Cover/Signature Page – Full Template
Institution Submitting Request: Dixie State University
Proposed Title: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
School or Division or Location: School of Health Sciences
Department(s) or Area(s) Location: Health Information Management
Recommended Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code1: 51.0707
Proposed Beginning Date: 08/01/2015
Institutional Board of Trustees’ Approval Date: MM/DD/YEAR
Proposal Type (check all that apply):
Regents’ Agenda Items
R401-4 and R401-5 Approval by Committee of the Whole
SECTION NO.
ITEM
4.1.1
(AAS) Associate of Applied Science Degree
(AA) Associate of Arts Degree
4.1.2
(AS) Associate of Science Degree
4.1.3
Specialized Associate Degree
4.1.4
Baccalaureate Degree
4.1.5
K-12 School Personnel Programs
4.1.6
Master’s Degree
4.1.7
Doctoral Degree
5.2.2
(CER C) Certificate of Completion
5.2.4
Fast Tracked Certificate
Chief Academic Officer (or Designee) Signature:
I certify that all required institutional approvals have been obtained prior to submitting this request to the
Office of the Commissioner.
______________________________________
Signature
Date: MM/DD/YEAR
Printed Name: Dr. William Christensen
CIP codes must be recommended by the submitting institution. For CIP code classifications, please see
http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/Default.aspx?y=55.
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Executive Summary - Full Template
Dixie State University
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology
09/01/2013
Program Description
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology will prepare students as health
information technicians who will ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness,
accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. Health information technicians use computer
applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling
costs. They often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and
research. Health information technicians also may have an additional role as cancer registrars, compiling
and maintaining data on cancer patients. With experience, health information technicians hold potential for
advancement to management positions, especially when combined with a baccalaureate degree.
Employment opportunities for health information technicians exist in any organization that uses patient data
or health information such as healthcare settings, pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and
health product vendors. Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information
Technology will be eligible to take the national Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential
exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Graduates also will
be eligible to pursue a baccalaureate degree in health information management. The Associate of Applied
Science degree in Health Information Technology is the first level of a career ladder approach to a health
information program that includes a Baccalaureate of Science degree in Health Information Management
for which Dixie State University also is seeking approval. Additionally as allowed by Board of Regents
Policy R473, articulation with Dixie Applied Technical College will allow students to apply 30 credits
towards the AAS program for a certificate of completion in Medical Coding from DXATC.
Role and Mission Fit
The mission statement of DSU is, “Dixie State University is a teaching institution that strives to enrich its
community and the lives of its students by promoting a culture of learning, values, and community.”
Additionally, DSU has an ongoing commitment to its community college role, which includes transfer
education, career and technical education. As a result, DSU has taken steps to develop a healthcare
professions core of programs at certificate and associate degree levels. The proposed Associate of Applied
Science in Health Information Technology program is the university’s response to meeting southern Utah
community needs as wells as meeting the USHE and DSU missions. The mission of the Utah System of
Higher Education is to provide knowledge and skills for students enrolled in programs at the associate and
baccalaureate levels, including applied science education in high-demand careers. The proposed
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program is in a high demand profession
and satisfies the role assignment for a Type II institution while fitting within the Regents’ mission. The key
points of the USHE Mission include "…provide high quality academic, professional and applied technology
learning opportunities…for the citizens of Utah.” The mission of the Board of Regents is to ensure
fulfillment of the USHE mission. The approval of the Health Information Technician associate degree will
further enhance Dixie State University’s ability to meet the educational goals of its students and fulfill the
obligation mandated in the DSU mission to offer career and technical education as a community college.
Faculty
A nationwide search will be conducted for a qualified professional to be a coordinator for the Health
Information program that will include the Health Information Technologist associate degree and Health
2
Information Management baccalaureate degree programs. The position will be a full-time faculty position
with administrative and teaching responsibilities. Upon approval of the programs, a search also will be
undertaken for a qualified full-time tenure-track faculty member to provide classroom instruction and
supervision of practicum students. As well, local adjunct instructional resources are abundant in the health
sciences and will be accessed as needed for classroom and practicum instruction.
