FAQ

Why choose a degree in Health Information Management and Technology?

The information sector of the healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing parts of the industry, and new advances in health-related technologies, patient records, and so on, bring new regulations and new concerns for privacy and security. As a highly skilled HIMT graduate, you will be well positioned to meet these industry needs. Health information professionals maintain, collect, and analyze the data that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers rely on to deliver quality healthcare. They are experts in managing patient health information, administering computer information systems, and coding diagnoses and procedures for healthcare services provided to patients. 

A Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology can be the foundation for a variety of positions including:

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Who is the target audience of this program?

The program is primarily aimed at working adults and individuals returning to college-level studies.

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What are the admission requirements?

The Online University of Wisconsin Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology is a degree completion program designed for students who already have some college credits or a liberal arts–based associate degree. You are eligible for admission to this degree if you have completed at least 60 semester credits of transferable coursework with a 2.0 or better grade point average (GPA). There are also three prerequisite courses:

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Do I need to choose a home campus?

Yes. Although Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology students take classes from all four partner campuses, you will still need to apply to a home campus: UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside, or UW-Stevens Point. Doing so grants you access to specific campus resources such as advising, career assistance, libraries, and financial aid offices.

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What is CAHIIM?

CAHIIM is an independent accrediting organization whose mission is to serve the public interest by establishing and enforcing quality standards for health informatics and health information management education programs.

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Why does an institution seek CAHIIM accreditation?

Program accreditation by CAHIIM provides assurance that the program offered provides a quality education and adheres to professionally required knowledge and skills.   CAHIIM accreditation is necessary in order for graduates to be eligible for the AHIMA professional HIM Certification Exams, as required for RHIA certification. A graduate is required to have completed an accredited CAHIIM program to be eligible to take the exam and become certified.

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What if my program of choice is a candidate and not yet accredited by CAHIIM?

Students enrolled in or who graduate from programs in candidacy status will be eligible to apply for the AHIMA professional certification exams once the program has achieved CAHIIM accreditation. The UW HIMT program director will inform students when this program status has been achieved.

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UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside and UW-Stevens Point offer the HIMT degree but UW-Green Bay is the first to seek accreditation by CAHIIM at this time. What does this mean?

CAHIIM accredits each program independently.  UW-Green Bay is the first campus in the UW System to seek accreditation and therefore, if AHIMA professional certification exams are of interest to you, please speak with your adviser for additional guidance.

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Are there any course prerequisites?

The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology has three prerequisite courses. You will need to complete them, or equivalent courses, before taking specific Health Information Management and Technology coursework. UW campus equivalents or other college/university equivalents may be substituted. The three prerequisite courses are:

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How do I apply?

Apply using the Online Admission Application. In the application, choose the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology and one, or more, of the three participating campuses: UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside, and UW-Stevens Point. Submit your $44 application fee ($44 per application) and request that official college and high school transcripts from all institutions you have attended be sent directly to each campus to which you are applying.

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Do I need to take the ACT or SAT?

If you have an associate degree or equivalent coursework, the ACT or SAT is not required.

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How do I know whether my credits will transfer?

Courses completed at other colleges or universities that have descriptions closely matching the descriptions of courses taught at the home campus will generally transfer as direct course equivalents.

If you have completed coursework at a University of Wisconsin or Wisconsin Technical College System campus, you can use the University of Wisconsin Transfer Information System to evaluate how your credits might transfer to your Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology home campus.

Once you have been admitted as a transfer student and confirm your intention to enroll, your home campus will conduct a complete credit evaluation.

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What campuses are offering this degree?

UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside, and UW-Stevens Point have developed this degree program in collaboration with UW-Extension. Additional instruction is being offered by UW-La Crosse.

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Is this an online program?

Yes, this degree is offered completely online; there are no on-campus meetings or requirements. Books and materials are handled through an online bookstore.

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Are there specific enrollment/start times?

You may enter the program at the beginning of any term (fall, spring, or summer). Courses are offered in fall (starting early September), spring (starting late January), and summer (starting early June) semesters.

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Who are the instructors for the program?

Courses in the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology program are taught by faculty from the four participating campuses. Online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology courses have the same rigor, requirements, and top-notch faculty as their on-campus counterparts.

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How long does it take to complete a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology degree?

It depends on how many courses you take in a semester. You are required to take 20 three-credit courses. Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer sessions, so it would be possible to complete the degree in two years, but only if you take full credit loads (approximately four Health Information Management and Technology courses) each semester.

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How long do I have to earn my degree?

There is no completion deadline. You may take as many semesters as you need to earn your degree.

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Are there benefits for veterans?

Yes, benefits are available for veterans. Contact the Veterans Coordinator at your home campus for detailed information.

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Can I get financial aid?

A variety of financial aid opportunities are available for returning adult students. Contact the Financial Aid office at your home campus for detailed information.

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What are the tuition and fees?

Tuition for the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology is $390 per credit. All courses are three credits. Textbooks are purchased separately and are not included in tuition. There are no additional course or program fees.

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What subjects will the program cover?

The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology covers subject areas such as healthcare terminology, programming and software development, healthcare systems and organizations, quality assessment and improvement, and healthcare billing and coding.

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What courses are required?

You are required to take all 16 core courses in the curriculum. There are no electives, and, because of the unique nature of the program, no other courses may be substituted for courses in the curriculum. You then choose one of the two 4-course concentrations: either Health Information Management or Health Information Technology. You will take 20 courses in all.
A complete course listing is available.

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Can credits from another institution transfer to be used toward this degree?

Transfer credits can be used to satisfy the first 60 credits, but not for the balance of the degree requirements. The 20 courses are all required; none are electives.

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Are internships a required part of the program?

Students are encouraged to participate in internships that provide opportunities for them to apply what they learn in work or field settings, but no internships are required.

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How can I contact an adviser?

Contact an adviser at 1-877-UW-LEARN (877-895-3276) or himt@uwex.edu.

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