and conduct activities to assess one’s own readiness to enter the health information industry (Prerequisite: 10-530-163, Healthcare Statistics & Analytics; 10-530-167, Management of HIM Resources)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-530-161

Health Quality Management

3

10-530-161 HEALTH QUALITY MANAGEMENT...explores the programs and processes used to manage and improve healthcare quality. Addresses regulatory requirements as related to performance measurement, assessment, and improvement, required monitoring activities, risk management and patient safety, utilization management, and medical staff credentialing. Emphasizes the use of critical thinking and data analysis skills in the management and reporting of data. (Prerequisite: 10-530-163, Healthcare Statistics and Analytics, and 10-530-167 Management of HIM)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-530-196

Professional Practice

3

10-530-196 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE ...applies previously acquired skills and knowledge by means of clinical experiences in the technical procedures of health record systems and discussion of clinical situations. Student may participate in a supervised clinical experience in healthcare facilities (Prerequisite: 10-530-165, Intermediate Coding; Corequisites: 10-530-161, Health Quality Management; 10-530-166, HIT Capstone; 10-530-164 Intro to Health Informatics)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-809-172

Intro to Diversity Studies

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-172 INTRO TO DIVERSITY STUDIES...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

13

Total Credits

62

Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-501-XXX, 10-806-XXX, and 10-530-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.

The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an institutional requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements.

Flexible Learning Option

A majority of the Health Information Technology program courses are offered in an online format. | This program may be completed in a part-time or full-time format.

Program Outcomes

• Apply data governance principles to ensure the quality of health data.
• Apply coding and reimbursement systems.
• Apply informatics and analytics in data use.
• Apply organizational management techniques.
• Model professional behaviors and ethics.

Start here. Finish at a four-year.

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Accreditation

The Health Information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Industry Credentials

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national accreditation examination offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

Professional Practice Experience

Students will be required to provide their own transportation to assigned sites, and cover any other expenses related to professional experience. Students may be expected to travel distances to assigned sites. | Students will be required to submit immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program. | Students are required to petition for a professional practice assignment. Students may petition by submitting a "Petition to Enter Professional Practice" form to the Health Sciences Department office according to the following schedule: -Spring semester Professional Practice deadline is October 31 -Fall semester Professional Practice deadline is March 31 | NWTC will make every effort to place students in the semester they request. However, NWTC cannot guarantee a site or an assignment in the semester being requested. | Students will be required to show proof of an annual flu vaccine prior to placement at PPE site.

Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.castlebranch.com AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.

Note

• A candidate who does not meet the requirements for program entry should meet with an NWTC counselor to develop a learning plan to make up any deficiencies through testing or course work.
• Students considering going on to a 4-year HIA Degree or Cancer Registrar Certification should consider taking General Anatomy & Physiology in place of Basic Anatomy.

Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.