Division of Health Informatics and Information Management

Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) is an allied health profession that focuses on the integration of information technology and management for all types of health related facilities, professional organizations, and agencies. HIIM is the value-adding bridge between patients’ health information and payers, government, and regulating agencies. HIIM practitioners demonstrate leadership and management of health information in all formats (paper, scanned, or computerized forms), a critical component of the electronic health record (HER) workforce.

Health informatics (HI) is a science that defines how health information is technically captured, transmitted and utilized. Health informatics focuses on information systems, informatics principles, and information technology as it is applied to the continuum of healthcare delivery. It is an integrated discipline with specialty domains that include management science, management engineering principles, healthcare delivery and public health, patient safety, information science and computer technology. Health Informatics programs demonstrate uniqueness by offering varied options for practice or research focus.

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 hospitals to the private physician practice. They are vital to the daily operations management of health information and electronic health records.

Health information management professionals work in a variety of different settings and job titles. They often serve in bridge roles, connecting clinical, operational, and administrative functions. These professionals affect the qaulity of patient information and patient care at eveyr touch point in the healthcare delivery cycle. Having skilled HIM professionals on staff ensures an organization has the right information on hand when and where it is needed while maintaining the highest standards of data integrity, confidentiality and security.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
2200 East Randolph Street
Suite 5100
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 235-3255
www.cahiim.org

Faculty

Associate Professor and Interim Director: Cooper, Lan’tejuana
Associate Professor: Burke, Lauralyn
Professor: Mitchell, Takiyah

Admission Process-

Criteria for admission to the Division of Health Informatics and Information Management include:

Acceptance into the university
Completed Application for Admission to the Division of Health Informatics and Information Management.
Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended. Official course syllabi or course descriptions for all courses not taken at a Florida college or university.
Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or a grade of “C” or in designated pre-professional courses (BSC 2085 with BSC 2085L , BSC 2086 with BSC 2086L , CGS 2060C or MAN 2543 , ACG 2021 , ACG 2071 , STA 2023 ).
Typed autobiographical essay of at least 300-500 words including - What is your reason for desiring to enter the HIIM profession? What life and/or work experience leads you to pursue a degree in HIIM? What are your career goals, and how will a bachelor’s degree in HIIM support those goals?
Current resume.
The admissions committee may interview applicants.

Students must clear a criminal background check to be eligible to participate in the clinical component of the curriculum.

Curriculum-The health informatics and information management curriculum is made up of two parts: the pre-professional curriculum and the professional curriculum. First, the student will complete two years of basic science and general education courses. Second, the student will complete two years of intensive coursework in health informatics and information management. This experience includes, but is not limited to, laboratory and supervised clinical experiences at area health care facilities.

Profesional Practice Experiences-Each student, upon acceptance into the HIIM program, is required to participate in supervised learning experiences in the technical and administrative aspects of health information management in the Tallahassee and surrounding area health care facilities. The health informatics and information management student is also required to participate in a four-week (160 hours total) management internship in a health care facility or related organization. The student’s preferences of the choice of the facility are considered; however, the faculty reserves the right to select alternative affiliation sites which serve the best interests and needs of the student to complete the education requirements.

Professional Credentials-A Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management is awarded upon completion of the curriculum. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination to become a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

Programs

Bachelor’s Degree

Health Informatics and Information Management, BS