Market Demand
According to the US Department of Labor Occupational Handbook 2013-2014, employment is expected to
grow much faster than the average in the healthcare information sector. Employment of medical records
and health information technicians is expected to increase by 22 percent, much faster than the average for
all occupations through 2022. In addition, the Utah Department of Workforce Services website states that
this occupation is expected to experience much faster than average employment growth with a high volume
of annual job openings. Business expansion, as opposed to the need for replacements, will provide the
majority of job openings in the coming decade. Also, federally mandated changes in medical coding
processes are anticipated to go into effect in October 2014 that will require more health information
workers. With the increasing use of electronic health records, more technicians will be needed to complete
the new responsibilities associated with electronic data management. Job prospects should be best for
technicians who have strong skills in technology and computer software. The Utah Department of
Workforces Services gives the medical information technician occupation a 3-star rating. According to the
Department of Workforce Services, annual growth in this area is expected to be 3.6% from 2012 to 2022.
Student Demand
It is difficult to quantify the number of potential students for this program, but student interest in all health
professions programs is very strong. The number of applicants for all health professions programs at Dixie
State University exceeds the number of students that can be admitted, and this phenomenon is true in
other USHE institutions as well. Student enrollment in health information technology programs across the
country is robust. It is anticipated that DSU’s health information technology program would generate similar
interest. As well, students progressing from the certificate in healthcare coding program at DXATC will
provide a pipeline into the associate degree program. At this time, DXATC staff report at least 30 students
who are interested in entering their healthcare coding certificate program.
Statement of Financial Support. Indicate from which of the following the funding will be generated. Provide the
detail for funding as part of the “Financial Analysis” section. (Remove these descriptive italics after completing this
section of the template.)
Appropriated Fund ........................................
Special Legislative Appropriation ..................
Grants and Contracts.....................................
Special Fees/Differential Tuition ....................
Other (please describe) .................................
Similar Programs Already Offered in the USHE
Weber State University offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology.
The DSU program should have no effect on enrollments at Weber State University because of its location
in southern Utah.
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Dixie State University
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology
09/01/2013
Section I: The Request
Dixie State University requests approval to offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health
Information Technology effective Fall 2015. This program was approved by the institutional Board of
Trustees on
.
Section II: Program Description
Complete Program Description
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology will prepare students as health
information technicians who will ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness,
accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. Health information technicians use computer
applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling
costs. They often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and
research. Health information technicians also may have an additional role as cancer registrars, compiling
and maintaining data on cancer patients. With experience, health information technicians hold potential for
advancement to management positions, especially when combined with a baccalaureate degree.
Employment opportunities for health information technicians exist in any organization that uses patient data
or health information such as healthcare settings, pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and
health product vendors. Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information
Technology will be eligible to take the national Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential
exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Graduates also will
be eligible to pursue a baccalaureate degree in health information management. The Associate of Applied
Science degree in Health Information Technology is the first level of a career ladder approach to a health
information program that includes a Baccalaureate of Science degree in Health Information Management
for which Dixie State University also is seeking approval. Additionally as allowed by Board of Regents
Policy R473, articulation with Dixie Applied Technical College will allow students to apply 30 credits
towards the AAS program for a certificate of completion in Healthcare Coding from DXATC.
Purpose of Degree
The approval of the Health Information Technician associate degree will further enhance Dixie State
University’s ability to meet the educational goals of its students and fulfill the obligation mandated in the
DSU mission to offer career and technical education as a community college. Successful graduates of the
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology will be skilled in quantitative and qualitative
analysis; critical thinking; lifelong learning; database collection and maintenance; team leadership; quality
improvement; and customer relations.
Institutional Readiness
Dixie State University currently offers an array of health professions programs, including Nursing, Medical
Laboratory Sciences, and Dental Hygiene at the baccalaureate degree level; and Nursing, Nurse Assistant,
Dental Hygiene, Emergency Care and Rescue (EMT/Paramedic), Medical Radiography, Surgical
Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Laboratory Technician, and
Phlebotomy at the certificate or associate of applied science degree levels. With the opening of the Russell
4
Taylor Health Science Building in May 2008, the college has sufficient space to provide appropriate
classroom and laboratory facilities/equipment for this program. The School of Health Sciences has the
infrastructure to support advising new and prospective students and to support the development and
initiation of this program. A key component to the success of a new health science degree program is the
support of the local healthcare community and providers. A close and collegial working relationship already
is established with Intermountain Healthcare--Dixie Regional Medical Center (DRMC) as well as other
community healthcare facilities and providers who are in full support of this program.
Departmental Faculty
A nationwide search will be conducted for a qualified professional to be a coordinator for the Health
Information program that will include the Health Information Technologist associate degree and Health
Information Management baccalaureate degree programs. The position will be a full-time faculty position
with administrative and teaching responsibilities. Upon approval of the programs, a search also will be
undertaken for a qualified full-time tenure-track faculty member to provide classroom instruction and
supervision of practicum students. As well, local adjunct instructional resources are abundant in the health
sciences and will be accessed as needed for classroom and practicum instruction.
Faculty Category
Faculty Headcount—
Prior to Program
Implementation
With Doctoral Degrees
Full-time Tenured
Full-time Non-tenured
Part-time Tenured
Part-time Non-tenured
With Master’s Degrees
Full-time Tenured
Full-time Non-tenured
Part-time Tenured
Part-time Non-tenured
With Bachelor’s Degrees
Full-time Tenured
Full-time Non-tenured
Part-time Tenured
Part-time Non-tenured
Other
Full-time Tenured
Full-time Non-tenured
Part-time Tenured
Part-time Non-tenured
Total Headcount Faculty
Full-time Tenured
Full-time Non-tenured
Part-time Tenured
Part-time Non-tenured
5
Faculty Additions to
Support Program
Faculty Headcount at Full
Program Implementation
1
1
1
1
2
2
Total Department
Faculty FTE
2
2
Staff
No additional staff will be needed. The current 0.5 FTE secretary for Medical Radiography, Respiratory
Therapy, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Medical Laboratory Sciences programs will provide secretarial
support. The existing Health Sciences advisor will provide student and academic advisement.
Library and Information Resources
The Val A. Browning Library has extensive learning resources in Nursing and Allied Health Sciences
including books (virtual and electronic), online databases, CDs, and DVDs. Online databases in which
students can access full text articles include ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Source, MEDLINE,
Clinical Pharmacology, Biomedical Reference Collection, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and
others. The library liaison to the Health Sciences provides assistance for faculty in making new library
acquisitions, orienting students to accessing databases, and developing discipline-specific reference
assistance handouts. Reference librarians are available online to students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Additionally, Dixie Regional Medical Center has a medical library that is available to Dixie State University
students. Program and library budgets will allow acquisition of additional library resources as needed in the
areas of healthcare information coding, technology, and management.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology will be based upon
academic performance in both general education and medical coding certificate program courses in
addition to other selection criteria, including:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Submission of a complete Program Application on or before the deadline established by
the program;
Graduation from a certificate program in medical coding, or the equivalent;
Completion with a “C” or better of all certificate program courses;
Three letters of recommendation, including at least one from an instructor in the medical
coding certificate program; and
Admission essay.
Student Advisement
DSU currently has sufficient professionals in place to assist with student advisement including academic
advisors who can assist students with general education and graduation requirements. The Health Science
Advisor can assist students with the requirements and steps to follow in order to gain acceptance into the
program. Faculty will be available to provide program specific information and advice about professional
issues.
Justification for Graduation Standards and Number of Credits
Graduates must earn a total of 63-66 credits. The total number of credit hours required for the Associate of
Applied Science in Health Information Technology program is consistent with Board of Regents and Dixie
State University requirements for an associate of applied science degree as well as comparable with similar
6
programs across the nation. The total number of credits is within the 69 credit hour limit for an AAS
degree, as mandated by the Board of Regents.
