Advising Tips
Health Information Management & Technology
Associate Degree | 10-530-6
www.cvtc.edu | 1-800-547-2882
General Information
Academic Advising & Student Success
Academic advisors assist students with developing academic plans based on their degree evaluations. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services & Support).
Academic Support
Free academic help including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available on Commons (Student Services & Support).
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wishes to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of the class to be eligible for a tuition refund. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.
Financial Aid Consideration
Courses must be part of the student's program to be eligible although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted.
Students with Disabilities
CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.
Title IX Pregnancy and Postpartum
CVTC does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy and maternity leave will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student's medical provider, and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Students are encouraged to contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to set up an appointment as soon as the pregnancy is known.
Pre-Program Information
Students who have pre-program status have been accepted into the college but not into the program. Pre-program status may be granted because the program is filled to capacity, admission requirements need to be satisfied, or the program start date is in the future. For more detailed information, visit the Pre-Program Health Advisement page.
Criminal Background Check
This is an admission requirement. Students will be provided direction on how to request a criminal background check from a third party vendor. Upon receipt of the criminal background check results, if a student has a criminal history, they will be advised of the possibility of being denied clinical placement. This denial will result in not being able to attend clinical(s) or graduate from the program. Additional background checks may be required during the student's enrollment in the program based on clinical site requirements. Students will be informed by CVTC if they need a criminal background check renewal.
Helpful Background
Before beginning this program, students should have experience with the basic use of Microsoft Windows (word processing, spreadsheet, databases, and presentation software). Students who have little to no experience with these applications are strongly encouraged to take 103-102 Microsoft Office Suite before starting the program.
Demanding Coursework
The HIMT program is academically rigorous. Students are encouraged to complete general education courses as pre-program, and/or during summer semesters, in order to lighten credit load during the fall and spring semesters. Note: A grade of "C" or better ("C-" is not acceptable) is required in all courses of the program, including general education courses.
Students wanting to attend part-time should take all general education classes as pre-program. Students should remain as pre-program until they are ready to enroll in all first semester program courses.
Courses Available to Pre-Program Students
By completing the courses listed below ahead of time, students can decrease their credit load when they reach the highly demanding core program courses and increase their success rate in the program. It is strongly recommended that pre-program students complete these courses while waiting to enroll (or before enrolling) in the core program. Students who complete these courses as pre-program students will NOT be able to finish the program early; core program courses must be taken sequentially.
These courses are typically taken by pre-program students:
- 836-113 Prep for Basic Biology (If needed for admission)
- 836-133 Prep for Basic Chemistry (If needed as prerequisite for 806-177 General Anatomy & Physiology)
- 501-101 Medical Terminology (Best if taken before 806-177 General Anatomy & Physiology, if possible)
- 530-182 Human Disease for the Health Professions (Prerequisite: 501-101 Medical Terminology and 806-177 General Anatomy and Physiology, or taken concurrently)
- 806-177 General Anatomy & Physiology (Prerequisite: High School Chemistry or 836-133, or taken concurrently)
- 801-136 English Composition 1
- 804-189 Introductory Statistics
- 801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication
- 809-172 Intro to Diversity Studies or 809-195 Economics
- 809-198 Introduction to Psychology
Please Note: Students who complete these courses as pre-program students will not be able to finish the HIMT program early, because program core courses involve many pre-requisites and must be taken sequentially.
Transfer Credit
Students planning to transfer to a university have the option to take 200-level courses that will count toward general education requirements in the four-year degree being pursued. While some of the 100-level general education courses listed on the program sheet may meet approval for transfer, the 200-level courses are more widely accepted for transfer. To determine what courses may transfer, utilize Transferology.com. Students should also contact the college or university they are pursuing to determine exactly what the school will accept and when to seek admission. Students should maintain contact with the other institution, given that program requirements are subject to change.
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Required 100-Level Courses |
Alternate 200-Level Courses |
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801-136 English Composition 1 |
801-219 English Composition 1 |
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801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication |
810-205 Interpersonal/Small Group Communication |
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809-198 Introduction to Psychology |
809-251 General Psychology |
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809-172 Intro to Diversity Studies or 809-195 Economics |
809-272 Race & Ethnicity in the U.S. or 809-291 Principles of Microeconomics or 809-292 Principles of Macroeconomics |
Program Information
Technology Requirements
Students must have regular access to a computer with an internet connection. Additionally, students will be required to have a webcam and headset with a microphone and speakers. Students may purchase a webcam and headset from anywhere they choose. However, there are a couple options available for purchase through eCampus, CVTC's online bookstore, and can be charged to financial aid if funds are available.
Having access to a laptop/computer with reliable Wi-Fi will be necessary. Please check to make sure that it meets the minimum recommended specifications below:
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Windows/PC |
Mac |
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Operating System: RAM: 8GB |
Operating System: RAM: 8GB |
Pre-Entrance Health History and Physical Exam
A pre-entrance health history and physical examination must be completed and on file three weeks prior to entering the core courses of this program. The Admissions office will notify students at the appropriate time with a specified deadline.
Course Delivery Methods
The HIMT program courses are delivered in an online and MyChoice format. MyChoice courses allow students to complete coursework in person or online depending on their needs, which can vary from week to week. Specific time for face-to-face delivery will be scheduled and always available, but it's the student's choice to attend. Students are expected to complete assignments and tests through an online learning management system (Canvas). Organization and time management skills, along with regular access to a computer with high-speed Internet connection, are essential for student success.
Course Sequence
Most core program courses are designed to be taken in consecutive semesters for optimum learning and to ensure the student can successfully complete the program in a timely manner. General education courses do not have to be taken in any particular order, except that the required Math course must be taken before or concurrently with 530-118 Healthcare Statistics & Data Analytics. All first semester courses must be completed prior to enrolling in the coding courses of the program. It is strongly recommended that students meet with an academic advisor to design a student education plan to facilitate program success.
HIMT Practicum
This program includes HIMT Practicum which provides application of previously acquired skills and knowledge in the technical and managerial clinical experiences in health care facilities. This course will prepare students for the RHIT certification and examination, as well as employment activities such as resumes, interviews, and job readiness. Application will take place both in the MyChoice course delivery format and in a supervised clinical setting.
Clinical Compliance
To be in compliance with CVTC's partnering clinical agencies and the agencies' regulating bodies, for example the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), students must be prepared to abide by vaccination mandates and health and safety guidelines as directed by those bodies.
Professional Certification
The HIMT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write the national certification exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to earn the credential of a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). This certification is required by employers for many positions in the field. For more information, please visit the AHIMA website.
Healthcare Data Analytics Certificate
Students looking to expand their knowledge in Healthcare Data Analytics have an opportunity to earn a Technical Certificate in Healthcare Data Analytics. The certificate includes HIMT coursework and two courses from the IT area. The IT courses are 8-week courses, offered fully online, with an in-depth study of specific database tools and hands-on activities. Learn more about the Healthcare Data Analytics Certificate.
Advanced Degree Opportunities
The HIMT program has articulation agreements with several universities, whereby many of the HIMT program courses are accepted into their 4-year programs of Health Information Management or Healthcare Management. More information is located in Commons (Records & Registration/Transfer).
Last Updated: March 25, 2024 @ 11:17 a.m.
Printed: 5/2/2024 4:53 a.m.