The health record provides data for research, education, and long-range planning for the health needs of the institution, the community, and society at large. In order to meet the data requirements of all facets of the health care delivery system, a broad-based curriculum has been designed for health information management students. The health information manager combines knowledge of health care, health records, information management, and administration to provide quality services that meet the medical, epidemiological, administrative, legal, ethical, regulatory, and institutional requirements of the health care delivery system being served. The graduate must also have an understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, epidemiological research, statistical methods, and legal aspects of health care, as well as knowledge of both state and federal regulations. Clinical education, beginning in the Spring Term of the junior year, is scheduled at various health care institutions to provide the student with real experiences in the profession.
Students are responsible for their expenses incurred during clinical education.
An attempt has been made to offer a few of the Health Information Management courses in the late afternoon to accommodate those students who are employed on a full-time basis. In addition, the department has an articulation agreement with the Medical Record Technician program at Community College of Allegheny County. Credit by examination is offered for some of the professional courses. Students may receive a waiver for these courses if they successfully pass the examination. The Health Information Management Program offers a combined program for students who already have a baccalaureate degree, leading to a certificate in health information management and a Master of Science degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with an emphasis in Health Information Systems.