Health Information Technology Admissions Guide

Program	Program Duration (Number of Semesters)		Study Mode
Health Information Technology A.A.S	Full Time: 6 semesters	Part-Time: Varies	Online and Offsite
Health Information Technology Coding, Certificate ll	Full Time: 5 semesters	Part-Time: Varies	Online
Health Information Technology Analysis, Certificate l	Full Time: 2 semesters	Part-Time: Varies	Online

Health Information Technology, A.A.S

• This is an online program with three virtual and one face-to-face clinical practicum.
• Program meeting days and times may vary by class but you should plan to log in to classes 3-4 days a week during the evening.
• The face-to-face clinical will demand the student be in a clinical setting for 80 hours in their last semester. Face-to-face clinicals are generally between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please plan accordingly to ensure you have proper transportation.

Health Information Technology Coding, C2

• This is an online program with one virtual practicum.
• Program meeting days and times may vary by classes but you should plan to log in to classes 3-4 days a week during the evening hours.
• Clinicals are online virtual activities and assignments.
  

Health Information Technology Analysis, C1

• This is an online program with two online virtual clinical practicums.
• Program days and times may vary but you should plan to log on to classes 3-4 days a week during the evening hours and virtual online clinicals 1 day a week. 

 

On average, approximately 35 students apply for admission each application period (spring and fall enrollment). Of these, approximately 30 are typically accepted.

 

 

How Do I Submit An Application?

HCC Application Requirements

Step 1: Apply for Admission to HCC: 

New student to HCC: If you are new to college or transferring to HCC, your first step is to become an HCC Eagle by submitting a free admissions application to HCC. Please create a profile and complete a degree-seeking application: https://prod.applytexas.org/. Upon completing the application, you will receive your acceptance letter and a welcome email that contains your HCC ID-Number or P-Number/D-Number (if assigned). If you have filled out an HCC application at any point, or you already have an HCC student ID number, please do not submit another HCC application. Multiple HCC new student applications and/or ID numbers are not allowed.

Returning student to HCC: If you have not been enrolled for the past 3 semesters, you must re-activate your HCC student account.  If you need assistance with this process, please visit:  Returning Student Readmission | Houston Community College (HCC).

International Students: If you are an international student planning to attend HCC on a status F-1, (DACA, refugee, L visa, H visa, ), please visit https://www.hccs.edu/support-services/international- students/.

Veteran students: Please visit https://hccs.edu/support-services/veteran-affairs/. Download and complete DD Form 214 & SF-180 Form and submit with the application.

Note: In addition to the HCC admission application, you must complete and submit a typed Health Information Technology program application via email to co.hittadmit@hccs.edu.

Step 2: Apply for Financial Aid (this step is applied to students who are seeking Financial Aid):
All students should apply for financial aid immediately after applying for admission to HCC. Filling out a financial aid application is the first step in learning your options to pay for college. HCC accepts financial aid applications throughout the year and submitting an application early will give you a better chance of securing aid.

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov, School Code: 010422
• Free Application for Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) at hccs.edu/tasfa.
  
  If you need assistance paying for college, please visit the Coleman Financial Aid office for assistance or visit www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/financial-aid/

Step 3: Complete My Eagle HCC account checklist:

Please visit: myeagle.hccs.edu, and sign into the Student System.  Review and complete the HCC Policy Checklist and On-Boarding sections. To avoid delays in the processing of your application, please complete all To-Do List items.

Career Interest Assessment: All first-time HCC students must complete this module.

Meningitis Vaccine: Required for all college students under the age of 22. For more information on requirements, resources & any religious, medical, or online student exemptions, please visit: Meningitis

Submit official transcripts: Please submit your official sealed (unopened) transcript(s) from high school, GED, and any other colleges and/or Universities previously attended. If you have completed your courses at HCC, you do not need to submit an official transcript. We do not accept unofficial copies or official copies that have been opened. A High School transcript is only required if no previous college transcript. There are two ways to submit an official transcript from your high school or previous institution: 

• Submit by Mail: Please use the address: Houston Community College, Office of Admissions & Records, P.O. Box 667517, Houston, TX 77266-7517 
• Submit Electronically: Have an official PDF transcript electronically sent from approved service providers such as Credentials, Parchment, and National Student Clearinghouse to: admissions@hccs.edu
• If you have completed coursework outside HCC and need more information on transfer equivalency with HCC, please visit https://www.hccs.edu/support-services/transfers/transferring-credits/.
• All foreign transcripts must be evaluated for US equivalency and foreign transcripts must first be evaluated course-by-course by an approved evaluating agency. To find a list of approved evaluation companies, please visit Foreign transcript/ Foreign Credit Evaluators. Then the official evaluation report must be submitted to HCC. The HCC Internal process can take up to 8 weeks for evaluation and transfer of course credits.
• For more information on transcript(s) submission, please visit: Transcript(s). It is the responsibility of the student to allow enough time for the evaluation of transcripts; please allow 6-8 weeks for evaluation and transfer of course credits. 
• To receive Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit toward admission to the Health Information Technology program, the applicant should not have previously taken or attempted the course (by title), that is the same as the PLA credit for which he/she is applying. For more information on PLA, you may visit: https://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/prior-learning-assessment/ 

Texas Success Initiative requirements – If you have the "Texas Success Initiative College Readiness Requirements" Checklist on your pre-enrollment To-do List in the Student Center, you have to be placed into core courses one of two ways.

Have an approved exemption (reason) for not taking Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2). Please visit Texas Success Initiative Assessment/ Exemption for more information. OR

Take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2). Please visit: Texas Success Initiative Assessment for more information.

Health Information Technology Program Application Requirements:

Step 4. Meet with HCC Coleman College Representative:

At least once during the application acceptance period, we strongly recommend that an applicant attend an In-Person/Virtual Program Information Session or meet with an HCC Coleman Pathway Advisor or HCC Coleman Admissions Advisor via the phone or in-person or virtually at least once to ensure they are meeting all of the program admission criteria. To view up-to-date in-person hours for Coleman College Student Services https://www.hccs.edu/support-services/academic-advising/

Step 5. Program Information Session:
Program Information Session attendance is recommended; however, optional.  To receive the latest application information, schedule and attend a virtual online Program Information Session.  Please register at Health Information Technology | Houston Community College - HCC (hccs.edu). You will receive a Webex link in your email following registration.  If you have questions regarding the online delivery of program information sessions, please contact the Program Director via email at carla.tyson@hccs.edu or co.healthinformationtechnology@hccs.edu. 

Step 6. Complete Requirements and Submit Program Application:
In addition to the HCC admission application, you must complete and submit the Health Information Technology program application via email to co.hittadmit@hccs.edu with a copy of your transcript/s showing completion of the prerequisite/academic courses and applicable supporting documents. Please send all of the application documents in one email, and label each attachment with the file name.

 

Health Information Technology, A.A.S

Placement Test:  All new students enrolling in a Texas Public Institution of Higher Education must take the TSIA2 to determine college readiness unless they qualify for an exemption. Visit TSIA Exemptions for a list of exemptions. If your TSIA scores or transcript do not indicate college-level proficiency in reading, writing, and math, you are required to complete INRW 0420 and one of the specified MATH courses with a minimum grade of 'C' or higher.

• INRW 0420 - Integrated Reading and Writing
• MATH 0432P - Basic Mathematics & Contemporary Mathematics
  ORMATH 0424P - Basic Mathematics & Introduction to Business Mathematics
  OR MATH 0442P - Basic Mathematics & Introduction to Statistics

 

Cumulative GPA:  Minimum 2.3 or above

Prerequisite Courses:  Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of ‘C’ no later than the semester before you start your program courses.

Prerequisite Courses

Course Description	Credit Hours
ENGL 1301 - English Composition I	3
3 credits – Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective, Please visit:https://catalog.hccs.edu	3

 

Academic Courses:  Completion of the following courses is not required at the time of application but is strongly recommended prior to the admission deadline. 

Academic Courses

Course Description	Credit Hours
BIOL 2301 and BIOL 2101 (formerly BIOL 2401) - Anatomy & Physiology l (LEC & LAB)	4
BIOL 2302 and BIOL 2102 (formerly BIOL 2402) - Anatomy & Physiology ll (LEC & LAB)	4
3 credits – Humanities/Fine Art selective, Please visit:https://catalog.hccs.edu	3
MATH 1342 - Elementary Statistical Methods

 

Recommended Courses:  N/A

If you would like to determine your eligibility by calculating your cumulative points earned, please use our Admission Rubric form.

