Health Information Administration

Program Director: Cheryl P. Jackson

The Health Information Administration (HIA) Program offers a four-year program that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Students following the program may prepare for employment in hospitals, clinics, health agencies, health information systems, medical research programs, or any other health-related organization. Graduates are eligible to write the National Certification Examination administered by the American Health Information Management Association. Upon successful completion of this examination, graduates receive the credential of Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

The program offers a flexible curriculum for individuals who have attained a Registered Health Information Technician status and who wish to pursue a higher level of education to that of a Registered Health Information Administrator. The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits the Health Information Administration Program.

Program of Health Information Administration Mission and Vision

The mission of the Department of Health Information Administration is to prepare confident, competent, and contributing professionals, many of whom are underrepresented in the health care professions, to function in ever-changing health information management and technology systems. Graduates will be equipped, through engaging in lifelong learning and confidentiality training, to serve as advocates for patients’ access in the process of obtaining health information and health information privacy.

Our vision is to be recognized as a leader in health information and informatics education and to empower individuals to serve as leaders in the health information management profession.

BS Degree Program in Health Information Administration

Entering freshmen and transfer students must meet the general admission requirements of the university and must complete the required university examinations and courses in English, and mathematics. The mathematics placement testing can be waived for students with transfer credits in College Algebra and Basic Statistics.

The program will accept from transfer students only those prerequisite courses and courses in the major with a grade of C or better.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Health Information Administration program, the graduates will

• Produce organization-wide health record documentation guidelines.
• Analyze clinical data to identify trends that demonstrate quality, safety, and effectiveness of health care.
• Create and implement organization-wide confidentiality policies and procedures.
• Examine and contribute to the development of networks, including intranet and internet applications to facilitate the electronic health record (EHR), personal health record (PHR), public health, and other administrative applications.
• Manage human resources to facilitate staff recruitment, retention, and supervision.
• Apply general principles of management in the administration of health information services.

Admission to the Professional Phase of the BS Degree Program

Admission to the professional phase of the degree program is based on the following requirements and acceptance by the Admissions Committee. All students must complete the prescribed prerequisites as specified in the current curriculum pattern with a grade of C or higher and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. The formal application includes:

• Completed application form
• A professional statement of educational goals
• Completed pre-professional grade form
• Two recommendations on the prescribed College of Health Sciences form e-mailed directly to the HIA Program by the evaluators

Applications and supporting documents should be received in the Health Information Administration Program April 30 for consideration for fall admission to the professional program. Applicants will receive a written response by June 30. Applications will continue to be accepted until July 15, if all places are unfilled.

Progression Policy

Progression of students requires the successful completion of all courses with a grade of C or better. Students are required to assume responsibility for transportation and incidental expenses in connection with the academic program, including professional practice experiences and field trips. Before entering the senior year, students must pass a comprehensive examination for the technical level courses. Students are required to complete the professional program within five years of admission to the program.
Students who leave the program for more than one semester will be required to complete the requirements that are in effect at the time of their return to the Health Information Administration Program.

Graduation Policy

All students must achieve a satisfactory grade of C or better in each health information administration course and co-requisite course. Health information administration courses can be retaken one time only. Also, students must successfully pass all end-of-course examinations and successfully pass the senior competency examination to qualify for graduation.

Dismissal Policy

A grade of C or higher must be maintained in all professional-level courses. A course with a grade lower than C must be repeated, and a student who earns lower than a C in more than two professional courses will be dismissed from the program. A student who receives a D or F in a repeated course will be dismissed from the program.

Readmission Policy

Students who have been dismissed from the Health Information Administration Program for academic reasons may apply for readmission after a waiting period of one year. The usual application procedure is required. Any student who drops/withdraws or leaves the health information administration program for any reason and is readmitted will have to meet the requirements of the current HIA curriculum. Any consideration for student readmission is dependent upon space availability.

Grievance Policy

Students are required to become familiar with the program, and college grievance policies. The policies and procedures can be found in the university catalog, the Health Information Administration student handbook, and on the program’s webpage.

General Requirements

Completion of 121 semester hours of work. These hours include 6 hours in composition; 6 hours in mathematics; 3 hours in oral communication, 11 hours in biological sciences; 3 hours in computer science; 3 hours in physical science; 9 hours in humanities and fine arts (3 hours of which must be in critical thinking); 9 hours in social sciences; 9 hours in required support courses; and 62 hours in health information administration.

Students must pass a comprehensive examination covering all professional course content to pass HIA 4700, which is a requirement for graduation. Students who do not pass the comprehensive examination will be given one additional opportunity to pass an equivalent examination. Students who fail to pass at least one of the examinations will receive a grade of F for HIA 4700. Degree requirements may be individualized for applicants with previously earned registration or certification in an appropriate allied health profession. The program director will determine specific program requirements.

Prospective students should contact the Health Information Administration office: