2019-2020 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Health Information Management - Health Information Systems Concentration, MS
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Return to: Academic Programs
In the Fall of 2019, the Health Information Systems Area of Concentration was terminated. Students who were enrolled prior to the Fall 2019 term have the option to stay in the Health Information Systems Area of Concentration or transfer to a new major. The last term that a student can be admitted to the ARCO is Fall 2019 and the inactivation term is Fall 2021.
The Health Information Systems (HIS) concentration leading to a Master of Science degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences prepares professionals responsible for the development and management of health information systems consistent with the clinical, fiscal, administrative, ethical, and legal requirements of healthcare institutions. Graduates of this program analyze, design, implement, and evaluate health information systems. As members of the healthcare team, they interact with other healthcare professionals and administrators, and provide healthcare data for patient care, research, quality improvement, strategic planning, reimbursement, and related managerial functions.
HIS graduates work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, health planning agencies, computer companies, consulting firms, information systems vendors, ambulatory care centers, research centers, rehabilitation facilities, and insurance companies.
Why choose HIS at PITT!:
- PITT and SHRS are currently ranked a top ten college in the US to study health professions according to College Factual as listed in a recent article in USA Today.
- Our Health Information Systems Masters program is ranked among the best in the nation for its quality and affordability by MBA Healthcare Management.
The HIS Concentration Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) Option
We offer specialized courses within the HIS concentration for students who are seeking eligibility to sit for the American Health Information Management (AHIMA) credentialing examination to become a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
The Health Information Systems concentration leading to a Master of Science degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Results from the 2015 outcomes assessment reported to CAHIIM in the 2016 Annual Program Report (APAR) indicate:
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A 100% employer satisfaction rate
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A 100% graduate satisfaction rate
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A 93% pass rate National Certification Exam
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Program Requirements - HIS
All students enrolled in the Health Information Systems concentration are required to complete 41-42 credits (students enrolled full-time normally complete program in five consecutive semesters). Courses are chosen with the advisor and a Plan of Study will be developed to enable each student to design an in-depth study of Health Informatics taking into account student’s previous academic preparation and experience.
Most of our courses are only offered once per academic year. Please also note that you will have required classes offered during the Summer. If a student fails to successfully complete a course, the student must retake the course the next academic year. Furthermore, this may also prevent the student from registering for the advanced-level courses and delay the date of graduation.
Program Requirements - HIS, RHIA Option
All students enrolled in the Health Information Systems/RHIA Option concentration are required to complete 41-42 credits (students enrolled full-time normally complete program in five consecutive semesters). Courses are chosen with the advisor and a Plan of Study will be developed to enable each student to design an in-depth study of Health Informatics taking into account student’s previous academic preparation and experience.
Most of our courses are only offered once per academic year. Please also note that you will have required classes offered during the Summer. If a student fails to successfully complete a course, the student must retake the course the next academic year. Furthermore, this may also prevent the student from registering for the advanced-level courses and delay the date of graduation.
Internships for Graduate Students
Graduate students in the Department of Health Information Management in the areas of Health Information Systems and Health Care Supervision & Management are required to complete an internship as part of their curriculum. The overall goal of the internship is to provide students with practical experiences to apply their knowledge and skills that they learn in their respective graduate programs.
The HIM department has affiliation agreements with approximately 200+ clinical sites for student internships. The following list provides a sample of these sites:
- Center for Connected Medicine
- Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh - IS Department
- Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh
- Excela Health
- Highmark
- M*Modal
- McKesson
- Oman HIM Institute
- United Cerebral Palsy of Pittsburgh
- University of Pennsylvania Health System
- UPMC CTSI (Clinical and Translational Science Institute)
- UPMC Department of Radiology
- UPMC eRecord
- UPMC Health Track
- UPMC Interface Development
- UPMC Physician Services Division
- UPMC Radiology Division
- UPMC Technology Development Center
Prerequisites for Graduate Internships
The following are required in order for students to be eligible to participate in an internship. The student’s advisor will provide detailed information and time guidelines for completion of the requirements once the student matriculates into the graduate program.
- Physical examination including proof or completion of specific immunizations
- TB test, 2-step
- Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
- FBI Background Check (includes fingerprinting)
- HIPAA Training and Certification
- Students must carry personal health insurance while participating in an internship
- Students must carry professional student liability insurance coverage while participating in an internship. This coverage is provided by the SHRS group insurance plan and will appear as a charge on the students’ tuition bill.
- Some sites may have additional requirements (i.e. drug screen, influenza vaccine, or orientation programs specific to their organization).
- Internship sites may not allow a student to participate in an internship at their site if the background check reports that they have been convicted of a misdemeanor; a felony; or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.
Additional Information:
- Travel to internship sites is the responsibility of the student. Students are expected to have a car or to provide their own transportation to all remote sites; no exceptions will be made. Not all sites are accessible by public transportation.
- All expenses for transportation, parking, meals, and costs of prerequisites associated with clinical education are the responsibility of the student.
- Approximate cost for clearances is $100, and costs for physical exam and immunization status are dependent on health insurance coverage and provider costs.
- Approximate cost for drug screen is $40.
- The internship is 3 credits, and requires a minimum of 180 hours of student participation.
For more information on internships students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor.
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