Healthcare Informatics

AAS Associate Program
Division of Arts, Sciences and Professional Studies | Health Information Management

The Associate degree program focuses on many of the same healthcare informatics curriculum goals found within the certificate program. However, since students are entering college for the first time, the program also emphasizes computer science courses, mathematics and liberal arts. Students entering the healthcare field with an Associate degree will operate in a support role to existing systems and workflows within healthcare informatics settings. Graduates of this program will develop skills leading to positions as Healthcare Informatics Research Assistants and Healthcare Systems Analysts.

Healthcare Informatics focuses on the management, analysis and reporting of data and information from healthcare systems including hospitals, medical offices, health insurance plans, government healthcare providers and medical research facilities, with the goal of using such data to improve patient care delivery. Students are prepared to turn healthcare data into useful information which will help improve patient care and enhance fiscal and system efficiencies. This is accomplished by creating or implementing databases and other technology systems, recommending informatics solutions, and effectively collecting, storing, and accessing medical data for operational assessment. Students will understand and use data interfaces within healthcare department and providers.

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Program Requirements
Admission Requirements:
  • High school diploma with a minimum overall average of 80% or a GED with a score of 2625.
  • High school courses in biology and algebra. Those lacking one or more of the high school courses must take a college equivalent course and receive a grade of at least 2.0. These courses must be taken prior to the start of the first semester or within the first semester of study.
  • A 2.0 GPA is required for transfer credit.
Minimum Degree Requirements:

Program Format:

Time of Program: Evening/Weekends

Mode of Delivery: On-site seated

Normal Time to Completion: 24 months

Minimum Degree Requirements:

A total of at least 65 semester hours with a Quality Point Average of 2.0.

General Education Core Requirements:

Basic Communications (7 credits): EN101, EN200, and GS100* or GS102*

Humanities (3 credits) PH205

Natural Science (4 credits): BIO109/BIO109L*

Quantitative Analysis (6 credits): MA107*, MA120*

Social Science (6 credits): EC202 and PSY101

Program Requirements*

BU106, BU132, CNA105, HCI101, HCI102, HCI210, HIT103, HIT104, HIT201, HIT202, HIT208, HIT218, MB119

* A minimum grade of “C” (2.0) is required.

Up to 15 credits can be transferred into the program for the academic core courses and 15 credits for General Education courses. Candidates who have work experience in the fields of computer science, engineering, business or healthcare may qualify for course credit.

A student may earn up to 15 credits through the college level examination program (CLEP), Excelsior Exams and DSST exams. A student cannot duplicate earned credit through an exam. In sequential courses a student who has taken a higher level course cannot earn credit by taking an exam for a lower level course.

Graduation Requirements:

 

 

Courses
  • Semester 1
    17/19
    BU 132
    Information Technology I
    3

    This course includes practical applications of microcomputers through the use of software packages. Topics include an overview of microcomputer hardware and the operating system, an overview of application software including expected features, comparative analysis and integration. Hands-on experience in the use of the operating system, a major spreadsheet package, a major word processing package, and a major database package. (Fall and Spring Semesters)

    CNA 105
    IT Foundations
    4

    This survey course provides an introduction to fundamental IT concepts, including networking. Topics include IT concepts and terminology, and an overview of: hardware, networking, software development, database fundamentals and security fundamentals. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will have a broad understanding of IT topics needed in today’s technology-based workforce.

    EN 101
    English Composition
    3

    The course seeks to aid the communication process by developing the ability to write clear, concise, expository prose, with emphasis on pre-writing and revision. It assists the student in finding a voice and an audience. A research paper is required, thus techniques of writing a formal research paper are reviewed.

    GS 100
    College Seminar*
    1

    The College Seminar is a course designed to provide students strategies for successful learning in college and beyond. Topics in the course include: learning styles, learning and study strategies, cognitive strategies, time management, goal-setting, note-taking, test-taking strategies, overcoming test anxiety, cultural diversity, and other issues that focus on enabling students to become better achievers.

    The course is one credit with a one hour laboratory. Students are requires to take this course in their first semester at Trocaire College. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semester)

    *Students must receive a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher to pass this course.

    OR
    GS 102
    College Success*
    3

    The College Success is a course designed to provide students strategies for successful learning in college and beyond. It is part of the Transitional Studies curriculum. Central to the course is students’ intensive work in learning strategies and the use of the diagnostic tool, Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI). Topics in the course include: learning styles, learning and study strategies, cognitive strategies, time management, goal-setting, note-taking, test-taking strategies, overcoming test anxiety, cultural diversity, and other issues that focus on enabling students to become better achievers.

    This course is three credits and is open only to new Trocaire students who participate in Transitional Studies. They are required to take this course their first semester at Trocaire College. (Fall and Spring Semesters)

    *Placement is based on participation in Transitional Studies
    *Students must receive a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher to pass this course.

    HCI 102
    Introduction to Healthcare Informatics
    3

    This is an introductory course for students that cover the history of the rapidly evolving discipline of healthcare informatics. Students will explore critical issues and challenges facing informatics professionals today along with an overview of new information technology applications and how they have improved the management and delivery of healthcare. Topics include HIPAA and other legislation, application of electronic health records, and other clinical and administrative applications of health information systems.

