The Health Information Management (HIM) Program is a limited enrollment, 9-month certificate program designed for individuals interested in managing and organizing health data. Each spring, a cohort of 35 students is selected through a competitive application process.

Once accepted, students follow a structured, term-by-term advising plan. This intensive program requires a significant time commitment and dedication. Students will gain focused training in:

• Health data management
• Electronic health records
• Medical coding
• Regulatory compliance

Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the certification exam through AAPC.

Career Settings:
Hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, public health agencies, and other healthcare systems.

Note: Please review the full program information carefully to understand the responsibilities of working with sensitive health data and the legal and ethical standards required in healthcare.

The HIM Program requires 43 credit hours. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition and fees are estimated as:

• Tuition: $108 per credit
• Universal fee: $38 per credit
• Total per credit: $146
• Total estimated cost: 43 credits × $146 = $6,278

This estimate does not include textbooks, materials, or other course-specific fees. Please refer to the official program website or contact the college for the most current information.

Working Conditions

Students in the Health Information Management Program should be prepared for office-based work environments that include:

• Prolonged periods of sitting
• Frequent use of computers requiring manual dexterity
• Extended time viewing computer monitors
• Occasional lifting (up to 30 pounds), depending on the workplace
• Flexible hours, including potential early mornings or late evenings

Essential Functions

• Answer phones courteously and direct calls to appropriate departments or individuals

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong organizational and detail-oriented skills
• Effective phone and computer skills
• Good communication abilities, including listening and professional writing
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Responsibilities May Include

• Managing private pay accounts and processing insurance claims
• Responding to patient inquiries and verifying insurance information
• Participating in departmental meetings
• Mentoring and assisting new staff members

Join us to launch your career in healthcare coding, where you'll gain the skills necessary to succeed in this essential field!

This intensive 9-month program starts in the fall and is designed to equip you with the hands-on knowledge needed for a successful career in health information and medical coding.

If you're interested in applying:

• Complete the application form located on the left side of the website
• Applications are accepted every spring for the upcoming academic year
• You must have a Chemeketa K number and MyChemeketa email address to apply

Before applying:
Please read the full application packet thoroughly to ensure you meet all requirements and don’t miss any important steps.

Application Timeline

• Application Period Opens: Spring
• Application Deadline: Monday, April 28 – Monday, June 2, 2025
• Review Process: Applications are reviewed based on the criteria outlined in the score sheet
• Notification: Applicants will be notified of their admission status by the end of June via their MyChemeketa email

After Acceptance

If accepted (or placed on the alternate list), you must:

1. Confirm acceptance or alternate status by responding to the email notification

2. Complete a criminal background check and drug screening

3. Submit immunization records by the specified deadline

4. Be officially coded into the program, allowing you to register for fall term classes

If you do not make it into the academic cohort this year, you will need to reapply for the next available cycle. Be sure to follow all steps carefully to improve your chances of admission.

Important Notice About Enrollment Status

If you complete General Education requirements such as HM123, HM101, HM120, or HM121 before starting the program, you will not be considered a full-time student once enrolled in the HIM Program.

Criminal Background Check & Drug Screening

Criminal Background Check

All accepted students must undergo a criminal background check. If disqualifying offenses are found, program acceptance may be denied. Background checks will be ordered through Advanced Reporting once a student is accepted.
Students must also notify the Program Chair of any arrests that occur during enrollment. Additional background checks may be required for practicum placement.

Please review the disqualifying crimes list before applying to ensure eligibility.

Drug Screening

Accepted students must pass a drug screening to continue in the program.

Immunization Requirements

To participate in practicum placements, students must have the following immunizations:

• TB Screening: Two-step skin test or QuantiFERON Gold
• MMR: Two doses or positive titer
• Varicella: Two doses or positive titer (history of illness not accepted)
• Hepatitis B: Three-dose series or positive titer
• Tdap: Within the last 10 years
• Flu: Seasonal vaccine by October 1 (declination allowed, but mask required)
• COVID-19: Vaccine or approved exemption form

Immunizations are required prior to entering the program.
Refer to Oregon Administrative Rules: OAR Clinical Requirements