Program Description
Health IT professionals assist in the implementation and utilization of Electronic Health Records in various healthcare settings, while operating within state and federal guidelines. They analyze, improve, and implement technology and workflow solutions to improve patient care, and support the growing use of technology throughout all aspects of healthcare.
This course series prepares students to sit for the certification exam for Certified Associate in Healthcare Information & Management Systems (CAHIMS). This is a blended-format program, with classes held both in the classroom and online.
Students entering this program should be self-motivated, independent learners, as the program is a mixture of fully online and blended format (both online and face-to-face classroom) courses. They need strong writing and analytical skills. In the workplace, they will need strong analytical, communication and management skills, as well as the ability to work both independently and in teams.
Depending on prior educational and work experience, there are a range of job opportunities as Systems Analysts, Workflow Specialists, Software Specialists, and Implementation Support Specialists. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:
1. apply the knowledge and skills to be an effective IT team member in a healthcare setting,
2. demonstrate the knowledge of critical privacy and security standards for the Health IT industry,
3. prepare for the certification exam for Certified Associate in Healthcare Information & Management Systems, and
4. prepare to gain employment in the Health IT field.
CCBC Pathway
Technology and Engineering Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs. Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study. You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.
Program Credentials
CCBC Credential: Students will receive a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).
External Credential: Students will be prepared to sit for the certification exam for Certified Associate in Healthcare Information & Management Systems (CAHIMS).
Certifying Organization: Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society; www.himss.org
Financial Aid and Payment Options
We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.
Program Length
13 months. Courses start in the fall at CCBC Essex
Program Requirements
Information/Orientation:
Orientation sessions are held in the fall and the winter.
Check the CCBC Continuing Education Class Schedule for locations, dates and times.
Requirements:
Degree or certification in healthcare field or IT field or 5 years related work experience. Prior completion of AHE 534 Medical Terminology for Health Occupations or AHL 717 Challenge Exam for Medical Terminology. Students must be computer literate and have computer access.
This program is not eligible for Baltimore County Public School Blueprint funding.
Application Process
To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate application. An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.
Provisional Entry – Documentation of healthcare or IT background: degree or certification in the healthcare field or IT field or 5 years related work experience. Documentation of completed medical terminology course AHE 534 or AHL 717 or AHE 124.
Prior Learning Assessment
This program has potential options for waiving select courses based on previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum. Maximum number of program hours that may be earned from prior learning: 52
Program Course Sequence
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Course Hours |
Textbook Information
(approximate cost; subject to change)
|
Costs
T=Tuition/F=Fees
|
|
AHL867
|
Foundations of Health Information Technology
|
30
|
“Health IT and EHR’s: Principles & Practice, 6th ed.”; $120;
“Health Information Management Technology: An Applied Approach, 6th ed.”; $150
|
$399
T-$120/F-$279
|
|
AHL823
Or
AHE641
|
Introduction to IT & Computer Science – for students with Healthcare background
Introduction to Healthcare Systems – for students with IT background
|
20
15
|
AHL 823 – None
AHE 641 – Introduction to Health Care; 4th Edition; $170
|
$199
T-$60/F-$139
|
|
AHL819
|
Working in Teams
|
6
|
None
|
$109
T-$33/F-$76
|
|
AHL943
|
Health Management Information Systems
|
40
|
Same as AHL 867;
AHIMA Virtual Lab pass; $195
|
$589
T-$177/F-$412
|
|
AHL825
|
Quality Management
|
12
|
None
|
$199
T-$60/F-$139
|
|
AHL944
|
Information Technology Vendor Management
|
12
|
None
|
$199
T-$60/F-$139
|
|
AHL820
|
EHR Process, Design & Implementation
|
60
|
Same as AHL 867
|
$869
T-$261/F-$608
|
|
AHL827
|
Public Health IT
|
6
|
None
|
$109
T-$33/F-$76
|
|
Course Series Totals:
|
|
181-186
|
$635
|
$2,672
T-$804/F-$1,868
|
Additional Information
Additional Expenses:
CAHIMS Certification exam $379
Career Coach
Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more. View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA. Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.
Program Contact Information
Coordinator: Mary Ellen Wehr | mwehr@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-2907 |Essex | ECHP 305
Administrative Assistant: Kristal Parker | kparker3@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4483 | Owings Mills | Suite 302