Associate of Science with Emphasis in Health Information Systems

The health information systems degree program prepares students to support the health information systems industry usage of electronic health records and other technologies to improve the quality, efficiency, and security of patient records for improved care.

Health information systems professionals specialize in information technology necessary to support clinical processes and data, including roles which analyze system workflow, test-configure-maintain systems, and train end-users for software use. Trained professionals will understand national policy reform including HIPAA, government incentive programs, information exchanges, consumer engagement and security regulations. The health IT industry professional is highly motivated, proficient in problem-solving, embraces change for quality improvement through system analysis, and understands the impact of customer service and technical support in the evolving healthcare environment for long term impact.

Employment includes a wide variety of positions from employers such as hospital systems, clinics, health departments, provider practices, safety net providers, software vendors, consultants, third-party payers, medical device companies, non-profits, and government. The associate’s degree provides opportunity for experienced healthcare or IT workforce to complete a degree in the specialized industry and springboard individuals new to healthcare information systems into one of the fastest growing industries today. A career pathway to 4-year institutions with health information systems emphasis will provide greater opportunity for potential career advancement.

Health Information Systems Program web page

(Major Code 2180: State CIP Code 24.0101)

Associate of Science Degree

First Semester

ENGL 121	Composition I*	3
COMS 121	Public Speaking	3
or COMS 120	Interpersonal Communication
HCIS 255	Technology Concepts in Healthcare	2
HCIS 262	Customer Service in the Health Environment	2
HCIS 263	Working with Health Information Technology (HIT) Systems	2
MATH 171	College Algebra* (or higher)	3
Total Hours		15

Second Semester

ENGL 122	Composition II*	3
HCIS 225	Healthcare Data Analytics	2
HCIS 271	The Culture of Healthcare	2
HCIS 272	Terminology in Health Care Settings	2
PHIL 124	Logic and Critical Thinking	3
Science course with lab^		4
Note: Biology course recommended, refer to your transfer school for best selection.
Total Hours		16

^	See all AS general education electives

Third Semester

HCIS 264	Configuration and Implementation of Electronic Health Records	2
HCIS 265	Installation and Maintenance of Health IT Systems	2
HCIS 267	EHR Design, Functionality and Usability	3
HCIS 274	Healthcare Workflow Analysis and Redesign	2
or HCIS 277	Training and Instructional Design
PSYC 130	Introduction to Psychology	3
SOC 122	Introduction to Sociology	3
Total Hours		15

Fourth Semester

HCIS 235	Care Coordination and Interoperable Health IT Systems	2
HCIS 245	Population Health	2
HCIS 273	Quality Improvement in Healthcare	2
Humanities Elective^		3
Science and/or Math Elective^		5
Note: MATH 172 or higher recommended, refer to your transfer school for best selection. Must meet the minimum of twelve credit hours for the math and science area.
Total Hours		14

^	See all AS general education electives

Total Program Hours: 60