Health Information Management (HIM)
Health information management is a unique blend of health care and technology. Focusing on the business and technology side of health care, this profession requires no patient contact but is still an important part of the health care team. HIM professionals collect, store, process, analyze, disseminate and communicate information related to the research, planning, provision, financing and evaluation of health care services.
The HIM program at Greenville Technical College teaches students to work with and manage health-related information in a 1 + 1 format, with general education courses in Phase I and HIM courses in Phase II. Greenville Technical College offers a full-time, on-campus program as well as an online, part time program, both requiring a professional practice experience completed in health care facilities during normal business hours.
If you're seeking a career in a high-demand field, we can help make your education even more affordable.
The Career Pathways Scholarship may cover the cost of tuition, fees and books if you're enrolled in a qualifying program at GTC.
Please note: Pre-Health Sciences and Pre-Nursing students who are currently enrolled as Associate of Science students are not eligible for the scholarship until they are accepted and enrolled into the Health Sciences/Nursing program they have selected.
Health care and information technology make a powerful combination in today’s marketplace. Those with health information management skills are in high demand. An HIM professional plays a key role in quality health care, collecting the data that other members of the health care team must have in order to perform their jobs well.
National Outlook
This occupation continues to grow nationally, with 13% growth expected between 2016 and 2026. Positions exist in many settings:
- Hospitals
- Physicians' practices
- Insurance companies
- Home care agencies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Law firms
- Long-term care facilities
- Veterinarian hospitals/clinics
- Government agencies
- Consulting agencies
National employment statistics and employment expectations are available through the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THE PROGRAM
Students acquire a versatile yet focused skill set incorporating clinical, information technology, leadership, and management skills. In addition, successful health information management professionals must have good oral and written communication skills, be extremely detail oriented, and be technologically proficient.
Courses include instruction in
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Coding systems and compliance
- Pathology
- Statistics
- Reimbursement and revenue cycle
- Legal aspects of health care
- Quality assurance and improvement
- Management
- Technology in health care
The Health Information Management accreditor of Greenville Technical College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The college’s accreditation for associate degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2029. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.
Upon completion of the associate degree program, graduates are eligible to take a national certification examination. Upon satisfactory completion of the certification examination, the credential of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is awarded. For more information about requirements, refer to the RHIT Candidate Guide from AHIMA.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND MORE
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- South Carolina Health Information Management Association (SCHIMA)
- HIM Career Opportunities (job search site)
- AHIMA on Facebook
- AHIMA Student Merit Scholarship Program
Greenville Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.
Questions about the accreditation of Greenville Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Upstate Direct Connect offers an opportunity for those who want to continue on to earn a bachelor's degree.
Health Information Management
Associate in Applied Science
This program represents a continuum of practice concerned with health-related information and the management of systems to collect, store, process, analyze, disseminate and communicate information related to the research, planning, provision, financing and evaluation of health care services.
This program is offered in a 1 + 1 format.
- Phase I includes a group of general education and related courses which may be completed at Greenville Technical College or at any regionally accredited college.
- Upon successful completion of Phase I, qualified students may apply to Phase II, which includes HIM coursework.
- Phase II courses are available at Greenville Technical College's Benson Campus and online. Both include professional practice experiences, which are completed in health care facilities during normal business hours.
All students are required to attend a scheduled HIM program orientation and a scheduled PPE orientation which are held virtually.
The HIM program may be completed full-time or part-time online.
HIM program details from our current catalog »
Cancer Data Management
Certificate in Applied Science
This certificate program is designed to provide our graduates with the skills and knowledge required by our community of employers to perform the many and varied functions required of Cancer Registrars. Students will be prepared for a career in hospital-based and population-based cancer registries.
More about Cancer Data Management »
Cancer Data Management details from our current catalog »
General Technology
Associate in Applied Science
Health Information Management Systems Technology Career Path
This program is designed as a 1 + 1 program. Phase I includes general education and related coursework and may be completed at Greenville Tech, any articulating college, or other regionally accredited institution. Students may apply for Phase II via weighted admission as they near completion of Phase I courses. Phase II includes all Cancer Data Management and other related coursework, and a practicum.
HIM Systems details from our current catalog »
Students working toward acceptance in select Health and Wellness programs are now classified as an Associate in Science major. Want to know more? Check out our FAQ section.
Requirements for HIM Program Admissions
In addition to the Greenville Technical College admissions process, outlined in these Enrollment Steps, students interested in a program in the School of Health Sciences must also
- understand the School of Health Sciences policies
- successfully complete Career Talk
- submit the weighted application for the program of interest
Policies
The HIM program strictly adheres to all the School of Health Sciences policies, which are detailed on the Health Sciences admissions information page.
Career Talk
Career Talk provides valuable information regarding the application process, requirements, policies, procedures, and expectations of students interested in applying to the HIM program. Completion of Career Talk is a requirement for submitting an application.
- Online: To access, send a request to HIM.program@gvltec.edu. A link and instructions for completing the career talk will be sent to you.
- In Person: The next in-person career talk is scheduled for
Email Nechia.Carroll@gvltec.edu for information.
Health Information Management (HIM) Weighted Admission Forms
The application submission process for GTC's HIM program is now electronic. The electronic application will only be accessible during the application acceptance period, February 15- June 15. Questions related to the Weighted Admission process may be directed to Nechia.Carroll@gvltec.edu
- To review the form prior to submitting, please view this sample form (pdf) »
This pdf will not be accepted as an official application. It is for reference only.
- To submit an application, you must log in using your GTC student access.
Access the HIM Weighted Admission form »
Additional information
Program Orientation
The HIM program has a mandatory orientation session during the first week of Phase II classes. Students are reminded of this orientation when they are accepted into Phase II. Failure to attend the orientation will result in postponement of admission to the program.
Program Admissions
Admission into the Greenville Technical College HIM program Phase I does not guarantee admission into Phase II of the program. Phase II admission is competitive based on weighted admission scores and the relative scores of the applicant pool each year.
Application Periods
- February 15 – June 15 for fall consideration in the full-time and part-time programs
Students should check their college e-mail on a regular basis. Additional information regarding the program and/or application process may be sent only to your college e-mail address!
Forms and Resources
- HIM GPA calculator »
- For more information about the field of Health Information Management, visit our LibGuide resource.
Program Vision Statement
The Health Information Management (HIM) Program at Greenville Technical College is recognized as a world-class program where students from all backgrounds and life stages find flexible educational opportunities of the highest quality and value. By collaborating with HIM leaders and professionals in our community, the Program is a major driver of economic growth through development of a skilled and accredited HIM workforce.
Program Mission Statement
The Health Information Management (HIM) Program at Greenville Technical College transforms students’ lives and helps our community thrive by providing students with the skills and knowledge that they need to become accredited HIM professionals, thus providing our community with an educated, engaged workforce committed to life-long learning.
Student Achievement Data for Greenville Technical College's HIM Program
The recent performance of Health Information Management program graduates and students is listed below:
HIM Program Graduation Rate for 2021-2022 - 100%
HIM Program Employment Rate for 2020-2021 - 63%
RHIT exam pass rates for 2021-2022 - 79%
Academic Program Director
Lisa Seibert, RHIA, CCS, ODS
Lisa.Seibert@gvltec.edu
(864) 250-3050
Instructor
Karen Hill, RHIA, ODS
Karen.Hill@gvltec.edu
(864) 250-3026
Advisor
Ann Hester
Ann.Hester@gvltec.edu
(864) 250-3008
Administrative Assistant
Nechia Carroll
Nechia.Carroll@gvltec.edu
(864) 250-3069
Get answers to your questions about Health Information Management.