What is
health information administration (HIA) and an RHIA?
Informatics encompasses (a) understanding the impact of technology has
on people, (b) the development of new uses for technology, and (c) the
application of information technology in the context of another field. MCG offers an applied informatics degree in Health
Information Administration. This degree prepares graduates for
informatics related roles in the health care delivery system. Graduates of
this health informatics program are eligible to take a national
credentialing exam to become a Registered Health Information Administrator
(RHIA). Frequently, health information administrators (HIA) are
referred to as health information managers (HIM). RHIAs organize the evidence used in evidence-based medicine. They
arm the provider with organized evidence to support patient care,
reimbursement, teaching, research, quality improvement, and legal
inquiries. Accomplished in the art and science of electronic information
systems, these professionals serve as advocates of the patient-provider
relationship and the information suppliers for the business side of
evidence-based medicine.
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How do I become a
health information administrator?
MCG offers two options for becoming a professional in health information
administration.
MCG grants a bachelor of science degree in health
information administration. This four-year (2+2) program results in a
bachelor of science degree in health information administration. Those
choosing the four-year bachelor's degree program complete two years of
liberal arts and sciences courses (the core curriculum prerequisites) at
another accredited college or university. Then students transfer to MCG
where they receive two years of specialty education in health information
administration. Students begin the MCG program fall semester of their junior
year. Graduates are prepared to take the
AHIMA national
registration examination to become certified as a
Registered Health Information Administrator.
MCG also offers a
post-baccalaureate certificate program in health information
administration (HIA). The program is a "4+1,'' meaning the student who has
earned a bachelor's degree in allied health, nursing, business
administration or computer science may apply for MCG's post-baccalaureate certificate program in
HIA. Students begin the MCG program Fall semester and complete the program
the following Summer. Students who complete
the certificate program are also eligible to take the
AHIMA national
registration exam to become a
Registered Health Information Administrator.
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Why should I attend MCG?
As Georgia's Health Sciences University, MCG specializes in preparing health
professionals and is dedicated to providing a second-to-none education.
Benefits of attending MCG include:
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A highly qualified faculty committed to helping you
succeed.
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Lots of practical, hands-on learning in addition to
regular classes.
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A great place to live and learn.
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Do you offer your programs online? Yes, MCG offers the 2+2 and 4+1
HIA programs online.
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What GPA do I need in order to be considered for acceptance?
You need to have a minimum 2.3 GPA to have your application considered. The
GPA is calculated based upon the grades of all of your prior undergraduate
coursework.
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When is the application deadline?
Applications for admission are encouraged by July 1, but will continue to be
processed until the class has been filled.
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When can I start the program?
Classes begin during fall semester.
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How do I register for classes?
Using the PULSE system, login using your NetID username and password. Click
the Registration link. From the Registration page, click the Registration
Status link to learn about registration eligibility or holds. To register,
click the Back button on the top, left of the Internet Explorer toolbar and
select the Register for Classes link. If you are pre-registered, you will
see a schedule or you can add a class or classes. Click
how to register for more information.
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What mandatory fees can I expect to pay?
All students pay the Technology Fee ($85) regardless of course load.
Students taking 6 or more credit hours pay Activity ($25-$38), Student
Health ($95-$137), and Wellness Center ($25-$62.50) fees. These charges do
not include program specific fees that vary from degree program to degree
program and from year to year of the curriculum. NOTE: Students who live
more than 30 miles outside of Augusta can have their Activity, Wellness and
Student Health fees waived.
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If I am accepted for the online program, how often would I be required to
come to the Augusta campus?
You are not required to come to the Augusta campus. You are invited to
participate in the campus graduation ceremony.
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I have an Associate's degree in Health Information Technology–can I apply
immediately?
You need to complete the remaining core curriculum courses.
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What courses will I take in the HIA program?
The curriculum offers classes in medical science, law, computer science,
management, statistics, and much more.
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What kinds of
prerequisites am I required to take?
Click here to view a list of core curriculum for Health Information
Administration.
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I would like to apply but haven't finished my prerequisites yet. What
should I do?
Prerequisites should be completed prior to enrollment in the program. If you
anticipate completing prerequisites prior to the Fall semester enrollment
period, please apply to the program by no later than the published deadline
for application.
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What is the average class size?
On the average, the class size is approximately 15 students per class.
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Is financial aid available?
Students accepted into MCG's program are eligible for merit scholarships as
well as educational loans from AHIMA’s Foundation of Research and Education (FORE). The
Georgia Health Information Management Association and the Augusta Area
Health Information Management Association offer scholarships to students as
well. The MCG HIA program also offers the Charlotte Johnston and the Carmen
Reyes scholarships. Please refer to the student handbook for additional
information. In addition, the
MCG Student Financial Aid Office can provide more information on grants,
loans, and scholarships.
