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Health Information Management and Technology Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Careers in health information are increasingly in demand and offer a pathway for those seeking to change or advance their careers. The HIMT certificate is an attractive option for students who already have an earned bachelor’s degree, in any discipline, looking to transition to the field.
The certificate curriculum is part of the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology program, complying with the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information and Informatics Management (CAHIIM) standards. Completing a CAHIIM-accredited program qualifies you to sit for industry credentialing exams such as the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Coursework completed in the certificate can apply toward the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology program should you later choose to enroll as a degree-seeking student.
A Growing Demand
Employment opportunities for medical records and health information specialists are expected to increase 17 percent between 2021 and 2031, while medical and health services manager jobs, which includes health information management, is expected to increase 28 percent. Combined, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts nearly 75,000 job openings in related occupations each year over the next decade.
Who Should Apply?
The UW HIMT certificate program is a smart choice for busy adult learners who want to advance their careers in health information while balancing work, family, and other commitments. Courses are 100% online and can be completed on your schedule and from anywhere in the world. Busy adults will find the flexibility of the online format especially convenient. Learn more about online learning with UW.
As a post-bachelor’s certificate, applicants must have already completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Interested in earning your Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential? The UW HIMT degree program is CAHIIM accredited, which qualifies graduates to sit for the RHIA exam.
Discover Exciting, High-Paying Career Opportunities
A UW HIMT post-baccaleureate certificate will lay the foundation for in-demand roles such as: health information manager, supervisory health system specialist, informaticist, director of analytics, coding specialist, data management and analytic specialist, medical staff services specialist, and clinical documentation improvement specialist, just to name a few.
RELATED: Our HIMT Students
Universities of Wisconsin Collaboration
The Health Information Management and Technology Post-Baccaleaureate Certificate is offered through the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management & Technology. This certificate program is a partnership of UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside and UW-Stevens Point. Learn more about our campus partners and choosing a home campus.
Accreditation
Whether online or on campus, University of Wisconsin programs have a reputation for delivering world-class education and student support. Accreditation is your assurance that you will graduate with skills that are relevant to your field and valued by employers. The Health Information Management and Technology Post-Baccaleaureate Certificate is approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
CAHIIM
The UW HIMT degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). To adhere to the rigorous standards of CAHIIM accreditation and prepare students for success on the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam, this post-baccalaureate certificate must contain this cadre courses.
RELATED: CAHIIM Accreditation and its Benefits for Students: Explained
To be eligible for the UW Health Information Management and Technology Post-Baccalaureate Certificate students must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field of study from an accredited college or university
- Prerequisite coursework in college algebra, college level statistics, communications, biology (strongly recommend anatomy and physiology), and medical terminology (may be waived with a healthcare background)
- Official college transcripts
Application Deadlines
Your online application and all required materials must be submitted to your preferred home campus generally 2-4 weeks prior to the date classes start (this varies by campus) to be considered for admission.
Starting your application early will help ensure you have plenty of time to gather required materials (such as transcripts), transfer credits, apply for financial aid, and complete the University of Wisconsin System Online Admission Application.
How to Apply
While you are free to apply on your own, many prospective students find it helpful to speak with an enrollment adviser first.
- Apply as an “Undergraduate Non-Degree” applicant.
- When asked “Are you applying as a degree-seeking student?” select “No”, and that you plan to take “Undergraduate” classes.
- Select “UW-Green Bay” as the campus.
- Choose “Undergraduate Special Student” for program.
- Indicate interest in the “Health Information Management and Technology Post-Baccalaureate Certificate” in the essay field on the application.
- No application fee. Skip the application fee section (not required for the certificate).
- Not eligible for financial aid.
- Apply as an “Undergraduate Non-Degree” applicant.
- When asked “Are you applying as a degree-seeking student?” select “No”, and that you plan to take “Undergraduate” classes.
- Select “UW-Parkside” as the campus.
