Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems - CAHIMS

Program Description

Health IT professionals assist in the implementation and utilization of Electronic Health Records and digital health technology 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 consists of blended format 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. describe technology infrastructure components in healthcare settings,
2. explain health information exchange mechanisms and standards,
3. analyze electronic health record systems and their implementation,
4. identify key healthcare IT regulations and compliance requirements,
5. develop project management plans for healthcare IT implementations,
6. analyze requirements and selection criteria for healthcare information systems,
7. design testing and quality assurance strategies for healthcare applications,
8. implement privacy and security frameworks for healthcare data protection,
9. evaluate emerging technologies and innovation opportunities in healthcare, and
10. apply change management principles to healthcare IT initiatives.

CCBC Pathway & Track

Health Professions Pathway: Health Professions Track - 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.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

9 months. Courses start in the fall at CCBC Essex​

Program Requirements

Information/Orientation:

Orientation sessions are held in the winter, spring, and summer.

Check the CCBC Continuing Education Class Schedule for dates, and times, and other information.

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.

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: 30

Program Course Sequence

Additional Information

Additional Expenses:
CAHIMS Certification exam $399

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 | 443-840-5551 |Essex | ECHP 305

Administrative Assistant: Sarah Moore |smoore3@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-1632