Health Informatics and Information Management (AS)

Code diagnoses, protect patient privacy

Health Information Technicians code, analyze, secure, and maintain patient health information. Duties typically include coding diagnoses, processing reimbursements, managing the release of information, protecting patient data privacy, and assisting in the building and enhancement of electronic health record documentation systems used by healthcare providers.

Upon successfully completing DSU’s online or hybrid Health Informatics and Information Management (AS) program, you are eligible to take the national exam sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and earn the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential. DSU students achieved a 100% pass rate for 2021-2022. Competencies for the AHIMA Data Management Tracks and Revenue Management Track are included within the Health Informatics and Information Management (AS) program curriculum.

Become an expert in Health Informatics and Information Management

Learn to understand the meaning and location of data collected in healthcare. Analyze health data and interpret it for reimbursement, improvement, and decision-making. Comply with the documentation laws and regulations of accrediting agencies. Students are required to complete all HIM courses with a grade of “C” or above. They are required to complete supervised professional practice experiences at a healthcare or healthcare-related facility. In addition, student proof of immunizations is required prior to scheduling supervised professional practices. All students need background checks before working onsite for supervised professional practice. Students pay background checks and liability insurance fees for the completion of supervised professional practices.

Check it out!

Try out the free sample lesson in HIM 150 Introduction to Health Information Management.

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South Dakota's Workforce and Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA)

This program is an eligible provider for South Dakota’s Workforce and Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) program. WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.
WIOA brings together, in strategic coordination, the core programs of federal investment in skill development:

• Employment and training services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth and Wagner-Peyser employment services administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) through formula grants to states; and

• Adult education and literacy programs and Vocational Rehabilitation state grant programs that assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining employment administered by the U.S. Department of Education (DoED).

Preparation with accreditation

The Health Information Management accreditor of Dakota State University is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the Associate of Science degree in Health Informatics and Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2029-30. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.

The AS HIIM, BS HIIM, and MS HIIM programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Upon successfully completing DSU's online HIIM program, you are eligible to take the national exam, which is sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). You can also earn a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential.