|
I am interested in health information management, but where should I start?
The answer to this question depends on your career goals and your ability to balance education with other life commitments. The answer to some of the questions that follow may help in your decision.
In what type of health care or health care-related settings do HIM professionals work?
HIM professionals work in all types of direct care settings (hospitals, clinics, long term care facilities, home health agencies, hospices, rehabilitation and behavioral health settings) as well as non-care settings such as insurance companies, billing companies, health information vendors, government agencies, law firms, and more. Some HIM Programs are focused at physician practice, clinic, or outpatient facilities, while others provide employment options in a wider range of settings and others focus on hospitals. Generally, programs focused at hospital employment or those preparing for a broader scope of settings require more credits of instruction and thus take longer to complete. Phoenix College offers certificate and associate degree programs. Baccalaureate and master’s level programs are provided by other institutions outside the state of Arizona.
Can the Phoenix College programs be completed via part-time enrollment?
All HIM Programs can be taken on a part-time basis. Most can also be completed full-time. Watching course prerequisites is important when developing a schedule. Program advisors and directors work with each student to develop an individualized curriculum plan.
Are any of the HIM courses offered in the evening?
Certificate program courses are offered most frequently in the evening while the AAS degree program has a mix of day and evening courses. Some courses are rotated day/evening from one semester to another.
What if I start with one HIM program and decide I really want to change to another HIM program?
All of the HIM Programs begin with the health care core classes so the entry foundation is the same. Most (but not all) of the certificate program courses are part of the AAS degree program in Health Information Technology. Starting with a certificate program could give you a feel for the profession while earning credits that transfer to the degree program. Many of the certificate programs have common courses as well so it is not difficult to move from one HIM program to another.
Can I apply credits taken at other colleges to these programs?
This depends on the type of college attended and the courses taken. The HIM Programs use transcript evaluations performed by the Phoenix College Admissions and Records Office. If you believe you have credits that might apply, please have official transcripts sent from your prior school directly to Admissions and Records at Phoenix College. If applicable, prior course work may provide opportunity for advanced placement in a program.
Will I get actual experience in my professional area prior to program completion?
First, many HIM courses include laboratory activities that simulate the work environment. You will be given opportunity to learn computer concepts and health information process applications in those labs. Most recently, the HIM Department has added an educational application of an electronic hospital health record. It will be used for activities in a number of HIM courses.
The HIT AAS degree program and both coding programs also require professional practice courses where students are assigned to area health care settings. Each semester of placement is for a total of 75 clock hours. The hours are usually spread over the entire semester, averaging about 5 hours per week. Students in these professional practice courses must meet special health requirements. Mores specific information is shared with each student the semester prior to placement.
Can I apply my health information work experience to these programs?
This depends on the type of experience and the length of time of employment. Experience is evaluated by faculty in the Department to determine if job skills match course competencies. Determination of any advanced placement based on experience is done based on documentation supplied by the student and is done on an individual basis.
How much do the programs cost?
Course costs are yearly evaluated by the Maricopa County Community College Governing Board. A fee is set per credit hour, so costs per semester depend on the number of credit hours for which a student is enrolled. In addition, most courses that include a laboratory have special laboratory fees and some courses have technology fees. The Schedule of Classes provides the current fee information. Finally, almost all HIM program courses require textbooks. Accurate textbook information can be obtained from the Phoenix College Bookstore.
|
|
|
| Phone |
(602) 285-7350 |
| Fax |
(602) 285-7528 |
| Department Office Hours |
| Monday | 7:00am - 4:00pm |
| Tuesday | 7:00am - 4:00pm |
| Wednesday | 7:00am - 4:00pm |
| Thursday | 7:00am - 4:00pm |
| Friday | 7:00am - 4:00pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
 |