External Review and Accreditation
The curriculum was developed according to standards established by the Commission on Accreditation for
Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The program will work vigorously to
achieve CAHIIM accreditation for the associate degree and baccalaureate degree programs. According to
CAHIIM criteria, application for accreditation cannot begin until the program has enrolled students.
Additionally, Pamela K. Oachs, MA, RHIA, Undergraduate Program Director and Assistant Professor,
School of Health Information Management, The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN reviewed the
program curriculum. On May 6, 2012 Pamela K. Oachs submitted her evaluation of the tri-level health
information program’s proposed curriculum (AAS and BS), and her recommendations for the curriculum at
the associate level are outlined below. The complete evaluation is available upon request. DSU’s response
to Pamela K. Oachs’ comments and recommendations is indicated in italics.
“The proposed curriculum for the AAS in Health Information Technology looks strong addressing areas
such as Statistics and Research, Quality Improvement, Healthcare Privacy and Security, Healthcare
Information Systems, and Healthcare Database Management and Security. All of these areas are
addressed in the AHIMA Curriculum Competencies document. Other areas such as clinical classifications,
taxonomies, nomenclatures, terminologies, and vocabularies may be addressed in the medical coding
certificate courses; but if not, this is an area to consider in the proposed curriculum for the Health
Information Technology degree. Also ensure that the general topics of legislative and regulatory processes
along with legal terminology are addressed, possibly the Healthcare Privacy & Security course.
In comparing the proposed AAS curriculum and the AHIMA Curriculum Competencies document, there is
one area noted in the AHIMA document that I do not clearly see in the program curriculum. It is Domain V:
Organizational Resources; Subdomain V.A.: Human Resources; and Subdomain V.B.: Financial and
Resource Management. Content included in this Domain includes roles and functions of teams and
committees, team leadership concepts and techniques, orientation and training, workflow and process
monitors for staffing levels and productivity, and operational plans and budgets. I do see a course in the
proposed curriculum called Interpersonal Communication which may be an appropriate place for content
related to teams, teamwork, leadership, and committees. I do sense a gap in the AAS curriculum for basic
managerial content. My recommendation is to incorporate such content into the curriculum, possibly
through a new two credit course. Decreasing two other courses by one credit each may be an idea to
explore when working out the overall credit load. The Baccalaureate degree appropriately focuses more on
managerial concepts but introducing them at the Associate level allows the curriculum to better address
AHIMA’s Competency document and potentially prepare students for a supervisory role at the AAS level.
The external consultant identified a gap in the AAS curriculum in basic managerial content.
However, this content appears in the DXATC Certificate in Healthcare Coding program curriculum
upon which the AAS curriculum is built.
Of note, the proposed curriculum, including two writing courses and an information literacy course, will
differentiate your students well in the industry and in future educational endeavors. Lack of basic writing
skills, minimal knowledge of research writing skills including the need for citations, and low level analytical
7
writing skills continue to be a challenge for students and academic institutions. Your efforts in this area are
encouraging.”
Projected Program Enrollment and Graduates; Projected Departmental Faculty/Students:
Data Category
Current—Prior
Projected
Projected
Projected
Projected
to New
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Program
Implementation
Data for Proposed Program
Number of Graduates
0
15
15
20
20
in Proposed Program
Total # of Declared
Majors in Proposed
0
15
15
20
20
Program
Departmental Data—For All Programs Within the Department
Total Department
Faculty FTE (as
0
2
2
2
2
reported in Faculty
table above)
Total Department
Student FTE (based
0
15
30
35
40
on Fall Third Week)
Student FTE per
Faculty FTE (ratio of
Total Department
0
1:7.5
1:15
1:17.5
1:20
Faculty FTE and Total
Department Student
FTE above)
Program
accreditation-required
ratio of Student
FTE/Faculty FTE, if
applicable: (Provide
ratio here: _______)
Projected
Year 5
20
20
2
40
1:20
Section III: Need
Program Need
The national manpower shortage of healthcare providers is demonstrated in Utah and with the continued
growth of the St. George area, this shortage will become particularly acute over the next ten years.
