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, either through remote learning or 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 classroom is designed to correlate classroom and lab experience with practical (cooperative work) experience in health care facilities.

Graduates of KCC’s HIM program with an AAS degree in Health Information Management are eligible to take the national credential exams for Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). Students may also pursue a coding credential, the Certified Coding Associate (CCA), through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

For more information about the program, please see our program page: www.klamathcc.edu/him

Credit for Prior Learning

This program may provide prior learning credit and extended learning opportunities for persons previously or currently employed in related professions.
For more information: https://www.klamathcc.edu/cpl

Special Accreditation Information

This program has special accreditation, certification, or approval from professional organizations. 
For more information: https://www.klamathcc.edu/accreditation

Program Learning Outcomes

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

• Demonstrate correct documentation, appropriately manage and use health data in the healthcare setting.
• Evaluate and/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 and procedure codes according to current guidelines.
• Collect, report, and interpret database information and computer related health care statistics.
• Research and apply specific scenarios of laws and policies and procedures within the health care delivery system as related to payment systems, healthcare provider information needs, and patient privacy, security, disclosure, and the ethical standards of practice.
• Implement leadership and team collaboration to facilitate change, mentor and engage stakeholders in the healthcare environment.
• Apply professionalism skills in the practicum setting, meeting all HIM learning objectives and competencies.