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Health Information Technology, Coding, Certificate ll

Placement Test:  All new students enrolling in a Texas Public Institution of Higher Education must take the TSIA2 to determine college readiness unless they qualify for an exemption. Visit TSIA Exemptions for a list of exemptions. If your TSIA scores or transcript do not indicate college-level proficiency in reading, writing, and math, you are required to complete INRW 0420 and one of the specified MATH courses with a minimum grade of 'C' or higher.

• INRW 0420 - Integrated Reading and Writing
• MATH 0432P - Basic Mathematics & Contemporary Mathematics
  OR MATH 0424P - Basic Mathematics & Introduction to Business Mathematics
  OR MATH 0442P - Basic Mathematics & Introduction to Statistics

 

Cumulative GPA:  Minimum 2.0 or above

Prerequisite Courses:  N/A

Academic Courses

Course Description	Credit Hours
BIOL 2301 and BIOL 2101 (formerly BIOL 2401) - Anatomy & Physiology l (LEC & LAB)	4
BIOL 2302 and BIOL 2102 (formerly BIOL 2402) - Anatomy & Physiology ll (LEC & LAB)	4

 

Recommended Courses:  N/A

Testing:  N/A

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Health Information Technology Analysis, Certificate l

Cumulative GPA:  N/A

 

Prerequisite Courses

Course Description	Credit Hours
HPRS 1201 - Introduction to Health Professions Course substitution is allowed with the program director's approval.	2

 

Academic Courses:  N/A 

Recommended Courses:  N/A

Placement Test:  N/A

Testing:  N/A

 

 

Selective criteria are awarded based on the following:

• 100% awarded based on the health program academic criteria (grades earned from pre-entry form, required and recommended courses, and general education requirements.
• All application requirements must be satisfied by the close of the application window.

If you are offered admission you will need to complete the following pre-enrollment requirements by a specific due date to maintain eligible status.

• Complete the letter of Intent form by the deadline stated in the Admission Acceptance Offer email that will be sent to your preferred email address submitted with the application form.
• Complete the mandatory Student Services orientation and Health Information Technology program orientation on the date provided in your admission email. (if you are offered admission, please clear your calendar so you are available to attend the mandatory orientation as follows: Fall Term – plan to attend orientation between July to August month and Spring Term – plan to attend orientation between December to January month)
• Completion of the below requirements prior to the clinical course in last semester. Details and instructions from the clinical coordinator will be given to you at that time:

  -Proof of personal health insurance

  -Passing drug screen

  -Physical examination

  -Immunization record showing completion of: (Monitored By Complio: http://houstoncccompliance.com/) Hepatitis B immunization series (may take up to 6 months) and should be valid within, MMR – 2 shots or titer, Tdap – every 10 years, TB Skin Test – every year, Varicella – 2 shots or titer, Meningitis (required for students 22 years or younger), Influenza – after September 1st

  -Cleared Criminal Background

• Clinical Requirements for Program Progression & Completion

To provide students with the most robust clinical educational experience and to ensure that students progress and graduate as scheduled, it is highly recommended that applicants weigh all of their options before agreeing to a conditional acceptance into their desired health science program. In order to facilitate this decision-making, students should understand all of the requirements of their program, including clinical education.

To be placed in a clinical educational experience, students must comply with the guidelines and requirements of HCC clinical sites, including health and wellness directives. Most clinical sites require background checks, health testing, drug screens, and immunizations, including proof of COVID-19 vaccination. 

Students are required to provide HCC proof that students meet all clinical requirements, with the exception of their COVID-19 vaccination status.  Consistent with state law, HCC does not mandate the COVID-19 vaccination. Students have the choice to voluntarily disclose or not disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status through their HCC Complio account.

However, most healthcare facilities do require the vaccine as a condition of employment, volunteering, or student clinical placement.  If a student chooses not to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status or is not vaccinated, HCC may not be able to place the student in clinical rotations.  HCC will work to place such students into a clinical site that does not require the vaccine, provided such a site is available and HCC has an active affiliation agreement in place that meets the necessary conditions to provide an appropriate learning opportunity for the student.  However, HCC cannot guarantee that clinical sites that do not require the COVID vaccine will be available at the time the student requires placement.  At this time, many healthcare facilities are not accepting religious or medical exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine for clinical students.

If a student chooses not to receive or to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and no clinical sites are available to accept the student who does not require the COVID-19 vaccination, the student’s progression in the program and graduation will be delayed or stopped altogether.  If a student cannot be timely placed in a qualifying clinical site, a student may not be able to complete the program. Our affiliate partners’ expectations are the same for our students as they would be when our students ultimately become employees in their chosen fields.

