Mar 29, 2024  
2015-16 Catalog 
    
2015-16 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Electronic Health Records Specialist Certificate


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Program Design

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is a direct result of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009 which was passed to promote and expand the adoption of health information technology. Subsequently, the extensive use of electronic health records by all types of healthcare providers will lead to an increased need for technicians to organize and manage the associated information in all areas of the healthcare industry.

Upon completion of this certificate, graduates can elect to take a national credentialing exam to become a Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) via the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

A Career as an EHR Specialist

An entry-level Electronic Health Records Specialist works in the medical office, clinic, or information services/medical records division(s) of a hospital. The primary role of this employee is to maintain, collect, analyze and secure health information.

Graduates are trained to apply for job positions such as:

Health Information Technician
Medical Records Technician
Medical Records Clerk
HIM Associate


Release of Information Coordinator
Data Quality Specialist
Data Integrity Specialist
and more.

Curriculum

This hands-on certificate utilizes a computer lab for 15 out of 21 credits. Students will demonstrate proficiency via:

Hands-On Labs
Software Simulations
Integrated Projects

Learning Outcomes


Graduates of this program will:

  • Demonstrate advanced keyboarding speed and accuracy using industry accepted methods
  • Demonstrate competency in the use of standard medical office equipment including bar code and scanning devices
  • Use the common features and functions of specialized EHR applications
  • Review electronic health records for timeliness, completeness, accuracy, and appropriateness of health data
  • Protect health information for confidentiality, authorized release of information, and data security
  • Demonstrate professionalism and positive work habits necessary for success in today’s medical office

Total Credits Required: 21


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