Medical Informatics
(A.A.S.)
Looking for a Career in Medical Informatics and/or Health Information Management & Technology?
The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Informatics prepares graduates for career entry into technical computer application positions in the healthcare industry. Students develop technical and non-technical communication skills, gain knowledge of healthcare software applications/computer systems, the legal aspects of medical office technologies, and the nuances of electronic medical record keeping, reimbursement, and billing practices.
Columbia State Medical Informatics Degree Options:
Developer: This path is for those that wish to learn more about computer application programming and design in the health setting.
Technician: This path is for those that wish to learn more about computer repair and troubleshooting in a health setting.
Coder: This path is for those that wish to learn how to accurately assign diagnostic and procedural codes. Students who complete the Coder path will be prepared to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.
Admission Requirements:
Upon acceptance to Columbia State Community College, students who declare Medical Informatics as their major will be automatically enrolled in the program. Admission to the Medical Informatics program is non-competitive.
Internship Requirement:
All Medical Informatics students are required to complete an internship, typically during their final semester. Students taking the Developer and Technician paths must complete 120 in-person intern hours. Students taking the Coder path must complete 80 in-person intern hours. Students will need to complete their internships either in a medical records department, coding department, IT department, or other clinical office setting. Students can locate their own internship sites; however, the selected location must be approved by the instructor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is Medical Informatics? Medical Informatics is a specialty that focuses on managing health information through technology. This field is vital as it guarantees the accuracy, security, and availability of health information. Will this field require that I provide hands-on care to patients? No. Medical Informatics professionals contribute to the health field through their work with maintaining health information and electronic health record systems.
How long does it take to complete the Medical Informatics program? Students who attend full-time can complete the program within 2 years.
Do I have to attend school full-time to remain in this program? No. Students are encouraged to take as many or as few classes that best fit their personal schedules.
How many credits does the Medical Informatics program require? 60.
Can I take the classes all online? Most of the classes for this program can be taken fully online or attended from home via desktop video conferencing through an application such as Zoom. Certain CITC classes must be attended in person. During the final semester, all Medical Informatics students must complete in-person internship hours.
What degree will I earn? An Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Informatics. Students must have at least a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) to earn their degree in Medical Informatics.
Will any of my Columbia State credits transfer to a bachelor program? Select coursework needed for Medical Informatics can transfer towards a bachelor's degree. Graduates may wish to seek a bachelor's degree in either Health Information Management, Data Analytics, IT, or another related field. Students should consult their prospective university to determine which specific courses will be eligible for transfer.
What types of jobs will I qualify for upon completion of this program? Graduates can seek entry-level health Information management jobs, coding jobs, and IT jobs. Potential job titles may include but are not limited to: Inpatient or Outpatient Coder, Release of Information Specialist, Medical Records Associate, Technical and Software Support Staff, Compliance Specialist, and Informatics Specialist. Medical Informatics positions are available across a range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, legal offices, and, with experience, opportunities for remote work.
What skills can I gain? Depending on the Medical Informatics degree path, students may acquire skills in areas such as medical coding, Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance, technical proficiency, data analytics, medical record management, communication, computer application design, and computer repair.