HIT FAQ
Health Information Technology (HIT) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Please review our virtual information session for complete information on the HIT
program.
2017-18 HIT/MBS Virtual Information Session
Frequently Asked Questions
The Medical Office Professional Program has transitioned under the Health Information Technology program. Students interested in this type of degree will be referred to the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Health Information Technology (HIT) or the Medical Billing Specialist Certificate
Yes, the entire program is only available online. The program is not offered in a traditional campus-based format. There are some required live meetings, but you can do these through teleconference and dates/times will be communicated well in advance. Scheduling conflicts can be accommodated on a case by case basis.
Online classes are often delivered in an "asynchronous" method, meaning there are no regularly scheduled or required meeting times involving the instructor and the students of the class. However, the instructor may offer or require "virtual" meeting times as part of a class. In a virtual meeting, you meet with the instructor or the class synchronously through your computer. If your course has a virtual meeting requirement, you will be notified through the course catalog or through your syllabus. In addition, a few classes will have a required orientation, where you must attend live - either in person or through a live streaming video. The exception to this are the ethical seminars, HIT 179/279,. which occur Wednesday evenings.
While our courses are only delivered online, they are definitely not self-paced nor self-directed. Classes progress from week to week or unit to unit as directed by the instructor. The student is required to act just like in a traditional campus class and follow the schedule of studies and syllabus to meet deadlines and complete the course..
The program consists of 7 college quarters totaling 111 credits, including the prerequisite courses. This assumes students complete 13-18 credits per quarter. Core courses are not offered over the summer and are only available once a year. Reducing to part-time status or failing a course will significantly delay your graduation date.
Start at New Student Enrollment Process
The HIT program courses are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can register for our entry courses once you have completed all of your prerequisite courses. Once you are enrolled in entry courses, you are considered part of the HIT program. After the 10th day of the quarter you enroll in these three courses you will be switched to the HIT advising staff and will be able to progress through the HIT program.
There is no formal acceptance process into the HIT program. However, space is limited and students are allowed in on a space-available basis.
Pre-reqs for the Medical Scribe Professional Certificate - None
Pre-reqs for the Medical Billing Specialist Certificate- ENGL& 101
Pre-reqs for the HIT Associate of Applied Science Degree - ENGL& 101, HIT 105, MATH 146, and BIO& 175
To register for the HIT entry courses (HIT 110 and 125), you need to have first met the prerequisites for the program (English 101, Math 146, HIT 105, and Biology 175). If you took your pre-reqs somewhere other than TCC please get your transcripts in as soon as possible so the system recognizes you and allows you to register for the HIT entry courses. We also recommend that you message the applicable HIT program advisor with copies of your unofficial transcripts to obtain permission while your transcripts are being evaluated by TCC.
Last name A-L: Corinne Jarvis cjarvis@tacomacc.edu, 253-566-5077
Last name M-Z: Jonathan Eastabrooks jeastabrooks@tacomacc.edu, 253-566-5228
No. You must complete all prerequisite courses before beginning the HIT core courses.
One of the foundational classes of any medical curriculum is Human A & P. The HIT degree program requires a college level 5 credit Human Anatomy & Physiology class. The TCC course that meets this requirement is BIOL& 175 with a lab (TCC also requires at least BUS 110 OR Math 90 as a prerequisite to the BIOL& 175 class). You must complete this prerequisite course before beginning any HIT degree core courses.
Yes. It must be a college level 5-credit Human Anatomy and Physiology course. It should include a lab. You must be sure you are taking this from a regionally accredited college so that it will transfer over to TCC. If in doubt, contact our transcript department at 253-566-5048.
Yes. It is important and helpful to know this so we can advise you properly about your coursework plan at TCC. If you have prior college level coursework, please send official transcripts to TCC for review and verification. You should also send an unofficial copy to your HIT program advisor directly as that can speed up the process.
Last name A-L: Corinne Jarvis cjarvis@tacomacc.edu, 253-566-5077
Last name M-Z: Jonathan Eastabrooks jeastabrooks@tacomacc.edu, 253-566-5228
Maybe. It is not enough to merely have these classes on a transcript. You must actually possess the skills. If you have been using these skills consistently since you took these courses, then you have those skills and do not need to retake the classes. If you have not used the skills in a while, it may be in your best interest to retake them. We expect you to have those skills when you enter the program and we do not reteach them. It is up to you to determine your needs in this area. Or consult with an HIT program advisor.
Take the class from another regionally accredited college or get the class from Washington ONLINE (WAOL). For questions, contact the TCC transcript review office at 253-566-5048.
WAOL is a consortium of all Washington State Community Colleges and it offers only online classes. They offer all types of classes each quarter taught by qualified faculty. They are treated just the same as any other campus class. Classes taken through WAOL transfer to TCC and the HIT Program. More information is at the WAOL website.
This option works for out-of-state students too.