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I can't afford to quit work to attend school–would I be able to continue
working while enrolled in the program?
It is possible for students with good time management skills to continue
their employment while enrolled in the program.
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I have a Master's degree but not a Bachelor's degree. Do I qualify
for the Certificate program?
Your application and transcripts would have to be evaluated to assess
whether you meet the criteria for the program.
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I am attending a technical college–would my credits transfer to MCG?
In Georgia, credits will transfer if the course number is 190 or above. For
example, ENG 190 would transfer; ENG 101 would not. In other states, the
general rule is if the credits from a technical college are transferable to
the state's flagship university, MCG would accept them as well. Contact
Admissions at MCG for more information.
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How are professional practicums handled?
See our webpage regarding practicum course
information.
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Are online students required to have all the immunizations listed for
on-campus students?
Yes, in order to meet the immunization standards of the University System of
Georgia, you must have your immunizations documented and verified on the
Certificate of Immunization Form. PLEASE NOTE: ALL students MUST meet
the immunization requirements in order to register for classes. If you have
additional questions, contact Student Health Services at (706) 721-3448.
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How do online students obtain an ID badge?
Currently, MCG does not require ID badges for online students; however,
practicum sites may require students to obtain an ID provided by the site.
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Are online students required to pay for parking?
Students taking online courses who will not be on the MCG campus often may
purchase a parking permit for $1.00 each.
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What are the software and hardware requirements for the
HIA program? These requirements are for ALL programs:
IBM-compatible PC
- Pentium III
processor or higher; (Pentium IV highly recommended);
- 512MB of RAM (1GB
or higher recommended);
- CD-ROM, CD-RW or
DVD-RW recommended;
- 40GB hard drive
(60GB or higher preferred);
- SVGA (1024 x 768
or higher) display;
- Full duplex sound
card with speakers/headphones and microphone;
- Web Cam highly recommended;
- Windows operating
system, Windows XP or higher required;
- High-speed Internet connection through an
ISP account or a network; cable, DSL or satellite high-speed
access required. (Dial-up Internet connection is NOT acceptable
for this program).
Software
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher;
- Windows Media Player 9.0 or higher;
- Microsoft Office 2003 Professional (to include Access
2003)
[NOTE: DHI will NOT support Office 2007];
- Adobe Acrobat
Reader 6.0 or higher
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What kinds of jobs do graduates get after completing
the program?
HIA professionals enjoy a broad selection of job opportunities and
options for professional growth. Based on your skills, education, and
interests, here are some positions available to you with a Bachelor's Degree: Health Information Management (HIM) Department Director, HIM System Manager, Data Quality Manager, Chief Privacy Officer, HIM College Instructor,
or a Consultant.
Examples of typical employers include: Hospitals, Information systems venders, Health clinics and group practices, Federal government, Insurance companies, State governments, Accounting firms, Colleges and universities (as faculty), Legal firms, Managed care organizations
and Consulting firms.
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What about the job market?
HIA professionals can expect to be in high demand as the health sector
expands. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites
health information technology as one of the 20 fastest growing occupations
in the US.
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Is there a difference, from an employer's perspective, between the
bachelor's degree and the post-baccalaureate certificate?
Both the certificate and degree permit you to take the RHIA examination. All employers are interested in your professional
credential. That is why taking and passing the RHIA examination is critical
to future opportunities in the HIM profession.
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What is the salary range?
On top of strong job prospects, competitive salaries also await HIA
graduates. More than half of new HIA graduates with a bachelor's degree
start with salaries in the $30,000 to $50,000 range. By five years out, one
can earn upwards of $50,000–$75,000 annually. Most new HIA graduates with an associate's degree jump
right in and earn $20,000 to $30,000 annually. And these figures are just
averages—many HIA professionals report salaries upward from here.
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What is my next step?
Consider taking an in-depth look at this field by attending a Closer-Look
Tour at MCG. Closer-Look tours are designed for individuals who are still
exploring career choices and want to take a first-hand, no obligation look
at the field. They are also for those who may have decided on a health
career, and just want to check out MCG. For more information, call
our Academic Admissions Office at (706) 721-2725 or
Schedule a
Closer-Look Tour online.
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How may I ask a question that is not in the listing above?
Please contact Jim Condon, MSA, RHIA, CTR at
jcondon@mcg.edu or
(706) 721-3436. |
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