- Select your certificate of interest: “Health Information Management Certificate Online”.
- No application fee. Skip the application fee section (not required for the certificate).
- Not eligible for financial aid.
- Apply as a “Graduate Non-Degree Applicant” using the University of Wisconsin System Online Admission Application.
- When asked “Are you applying as a degree-seeking student?” select “No”, and that you plan to take “Graduate” classes.
- Select “UW-Stevens Point” as the campus.
- Choose “Grad Non-Degree Seeking” for program.
- State that you are interested in the Certificate in Health Information Management and Technology in the essay portion of the application.
- No application fee. Skip the application fee section (not required for the certificate).
- Not eligible for financial aid.
Formal admission to the program will be determined by the campus to which you apply.
International Guidelines
This program welcomes online students from around the world. Online students do not qualify for an F-1 Student Visa to travel to the U.S. but instead can participate in our online courses remotely. If your native language is not English and/or you attended school outside of the U.S., you will likely need to provide proof of English language proficiency and an official translation or evaluation of academic transcripts. Requirements will vary based on a student’s academic history and home campus policies. For guidance about these requirements and how they apply to your specific situation contact your preferred home campus admissions office.
If you would like to apply as an International Student for an on-campus program in the UW System please refer to these resources through UW-HELP.
8 Courses. 24 Credits. 100% Online.
Health Information Management and Technology certificate courses are available during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. All courses are 100 percent online and asynchronous.
Certificate courses are part of the online University of Wisconsin Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology program. Some of your peers will be pursuing the certificate, while others will be degree-seeking students. Should you choose to continue your Health Information Management and Technology education upon completion of the certificate, you will have the option to apply to the BS in Health Information Management and Technology program.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
This course provides an overview of medical clinical workflow, with emphasis on inter-professional electronic documentation and functionalities of the electronic health record (EHR). Through hands-on experience, this course advances the students’ understanding of the electronic health record, health IT policies, data and database management systems in support of the EHR. | 3 Credits |
This course introduces three broad subjects: (1) evidence-based medical ethics pertaining to healthcare information management; (2) framework of healthcare information security management, including security principles, policies and procedures, security management models, risk assessment, and protection mechanisms; (3) healthcare regulations and compliance with focuses on the legislative systems, policies, and legal environment of healthcare in the U.S. and the existing health information laws, regulations, and standards. Also addressed are the elements and development of compliance programs. | 3 Credits |
This course examines the coding and reimbursement connection; topics include managed care plans, prospective payment systems, Medicare-Medicaid reimbursement, Resource-Based Relative Value Scale, case mix management, and revenue cycle management. Prerequisite(s): HIMT 330 Healthcare I: Terminology and Body Systems; and HIMT 360 Healthcare II: Survey of Disease and Treatments | 3 Credits |
This course explores the sources and data contents of healthcare information as well as the proper presentation of it for different usage levels. Topics addressed include: (1) data structure and use of health information (individual, comparative, and aggregate), (2) type and content of health record, (3) data quality assessment, (4) secondary data sources, (5) healthcare data sets, (6) health information archival systems, and (7) National Healthcare Information Infrastructure (NHII). The course will also cover topics in bioinformatics. Prerequisite(s): HIMT 360 Healthcare II: Survey of Disease and Treatments | 3 Credits |
This course examines the role of the HIM professional in managing human resources to facilitate staff recruitment, retention, and supervision. | 3 Credits |
This course addresses the phenomenal impact information system (IS) projects have had on healthcare delivery. Students learn how healthcare IS projects affect organizations, doctors, patients, and chronic-illness treatments, as well as individuals interested in managing their own healthcare. Concepts and tools for effective healthcare IS project management, process re-engineering, and work redesign are introduced. The purpose of this course is to expose students to IS project management activities in healthcare settings. Topics covered include recent healthcare IS project trends, budgeting, scheduling, resource management, scope, risk analysis, and deployment controls. The genesis of healthcare project management is covered using specific cases and examples. | 3 Credits |
This course examines the quality assessment and quality improvement cycle (plan, do, check, act) and the role of the HIT/HIM professional in the process. Tools used in quality and risk management processes will be examined. Prerequisite(s): HIMT 350 Statistics for Healthcare | 3 Credits |
