The Career
A career in health Information management (HIM) involves the collecting, storing, securing, retrieving, analyzing and transmitting of medical records and data used by clinicians and healthcare organizations. Professionals with a certificate are prepared to perform entry-level HIM duties including data entry, classification and record-keeping pertaining to medical diagnostic, treatment, billing and insurance documentation.
Professional Traits
Those pursuing a career in this field should:
- Have solid oral and written communication skills
- Be proficient with computer software and technology
- Be open to continuing education
Employment Opportunities
- Acute and long-term care hospitals
- Physician offices and clinics
- Nursing homes
- Home healthcare agencies
- Community mental health clinics
- Health plans
- Insurance companies
- Government agencies
- Outpatient diagnostic facilities
The Program
The ECC Health Information Management certificate program prepares students to demonstrate entry-level competency in medical coding and insurance billing with an emphasis on physician offices and outpatient settings. The normal completion time for the program is 18 months, assuming appropriate placement scores.
The certificate track includes instruction in medical records, health information software applications and data entry, coding and classification. Coursework also includes the fundamentals of medical science and treatment procedures, medical terminology and basic anatomy and physiology. All courses with the HIM prefix are fully online.
In addition, students learn about the regulations pertaining to coding, billing, health information documentation, Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
At completion, students are eligible to sit for a national certification exam to earn their Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential. CCA professionals are able to demonstrate the entry-level competencies necessary to be successful in a health billing and coding environment. ECC also offers a AAS degree in health information management.
Admissions Requirements
Students must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation sent to the registration office)
- Application for admission
- A placement test as specified by the college (some courses require minimum placement results)
Prerequisites
Students need to demonstrate proficiency in reading, English and mathematics based on assessment scores, or by taking the recommended/required classes. Some of the courses in this certificate program have specific prerequisites.
Additional Program Information
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)
29-2071.00
Tuition and Required Fees
$3,800 (In-Distict)
$5,200 (Out-of-District)
Books and Supplies
$2,530.80
Other Fees and Expenses
$535
Accreditation
East Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440
Contacts
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