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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 post baccalaureate certificate in health information administration. This certificate 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 H.I.A.
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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. H.I.A.s 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 H.I.A.s 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.s 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 offers a certificate in health information administration. The program is a “4+1,’’ requiring a bachelor’s degree in allied health, nursing, business or healthcare administration, or computer science. Students begin the GHSU program fall semester. Graduates are eligible to take the national registration exam to become a Registered Health Information Administrator.
GHSU also offers a junior transfer bachelor’s degree in health information administration. Students begin at GHSU after two years of coursework at an accredited college or university. For more information, contact the Office of Academic Admissions.
Both programs are offered completely online.
Admission is based on college grades, personal interviews and assessment of motivation and qualities needed to complete the program. Only grades of C or better will be accepted in transfer. References should be from individuals who can evaluate academic performance.
Requirements for admission consideration:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or equivalent.
- Submission of transcripts from all prior colleges/universities attended and completion of application form.
- Interview by departmental faculty.
- Completion of prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology (eight semester hours), accounting (three semester hours) and microcomputer applications with lab, including word processing, presentation, and spreadsheets (three semester hours).
- Minimum TOEFL score of 550 paperbased for applicants whose first language is not English.
In addition to demonstrating personal characteristics appropriate for a health professions career, students must satisfy general and specific technical standards for this program. Visit http://www.georgiahealth.edu/alliedhealth/dhi/documents/11-12-Student-Handbook.pdf to review these requirements.
GHSU participates in all federal student aid programs as well as state and private programs. GHSU helps students fund for 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 (Macintosh computers are acceptable only if bootable into Windows)
- Pentium IV processor or better;
- 2GB of RAM (3GB or higher recommended);
- CD-ROM, CD-RW or DVD-RW recommended;
- 60GB hard drive (80 GB or higher preferred);
- SVGA (1024 x 768 or higher) display;
- Full duplex sound card with speakers/headphones and microphone;
- Web Cam (MANDATORY); (Microsoft LifeCam HD 5000, for example)
- Windows operating system; Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 (Windows 7 recommended)
- High-speed Internet connection through an ISP account or a network; cable, DSL or satellite high-speed access required.
(Dial-up Internet connection is NOT acceptable for this program)
SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher;
- Windows Media Player 11.0 or higher for access;
- Microsoft Office 2010 Professional (or higher to include Access 2010);
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 or higher
Proprietary browser versions (those not downloaded directly from Microsoft) may not work reliably with online systems. If you use other “Office” type programs, please note that some instructors may require you to convert your files to an MSOffice compatible format for online submission. Your connection to the Internet may initiate behind a firewall; however, the fire-wall 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 taking 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.
For the best chance of acceptance, apply the fall before the program begins. All application materials should be in GHSU’s Office of Academic Admissions by May 1. Applications completed after this date are considered on a space-available basis. Complete applications include the application, references, official academic materials, documentation of shadowing hours and documentation of professional certifications, if applicable.
Students must complete a criminal background check and drug screen; see H.I.A. Student Handbook for details. The current H.I.A. Student Handbook can be accessed at http://www.georgiahealth.edu/alliedhealth/dhi/current-students.html.
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
Estimated Tuition and Fees
For estimated tution and fees, please see the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog.
Gainful Employment
ONET Code: 29-2071.00 - Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
CIP Code: 51.0706
CIP Program Description: Prepares individuals to plan, design, and manage systems, processes, and facilities used to collect, store, secure, retrieve, analyze, and transmit medical records and other health information used by clinical professionals and health care organizations. Includes instruction in the principles and basic content of the biomedical and clinical sciences; information technology and applications; data and database management; clinical research methodologies; health information resources and systems; office management; legal requirements; and professional standards.
Total tuition and fees (for entire program completed in normal time):
Bachelor of Allied Health Science/Bachelor of Science in Nursing track: $13,266
Bachelor of Business Administration/Healthcare Management/Computer Science track: $11,256
Student Median Loan Debt: $10,000
Tuition and fees for GHSU are provided by the Campus Business Office.
Total estimated costs for books and supplies for the entire program:
· Bachelor of Allied Health Science/Bachelor of Science in Nursing track: $1325
· Bachelor of Business Administration/Healthcare Management/Computer Science track: $1284
Room and board on campus: NOT APPLICABLE
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Number completing program
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Number completing on time
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Academic Year
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14
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12
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2011
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14
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11
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2010
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7
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5
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2009
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6
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6
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2008
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8
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8
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2007
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