Additionally, since a large segment of St. George’s population are retirees who have one of the highest
health-care utilization rates, maintaining a steady pool of health care professionals is essential. The unique
demographics of St. George demand access to health care at all points of entry, from neonatal care (high
birth-rate) to emergency care (high ER admission rate) to acute and long-term care. When Dixie Regional
Medical Center began admitting patients in 2003 and initiated its cardiac surgery service, it immediately
reached patient volumes comparable to hospitals in the Salt Lake City area.
8
The crisis in available health care professionals over the past ten years is likely to worsen over the next two
decades once the economy improves. Many factors contribute to this shortage, including the aging of the
current workforce, concurrent aging of the population and the concomitant strain on the health care system,
occupational stress associated with health professions, and the relatively low salaries in comparison to the
expense and rigor of the education required. Even given these factors, interest in health profession
programs at all levels continues to grow, likely associated with the job-security and intrinsic rewards of
these professions.
Labor Market Demand
According to the US Department of Labor Occupational Handbook 2013-2014, employment is expected to
grow much faster than the average in the healthcare information sector. Medical record technicians with a
strong understanding of technology and computer software will be in particularly high demand.
Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 22 percent,
much faster than the average for all occupations through 2022. Employment growth will result from the
increase in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures that will be performed. As the
population continues to age, the occurrence of health-related problems will increase. In addition, with the
increasing use of electronic health records, more technicians will be needed to complete the new
responsibilities associated with electronic data management. Numerous openings also will result from the
need to replace medical record and health information technicians who retire or leave the occupation
permanently. In addition, federally mandated changes in medical coding processes are anticipated to go
into effect in October 2014 that will require more health information workers.
The Utah Department of Workforce Services website states that this occupation is expected to experience
much faster than average employment growth with a high volume of annual job openings. Business
expansion, as opposed to the need for replacements, will provide the majority of job openings in the coming
decade. Job prospects should be best for technicians who have strong skills in technology and computer
software. The Utah Department of Workforces Services gives the medical information technician
occupation a 3-star rating. According to the Department of Workforce Services, annual growth in this area
is expected to be 3.6% from 2012 to 2022.
Student Demand
It is difficult to quantify the number of potential students for this program, but student interest in all health
professions programs is very strong. The number of applicants for all health professions programs at Dixie
State University exceeds the number of students that can be admitted, and this phenomenon is true in
other USHE institutions as well. Student enrollment in health information technology programs across the
country is robust. It is anticipated that DSU’s health information technology program would generate similar
interest. As well, students progressing from the certificate in healthcare coding program at DXATC will
provide a pipeline into the associate degree program. At this time, DXATC staff report at least 30 students
who are interested in entering its healthcare coding certificate program.
Similar Programs
Weber State University offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology.
The DSU program should have no effect on enrollments at Weber State University because of its location
in southern Utah.
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Collaboration with and Impact on Other USHE Institutions
Currently DSU has no collaboration with any USHE institution offering an associate of applied science
degree in healthcare information technology program and there are no plans to initiate such collaboration.
Benefits
The local community recognizes DSU as the primary educational source for preparing students/graduates
to work in needed health care professions. The proposed program is in an important area of need identified
by the local community for associate degree-prepared health information technicians.
As well, higher education completion rates in Utah are declining, and one probable contributor is access.
The costs for Washington County students of traveling to another institution appear to be a substantial
hindrance to college completion. Approving the proposed degree will improve access for the population of
southwest Utah. The degree also will allow DSU to further develop its community college mission and
provide educated employees for regional and local employers.
Consistency with Institutional Mission
The mission statement of DSU is, “Dixie State University is a teaching institution that strives to enrich its
community and the lives of its students by promoting a culture of learning, values, and community.”
Additionally, DSU has an ongoing commitment to its community college role, which includes transfer
education, career and technical education. As a result, DSU has taken steps to develop a healthcare
professions core of programs at certificate and associate degree levels. The proposed Associate of Applied
Science in Health Information Technology program is the college’s response to meeting southern Utah
community needs as wells as meeting the USHE and DSU missions. The mission of the Utah System of
Higher Education is to provide knowledge and skills for students enrolled in programs at the associate and
baccalaureate levels, including applied science education in high-demand careers. The proposed
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program is in a high demand profession
and satisfies the role assignment for a Type II institution while fitting within the Regents’ mission. The key
points of the USHE Mission include "…provide high quality academic, professional and applied technology
learning opportunities…for the citizens of Utah.” The mission of the Board of Regents is to ensure
fulfillment of the USHE mission.