We currently have a high demand for these courses. These courses are only offered in the Fall quarter and are filled on a space-available basis. It is important that you register as soon as your registration time allows. If you do not get into the course right away, here are some steps you can take:
1. Put yourself on the wait list. The wait lists may move and you still may get into the course.
2. Begin working on the non-HIT classes in the program, specifically CU 103 and CU 210. Also consider taking CU 102, CU 108, CU 203, CU 210, IT 245, IT 246, as these will benefit you in the field. Consider taking courses that will increase your communication skills, like ENGL 102, and CMST&101, and CMST& 220.
3. Due to high demand, it is possible that you will not get into the HIT program your first try (or possibly even your second try). Have a backup plan. Look into other programs just in case. Check out the CAHIIM website to find other CAHIIM accredited HIT programs.
4. TCC also offers other professional-focused programs such as the Medical Billing program, Paralegal program and Networking & Cyber Security program. Our General Advising department can work with you to help you consider other degrees if the HIT degree does not work out for you at this time.
The HIT faculty are also the HIT Advisors. Before registering for the HIT entry quarter courses, you will continue to work with general advising. Once you have successfully registered for HIT 110 you will be switched over to an HIT faculty advisor. You will work closely with your advisor to work out your educational plan.
The entry courses for the HIT program are HIT 110, HIT 125, HIT 179 and CU 103. Once you have enrolled in these courses, you will be assigned to an HIT program advisor and you will work with that HIT advisor to set up your educational plan. You will continue to work with your HIT advisor in the following quarters to ensure you are on track for graduation.
The ctcLink system at Tacoma Community College has completely changed the way students learn about (and register for) courses. We highly recommend you check out this resource page as a great starting point for any student who has questions about the system: https://training.ctclink.sbctc.edu/students.html
If you have taken your pre-reqs somewhere other than TCC and/or you took classes that are not exactly the same pre-requisites, then the computer may not correctly read your transcript and may deny you access. A permission code enables you to bypass the pre-requisites. To obtain a permission code you must contact an HIT advisor: Jonathan Eastabrooks or Corinne Jarvis
To receive a permission code you must meet or exceed the pre-requisite requirements. A permission code does not guarantee you a spot in the HIT program, it simply allows you to register if space allows.
Maybe. You will need to prove that you do in fact already know the material taught in that class. You prove this by challenging courses. A course challenge allows you to show that you already meet the learning outcomes outlined in the course by passing a series of tests. You pay a small fee ($7.50 per credit), and if you pass the assessments you get the college credit for the course. To challenge a course, please contact the program chair for specific information. Not all courses have this challenge option available.
Yes. It is important to understand that the HIT program at TCC is an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Successful completion of this program allows you to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT )credential. The Bachelor level credential is the Registered Health Information Administrator RHIA). The RHIT and RHIA each have a different focus, so be sure to decide which one you want so that you can choose which path is right for you. TCC does have a Health Information Management Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree offered in the online format. You can also look at other programs by visiting the CAHIIM Program Directory (check the option for "Health Information Management : Baccalaureate Degree (Certificate of the Degree)" to find programs that would help you on this journey).
Yes, and it has been for more than 25 years.
- Yes
RHIT First-Time Candidates Average Score Comparison
Year
AHIMA National Mean
TCC HIT Students
10/1/2016-9/30/2017
83.63
88.56
10/1/2015 - 9/30/2016
83.10
86.68
10/1/2014 - 9/30/2015
86.52
92.45
10/1/2013 - 9/30/2014
86.58
92.75
10/1/1012-9/1/2013
88.50
94.19
10/1/2011-9/30/2012
88.98
97.83
10/1/2010-9/30/2011
88.78
93.65
10/1/2009-9/30/2010
89.32
93.65
10/1/2008_09/30/2009
94.75
101.25
10/1/2007_9/30/2008
90.70
90.78
10/1/2005_9/30/2006
90.95
98.00
7/2004_12/2004
93.19
102.25
Total Possible:
130
Pass Rates Comparison First Time Candidates
Exam Period
AHIMA National Mean
TCC HIM Program
10/1/2016-9/30/2017 70% 78%
70%
78%
10/1/2015-9/30/2016
64%
86%
10/1/2014-9/30/2015
70%
90%
10/1/2013-9/1/2014
71%
88%
10/1/2012-9/1-2013
76%
88%
10/1/2011-9/30/2012
75%
93%
10/1/2010-9/30/2011
75%
83%
10/1/2009-9/30/2010
79%
88%
10/1/2008_09/30/2009
86%
100%
10/1/2007_9/30/2008
78%
80%
10/1/2006_10/1/2007
78%
89%
10/1/2005_9/30/2006
70%
83%
7/2004_12/2004
77%
88%
It completely depends on what your criminal record is for and how long ago it was. Having a record does not preclude you from completing the HIT program or from sitting for your RHIT credential. However, it may preclude you from Professional Practice Experience (PPE) placements (required internships) or future employment. Your best bet is to talk with Program Chair Jonathan Eastabrooks before you decide to start the program.