Students with questions about clinical requirements and placement may contact the program director of their program of interest. 

• HB 1508 requires the following information be given to students:

If you are applying for admission to a program that prepares an individual for an initial occupational license or certification and/or if you later decide to change to a program that prepares you for an initial occupational license or certification, in accordance with state law, please be advised of the following: 

1. An individual who has been charged or convicted of an offense or who is on probation may not be eligible for issuance of an occupational license or certification upon completion of the educational program.
2. It is the responsibility of the individual to immediately report to the program any change in status that would affect that individual’s eligibility to apply for a license or certification.
3. Local, state, or national licensing and certification authorities may issue additional guidelines related to criminal history. Applicant should contact their respective licensing or certification authority for more details.

Most healthcare programs require all students, admitted to the program, to submit to a national background check which may include fingerprinting. Applicants are encouraged to review all applicable eligibility requirements related to the respective occupational license or Certification. Questions related to eligibility requirements should be directed to the individual program and applicable licensing or certification authority.

• The Health Information Technology Program requires participation in clinical rotations in order to complete the program. In order to participate in clinical rotations at our affiliate sites, certain background information must be verified. Students participating in clinical rotations must meet the same background verifications as clinical staff at our affiliate sites. For that reason, we require students to submit the following required background information before admission/enrollment in the program is completed: 

1. Social Security Number Verification
2. Criminal Search (7 yrs. or up to 5 criminal searches)
3. Violent Sexual Offender and Predator Registry Search
4. OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities
5. GSA List of Parties Excluded from Federal Programs
6. US Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), List of Specially Designated Nationals (SDN)
7. State Exclusive List https://hhs.texas.gov/
8. Driver’s license or government-issued identification 

Please note: Verification of this information is the financial responsibility of the student and must be completed through the program-approved vendor - Complio. 

•  HCC Coleman College Grading Scale

To best prepare students for success in their chosen fields, Health Sciences Programs have high standards for progression. Unlike other HCC programs, the Health Information Technology program requires a C (70%) or better to progress to the next course or semester in the program. For specific questions about grades, grading, and progression within Health Science programs, please contact Coleman College at healthscience.info@hccs.edu. 

Health Information Technology Program Grading Scale

A = 100 – 90 %
B = 89 – 80 %
C = 79 – 70 %*
D = 69 – 60 %
F = 59 – 0 %

*A grade of C (70%) or better must be achieved to progress to the next course or semester. 

 

Tuition is estimated using the Texas resident rates. Out-of-district and out-of-state residents will have higher tuition fees. Please visit http://www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/tuition-calculator/ for more information.
Tuition is for core coursework only. General Education and Support courses are not included. These are high estimates; actual costs will vary depending on health insurance coverage.

Due to increases/decreases in books and supplements, please check the bookstore website at https://hccs.bncollege.com/shop/hccs-central/home for updated cost information. Only required books are included in the estimate.

Health Information Technology, A.A.S. PROGRAM COSTING SHEET (In District)

Health Information Technology, A.A.S.

1st Semester (13 semester hours)

Item	Cost
Tuition	$ 1,103.50
Books	$ 700.00
Uniforms	$ 50.00
Parking (4 months)	Varies
Subtotal	$ 1,853.50

 

Health Information Technology, A.A.S.

2nd Semester (13 semester hours)

Item	Cost
Tuition	$ 1,103.50
Books	$ 700.00
Parking (4 months)	Varies
Subtotal	$ 1,803.50

 

Health Information Technology, A.A.S.

3rd Semester (4 semester hours)

Item	Cost
Tuition	$ 344.00
Books	$ 500.00
Parking (4 months)	Varies
Subtotal	$ 844.00

 

Health Information Technology, A.A.S.

4th Semester (11 semester hours)

Item	Cost
Tuition	$ 935.50
Books	$ 600.00
Parking (4 months)	Varies
Subtotal	$ 1,535.50

 

Health Information Technology, A.A.S.

