Bachelor of Science | SC Program: BS.5001

The Health Information Management Program consists of educational courses in the third and fourth year at the upper division level designed to prepare students to work in management-level positions in a variety of healthcare settings. Health Information Management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. HIM professionals are highly trained in the latest information management technology applications and understand the workflow in any healthcare provider organization from large hospital systems to the private physician practice. They are vital to the daily operations management of health information and electronic health records.

Graduates of the baccalaureate program will receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Information Management and upon program CAHIIM accreditation will be eligible to apply to take the national examination for certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator(RHIA).

This baccalaureate degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

  • Qualify for national certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) by achieving a passing score on the AHIMA certification exam.
  • Integrate knowledge of medical, administrative, ethical and legal requirements and standards related to healthcare delivery and protecting patient information as evidenced by successful completion of course competencies and assignments.
  • Apply the principles of health information management related to administering computer information systems, collecting and analyzing patient data, and using classification systems and medical terminologies as evidenced by successful completion of course competencies and assignments.
  • Demonstrate the concepts of effective communication to effectively interact with all levels of a healthcare organization that utilize patient data in decision-making and operations -- clinical, financial, administrative and information systems -- as evidenced by successful completion of course competencies and assignments. 

Requirements for Enrollment into the Program

Space in the program is limited. In order to be eligible for enrollment, students must have graduated with an Associate in Science degree in Health Information Technology from a regionally accredited institution. Students who did not follow the CSU or IGETC general education pattern for the associate degree may need to take additional lower division general education courses to meet pre-requisites for the core HIMS courses. Applicants must submit a Health Information Program Application packet via email to HIMapplication@shastacollege.edu.

The application packet information consists of the following:

  • Health Information Management Program Application Form
  • Unofficial copy of transcripts from all previous college work
  • One-page Statement of Interest

As enrollment spaces are determined, applicants scheduled for enrollment will receive an enrollment Invitation email. The email will provide instructions for responding to the invitation by an established deadline. Those who have accepted the invitation to enroll will be sent information on how to register for courses. If the applicant is not able to attend when offered enrollment, they will be removed from the applicant pool and the applicant will need to re-apply to be considered for a subsequent class. Students who are not selected for the cohort have the option of re-applying during a subsequent semester. More information on the Health Information Management program can be found at the HIM General Information Webpage.

Student Fees

California residents enrolled in upper division community college coursework will pay $130 per unit. Students will also have to complete and pay for a physical exam, TB skin test, required immunizations, a background check/drug screening, and any additional clinic-specific requirements necessary to begin the clinical experience.

Health & Safety Clinical Clearance

All students participating in clinical experiences must submit proof of immunity through immunizations or serum titers, cleared criminal background check, negative drug screen, current physical examination and negative TB screening. Students are financially responsible for meeting these requirements according to the established program process. Specific information is available on the Health and Safety Requirements tab on the website or students may call the Division Office (530-339-3600).

Choose your path

Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.

A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.

Fall Semester, First Year

14 Units Total
HIMS 405
4
Fundamentals of Health Information Management
HIMS 405
Units 4
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course provides an advanced-level perspective on topics relevant to the health information management (HIM) profession. The concepts covered in this course include an overview of emerging issues such as HIM systems management, clinical classification systems, governance and stewardship, data quality and management, health information exchange, electronic health records, revenue cycle management, compliance and risk management. This course is designed for health information management majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIMS 408
GE 3
Ethics in Healthcare Administration
HIMS 408
Units 3
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course provides a comprehensive foundation for ethics in healthcare management and administration. Students will gain knowledge of the theory and concepts of ethics and its application to health information and healthcare administration for them to be able to model sound decision making and ethical practice. Ethics related to the United States healthcare system around patient access, quality and cost will be addressed. This course is designed for health information management majors.
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HIMS 410
4
Healthcare Informatics
HIMS 410
Units 4
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course is designed to bring together healthcare generated information and technology for the purpose of improving quality of care in a cost-effective manner. The primary concepts covered include data standards, data management, health information exchange, clinical decision support, privacy and security issues involving protected health information, emerging trends, data governance, and new technologies. This course is designed for health information management majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ENGL 401
GE 3
Advanced Professional Writing
ENGL 401
Units 3
Limitation on Enrollement: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course builds advanced skills in professional writing and reading. It emphasizes strategic and effective editing, revising, composition, research, and argument for various writing situations in the workplace. This course is designed for health information management majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year