Section IV: Program and Student Assessment
Program Assessment
The goals for the Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program are to:




Provide further educational opportunity and advancement for students with certificates in medical
coding;
Prepare graduates who are able to fill community needs for associate degree-prepared health
information technicians;
Prepare students with the fundamental academic skills to be effective communicators, critical
thinkers and leaders; and
Prepare undergraduate students with the knowledge, skills and ethics needed to advance the
health and quality of life of a diverse public.
10
The effectiveness of the Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program in
achieving its goals will be assessed by ongoing use of a systematic plan of evaluation that will utilize the
following indicators and strategies:








Pass rates on the national AHIMA RHIT credential examination;
Graduate employment rates;
Graduation rates;
Graduate and Employer Satisfaction Surveys;
Student Exit Surveys to develop information about all program aspects including curriculum,
faculty, learning resources, and practicum experiences;
Student achievement of program student learning outcomes;
Establishment of a program community Advisory Committee to provide regular feedback regarding
all aspects of the program such as curriculum, resources, student numbers, and graduate
outcomes. The Advisory Committee will include members of the community such as local
employers and health-care providers, students, public member(s), college administration, and
program faculty; and
Program faculty will meet regularly to assure consistent educational methods and strategies and to
review all program assessments and make appropriate curricular adjustments when necessary.
Program faculty will meet regularly with representatives of clinical practicum sites to assure quality
student experiences and to make scheduling or curricular adjustments as necessary.
Expected Standards of Performance
Students will be required to achieve a C grade or better in each program course as well as an overall GPA
of 3.0 in Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program and co-requisite courses.
The standards and competencies to be met by students upon successful completion of the Associate of
Applied Science in Health Information Technology program are reflected in the following program student
learning outcomes. The learning outcomes were chosen as they are competencies specified by AHIMA for
associate degree entry-level health information technicians.
Upon completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program, students
will be able to:
1. Collect and maintain data sets and databases;
2. Conduct qualitative analysis to ensure that documentation in the health record supports the
diagnosis and reflects patient progress, clinical findings, and discharge status;
3. Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of health records to evaluate compliance with
regulations and standards;
4. Apply policies and procedures for the use of clinical data in reimbursement and prospective
payment systems in healthcare delivery;
5. Support accurate revenue cycle through coding;
6. Use established guidelines to comply with reimbursement and reporting requirements;
7. Abstract and maintain data for clinical indices, databases, and registries;
8. Participate in facility-wide quality assessment and performance improvement;
9. Differentiate the role of various providers and disciplines throughout the continuum of healthcare
services, and respond to their information needs;
10. Implement the legal and regulatory requirements related to health information including those
related to compliance, confidentiality, ethical, legal, and privacy issues;
11
11. Use information and communication technologies in the execution of work processes; and
12. Contribute to human resource management through strategic planning, staff orientation and
training, performance appraisal, staffing analysis, and positive customer relations.
Student learning will be evaluated regularly throughout the program with formative assessments and
summative assessments upon completion of each course and the program. Each course in the curriculum
will have identified learning outcomes that represent what should be achieved upon successful completion
of the course. Examples of formative assessments are interval examinations and quizzes; research and
reflective papers; critical thinking and analysis papers; presentations; class discussion participation; and
critical thinking exercises/case studies. Examples of summative assessments that will be utilized are final
examinations; self, faculty, and mentor practicum evaluations, portfolios; reflective papers; projects and
project reports; and pass rates on the AHIMA credentialing exam.
