Health Information Management AAS

Two-Year Associate of Applied Science Degree

The Health Information Management (HIM) AAS degree program is designed to meet increasing health industry demands for trained health information specialists. This program includes a combination of human science, computer technology, and health information courses that prepare the student for employment in health care organizations. The program includes both theoretical instruction and practical laboratory experience on the Klamath Community College campus and through affiliations with other health care providers in the area.

Health information management professionals hold diverse and unique skill sets. They are experts in data collection, analysis, monitoring, maintenance, and reporting activities in accordance with established data quality principles, legal and regulatory standards, and professional best-practice guidelines. These functions include processing and using health data for treatment, billing, compliance, and surveillance purposes.

The program begins each fall term with a maximum of 20 students. The classroom is designed to correlate classroom and lab experience with practical (cooperative work) experience in health care facilities.

Currently, there are two national certification exams available through National Health Career Association (NHA). After completion of the HIM program, students will be eligible to test for the electronic health record specialist and/or billing and coding specialist certifications. Klamath Community College is an NHA testing center site for both exams.  Students may also pursue a coding credential, the Certified Coding Associate (CCA), through American Heath Information Management Association (AHIMA). The CCA distinguishes coders by exhibiting their commitment to the profession while demonstrating coding completion and competence. Students who are interested in pursing data analytics and quality management may seek certification from the National Association Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate correct documentation and how a diagnosis is supported through documentation, clinical findings and discharge status.
• Promote the importance of healthcare policy making as it relates to the healthcare delivery system.
• Evaluate or implement the use of clinical quality measures and/or core objectives for patient care by healthcare providers.
• Analyze classification and terminology systems for diagnosis/procedure codes according to current guidelines.  
• Summarize the test standards and information to pass a national exam in health information management.
• Apply professionalism skills in the practicum setting.