5th Semester (11 or 13 semester hours)

Item	Cost
Tuition (11 semester hours)	$ 935.50
Books	$ 600.00
Liability Insurance	$ 50.00
Credential Exams	$ 250.00
Parking (4 months)	Varies
Criminal Background/Drug Screening	$ 100.00
Physical Exam	$ 100.00
Immunization	$ 100.00
Medical Insurance	Varies
Supplies	$700.00
Subtotal	$ 2,835.50

 

Total Program Cost Health Information Technology, A.A.S.:  $8.872.00

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Health Information Technology Coding, Certificate ll PROGRAM COSTING SHEET (In-District)

Health Information Technology Coding, Certificate ll

1st Semester (9 semester hours)

Item	Cost
Tuition	$ 766.50
Books	$ 400.00
Uniforms	$ 50.00
Supplies	$ 200.00
Parking (4 months)	Varies
Subtotal	$ 1,416.50

 

Health Information Technology Coding, Certificate ll

2nd Semester (12 semester hours)

Item	Cost
Tuition	$ 1,020.00
Books	$ 400.00
Supplies	$ 200.00
Parking (4 months)	Varies
Subtotal	$ 1,620.00

 

Health Information Technology Coding, Certificate ll

3rd Semester (4 semester hours)

Item	Cost
Tuition	$ 344.00
Books	$ 400.00
Supplies	$200.00
Parking (4 months)	Varies
Subtotal	$ 944.00

 

Health Information Technology Coding, Certificate ll

4th Semester (6 semester hours)

Item	Cost
Tuition	$ 513.00
Books	$ 400.00
Supplies	$ 200.00
Parking (4 months)	Varies
Subtotal	$ 1,113.50

 

Health Information Technology Coding, Certificate ll

5th Semester (6 semester hours)

Item	Cost
Tuition	$ 513.00
Books	$ 400.00
Liability Insurance	$ 50.00
Supplies	$200.00
Credential Exams (CCA)	$ 250.00
Parking (4 months)	Varies
Subtotal	$ 1,363.00

 

Total Program Cost Health Information Technology Coding, Certificate ll:  $6.456.50

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Health Information Technology Analysis, Certificate l PROGRAM COSTING SHEET (In-District)

Health Information Technology Analysis, Certificate l

1st Semester (10 semester hours)

Item	Cost
Tuition	$ 851.00
Books	$ 400.00
Uniforms	$ 50.00
Supplies	$ 200.00
Parking (4 months)	Varies
Subtotal	$ 1,501.00

 

Health Information Technology Analysis, Certificate l

2nd Semester (6 semester hours)

Item	Cost
Tuition	$ 513.00
Books	$ 400.00
Supplies	$ 200.00
Parking (4 months)	Varies
Subtotal	$ 1,620.00

 

Total Program Cost Health Information Technology Analysis, Certificate l:  $2614.00

 

To view the degree plans, please visit the HCC Catalog for more information.

Health Information Technology - A.A.S.

Health Information Technology - Analysis

Health Information Technology - Coding

 

 

You can use a valid MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express card to pay for tuition and fees. You can also use a debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo, but not a non-USA credit card. Online payment via check is also available.
Check or e-check payments have a 10-day hold on the release of official transcripts. International students or their parents can also pay online from their country of origin with their local currency, where applicable. Online payment from other countries can be made through the “International Fund Transfer” payment option.

Additional Option For Payment

•  Financial Aid

If you need assistance paying for college, please visit the Coleman Financial Aid office for assistance or visit www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/financial-aid/

• Scholarships

In addition to federal and state aid, scholarships are a great way to offset all or part of the cost of your education. Please visit https://www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/financial-aid/scholarships/ for more information.

•  Installment Payment Plan

If you are paying out of pocket and need assistance on how to set up a payment plan, please visit the Business Office at HCC Coleman or visit https://www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/student-financial-services/ for more information.

 

Health Information Technology, A.A.S

• Accreditation Agency
  

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

• Certification Testing

HCC Coleman College HITT AAS graduates are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). AAS and Coding Certificate completers are eligible to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

• Employment Opportunities

Registered Health Information Technicians can find work in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, Physician officers and many other health care related facilities.

• Average Salary

Annual, entry level salaries start around $41,400

 

Health Information Technology Coding, C2

• Accreditation Agency
  

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

• Certification Testing

Coding Certificate completers are eligible to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

• Employment Opportunities

Registered Health Information Technicians can find work in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, Physician officers and many other health care related facilities.

• Average Salary

Annual, entry level salaries start around $30,000

Health Information Technology Analysis, C1

• Accreditation Agency
  

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

• Certification Testing

There is no certification test for this certificate.

• Employment Opportunities

Health Information Analyst can find work in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, Physician officers and many other health care related facilities.

