520 - Health Information Technology (AAS)

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Required: Biology, Algebra

Recommended: Keyboarding and knowledge of Microsoft OfficeProfessional

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

• Working in the Health Information Management HIM profession requires long periods of standing and/or sitting.

• Job duties typically include handling paper documents and use of computer screens.

• Near vision reading of paper records or computer screens, including the use of multiple computer applications, is required 95 percent of the time.

• Documents are handwritten on paper, and other documents and information used are on computer screens, including scanned documents and images.

• The computer screen fonts may be small. The extensive use of a computer keyboard and mouse is required.

• HIM professionals spend the greater portion of the work day reading and analyzing both handwritten and computerized documents and use multiple software applications such as the electronic health record.

• Individuals should assess their personal limitations and abilities within these working environments, as HIM candidates will be assessed in all of these skill sets during the hiring process.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

A tier 1 laptop computer is required for students entering this degree program. Laptop specifications are available at www.alfredstate.edu/required-laptops. (A desktop of similar specifications can be used instead of a laptop for specified courses).

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE EXPERIENCES

The Joint Commission Hospital Accreditation Standards Manual requires hospitals to implement "a process to ensure that a person's qualifications are consistent with their job responsibilities." This standard "applies to staff, students, and volunteers," and it further states the hospital is responsible for verifying "the following according to law, regulation, or hospital policy: information on criminal background." As such, Alfred State students who complete PPEs in the HIT program may be required to undergo a criminal background check before placement at the facility. Be advised that a prior felony conviction may impede a student's ability to participate in a required professional practice experience. The PPE facility may require students to undergo a physical examination (onsite at the facility or by the student's primary care provider) before beginning the professional practice experience. The physical examination may include drug screening, a TB test, and/or DTB, hepatitis B, and/or MMRV, influenza, and/or COVID immunization or status. Students may be required to incur costs associated with the criminal background check and/or physical examination.

NOTE: Students must make appropriate arrangements with their current employer to complete the 160 hours at the PPE host site.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

HIT students are required to earn a grade of at least a "C" or better in each BIOL and MEDR prefix course prior to placement in the PPEs. Students must also earn a grade of at least a "C" in all BIOL, MEDR, and COMP 1503courses to graduate from the HIT program. Students receiving a grade of D/F in MEDR or BIOL courses may attempt the course a second time. If the second attempt results in the grade of D/F, the student will be dismissed from the program.