Coders are skilled in classifying medical data from patient records in a hospital setting. These coding practitioners: Review patients’ records and assign alphanumeric codes for diagnoses and procedures. They possess competency in the ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT coding systems. The knowledge base includes medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology. The Shelton State Community College Health Information Technology program (HIT) is designed to prepare individuals to construct medical records and clinical databases, retrieve data, control security and quality of records, and data entry. The program includes instruction in clinical and biomedical sciences, information management, database management, medical coding and validation, information security, quality improvement, health information content and structure, medical business procedures, and legal requirements of health information. The student receives laboratory simulation and hands-on experience under the guidance of HIT professionals.
Coding accuracy is highly important to healthcare organizations, and has an impact on revenues and describing health outcomes. Certification is an implicit industry standard. Student who complete this certificate can apply to take the CCS certification examination through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Individuals with the CCS credential demonstrate tested data quality and integrity skills, and mastery of coding proficiency. Professionals will be able to code in the inpatient and outpatient settings.
Employment of health information technicians is projected to grow 13% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, 2018.
Admission Procedure:
- Apply online for admission to Shelton State Community College.
- Submit copies of official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended to the Office of Enrollment Services for evaluation for course credits and GPA.
- Meet all academic requirements and complete program admission requirements (listed below).
Admission Requirements:
- Complete and submit online HIT program application by July 1 each year to begin program in fall semester.
- A copy of ACT reading score of 17 or higher Or a copy of ACCUPLACER reading score of 244 or higher. The reading scores must be current within the last five (5) years.
- An overall GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale on all college coursework completed, and a GPA of 2.5 or higher on the required general education courses and HIT 113 (a grade of 70 “C” or above must be earned in the required general education courses and HIT 113 ).
- Completion of prerequisite general education courses with a grade of C (70) or higher grade: MTH 116 or higher MTH, ENG 101 , and HIT 113 .
- Attendance to a Health Services Program Information Session within a year of making application to the program.
