Q. What is a Registered Health Information Technician?
A. A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a associate of science degree graduate of a Health Information Management program who has successfully taken the national exam. RHITs handle and manage health information where ever health information is generated or housed. RHITs are responsible for interpreting, analyzing, scanning, coding, abstracting, and auditing health data. RHITs in some healthcare offices are responsible for supervising and managing employees and departments.
Q. When does the program start and what is the application deadline for the program?
A. The program officially begins in August (Fall semester) of each year. If students have met the majority of pre-requisite courses, applicants may enter at the beginning of each semester with the program coordinator and Chairperson’s approval.
Q. What are the application requirements?
A. To apply to the program, you must have ENC 1101 – English Composition 1 completed. It is highly recommend that BSC 2085/L, BSC 2086/L, CLP 1006, PHI 2604, and SPC1026 be completed to reduce the total credit load during program enrollment.
Q. What are the admissions/selection criteria?
A. Because enrollment is limited in this program, admission/selection criteria is based on the number of required general education and science courses completed at the time of program selection with top priority given to students that have completed all of the required general education and science courses. Additionally, GPA is included in the selection process.
Q. Can I apply if I have not completed all of the general education and science courses?
A. Yes. Your application will be reviewed. If you do not meet the selection criteria, your application will stay on file for three years.
Q. How much does the program cost?
A. As of June 2008, the cost of tuition is $78.24 per college credit for in-state students and $282.27 per college credit for out-of-state students. Here are estimates for total tuition, based on 67 credits at these per-credit rates. In-state students: $5,243.00. Out-of-state students: $18,913.00. Tuition is due at the beginning of each term and can be determined by multiplying the number of credits by the cost per credit hour. Additionally, over the course of the program, students should expect to pay approximately $550 for books, $35 for lab jacket, $15.50 for malpractice insurance and $10.50 for health insurance annually. Most laboratory courses have an additional fee between $10.00 and $45. All costs are subject to change.
Q. What kind of degree will I be awarded when I graduate?
A. You will receive an Associate of Science in Health Information Management.
Q. What are the hours of the program?
A. The program is an evening program. Pre-requisites and selected HIM prefix courses are offered online through Virtual College.
Q. Can I work while I am a student in the program?
A. Yes. The majority of program students work either part-time or full-time. Students are encouraged to work a maximum of 20 hours per week to be successful in the program
Q. Do you assist with job placement after graduation?
A. The Medical Center Campus does not provide job placement. Through the Career Center located in the New Student Center on the Medical Center Campus, graduates may review employment opportunities that have been forwarded to the Career Center.
Q. Do I need to take a test to work in this profession after graduation?
A. No. It is not a requirement however graduates are more apt to find employment with credentials. Graduates may sit for the Registered Health Information Management Technician (RHIT) licensure exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association. Students are prepped before graduating the program.
Q. What is the approximate annual salary for graduates of this program in this area?
A. In the South Florida area, entry-level graduates may expect to earn an annual salary of $24,000 - $35,000 if employed full-time. This does not include a sign-on bonus, benefits or overtime.
|