    BIO 119
    Medical Terminology
    3

    This course is a study of the language of medicine as it relates to all body systems.  Emphasis is placed on the understanding of word roots, prefixes, suffixes and abbreviations.  Terminology related to anatomy, physiology, laboratory, clinical procedures and pharmacology will be covered.  Pronunciation and spelling will be emphasized.  (Fall and Spring Semesters)

  • Semester 2
    16
    BIO 109
    Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology
    3

    A one semester course designed for the allied health careers. It gives an introductory treatment of the structure and function of the human body including cell, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Three lecture hours.

    BIO 109L
    Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory
    1

    Laboratory experience coincides with lecture topics. Two laboratory hours.

    HCI 101
    Healthcare Systems and Operations
    3

    This introductory course provides an overview of the health professions and U.S. healthcare delivery system. This course explores the historical perspective and current trends in today’s healthcare environment. Topics include healthcare organization and delivery, regulations, finance and reimbursement, managed care, quality and cost, government oversight agencies, the electronic health record (EHR), data exchange, and emerging trends in healthcare. One area of focus will be on the hospital setting with an in-depth evaluation of its different departments, operations, finance, technologies and services rendered to patients.

     

    HIT 103
    Health Information Systems
    3

    Student learn to utilize software application in the healthcare industry and specific to the health information department of a healthcare facility. Hardware and software systems, databases, and electronic health records will be included. Overview of selection and development of a system, data quality, security control, confidentiality, and report management will be emphasized. (Fall Semester)

    HIT 104
    Legal Aspects of Health Information
    3

    Students become familiar with the health record as a legal document, the role of the Health Information department in legal proceedings, laws pertaining to the release of information, security and confidentiality of health records. The course includes a study of the U.S. court system. Bio ethical issues which supplement the course in ethics in health care are presented for discussion. (Spring Semester)

    MA 107
    Logical Reasoning and Decision Making
    3

    This course introduces students to both informal and formal logic; and students will use the developed logic to evaluate decisions for given situations. Topics include: informal logical games, logical fallacies, truth tables, logical equivalence, sentential logic with proofs, categorical logic, probability, expected value, and decision making. (This course is cross listed in Philosophy PH107-credit will not be granted for both PH107 and MA107)

  • Semester 3
    15
    DA 101
    Introduction to Data Science
    3
    EN 200
    Advanced Composition
    3

    The course develops critical thinking, reading, and writing skills as they apply to the analysis of primary and secondary non-fiction books, articles, and essays from a range of academic and cultural contexts. The course emphasizes the techniques and principles of effective research-bases writing.

    HIT 118
    Healthcare Reimbursement
    3

    This course covers the principles of healthcare reimbursement. Students will learn how reimbursement systems affect healthcare organizations, providers, consumers and payers. Topics include the development of classification and information technology systems, managed care and government-sponsored healthcare programs, reimbursement methodologies, current healthcare regulations, compliance and revenue cycle management.

     

    MA 120
    Statistics I
    3

    An introduction to Statistics with modern applications to Sociology, Business, Economics, Ecology, Health Science and Psychology. Topics include: descriptive statistics, central tendency, percentile rank, Z-Scores, probability, probability distribution, correlation and regression analysis. (Fall and Spring Semesters)

    PSY 101
    General Psychology
    3

    An introduction to the basic concepts, research methods and applications of psychology. The major theoretical perspectives are presented through such areas as sensation, perception, intelligence, cognition, personality, and abnormal behavior. The course requires a research paper. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)

  • Semester 4
    16
    BU 106
    Business Communications I
    3

    Principles and mechanics of effective written and oral communication will be studied in relationship to work and the process using electronic technology and working with teams. International communication will be introduced and studies of listening skills as well as the writing process will be explored. Review of basic English grammar emphasizing principles of punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, and vocabulary; organizing, developing, and stylization of letters, memorandum, email, and reports will be stressed. Human relations in business writing and oral reporting will be covered. (Fall and Spring Semesters)

    EC 202
    Principles of Microeconomics
    3

    This course offers an explanation of how the market system operates in the context of limited resources. Emphasis is placed on the manner in which individual business firms and consumers determine what to produce, how to produce, and for whom to produce. (Spring Semester)

    HCI 210
    Healthcare Informatics Data Standards
    3

    This course examines the importance of consistency in health data, the current data standards, future federal initiatives and standards lead organizations are using. An evaluation of ontology, acronyms, coding and classifications systems utilized in health information technology will be evaluated from the perspective of the users of the systems and by those who design and maintain those systems. Various statistical and data analysis software applications will be utilized.

     

    HIT 220
    Management Principles for Health Information
    2

    This course introduces students to supervisory concepts including planning, organizing, controlling, and actuating techniques. Areas of focus will include staffing, communication, productivity, motivation, leadership styles, committee activities, and the role and the functions of the Health Information management team. This course also introduces students to quality management, utilization review, and risk management. (Spring Semester)

    HIT 208
    Quality Assurance and Improvement
    2

    This course introduces students to the areas of a Quality Management (QA). Other highlights of this course include projects where students apply the tools for identifying and displaying health care data and utilize quality improvement tools. (Fall and Spring Semesters)

    PH 205
    Ethics in Health Care
    3

    Modern medicine and health care have created new human ethical problems. This course will explore a number of medical ethical dilemmas, such as end-of-life decisions, defining the concept of death, ordinary versus extraordinary means of treatment, reproductive issues, informed consent, confidentiality, truth-telling, withholding treatment, and the distribution of scarce medical resources, in the light of the principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice. One semester of clinical experience is strongly recommended. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)