Credits Required

3

3

 5

56

6

5

5

5

8

4

73

17

3

3

3

3

3

2

39

3

3

3

3

3

 3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

OST 1335

 8

3

3

3

 3

64

FIRE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY
Programs: AS-5980 & AAS-5980
   This program is designed for students planning careers in fire science and/or private industry. The program emphasizes preparation of students for leadership and managerial level positions. The program is offered in cooperation with Ridge Technical Center where the fire courses are offered.
   Students scoring below required levels on state mandated placement tests in English, reading, and mathematics are required to enroll in and complete the appropriate College Preparatory course(s) before enrolling in some program requirement courses.

Credits Required

3

3

3

3

4

2

36

3

3

3

6

HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Programs: AS-5480 & AAS-5480
The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment in the Health Information Management (HIM) field as a Health Information Technician (HIT). Rapid growth in the health care industry and awakened awareness with the importance of accurate, quality health information has created an increasing demand for Health Information Technicians. A Health Information Technician is responsible for the collection, analyzation, interpretation, classification, research, quality and confidentiality of health care records/data. The HIT professionals possess the knowledge and skills necessary for maintaining health care records/health information systems in correlation with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, accrediting and regulatory agencies.
   There is an array of entry level opportunities for a HIT graduate. Entry level opportunities vary depending on the graduate's education, work experience and place of employment. The HIT professional can expect to find employment in all areas within the health care industry including; hospitals, long term care facilities, clinics, physician offices, behavioral healthcare organizations, insurance agencies, government agencies, and veterinary clinics. Positions often held by HIT graduates are; coder, health record technician, quality assurance coordinator, and supervisor. Rapidly advancing technology is making this an exciting and dynamic field. Job placement for graduates has been excellent and forecasts indicate that the demand for this profession will continue to grow.

ACCREDITATION STATUS
The Health Information Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in cooperation with the Council on Accreditation of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

PROGRAM HOURS
Most courses will be offered Monday through Friday; the HIT core courses are offered primarily during the early evening hours.

POTENTIAL SALARIES
Credentialed HIT practitioner's salaries are influenced by the type of setting, experience and difficulty of work with salaries ranging between $24,000 and $50,000.

REGISTERED EXAM
The HIT program includes general education and technical courses, which include lecture, laboratory and clinical practicum experiences. Upon successful completion of the program, the students will have an Associate in Science Degree in Health Information Management. Graduates are eligible to take the Accredited Registered Health Information Technician examination, administered by the American Health Information Management Association. Successful candidates will become an Accredited Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

ADMISSION CRITERIA
The following criteria are required prior to admission to the Health Information Technology Program:
1. Acceptance to Polk Community College as a credit student with all required admission documents received by the Registrar.
2. At the time of application, an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 or higher.
3. At the time of application and admission, a GPA of 2.00 or higher in all prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better in each course.
4. Completion of any required college prep courses.
5. COMPLETION OF THE FOLLOWING PREREQUISITE COURSES BY THE AUGUST START DATE:
   • HSC 1531 Medical Terminology
   • BSC 2085C Anatomy & Physiology I
   • BSC 2086C Anatomy & Physiology II
   • CGS 1061C Introduction to Computers and Information     Systems
   • CGS 1100 Business Applications on Micro-Computers
6. Pre-admission consultation with the HIM Program Manager
7. Submission of a complete and accurate application for the Health Information Technology (HIT) Program to the Program Manager by the application deadline of June 30, for the following fall class. Applications are available by contacting the Program Manager. The application must contain ALL of the above listed requirements.
‰ Please contact the Program Manager for the program/ schedule advisement. 297-1010 Ext. 5370.