HIM Programs

General Information

Oklahoma has many excellent accredited schools in which you can receive either an associates or bachelor’s degree program in health information management.

The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits institutions granting associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees while pre-degree coding programs seek approval from the American Health Information Management Association.

Why is it important to attend an accredited program?

Attending an accredited program ensures that the college is compliant with higher education expectations and that the curriculum is relevant and up-to-date. These accredited programs meet or exceed the minimum standards which make the graduate more marketable in today’s electronic healthcare environment. It also establishes eligibility for the FORE Scholarship and professional credentials. A graduate will not be eligible to sit for the AHIMA credentialing exam unless he/she graduates from a CAHIIM accredited program.

Search www.cahiim.org/accredpgms.asp for HIM education programs at the masters, baccalaureate and associates degree levels.

When you have finished your HIM training, the next step is to successfully complete a certification exam. Earning a credential validates your competence as an HIM professional to employers and the public. In addition to the RHIA and RHIT credentials, AHIMA offers numerous certifications:

  • Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P)
  • Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS)

More information about Health Information careers and available resources, go to the Health Information Careers section of AHIMA’s site at www.ahima.org/Careersinhim/default.aspx

Bachelor’s Degree (RHIA)

The Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) is skilled in the collection, interpretation, and analysis of patient data.

The educational background required for the RHIA is accomplished through a four-year, bachelor’s degree.

RHIAs receive the training necessary to assume managerial positions related to these functions. RHIAs interact with all levels of an organization—clinical, financial, administrative—that employ patient data in decision making and every day operations.

The following is our baccalaureate degree program in Oklahoma that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) –the accrediting organization for degree-granting programs in health informatics and information management.

With a Bachelor’s Degree (RHIA):

  • HIM Department Director
  • HIM System Manager
  • Data Quality Manager
  • Chief Privacy Officer
  • HIM College Instructor
  • Consultant
  • Coding Professional
  • Business Process Engineer
  • Healthcare Consumer Advocate
  • Clinical Data Analyst
  • e-HIM Project Manager
  • HIS Application Designer

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

100 Campus Drive
Weatherford, OK 73096

Degree Awarded: Accredited Baccalaureate HIM Program & a Graduate Degree in Health Informatics and Information Management

Contact Name:
Dana Lloyd, MS, RHIA, CTR
Phone:  (580) 774-7149
Email:   dana.lloyd@swosu.edu

Associate’s Degree (RHIT)

The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) requires an associate’s two-year degree and successful performance on the RHIT certification exam.

RHIT are health information technicians who ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. They may also use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs. RHITs often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research.

The following are associate degree programs in Oklahoma that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information Management Education (CAHIIM) — the accrediting organization for degree-granting programs in health informatics and information management: Rose State College.

With an Associate’s Degree (RHIT):

  • Coder
  • HIM Department Manager or Supervisor
  • Health Data Analyst
  • Insurance Claims Analyst
  • Record Technician Specialist
  • Consultant
  • Cancer or Other Disease Registrar
  • Quality Improvement Specialist
  • Information Access/Disclosure Specialist
  • Charge Master Auditor
  • Instructor/Trainer

Rose State College

6420 Southeast 15th Street
Midwest City, OK 73110

Degree Awarded: Accredited Associate HIM Program

Contact:
Linda Whaley, M. Ed., RHIA, CCS
Phone: (405) 733-7578
Email:  lwhaley@rose.edu

Tulsa Community College

Metro Campus – School of Health Sciences
909 S. Boston Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74119-2095

Accredited Associate HIM Program

Degree Awarded: Associate in Applied Science

Certificate Awarded: Coding and Reimbursement Specialist

Contact Name:
Ruby Marshall, MHA, RHIA, CHP, CCS, CPC
Phone: (918) 595-7074
Email: ruby.marshall@tulsacc.edu

Certificate Programs

The goal of the Health Information Technology Certification Program is to provide a Coding Specialist option designed for those who have been or are working in the medical environment who wish to learn coding and/or those with some basic coding knowledge who wish to become proficient coders in ICD-10-CM and CPT to prepare to take the CCS examination by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Only those passing the AHIMA Coding Specialist Certification Exam may utilize the designation of C.C.S. (Certified Coding Specialist). Specific objectives include:

  • Developing student skills as proficient coders in both ICD-10-CM and CPT; and,
  • Providing support course work to enhance the student’s knowledge of the allied medical field

Rose State College

For Information Contact:
Director, Health Information Technology Program
Health Sciences Division
Room HSC 104
(405) 733-7578
www.Rose.edu