HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, ASSOCIATE DEGREE
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Department of Public Health
Academic Complex Office 413
Phone: (270) 745-3548
Fax: (270) 745-4903
Webpage: http://www.wku.edu/healthinformationmanagement/
Program Accreditation: The HIM associate degree program is accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Graduates of
the associate degree program are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
national certification examination administered by the American Health Information Management
Association (AHIMA).
Degree Offering: Associate of Science
Program Description
The associate degree curriculum (reference number 243) is designed to prepare the health
information technician to maintain components of health information systems consistent with the
medical, administrative, ethical, legal, accreditation, and regulatory requirement of the health care
delivery system. In all types of facilities, and in various locations within a facility, the health
information technician possesses the technical knowledge and skills necessary to process, maintain,
compile, and report health information data for reimbursement, facility planning, marketing, risk
management, utilization management, quality management and research; abstract and code clinical
data using appropriate classification systems, and analyze health records according to standards. The
health information technician may be responsible for functional supervision of the various
components of the health information system.
Career Opportunities in Health Information Management
The majority of Registered Health Information Technicians (RHITs) are employed in health
information departments in a variety of settings. With expanding uses of healthcare information,
RHITs are finding opportunities for employment in hospitals, industrial clinics, state and federal health
agencies, private industry, long term and mental health care facilities.
College of Health and Human Services Resources
The Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) is the student success center for the College of Health and
Human Services. The mission of ACE is to provide resources to students in the College of Health and
Human Services that will help them attain their educational, career and life goals. This mission is
fulfilled through a comprehensive array of programs and services to support academic success among
the CHHS students. The Center provides academic advising, assistance with degree program
completion, and career exploration/planning. It also houses a computer lab and study/work space for
our students.
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11038, Bowling Green, KY 42101-1038 • 270-745-2425 • Fax: 270-745-7073 • www.wku.edu/chhs
© 2016 Western Kentucky University. Printing paid from state funds, KRS 57.375
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