14 Units Total
HIMS 415
4
Healthcare Analytics
HIMS 415
Units 4
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course focuses on the analysis of data for the purpose of generating information resulting in actionable decisions. The primary concepts covered in this course include advanced healthcare statistics, data analysis, mining and exploration. The course is a hands-on approach to healthcare data across the analytics continuum, and introduces Microsoft Excel, MySQL Workbench and R, and RStudio for statistical analysis and data visualization. This course is designed for health information management majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIMS 418
4
Legal Concepts and Compliance in Healthcare
HIMS 418
Units 4
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course focuses on the laws and regulations applicable to healthcare compliance. Topics include federal and state law enforcement and reporting requirements, risk management, audit trails, fraud detection, ethical and legal requirements related to coding, personal health record (PHR), analysis of privacy, security, and confidentiality policies and procedures. This course is designed for health information management majors
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HIMS 420
3
Principles of Finance for Health Information Management
HIMS 420
Units 3
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course prepares healthcare professionals for the responsibilities of maintaining a well-managed healthcare department/organization. Topics include financial statement analysis, performance measurement, budgets, variance analysis, contract analysis, capital financing, and investment decisions. This course enhances the students' decision-making abilities through case studies and practical applications to real-world situations. This course is designed for health information management majors.
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PSYC 401
GE 3
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
PSYC 401
Units 3
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course provides an introduction to the field of industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology. This branch of psychology studies work behavior, and workplace issues facing individuals, teams, and organizations. The course includes an overview of research methods used in I-O psychology, an exploration of theory and research findings, and the application of I-O psychology to practical problems in the workplace. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Fall Semester, Second Year

14 Units Total
HIMS 401
4
Electronic Health Records
HIMS 401
Units 4
Limitation on Enrollment: Students must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course discusses advanced topics in the electronic health record. The primary concepts covered in this course include components of EHRs; data infrastructure; different formats of EHR data; categories of EHRs and information systems; EHRs in different healthcare settings, including specialty-specific electronic health records; and utilization of EHRs in population health. Students will explore all aspects of electronic health records utilized in the healthcare industry. Students will be exposed to real-world exercises using software to create patient records, lab reports, notes, and code sets. This course is designed for health information management majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIMS 425
GE 3
Revenue Cycle Management
HIMS 425
Units 3
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course covers advanced topics in healthcare revenue cycle management. Concepts covered in this course include healthcare classification systems and terminologies, chargemaster management, revenue cycle and audit processes, utilization and resource management, and application and analysis of the relationship between clinical code assignment and reimbursement. This course is designed for health information management majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIMS 430
4
Human Resource Management in Healthcare
HIMS 430
Units 4
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course examines the complexities and multiple issues and best practices involved in human resources management in healthcare organizations. The primary concepts covered in this course include managing people in all aspects of their work, recruiting, interviewing, and hiring, compensation and benefits, motivational strategies, performance appraisals, promotions, and terminations. This course is designed for health information management majors.
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HIMS 435
3
Project Management in Healthcare
HIMS 435
Units 3
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course is designed as a high-level overview of project management utilized in healthcare settings. The primary concepts in this course include project management techniques such as project selection, management, organization, planning, conflict resolution, negotiation, budgeting, scheduling, change management, business process reengineering, and termination of the project. This course is designed for health information management majors.
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Spring Semester, Second Year

12 Units Total
HIMS 440
4
Strategic Management for Healthcare Professionals
HIMS 440
Units 4
Limitation on Enrollment: Students must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course examines the theory and practice of leadership, strategic management, and change management in healthcare settings. The primary concepts covered in this course include an overview of emerging issues such as business planning, organizational change, innovation, strategic planning, leadership thinking and goals, change implementation and strategies for successful transitions. This course is designed for health information management majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIMS 445
4
Healthcare Info Systems Analysis and Design
HIMS 445
Units 4
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course is designed to prepare students in the planning, analysis, design, and implementation of healthcare computer-based information systems. The concepts covered include system requirements, systems development life cycle, system architecture, including database design, data warehousing, workflow concepts, and systems performance management. This course is designed for health information management majors.
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HIMS 455A
Pre. 3
Applied Research Project in Health Info Management
HIMS 455A
Units 3
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course is the capstone for the health information management baccalaureate degree. This course integrates the theoretical and technical content of the health information management program courses. Concepts are integrated and applied through the completion of a capstone project, designed by the student and instructor, supporting a local HIM community of interest. This course is designed for Health Information Management majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIMS 455B
Pre. 1
Advanced Professional Practice Experience
HIMS 455B
Units 1
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be admitted to the Health Information Management program.

This course provides supervised onsite professional practice experience (PPE) for Health Information Management students. This course integrates theory and professional practice in health information management. Emphasis is placed on applying management theories to actual work settings, practice of professional behavior, ethics, and self-reflection including career goals. Project topics will support a local HIM community of interest and will be designed by the student, instructor, and the PPE site manager. This course is designed for Health Information Management majors. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.

*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:

Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).

Contact Us for More Information

Academic/Instructional Division Office

Health Sciences

Contact Info
Location Downtown Redding Campus | 1400 Market Street, Suite 8204 | Redding, CA 96001
Mailing Health Sciences Division | PO Box 496006 | Redding, CA 96049-6006
Alternative Phone (530) 339-3661

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