Oct 10, 2024  
Catalog 2023-2024 
    
Catalog 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

Location(s): In Person and Online


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Program Overview

Major ID: 264A

Program Start Dates: Fall 

Health Information Technicians play a vital role in the health care industry by participating in the creation, completion, distribution and retention of medical record documentation according to policies and procedures outlined by several regulating bodies such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) and Medicare.

Individuals enrolled in the program will obtain a broad body of knowledge that will allow them to become employed in many capacities within a health information department. Some of the positions include such tasks as: release of information, various registries, incomplete chart room, processing of medical documentation, coding and abstracting, and may include supervisory or leadership roles based on skill and ability. Students who successfully complete the Health Information Technology degree may apply to write the national certification examination given by the American Health Information Management Association. Upon successful completion of the certification examination, the credential of Registered Health Information Technician is awarded.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Health Information Technology degree will find positions in various health care settings such as private physician offices, clinics, specialty clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation facilities. Employment can also be found in government offices, the insurance industry, dental and chiropractic clinics, and information technology suppliers.

Program Outcomes

  1. Graduates will apply basic medical sciences in accordance to the profession.
  2. Graduates will demonstrate use of office and healthcare-based software applications.
  3. Graduates will demonstrate the use of health information management practice standards.
  4. Graduates will perform accurate medical coding in accordance with official guidelines for coding and reporting.
  5. Graduates will perform health information data analysis.
  6. Graduates will model professional and ethical behavior consistent with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Code of Ethics.
  7. Graduates will interpret and apply federal regulatory standards as applied to healthcare. 

Program Faculty

Jennifer Anglin
jennifer.anglin@saintpaul.edu

Kelly Dale
kelly.dale@saintpaul.edu

The Health Information Technology AAS Degree Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (www.cahiim.org).

Part-time/Full-time Options

This program can be completed by using a combination of online, day, evening, and Saturday courses. Part-time and full-time options are available.

Admission into the Program

Being admitted to Saint Paul College does not imply admission into the Health Information Technology Program.

All Health Information Technology students are required to complete an online orientation seminar to complete documentation prior to beginning any courses within the program of study.

Students admitted into the Health Information Technology Program are required to work with a faculty program advisor to arrange an educational program plan leading to graduation from the program.

Health Information Technology students are encouraged to communicate with their faculty program advisor prior to the start of each semester regarding their educational program plan. *Failure to communicate with a faculty program advisor may lead to increased time to complete the degree.

Transfer Opportunities

Saint Paul College has transfer agreements & partnerships between many post-secondary institutions. For more information please go to saintpaul.edu/Transfer.

Program Requirements


All classes must be successfully completed with grade “C” or better.

Subtotal: 47 Credits


General Education/MnTC Requirements


Refer to the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) Course List  for each Goal Area

General Education Requirements: 17 Credits


Course Sequence for Full-Time Schedule


The following course sequence is recommended for full-time students. Students must consult with a program advisor to develop an educational program plan before registration.

All classes must be successfully completed with grade of “C” or better.

Total Semester Credits: 16

Second Semester (Year 1)


Total Semester Credits: 15

Total Semester Credits: 17

Fourth Semester (Year 2)


Total Semester Credits: 16

Course Sequence for Part-Time Schedule


The following course sequence is recommended for part-time students. Students must consult with a program advisor to develop an educational program plan before registration.

All classes must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better.

First Semester (Year 1)


Total Semester Credits: 9

Total Semester Credits: 10

Total Semester Credits: 12

Fourth Semester (Year 2)


Total Semester Credits: 12

Fifth Semester (Year 3)


Total Semester Credits: 10

Sixth Semester (Year 3)


Total Semester Credits: 11

Total Program Credits: 64


Information is subject to change. This Program Requirements Guide is not a contract.

Minimum Program Entry Requirements
Students entering this program must meet the following minimum program entry requirements:

Reading: Score of 250+ or grade of “C” or better in READ 0722  or READ 0724  or EAPP 0900  

Writing: Score of 250+ or grade of “C” or better in ENGL 0922  or EAPP 0900  

Arithmetic: Score of 250+

Assessment Results and Prerequisites: Students admitted into Saint Paul College programs may need to complete additional courses based on assessment results and course prerequisite requirements. Certain MATH, READ, and ENGL courses have additional prerequisites.

Computer Skills: Basic computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheets, and Internet usage or a grade of “C” or better in BTEC 1418 .

Students must have successfully completed the following required courses with a “C” grade or better:

General Education Courses

Technical Education Courses

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