Degree Overview: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Health Information Management
Majors Overview June 16, 2014Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree programs in Health Information Management explore subjects such as medical terminology, technical report writing, and ambulatory coding. Graduates of these programs will be prepared to maintain the medical records of nursing facilities, outpatient care centers, and physicians’ offices.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) Degree Programs in Health Information Management
Students enrolled in Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree programs in Health Information Management are trained to seek entry-level careers performing health information technician roles in ambulatory care facilities, physicians’ offices, insurance offices, nursing homes, and hospitals. Coursework in an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Health Information Management program stresses the management of information about health care. Students will become adept at interpreting health care and hospital statistics in addition to electronic patient billings.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria related to an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Health Information Management program typically require applicants to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Students may also be expected to complete courses in reading, writing, and physiology and anatomy.
Coursework
It typically takes about 60 credit hours of study to complete an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) program in Health Information Management. Coursework includes subject areas such as technical report writing, ambulatory coding, and computer applications. Coursework may also include other subject areas:
•Interpersonal communication
•Medical terminology
•Medical terminology
•Anatomy and physiology
•Public speaking
Job and Wage Outlook
A job growth rate of 22% has been predicted for medical records and health information technicians during the period from 2012 to 2022 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). In 2012, medical records and health information technicians earned an average annual wage of $34,160 (BLS).
Certification and Continuing Education Choices
Those that graduate from accredited two-year associate’s degree programs can seek voluntary professional certification, which is preferred by employers; the American Health Information Management Association offers a Registered Health Information Technician credential that they can acquire. Continued education by earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in health information management can help these professionals advance to management positions in the field. Coursework includes subject areas such as medical informatics and bio-statistics.
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