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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. GRU 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
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.
Career Opportunities
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.
Salary Information
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.gru.edu/alliedhealth/dhi.
About the Program
GRU 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, including GRU, and the last two years as an HIA student. Students begin the HIA 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.
GRU 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 Requirements
Application Deadline
Fall entry - June 1
Applications and supporting materials received after the program deadline will be considered on a space-available basis only.
Campus: Augusta, WEB
Admission Requirements
- Completed online application.
- Application Fee: $50, non-refundable, must be submitted online at time of application.
- Minimum GPA Requirement: Minimum GPA requirement is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Official Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from all universities and colleges ever attended. Only in the case of transcripts from international colleges/universities will an official course-by-course transcript evaluation be accepted in lieu of an official transcript. Official transcripts should be sent to GRU’s Office of Academic Admissions. To remain official, all transcripts must remain in the original, unopened, sealed and stamped/signed envelope from the Registrar’s office of the issuing institution. Alternatively, GRU will accept official electronic transcripts from the registrar’s office at your prior institution. Electronic transcripts should be directed to admissions@georgiahealth.edu.
- Transcript/Credential Evaluation of Foreign Transcripts: An official, professional course-by-course evaluation is required for all foreign educational transcripts and documents from one of the following three credentials evaluation services: Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE). Please visit http://www.georgiahealth.edu/Admissions/instud.html for additional details.
- References: Recommendations from two individuals are required. References should be individuals (usually college professors) qualified to assess your prior academic, employment, artistic, research and/or clinical experience and qualifications (as applicable) as well as the applicant’s potential, as an undergraduate student in the field/program selected.
Undergraduate reference forms and letters must be submitted online only. Applicants list names and provide contact information for two individuals as references during the on line application process. Once the application is received by our office, each reference will receive an email directing them to complete the online reference form. The completed reference form will then be forwarded to the Office of Academic Admissions via the online application system, XAP.
Please note: Reference forms will be sent electronically to your selected individuals once your application has been received by the school (usually the following business day). Please be sure to allow enough time for reference forms to be sent AND returned. Applications submitted the last week of the application deadline may not allow enough time for this process.
- TOEFL Exam Scores: Minimum score of 550 paper-based, 213 computer based or 79 internet based.
Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test scores are required for applicants whose first language is not English. The institution code for submission of TOEFL scores to GRU is 5406. Please do not select a department code.
Exemption from the TOEFL requirement is allowed for undergraduate students who:
- Complete courses equivalent to English Composition I and II at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university and earn at least a 2.5 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) on the two courses, with neither grade below a “C”
- Submit a score of at least 430 on the Verbal portion of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT-I)
- Take and pass both the Reading and Essay portions of the University System of Georgia’s Regents Exam
- Submit proof of earning a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university at which English is the language of instruction
Program Specific Requirements
- Completion of the following prerequisite course requirements: http://www.georgiahealth.edu/Admissions/Prerequisites/HIA.html
- Interview: Interviews by invitation only. Applicants will be selected for an interview based on an initial review of submitted application materials. Selected applicants will be notified directly by the department.
Application Process
Applicant must first submit an online application using the following link, which will take you to GAcollege411’s website. Carefully read the application and provide thorough answers to each question. You may begin the application and save it for completion at another time within the same application cycle. Applications are entered into GRU’s information system the following business day (within 72 hours during peak periods). An email will be sent to the applicant when the application is received by GRU. Please check your email settings to allow incoming emails from the @gru.edu domain. After your application has been processed in our database, you will be able to check your application status for receipt of your supporting documentation. However, processing this documentation takes 5-10 business days so please allow time for processing. The online status check provides this information in real time; therefore, you will see it as soon as it is processed. The time line for application decisions varies. Please be patient as we will send this information to you within two business days of receipt in our office.
Technical Standards
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://gru.edu/alliedhealth/dhi/documents/11-12-Student-Handbook.pdf to review these requirements.
Financial Aid
GRU participates in all federal student aid programs as well as state and private programs. GRU helps students fund their education through grants, scholarships, loans, a service commitment program and/or employment.
Accreditation
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
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 firewall settings may have to be adjusted to allow for proper functioning of our Web-based tools.
Online Course Readiness Assessment Tool
The University System of Georgia provides an online tool to help you determine if you are a good candidate for online courses. Visit http://goml.readi.info to assess your readiness.
When to Apply
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. The current H.I.A. Student handbook can be accessed at http://www.georgiahealth.edu/alliedhealth/dhi/documents/2012-2013%20student%20handbook.pdf.
How to Apply
Apply online at www.gru.edu/Admissions, or contact:
Office of Academic Admissions
170 Kelly Building–Administration
Georgia Regents University
Augusta, Georgia 30912
Telephone: 706-721-2725
800-519-3388
E-mail: Admissions@gru.edu
Courses to Take the First Two Years
The courses required to graduate from GRU comprise a core curriculum divided into six categories (A-F). The options for completing these prerequisites for transfer to GRU are listed below. Courses can only be used in one Area.
| A. Essential Skills |
9 semester hours |
|
| English Composition I |
3 hours |
|
| English Composition II (literature-based) |
3 hours |
|
| College Algebra, Mathematical Modeling, Trigonometry, Pre-calculus or Calculus |
3 hours |
|
| |
| B. Institutional Options** |
4-5 semester hours |
|
Introduction to Computers
Critical Thinking
Creative Writing
Ethics
Health and Wellness
Statistics
Economics
Speech
Medical Terminology
Any approved guided elective from Area F |
| |
| C. Humanities and Fine Arts** |
6 semester hours |
|
Ethics
Foreign Language
Speech, Oral Communications
Literature
Philosophy
Drama, Art or Music Appreciation
Logic
Electives in Humanities and Fine Arts
Religion |
| |
| D. Science, Mathematics and Technology |
10-11 semester hours |
|
| 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 |
|
|
U.S. History
U.S. Government
Other History
Economics
Psychology
Sociology
Anthropology
Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
Lower-division electives in Psychology and Sociology
|
|
| |
| F. Courses Appropriate to the Major |
18 semester hours |
|
| Anatomy & Physiology I and II w/ labs |
8 hours |
|
| Accounting |
3 hours |
|
| Management Information Systems/Computer Applications (w/lab, including word processing and spreadsheets) |
3-4 hours |
|
|
Other approved guided electives:
Computer Science, Business Management, Accounting, Biological or Social Sciences
|
3-4 hours |
|
** If a student planning to transfer to GRU from another school in the University System of Georgia has completed this area with courses taken there or at another institution from which GRU accepts transfer credit, GRU 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
For estimated tuition and fees, please see the Financial Information section of this catalog.
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