Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Information Management (HIM)

Introduces the field of health information management. Content areas include an overview of the electronic patient record, professional roles within the field, professional organizations and the professional Code of Ethics; the content and structure of manual, computerized and hybrid health record and the standards that govern the development of the record within a health care facility; viewing medical documents and e-forms. Hands-on lab experience will be used by students to develop their confidence and competence with employing this type of clinical information technology in the practice of their profession.

Applies technology to HIM practice including electronic health records, clinical information systems, and management information systems in HIM. Hands on experience with electronic systems and technology applications for creating, managing, and storing and retrieving electronic health data will be used by students to develop their confidence and competence with employing this type of clinical information technology in the practice of their profession.

Studies of the U.S. judicial system; hospital, medical staff and other professional liability; health information as evidence; consent for treatment; retention and release of medical information; the health record as a legal document; risk management, prevention and potential; confidentiality of health information; and a patient's right to know.

Focuses on the roles of classification systems, vocabularies, terminologies, and clinical and administrative data standards in the healthcare setting. Topics include the utilization, collection, maintenance, and retrieval of specified health vocabularies and data in healthcare facilities. The course will also focus on the relationship between the systems and processes for standardization in health information exchange.

Calculates meaningful clinical, administrative, vital, and public health statistics; addresses 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.

Focuses on the concepts, principles, tools, and strategies utilized in managing operations within a performance improvement model. It includes problem solving and decision making models as well as tools and techniques for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the available resources which comprise a Health Information Service.

Provides a foundation for designing databases and analyzing healthcare data to enhance clinical and administrative decision-making. Topics include database management, data analysis, data reporting, SQL, statistics, data mining, and data visualization. Students will have practical experience with software applications used in the healthcare industry.

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.

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.