This course introduces students to the necessary group/team processes that are at the root of building, developing, and maintaining medical/healthcare work teams and the effective functioning of such teams. The course also provides an overview of leadership development techniques. Also included is a focus on the uses of various communication technologies in the team-building and functioning processes. | 3 Credits |
Fall 2024
Course Preview Week: August 27 - September 02, 2024
Semester Dates: September 03 - December 13, 2024
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
This course provides an overview of medical clinical workflow, with emphasis on inter-professional electronic documentation and functionalities of the electronic health record (EHR). Through hands-on experience, this course advances the students’ understanding of the electronic health record, health IT policies, data and database management systems in support of the EHR. | 3 Credits |
This course introduces three broad subjects: (1) evidence-based medical ethics pertaining to healthcare information management; (2) framework of healthcare information security management, including security principles, policies and procedures, security management models, risk assessment, and protection mechanisms; (3) healthcare regulations and compliance with focuses on the legislative systems, policies, and legal environment of healthcare in the U.S. and the existing health information laws, regulations, and standards. Also addressed are the elements and development of compliance programs. | 3 Credits |
This course examines the coding and reimbursement connection; topics include managed care plans, prospective payment systems, Medicare-Medicaid reimbursement, Resource-Based Relative Value Scale, case mix management, and revenue cycle management. Prerequisite(s): HIMT 330 Healthcare I: Terminology and Body Systems; and HIMT 360 Healthcare II: Survey of Disease and Treatments | 3 Credits |
This course explores the sources and data contents of healthcare information as well as the proper presentation of it for different usage levels. Topics addressed include: (1) data structure and use of health information (individual, comparative, and aggregate), (2) type and content of health record, (3) data quality assessment, (4) secondary data sources, (5) healthcare data sets, (6) health information archival systems, and (7) National Healthcare Information Infrastructure (NHII). The course will also cover topics in bioinformatics. Prerequisite(s): HIMT 360 Healthcare II: Survey of Disease and Treatments | 3 Credits |
This course examines the quality assessment and quality improvement cycle (plan, do, check, act) and the role of the HIT/HIM professional in the process. Tools used in quality and risk management processes will be examined. Prerequisite(s): HIMT 350 Statistics for Healthcare | 3 Credits |
This course introduces students to the necessary group/team processes that are at the root of building, developing, and maintaining medical/healthcare work teams and the effective functioning of such teams. The course also provides an overview of leadership development techniques. Also included is a focus on the uses of various communication technologies in the team-building and functioning processes. | 3 Credits |
Spring 2025
Course Preview Week: January 21 - January 27, 2025
Semester Dates: January 28 - May 09, 2025
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
This course provides an overview of medical clinical workflow, with emphasis on inter-professional electronic documentation and functionalities of the electronic health record (EHR). Through hands-on experience, this course advances the students’ understanding of the electronic health record, health IT policies, data and database management systems in support of the EHR. | 3 Credits |
This course explores the sources and data contents of healthcare information as well as the proper presentation of it for different usage levels. Topics addressed include: (1) data structure and use of health information (individual, comparative, and aggregate), (2) type and content of health record, (3) data quality assessment, (4) secondary data sources, (5) healthcare data sets, (6) health information archival systems, and (7) National Healthcare Information Infrastructure (NHII). The course will also cover topics in bioinformatics. Prerequisite(s): HIMT 360 Healthcare II: Survey of Disease and Treatments | 3 Credits |
This course examines the role of the HIM professional in managing human resources to facilitate staff recruitment, retention, and supervision. | 3 Credits |
This course addresses the phenomenal impact information system (IS) projects have had on healthcare delivery. Students learn how healthcare IS projects affect organizations, doctors, patients, and chronic-illness treatments, as well as individuals interested in managing their own healthcare. Concepts and tools for effective healthcare IS project management, process re-engineering, and work redesign are introduced. The purpose of this course is to expose students to IS project management activities in healthcare settings. Topics covered include recent healthcare IS project trends, budgeting, scheduling, resource management, scope, risk analysis, and deployment controls. The genesis of healthcare project management is covered using specific cases and examples. | 3 Credits |
This course introduces students to the necessary group/team processes that are at the root of building, developing, and maintaining medical/healthcare work teams and the effective functioning of such teams. The course also provides an overview of leadership development techniques. Also included is a focus on the uses of various communication technologies in the team-building and functioning processes. | 3 Credits |
As a student in the UW Health Information Management and Technology Bachelor Certificate program, you will learn these skills:
Core
- Demonstrate knowledge of healthcare billing, coding, and reimbursement policies.
