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 the Professional Practice Experience courses (HIM 163 and HIM 164). 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 the Professional Practice Experience courses (HIM 163 and HIM 164). Online students will be provided a testing site close to their residence and will be notified by certified mail 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?

You may begin the HIM traditional curriculum (Phase II) in the fall. You will complete Phase II in three consecutive semesters and graduate upon completion of the following summer semester.

You may begin the HIM online curriculum (Phase II) part-time in the Fall Semester or in the Spring Semester. Students beginning in the fall will complete the program in six consecutive part-time semesters. Students beginning in the spring will complete the program in five consecutive part-time semesters.

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 courses (HIM 163 and HIM 164) that involve student 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 either HIM 163 or HIM 164 and participate in tours of facilities during the other. 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 that classes begin at the Benson Campus. Traditional students attend this orientation on the Monday morning and online students attend the orientation on the Monday afternoon during that first week of classes. Students who are unable to attend this orientation may resubmit the weighted admission form in the next acceptance period for consideration.

There is also a mandatory Professional Practice Experience (PPE) Orientation for HIM 163. This will be held at the Benson Campus on the Friday after classes begin in the Fall Semester of the final year.

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?

Yes, you will be required to attend the HIM new student orientation on Friday before classes begin Monday. You will also be required to attend HIM 163 PPE Orientation on the Monday after classes begin in your final Fall Semester in the program.