• Average Salary

Annual, entry level salaries start around $25,000

 

 

Psychomotor Skills

Functional Capacity	Standards (Tasks)
Gross Motor	Move within confined spaces. Sit and maintain balance; stand and maintain balance. Reach above shoulders (e.g., put away supplies). Reach below waist (e.g., plug electrical appliance into wall outlet).
Fine Motor	Grasp, pick up, and move small objects (e.g., office supplies).  Utilize writing instruments. Key/type and otherwise operate common desktop computer accessories. Pinch, pick, or otherwise manipulate paper charts. Twist (e.g., turn objects/knobs/handles). Squeeze (e.g., possess or transport several paper charts simultaneously). Record numbers and/or notes in records.
Physical Strength & Endurance	Push and pull up to 25 pounds (e.g., push and pull carts of charts).  Lift up to 5 pounds (e.g., pick up a stack of charts). Move light object weighing up to 10 pounds. Move heavy objects weighing from 11 to 50 pounds. Squeeze (e.g., operate a fire extinguisher). Stand or sit; maintain physical tolerance (e.g., work entire shift). Sustain repetitive movements (e.g., computer work, filing). Twist, bend, stoop, squat.
Mobility	Move quickly (e.g., respond to emergency). Climb (e.g., use ladder or stool to reach and return filed charts).

 

Cognitive Skills

Functional Capacity	Standards (Tasks)
Critical & Analytical Thinking	Transfer and apply knowledge from one situation to another. Process information and evaluate outcomes. Problem solve and prioritize tasks. Identify cause-and-effect relationships. Plan/control and direct activities for others (e.g., determine tasks for completion and monitor results for quality control). Sequence information. Synthesize knowledge and skills. Use both long-term and short-term memory. Convert numbers to and/or from the Metric System. Add, subtract, multiply, and/or divide whole numbers. Use a calculator and compute fractions (e.g., medication dosages). Tell time (e.g., to document minutes/hours spent on tasks).
Safety	Abide by safety policies and procedures in classroom, laboratory, and clinical facility settings. Maintain awareness of alarms and emergency signals, and respond appropriately (e.g., monitors, fire alarms, etc.).

 

Sensory Skills

Functional Capacity	Standards (Tasks)
Observation	Observe and recognize objects up to 20 inches away (e.g., information on a computer screen). Distinguish color (e.g., color codes on charts, supplies). Perceive verbal communication by others.
Perception	Perceive verbal communication by others. Perceive and appropriately respond to alarms and emergency signals (e.g., monitors, fire alarms). Perceive depth in surrounding environment. Maintain awareness of peripheral space. Detect gases or noxious smells (e.g., identify potential danger and take appropriate action). Process understanding of content contained in written documents (e.g., patient/client charts).
Interpretation	Process understanding of columns of writing (e.g., flow sheet, charts). Process understanding of digital displays, graphs (e.g., vital sign sheets), and graphic printouts (e.g., EKG).

 

Social-Behavioral Skills

Functional Capacity	Standards (Tasks)
Communication	Teach/instruct (e.g., co-workers). Explain procedures (e.g., to a coworker or subordinate). Provide reports (e.g., about completed work to supervisor). Correspond via telephone using proper technique and etiquette. Demonstrate assertiveness in expressing ideas. Convey information through writing (e.g., projects).
Adaptability	Adapt effectively to changing environments and increasing tension levels in a variety of situations. Perform multiple responsibilities at the same time. Demonstrate flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties and ambiguities inherent in the clinical problems of many patients/clients.
Emotional Stability	Monitor and appropriately regulate own emotions to maintain composure, without prompting from others (e.g., control anger and avoid aggressive behavior, even in very stressful or demanding situations). Tolerate taxing workloads and function effectively under stress. Focus sustained attention on tasks. Recognize constructive criticism and performance feedback as avenues for improvement.
Interpersonal Skills	Interact with others (e.g., co-workers, vendors, physicians, patients/clients). Negotiate interpersonal conflict. Acknowledge and respect differences in colleagues and patients/clients. Establish rapport with peers, co-workers, and patients/clients. Develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with health care team members and patients/clients.
Ethics & Professionalism	Uphold the ethical obligations of the Health Information Management profession. Protect patients’/clients’ privacy and confidential information (e.g., adhere to restrictions of HIPAA, HITECH, and the Privacy Act). Respect the inherent dignity and worth of every person.