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Career Information
Health Informatics encompasses understanding technology’s impact on people, developing new uses for technology and applying information technology in the context of another field. GHSU offers an applied informatics bachelor’s degree in health information administration. This degree prepares graduates for informatics-related roles in healthcare. Graduates may take a national credentialing exam to become a Registered Health Information Administrator.
Health information administrators organize information used in evidence-based medicine.They arm the provider with organized evidence to support patient care, reimbursement, teaching, research, quality improvement and legal inquiries. Accomplished in the art and science of electronic information systems, these professionals advocate for the patient-provider relationship and serve as information suppliers for the business side of evidence-based medicine.
Skills and Interests Suited to a Career in Health Information Administration
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Health information administrators manage people and information. They must be able to supervise others, think logically, understand how systems function and interact, apply business theory for effective work processes, write and speak clearly and discreetly handle confidential work. Related interests include computer science, business administration, health sciences and healthcare facility administration.
Opportunities for an applied health informatics career are excellent. H.I.A.s are currently in demand and the outlook is predicted to remain strong. Health information administrators are employed by hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, medical research centers, health data organizations, insurance companies, accounting firms, law firms, managed-care organizations, pharmaceutical companies, physician practices, health agencies, local and state health departments, information systems vendors and private industry.
A nationwide shortage of health information administrators will ensure that there will be ample opportunities to advance to higher-level management and consulting positions in healthcare.
The mean salary for H.I.A. is $57,445 annually, depending on location and levels of responsibility. Salaries of experienced professionals may exceed $75,000. Consultants can earn in excess of $100,000.
For additional information, visit our website at www.georgiahealth.edu/alliedhealth/dhi.
GHSU grants a bachelor of science degree in health information administration. The program is a “2+2,’’ meaning the student completes the first two years at any accredited college of choice, and the last two years as a GHSU student. Students begin the GHSU program fall semester of their junior year. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the national registration exam to become a Registered Health Information Administrator.
GHSU also offers a post-baccalaureate certificate program in health information administration to licensed nurses or allied health professionals or to those with a bachelor’s degree in business or healthcare administration or computer science. For more information, contact the Office of Academic Admissions.
Both programs are offered completely online. The bachelor of science degree program is also offered in an on-campus setting.
Admission is based on college grade point averages, personal interviews and assessment of motivation and qualities needed to complete the program. Only grades of C or better will be accepted in transfer. A 2.3 overall GPA on a 4.0 scale is required. References should be from individuals who can evaluate academic performance.
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 550 paper-based.
In addition to demonstrating personal characteristics appropriate for a health professions career, students must satisfy general and specific technical standards for this program. Visit www.georgiahealth.edu/alliedhealth/dhi/techstandards.htm to review these requirements.
GHSU participates in all federal student aid programs as well as state and private programs. GHSU helps students fund their education through grants, scholarships, loans, a service commitment program and/or employment.
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
c/o AHIMA
233 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2150
Chicago, IL 60601
312-233-1131
Hardware/Software Requirement
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Hardware:
IBM-compatible PC
- 1 Ghz Intel or AMD processor (minimum)
- 1 GB of RAM (minimum)
- CD-ROM minimum, CD-RW or DVD-RW recommended
- 40GB hard drive (60GB or higher preferred)
- SVGA (1024 x 768 or higher) display
- Full duplex sound card with speakers/headphones and microphone. Webcam highly recommended.
- Windows operating system,Windows XP or higher required
- Highspeed Internet connection through an ISP account or a network; cable, DSL or satellite required (dialup NOT acceptable.)
MacIntosh computers are only acceptable if bootable into Windows.
Software:
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher
- Windows Media Player 10.0 or higher for access to Tegrity presentations
- Microsoft Office Professional 2007 (including Access 2007)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 (or higher)
- Winzip
Proprietary browser versions (those not downloaded directly from Netscape or Microsoft) may not work reliably with online systems. If you use other “Office” type programs, some professors may require you to convert your files to an MS-Office compatible format for online submission. Your Internet connection may initiate behind a firewall; however, the firewall settings may have to be adjusted to allow for proper functioning of our Web-based tools.
Online Course Readiness Assessment Tool
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The University System of Georgia provides an online tool to help you determine if you are a good candidate for online courses. Visit www.alt.usg.edu/sort to assess your readiness.
Applications should be received by June 1, but will be accepted until the class is filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Students must complete a criminal background check and drug screen; see H.I.A. Student Handbook for details.
Apply online at www.georgiahealth.edu/Admissions, or contact
Office of Academic Admissions
170 Kelly Building–Administration
Georgia Health Sciences University
Augusta, Georgia 30912
Telephone: 706-721-2725
800-519-3388
E-mail: Admissions@georgiahealth.edu
Courses to Take the First Two Years
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The courses required to graduate from GHSU comprise a core curriculum divided into six categories (A-F). The options for completing these prerequisites for transfer to GHSU are listed below. Courses can only be used in one Area.
| A. Essential Skills |
9 semester hours |
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| English Composition I |
3 hours |
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| English Composition II (literature-based) |
3 hours |
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College Algebra, Mathematical Modeling,
Trigonometry, Pre-calculus or Calculus |
3 hours |
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| B. Institutional Options** |
4-5 semester hours |
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Introduction to Computers
Critical Thinking
Creative Writing
Ethics
Health and Wellness
Statistics
Economics
Speech
Medical Terminology
Any approved guided elective from Area F |
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| C. Humanities and Fine Arts** |
6 semester hours |
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Ethics
Foreign Language
Speech, Oral Communications
Literature
Philosophy
Drama, Art or Music Appreciation
Logic
Electives in Humanities and Fine Arts
Religion |
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| D. Science, Mathematics and Technology |
10-11 semester hours |
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| One eight-hour laboratory course sequence in Chemistry, Biology, or Physics AND an additional course in Science, Mathematics, or Technology |
| E. Social Science** |
12 semester hours |
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U.S. History
U.S. Government
Other History
Economics
Psychology
Sociology
Anthropology
Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
Lower-division electives in Psychology and Sociology
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| F. Courses Appropriate to the Major |
18 semester hours |
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| Anatomy & Physiology I and II w/ labs |
8 hours |
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| Accounting |
3 hours |
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| Management Information Systems/Computer Applications (w/lab, including word processing and spreadsheets) |
3-4 hours |
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Other approved guided electives:
Computer Science, Business Management, Accounting, Biological or Social Sciences
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3-4 hours |
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** If a student planning to transfer to GHSU from another school in the University System of Georgia has completed this area with courses taken there or at another institution from which GHSU accepts transfer credit, GHSU will accept the area as satisfied. A student planning to transfer from a school not in the University System of Georgia should choose from the list of courses.
Estimated Tuition and Fees
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For estimated tuition and fees, please see the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog.
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