Program Description
The certificate in Health Information Technology (HIT) is designed to prepare students to maintain patient records and health information data in every health care setting, including acute care, long-term, ambulatory care, insurance, and federal agencies.
Career and Educational Advancement Opportunities
The healthcare industry is the top-employing industry and one of the top-projected growth industries in New Mexico. Much of the projected growth is attributed to an aging baby boomer population, technological advances in medicine, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA has highlighted the need for nurses, home health aides, medical assistants, nursing assistants, community health workers, community paramedics, and health information technicians.
Contact and Advising Information
Information about the certificate in health information technology degree program is available from the Advisement Center at 505.925.8560 or vcadvise@unm.edu, or the Academic Affairs Office, at 505.925.8600.
Course Prerequisites
Students must meet prerequisites in English and mathematics by achievement of minimum placement scores on the Accuplacer or ACT or through completion of course work.
Course: ENGL 100 and FYEX 1110 or equivalent – or place into ENGL 1110;
ACCUPLACER/ACT Minimum Scores: 263+/19+
Degree Requirements
| ENGL 1110 (Composition I) | 3 | ||
| BIOL 1140/1140L (Biology for Health Sciences + Lab) or BIOL 2210/2210L (Human Anatomy and Physiology I + Lab), or HCHS 113 (Basic Body Structures and Functions) | 4 | ||
| IT 101 (Computer Fundamentals) | 3 | ||
| HCHS 111 (Medical Terminology) | 3 | ||
| HCHT 121 (Health Technology I) | 4 | ||
| HCHT 211 (Basic ICD/CPT Coding) | 4 | ||
| HCHT 215 (Advanced OP Coding) | 2 | ||
| HCHT 219 (Advanced IP Coding) | 3 | ||
| HCHT 221 (Medical-Legal and Quality Management) | 4 | ||
| HCHT 232 (Reimbursement Methodologies) | 3 | ||
