Health Information Management FAQ | Greenville Technical College

Are criminal background checks required for HIM students?

Yes. You will need to have a clear criminal background check for the past seven years in order to be eligible for enrollment into Phase II of the Health Information Management program. No significant violent crimes will be allowed, even if they occurred more than seven years prior to the date the background check is completed.

Are drug screenings required for HIM students?

Yes. You will need to have a negative 10-panel drug screen in order to be eligible for enrollment into Phase II of the Health Information Management program. Students will be provided a testing site close to their residence and will be notified by email of the requirement and time frame for completion. Drug Screening is unannounced.

Can I enroll in the general education requirements in the same semester as the HIM courses?

No. The HIM associate degree is a 1 + 1 program requiring students to complete a group of general education courses (Phase I) prior to entering HIM program-related coursework (Phase II).

How often do the HIM classes start and how long is the program?

Classes for Phase II of the HIM program start in the fall. You may choose either full-time or part-time, with online options for completing all classes available for all students. If you are full-time, you will complete Phase II in three consecutive semesters and graduate upon completion of the summer semester. If you are part-time, you will complete Phase II in six consecutive semesters and graduate upon completion of the second summer semester.

Is online learning the right choice for me?

Online learning allows busy students a more flexible schedule because classroom lectures are facilitated online. Courses can be accessed 24 hours a day and can fit into any busy schedule. We strongly encourage all online students to complete COL 111 (e-Learning Success – one credit hour class) during Phase I.

What are the eligibility requirements to enter Phase II of the HIM Program?

You are required to do all of the following:

Complete the General Education courses (Phase I)
Have a technical GPA of 2.5
Attend Career Talk (Remember, you can do this online.)

What is a Professional Practice Experience and how do I complete this requirement?

The program includes two practicum courses (HIM 163 and HIM 164). HIM 163 is entirely virtual with activities that the student may experience if working remotely in the field of Health Information Management. HIM 164 involves virtual activities plus interaction with Health Information Management practices in health care facilities. Students will be required to spend 40 hours in a facility as a requirement of HIM 164. Every effort will be made to place students in a facility within their geographic area.

What is the program orientation and is it required?

The HIM program has a mandatory HIM Program Orientation for all new Phase II students in the week prior to classes beginning. The orientation will be held via Zoom or other virtual meeting platform. Students who are unable to attend this orientation may resubmit the weighted admission form in the next acceptance period for consideration.

What type of degree does the HIM Program grant?

Students will receive an Associate Degree in Applied Science with a Major in Health Information Management. Graduates are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) examination administered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). There are other credentials that students may also pursue through AHIMA.

Will Phase II HIM online students be required to make any trips to the Benson Campus?

No, you will be not be required to attend in person to the Benson Campus. Orientation sessions are completed virtually, classes are all available online, and instructors have online office hours as well as in-person office hours should you choose to visit.