Program Details

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Management

Associate of Applied Science

Laurel Ridge Community College

Through didactic instruction, simulated experiences, and internship placements, graduates of Laurel Ridge Community College’s Health Information Management degree will have a working knowledge of healthcare data content, data structure and standards, information protection, including access, disclosure, archiving, privacy and security, health information technologies, revenue management, compliance (with state and federal regulations and common accreditation standards), and leadership concepts. They will have sufficient knowledge of the electronic storage, retrieval, and use of health information to ensure the efficient and effective flow of health information throughout the continuum of care, to support reimbursement, and for use in health research. In addition, they will be able to effectively communicate, in writing and verbally, information related to the research, planning, provision, and evaluation of everyday operations in all aspects of health care services. Students gain skills that will allow them to effectively manage the operations, workflow, and staff of health information and related departments. This program is beneficial to individuals who are seeking career advancement and eligibility to take the national certifying examination - Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and/or a certified coding credential. Occupational objectives upon completion of this program include: Health Information (Medical Records) Assistant/Technician, Medical Coder, Coding Manager/Supervisor, Health Information Supervisor/Office Manager, Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist, Privacy Officer/Assistant, Health Data Analyst, Cancer or Trauma Registrar, Healthcare Data Analyst, Data Quality Manager, or Department/Office Supervisor.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	Health Information (HI) professionals work in the administrative side of healthcare, they are not "clinical," so they do not perform direct patient care. HI professionals work in hospitals, nursing homes, physician practices, medical billing and insurance companies, legal firms, or research facilities that collect or utilize healthcare data -- anywhere health information is collected and used for patient care, medical claims management, or analysis of data, compilation or reporting medical data.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Many courses in this degree program must be taken in a specific order. Students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor for assistance with creating a plan for taking courses that works for you. Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Laurel Ridge Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses	This program is G3 eligible. IN-DEMAND credentials and education programs that are eligible for more funding than ever before through the G3 Scholarship.
Doing More With Your Degree	An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree prepares Health Information Management students to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam, which is necessary for many positions in the Health Information field. Salaries increase with certification as well.
Program Successes & Highlights	Graduates of the HIM degree program may continue to a Bachelor's program in Health Information Management. The RHIT pass rate (of graduates taking the RHIT exam) for Laurel Ridge Community College (previously Lord Fairfax Community College) as of 3Q 2021 was 100%.

Related Programs & Certifications

Credential That Prepares You For This Program

Credential

Career Studies Certificate in Medical Office Assistant

Link

Credential That Prepares You For This Program

Credential

Certificate in Medical Billing/Coding

Link

Program Credit Requirements

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Students transferring to Laurel Ridge with an Associate Degree or higher already completed will be able to transfer in applicable credits to their degree and will have SDV 100 waived.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	Laurel Ridge does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning	https://laurelridge.edu/credit-for-prior-learning/
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Laurel Ridge Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

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Transfer Admission Application

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Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

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College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market. We offer many courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. Our student life team offers many ways for students to get involved including clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	The catalog year in effect at the time a student was formally admitted into their curriculum at Laurel Ridge.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog placement is tied to semester start selected in the application.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	https://laurelridge.edu/transfer/

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Health Information Management	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	Online
Paul D. Camp Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Word/Information Process	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Administrative Support Technology (Medical Administrative Assistant)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Support Technology/Medical Office Administration	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Mountain Empire Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Management	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Health Information Management, A.A.S.	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
11-9111.00	Medical and Health Services Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.	Management Occupations
43-6013.00	Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants	Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.	Office and Administrative Support Occupations
43-1011.00	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers	Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.	Office and Administrative Support Occupations
29-9021.00	Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars	Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and followup information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2072.00	Medical Records Specialists	Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
31-9099.02	Endoscopy Technicians	Maintain a sterile field to provide support for physicians and nurses during endoscopy procedures. Prepare and maintain instruments and equipment. May obtain specimens.	Healthcare Support Occupations
31-9099.00	Healthcare Support Workers, All Other	All healthcare support workers not listed separately.	Healthcare Support Occupations
31-9099.01	Speech-Language Pathology Assistants	Assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Implement speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by speech-language pathologists. Monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems.	Healthcare Support Occupations
25-1011.00	Business Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
11-3013.00	Facilities Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.	Management Occupations
11-3013.01	Security Managers	Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.	Management Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 64 credits remaining to be completed

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Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Management at Laurel Ridge Community College These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$163	Per Credit	$10,432	$0	$10,432
Fees
Student Activity Fee	$2	Per Credit	$128	0	$128
Auxiliary Fee	$4	Per Credit	$256	0	$256

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Tuition & Fee Notes:

Additional Fees
- Some courses include materials fees in the cost of tuition or use free materials, and other courses require students to purchase texbooks or other materials. Laurel Ridge does not charge fees for parking or graduation. Tuition and fees are the same regardless of whether students attend online or in person. Tuition and Fees are subject to change.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.

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