- Demonstrate knowledge of healthcare terminology and medical conditions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of dynamic healthcare delivery systems and regulatory environments.
- Evaluate, use, and integrate information technology to support medical decision making and processes.
- Apply principles of healthcare privacy, confidentiality, and data security, and address legal and ethical issues.
- Apply critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and effective interprofessional communication skills related to health information management.
- Apply quantitative methodologies to process healthcare information.
- Demonstrate the principles of leadership and management in the HIMT environment.
Human Resources Management
- Manage human resources to facilitate staff recruitment, retention, and supervision.
- Ensure compliance with employment laws.
- Develop and implement new staff orientation and training programs.
- Develop and implement continuing education programs.
- Develop productivity standards for health information functions.
- Monitor staffing levels and productivity, and provide feedback to staff regarding performance.
- Benchmark staff performance data.
- Develop, motivate, and support work teams.
Financial and Resource Management
- Demonstrate knowledge of financial management and accounting principles.
- Prepare and monitor budgets and contracts.
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of cost-benefit analysis techniques to justify resource needs.
- Manage organization-wide coding and revenue cycle processes.
Strategic Planning and Organizational Development
- Develop strategic and operational plans for facility-wide information systems.
- Assess organization-wide information needs.
- Facilitate retrieval, interpretation, and presentation of data/information appropriate to user needs.
- Demonstrate and apply principles of organization behavior to facilitate team building, negotiation, and change management.
Tuition for the online Post-Baccaleaureate Certificate in Health Information Management and Technology program is a flat fee of $460 per credit whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state.
All courses are three credits. There are no additional course or program fees; however, textbooks are purchased separately and are not included in tuition. As this is an online program, you will not pay segregated fees for student-organized activities, facility maintenance, and operations. Also, you will not be charged a technology fee as part of this program. However, some HIMT courses require the subscription purchase of EHR Go and MedTrak.
Veteran Benefits
Benefits are available to qualifying veterans and those currently serving. Contact your home campus veteran services office for details.
Ways to Pay for Your Degree
As a returning adult student, you may consider the following sources of financial aid to help with the cost of your online degree:
- Grants—award is usually based on financial need. Grants, unlike loans, generally do not have to be repaid.
- Scholarships—usually based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria, awarded by a wide range of organizations. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.
- Loans—a loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. Student loans are available from the federal government, private sources such as a bank or financial institution, or other sources. Federal student loans usually have lower interest rates than private loans, and offer flexible repayment plans.
- Military benefits—aid available to eligible veterans and current members of the military.
- Tuition reimbursement—a benefit offered by companies to their employees to help pay for education. Ask your human resources department if your company offers this benefit.
- Education tax benefits—research possible tax benefits with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
UW Grants and Scholarships
You may be eligible for a grant or scholarship as a student in a semester-based collaborative program. More information can be found here.
Experience UW Health Information Management and Technology
Learn about health information management and technology, meet the faculty, read student stories, and more. Read the blog.