Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology
2007-09
Refer to pages 183-184 in CNM 2007-09 Catalog.
 | | 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 healthcare delivery system. The HIT program is an associate of applied science degree and is designed for the working student. The majority of students are part time and carry 6-7 credit hours per term while continuing to work full time. |
The HIT program courses are offered in the evening on weekends. Some HIT courses may be offered every other term. The program accepts new students every fall.
Students will study: anatomy and physiology; medical terminology; diseases; 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-9-CM and CPT coding; health care reimbursement; legal/ethical aspects; data analysis, quality and supervision in health information.
The Health Information Technology 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 North 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).
The associate of applied science degree transfers at least 30 technical credits and applicable arts and sciences to the University of New Mexico College of Education toward the Technology and Training (2+2) program. Contact (505) 224-3811 for more information.
Students can complete several courses in the Health Information Technology Program through Distance Learning.
Career and Advancement 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 for the American Health Information Management Association.
Special Requirements
Students are encouraged to enroll in arts and sciences courses prior to admission to the program. Two unpaid clinical experiences must be completed during the program. Volunteer hours are recommended in addition to Professional Practice Experiences I and II. BIO 1310/1392 must be no more than 10 years old at the time of admission into the program.
The specific requirements that must be met before entering the HIT program include:
- Official transcripts must be on file in the CNM Records office. High school diploma or GED score is required. College transcripts that are to be evaluated for transfer credit should be requested as soon as possible
- Completion of program prerequisite courses
- Completion of HIT 1010 (previously HIT 101) - Introduction to Health Information Technology
- Completion of HIT 1030 (previously HIT 120) - Health, Data, Content and Structure
- An information interview with the Health Information Technology program director
Criminal Background Screening
Students are required to undergo a state and federal criminal background check with fingerprints. Students with a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to remain in the program.
Contact Information
Information about this program is available from the program director, Mechel McKinney at (505) 224-3905, or from the School of Business & Information Technology director of instruction, Donna Diller at (505)224-3896, or from Academic Advisement and Career Development at (505) 224-4321 (Main Campus).
HIT Instructors Wanted
CNM is currently seeking qualified instructors for our Health Information Technology program. Learn more.
Helpful Links for Health InformationTechnology and Coding Students
External Links for Health InformationTechnology and Coding Students
