Program Requirements

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Program Overview

     The Health Information Technology Program of Southern University at Shreveport prepares graduates for careers as health information technicians in various healthcare organizations.  Dedicated to excellence in education, this program fosters a learning environment through the enhancement of technical competency skills and critical thinking skills utilizing a wide range of instructional methodologies.

     The courses offered in the Health Information Technology curriculum provide the student with technical knowledge in such areas as coding for reimbursement and research purposes, qualitative and quantitative health record analysis, legal aspects, record numbering and filing systems, information system applications, and electronic health record concepts.  The curriculum combines the classroom setting, web-enhanced/online coursework, work in a simulated laboratory, and hands-on experience in the clinical setting.

     It is the policy of this program that students may not take the responsibility or the place of qualified staff.  However, after demonstrating proficiency, students may be permitted to undertake certain defined activities with appropriate supervision and direction by a Clinical Site Supervisor.  Students may be employed in the field of study outside regular educational hours, provided the work does not interfere with regular academic responsibilities.  The work must be non-compulsory, paid, and subject to standard employee policies.

     An Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology is awarded upon successful completion of all academic and clinical experiences.

Program Accreditation

The Health Information Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics Information Management Education (CAHIIM).  Program graduates are, therefore, eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).  After successfully passing the examination, graduates obtain the credential RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician).

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
233 North Michigan Avenue – Suite 2150
Chicago, IL  60601
(312)233-1131

American Health Information Management Association
(AHIMA)
233 North Michigan Avenue – Suite 2150
Chicago, IL  60601-5800
(312)233-1100 

Program Academic Admission Requirements

Students wishing to apply for admission to the Health Information Technology Program must:

• Meet the general admissions criteria of the University.
• Complete an application for admission to the Health Information Technology Program.
• Score on the ACT or University Placement Test sufficient to place in college level courses.
• Provide a copy of official transcripts from other colleges or universities attended.
• Achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 and/or better in high school and in previous college course work.
• Complete BIOL 220 and earn a “C” or better prior to gaining admission to the Health Information Technology Program.
• Complete an interview with the Program Director and Selection Committee (if applicable).  

Program Progression Requirements

In order to achieve progress status and remain in good academic standing, the student must:

• Pre-advise with an Health Information Technology instructor/advisor each semester and update the degree plan
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher
• Take professional courses in sequence and earn a grade of “C” or better in each for both the professional and non-professional components of the Health Information Technology curriculum (or permission of the Program Director)
• Achieve a satisfactory evaluation for each professional practice experience resulting in a “C” or better
• If a grade of “D” or below is earned in a non-professional course, the student may progress, provided that the course is not a prerequisite to a course in the professional component of the Health Information Technology curriculum
• Successfully complete the Entry Level Review Seminar at the end of the first year course work
• Agree/consent to criminal background checks prior to entering the clinical phase of the program

Program Requirements for Graduation

The Associate Degree of Applied Science in Health Information Technology is conferred upon a student when the following conditions have been met:

• Successful completion of all required courses
• Achievement of an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher in all Health Information Technology courses
• Successful completion of the Advanced Review Seminar at the end of the second year of coursework
• Clearance of all indebtedness to the University

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
233 N. Michigan Avenue - Suite 2150
Chicago, Illinois 60601
312.233.1131

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
233 North Michigan Ave., Ste. 2150
Chicago, IL, 60601-5800
312.233.1100

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