Current Students
Application to the program (traditional undergraduates only)
Traditional undergraduate HIM students must first be accepted to St. Scholastica. Visit our traditional undergraduate admissions section for more information.
Students apply to the Health Information Management Program during spring semester of their sophomore year. Admission to the program is based on a cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, grade of C (2.0) in all courses required by the major, and completion of the department's admission process, including a panel interview.
What classes do I need to take?
Course schedule
Wondering what classes are offered when? Looking for CRNs to register? Visit the online course schedule.
Tranferring to St. Scholastica
Interested in transferring to St. Scholastica's Health Information Management program? You probably have a lot of questions. We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help guide you through this process.
Professional Practice Experience
The Professional Practice Experience for our traditional students consists of a three-week placement in a regional hospital, a two-week experience in a large medical center, ambulatory clinic or specialized facility and a one-week exploration of non-traditional HIM practice. Our students have enjoyed experiences in Seattle, Honolulu, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Tampa, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco as well as in Minnesota-based settings. You'll have the opportunity to choose among dozens of excellent sites across the nation.
Student Health Information Management Association (SHIMA)
SHIMA promotes education and social interaction among students interested in health information management and provides an opportunity for involvement in community service.
Job postings
As a service to our students and alumni, we will post any job openings we are aware of. We generally are not informed when positions are filled so some of the older postings may not be current.
Placement
Nationally, the demand for health information managers far exceeds the number of qualified professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the field will grow by 21% over the next decade, which is faster than average. As an RHIA you can expect an entry-level salary in the lower $40,000 range.
Because of the reputation of our graduates, you can expect excellent placement opportunities. St. Scholastica alumni can be found from Maine to California in a variety of positions inside and outside the hospital setting. Some examples of those positions include:
Anna Koland '05
Health Information Management Supervisor
Columbia Park Medical Group
Fridley, MN
Katie Engesser '03
Health Information Specialist
Gunderson Lutheran Hospital
LaCrosse, WI
Michelle Mathieu, RHIA '95
Director Health Information Service & Quality Improvement
Northern Maine Medical Center
Fort Kent, ME
Daniel Pothen, MS, RHIA '98
Consultant
Deloitte and Touche
Los Angeles, CA
Amber Johnson, RHIA '00
Excellian Team Leader - HIM
Allina Hospitals and Clinics
Minneapolis, MN
Mara Anderson, RHIA '04
Operations Manager - HIM
Foedtert Hospital
Milwaukee, WI
Melissa Yang, '04
Compliance Specialist
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
St. Paul, MN
Katherine Miller, RHIA '01
Record Technology Manager
Hennepin County Medical Center
Minneapolis, MN
Course descriptions
 BIO 1036 - Biology of the Cell
Introduction to cell biology, intended for students who are not majoring in the natural sciences (biology majors take BIO 1110 and 1120). Topics include the study of structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids; study of the structure, function and behavior of cells; an introduction to cellular metabolism. 2 class hours. Prerequisite: CHM1020 or CHM 1110.
BIO 2110 - Anatomy and Physiology I
Introductory study of anatomy and physiology of the vertebrate body with an emphasis on the human. Topics include an introduction to cells, tissues, and systems organization, osteology, fluid compartments, gross and microscopic anatomy, physiology of the circulatory system, body defense systems and the gross anatomy of musculature. 3 class hours, 3-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 or BIO 1036.
BIO 3020 - Pathophysiology
Study of the general mechanisms of disease at the cellular and molecular levels, including abnormalities of fluid distribution, the inflammatory process, abnormal immune mechanisms, and neoplastic disease, followed by an application of the basic principles of pathologic processes to diseases of the neurologic, endocrine, reproductive, hematologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal and digestive systems. Prerequisite: a completed course in Anatomy/Physiology.
CIS 1007 - Introduction to Databases
The course emphasizes the use of the computer as a tool to manipulate data and produce information. It includes a practical application software emphasis which highlights the use of databases. Students will learn how to create tables, forms, queries, reports and macros using a small-scale database management system. Prerequisites: None.
CIS 1008 - Introduction to Spreadsheets
The course emphasizes the use of the computer as a tool to manipulate data and produce information. It includes a practical application software emphasis which highlights the use of spreadsheets to make decisions including the use of formulas, functions, charts and graphs, consolidating data, lists and data management and macros. Prerequisites: None.
CIS 3105 - Management Information Systems
Provides an understanding of the ways in which computer- based information systems are used in organizations. This course involves students in the process of developing and modifying information systems which support crucial problem solving and decision-making in organizations. Prerequisite: CIS 1004.
CIS 3107 - Database Modeling
Provides an understanding of fundamental concepts in the management of data, hands-on experience with a small-scale database management system, and an awareness of the application of business data base management systems. Lab exercises involve use of a relational DBMS to load, update and retrieve information from a database. Prerequisite: CIS 1007.
HIM 2101 - Medical Language
The study of terminology common to medicine; utilizing word elements as a basis for building medical terms and analyzing meanings; defining, pronouncing, and spelling commonly used medical terms; conversion of layman’s terms to appropriate medical terminology. In addition, terminology of specific medical allied health specialties (surgery, dentistry, radiology, etc.) and abbreviations are reviewed.