Section V: Finance
Department Budget (Includes AAS and BS programs in Health Information Management)
Departmental Data
5-Year Budget Projection
Current
Budget—Prior to
Year 1
Year 2
New Program
Implementation
Personnel Expense
Salaries & Wages
Benefits
Total Personnel Expense
Non-personnel Expense
Travel
Capital
Library
Current Expense
Total Non-personnel Expense
Total Expense
(Personnel + Current)
Departmental Funding
Appropriated Fund
Other:
Special Legislative Appropriation
Grants and Contracts
Special Fees/Differential Tuition
Total Revenue
Difference
Revenue-Expense
Departmental Instructional
Cost/Student Credit Hour*
12
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
130,250
32,710
162,960
134,156
33,691
167,847
138,182
34,702
172,884
142,327
35,743
178,070
146,598
36,815
183,413
4,000
15,000
5,000
4,000
28,000
4,000
0
7,000
4,000
15,000
4,000
0
7,000
4,000
15,000
4,000
0
8,000
4,000
16,000
4,000
0
9,000
4,000
17,000
190,960
182,847
187,884
194,070
200,413
97,970
83,059
76,726
101,797
98,913
25,000
67,990
190,960
25,000
74,788
182,847
25,000
86,158
187,884
92,273
194,070
101,500
200,413
0
0
0
0
0
(as reported in institutional Cost
Study for “current” and using the
same Cost Study Definition for
“projected”)
Funding Sources
The program will be funded through legislative appropriation, grants (Intermountain Healthcare-Dixie
Regional Medical), and tuition allocated to the program.
Reallocation
The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program will not use any reallocated
funds.
Impact on Existing Budgets
No other program base budgets will be affected adversely by costs for the program.
Section VI: Program Curriculum
All Program Courses (with new courses in bold)
Course Prefix & Number
Title
Required Courses
Completion of a Healthcare
Coding certificate program
or its equivalent
ENGL 1010
Intro to Writing
ENGL 2010
Intermediate Writing
LIB 1010
Information Literacy
MATH 1030 or
Quantitative Reasoning
MATH 1040 or
Intro to Statistics
MATH 1050
College Algebra/Pre-Calculus
COMM 2110
Interpersonal Communication
HIM 2300
Healthcare Information Systems
HIM 2400
Healthcare Privacy & Security
HIM 2500
Healthcare Database Management
HIM 2800
Professional Practice Experience I
HIM 2900
Professional Practice Experience II
HIM 3000
Computer Applications in Healthcare
HIM 3100
Intro to Quality Improvement
HEAS 3100
The Healthcare System
Sub-Total
Elective Courses
Sub-Total
Track/Options
Sub-Total
Total Number of Credits
13
Credit Hours
28-30
3
3
1
3
3
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
3
3
3
63-66
0
0
63-66
Program Schedule
Course Prefix and Number
Semester 1 Fall
ENGL 1010
MATH 1030 or
MATH 1040 or
MATH 1050
HIM 2300
HIM 2400
Course Title
Credits
Intro to Writing
Quantitative Reasoning
Intro to Statistics
College Algebra/Pre-Calculus
Healthcare Information Systems
Healthcare Privacy & Security
Total
Semester 2 Spring
ENGL 2010
LIB 1010
COMM 2110
HIM 2500
HIM 2800
HIM 3000
Intermediate Writing
Information Literacy
Interpersonal Communication
Healthcare Database Management
Professional Practice Experience I
Computer Applications in Healthcare
3
1
3
3
2
3
Total
Semester 3 Summer
HIM 2900
HIM 3100
HEAS 3100
3
3
3
4
3
3
12-13
Professional Practice Experience II
Intro to Quality Improvement
The Healthcare System
15
2
3
3
Total
8
Section VII: Faculty
A nationwide search will be conducted for a qualified professional to be a coordinator for the Health
Information program that will include Health Information Technologist associate degree and Health
Information Management baccalaureate degree programs. The position will be a full-time faculty position
with administrative and teaching responsibilities. Upon approval of the programs, a search also will be
undertaken for a qualified full-time tenure-track faculty member to provide classroom instruction and
supervision of practicum students. As well, local adjunct instructional resources are abundant in the health
sciences and will be accessed as needed for classroom and practicum instruction.
14