Health Information Management, A.A.S.

(CIP 51.0707)

281-756-5659

Purpose: A degree in Health Information Management (HIM) will prepare the successful student for a technologically advancing career in Medical Coding and Health Information Management. The HIM field is entwined in every aspect of health care and includes acquiring, organizing and analyzing patient medical information. It encompasses knowledge of information technology, science, and business. HIM professionals play a significant role in ensuring patient records are accurate, complete, and protected. Health Information Management Technicians work for hospitals, physician’s offices, urgent care facilities, vendors, insurance companies, Electronic Health Records (EHR) software companies, and more.

Program Overview: Alvin Community College offers a Health Information Management (HIM) program, which includes a Certificate II in Medical Coding and an AAS in Health Information Management. Instruction for the Certificate II and AAS HIM courses are offered online. Upon completion of the Coding Certificate students may sit for a coding credential sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). HIM students completing the AAS Degree will sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential sponsored by AHIMA.

Accreditation:

The Health Information Management accreditor of Alvin Community College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for Associate degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2029-2030.

All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.  

CAHIIM

233 N. Michigan Ave 
21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601-5800
Phone: (312) 233-1134
Email: info@cahiim.org

Admission Requirements

1. Be a high school or GED graduate.
2. Apply to ACC and fulfill the admission requirements.
3. TSI (Texas Success Initiative) requirement satisfied as determined by ACC’s testing and placement policies.
4. Apply to the Health Information Management Program (online or in office).
5. Complete the personal statement.
6. Pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
7. All students are required to make a “C” or greater for all Health Information Management (HITT) courses.
8. Current immunizations required for clinical rotation.
9. COVID vaccination required for clinical rotation.

Transfer of HIM Credits  

HIM courses completed at another college or university will be considered for credit if the course contains similar content, comparable hours (classroom and clinical), and a grade of “C” or better.   

Students transferring the Coding and Classification Systems course (HITT 1341) must have completed the current medical coding system for credit.  If the current medical coding system was not instructed (ICD-10- CM and ICD-10-PCS), students have the option to retake the course or take it as an “audit course”. Students enrolled in “audit” courses must complete all required coursework and maintain a 70% or better grade.  Audit courses will not be reflected on the student’s ACC transcript.    

Program Progression/ Dismissal   

Students will abide by the admission and curriculum requirements of Alvin Community College and the HIM Department at the time they are admitted or re-admitted to the program.  

1. Once a student has enrolled in the HIM Program, all courses must be completed in the proper sequence as shown in the catalog degree plan or must have the approval of the Program Director.  
2. No grade below a C will be acceptable for progression.  
3. All students must demonstrate competencies associated with the program curriculum within the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) domains as required by accreditation standards outlined by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).   
4. Students may be dismissed from the program in the event they are asked to leave a professional practice experience (PPE).  The student may not be allowed to continue in the program depending on the severity of the issue. 
5. Only two (2) attempts in any HIM course will be permitted. If a student does not obtain a C or better in the HIM core courses with two attempts, they can no longer continue in the program and are not eligible to return.  
6. Students must complete the program within five (5) years after initial acceptance.  If a student returns to complete the program after five years, they must start over at the very beginning and repeat the entire program.