HIM 2101 - Medical Language
The study of terminology common to medicine; utilizing word elements as a basis for building medical terms and analyzing meanings; defining, pronouncing, and spelling commonly used medical terms; conversion of layman’s terms to appropriate medical terminology. In addition, terminology of specific medical allied health specialties (surgery, dentistry, radiology, etc.) and abbreviations are reviewed.
HIM 2112 -
HIM 3211 - Classification Clinical Data
Introduction to classification systems utilized in collecting, maintaining and retrieving specified clinical data in a variety of healthcare settings. Emphasis on ICD 9 CM and ICD-10-CM/PCS coding of data by manual or computer methods; relationship of coding to reimbursement; specialized and emerging classifications and nomenclatures. Prerequisite: HIM 2101 &2102, HIM 2110 & 2111 and BIO 3020.
HIM 3311 - Managing Human Resources
Overview of quality management principles; supervisory management related specifically to managing health information services; employee selection, training and development; labor relations and employee relations; managing difficult employees and implementing disciplinary policies; employee performance; evaluation and compensation. Prerequisite: HIM 2110.
HIM 4231 - Clinical Quality Management
Techniques for calculating meaningful clinical, administrative, vital, and public health statistics; medical staff organization and function; evaluation of patient care; clinical information analysis; integrated quality improvement activities; patient safety; case management; utilization management; risk management; and performance improvement processes. Prerequisites: HIM 3211.
HIM 4232 - Ambulatory Reimbursement Syste
Coding hospital outpatient and physician office records using the CPT/HCPCS coding system; reimbursement issues related to ambulatory/outpatient coding.. Prerequisite: HIM 3211.
HIM 4315 - Management Tools and Strategie
Problem solving and decision making techniques; performance and production monitors; tools and techniques for process improvement and workflow analysis; project management; financial management concepts essential for managing departmental operations; the healthcare financial environment; financial statements, capital and operational budgeting. Prerequisite: HIM 3311.
HIM 4411 - HIS Strategies & Applications
Principles of information systems development; user involvement in application design and implementation; review and assessment of existing and emerging health care information systems applications. Prerequisites: HIM 4222, HSC 2203, CIS 3105, 3107, 3108.
HIM 4421 - Alternative Health Record Syst
Health record content and format; regulatory and accreditation requirements; privacy & security requirements, data standards and classification systems; computerized information systems; reimbursement and compliance issues; quality measures and reporting, and current trends and issues in a variety of types of primary healthcare settings. Prerequisite: HIM 4231, HIM 4232.
HIM 4423 - Applied Research in Health Information Management
This course focuses on the role of applied research in health care services, health informatics, and health information management. Topics include research design, research methods, evaluation and outcomes research, research process, data analysis, the data-to-information-to-knowledge continuum, and ethical issues in research. Students will analyze published research projects, develop a research proposal and data collection tool(s), prepare an IRB submission, conduct and present the results of an applied research study.
HIM 4530 - Progression Prog Clin Visits
Clinical Visits is a component of the professional practice experience for students in the distance/online program. Students visit and learn about the information systems in specialty or unique non-hospital settings, agencies or facilities. Prerequisites: Permission of HIIM Department.
HIM 4540 - Progression Prog Admin Proj
Administrative Project is a component of the professional practice experience for students in the distance/online program. The focus is on defining and conducting a faculty-approved practice-related project with the support of an on-site mentor. Prerequisites: Permission of HIIM Department.
HIM 4550 - Progression Prog Affiliation
Management Affiliation is a component of the professional practice experience for distance/online students. It provides a supervised professional practice experience that focuses on management or other approved practice environment. The Management Affiliation can be completed in hospitals, medical centers, clinics or other alternative settings across the United States. Prerequisites: Permission of the HIIM Department.
HIM 4555 - Professional Practice Placement
This is a supervised professional practice experience (internship) that includes managerial or other related professional practice roles and experience in health information management departments and other health information related areas. Hospitals, medical centers, clinics and alternative healthcare facilities across the United States are used. An administrative project, visits with users of health information (finance, decision support, registries, etc.) or unique healthcare facilities or agencies are an integral component of the clinical internship.
HIM 4556 - Seminar in HIM
Seminar is a student-centered experience revolving around internship experiences. Students discuss and present professional practice experiences; share learning experiences, and present project work. In addition, employment preparation and career opportunities are a focus. HIM professionals in unique career settings are invited to interact with the students. Preparation for the credentialing examination is explored to help the student transition successfully into the professional world. Prerequisite: HIM 4555 or HIM 4530, 4540, 4550.
TRS 3311 - Rel Prspctvs Health Care Ethic
Explores a variety of concrete biomedical ethical problems within our society and the healthcare system from a religious and ethical perspective. This course examines the role of new technologies, the threat of dehumanization, the questions of euthanasia, patients' rights, genetic engineering, transplantation and fetal research from Catholic and Protestant ethical thinkers.
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The bachelor's and master's degree programs at The College of St. Scholastica are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
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