Entry-Level MHIIM

Admission Requirements for Entry-level MHIIM

Prerequisite Course Work	Credit Hours
Human Anatomy and Physiology	8
Principles of Management	3
Personnel Administration	3
English Composition and Literature	12
Social Science	6
Statistics	3
Medical Terminology	3
Management Information Systems	3
Systems Analysis and Design	3
Database Management	3
Electives	45 (12 Upper Division)

1. A baccalaureate degree and complete prerequisite courses;
2. Minimum grade point average of 2.75;
3. Three pre-professional evaluations forms and letters of recommendation from previous college instructors or immediate supervisors;
4. Foreign applicants whose native language is not English must submit results of TOEFL, with minimal score of 550, 213 on the computerized version;
5. Official transcripts;
6. Personal interview with the admissions committee;
7. Ability to meet published technical standards of the College of Health Professions and the Department of Health Informatics and Information Management (applicants should contact Disability Services for questions about reasonable accommodations);
8. A completed application form including an essay describing the applicant’s career goals;
9. A non-refundable application fee must accompany the application.

10. Applications are accepted online

The early deadline for applications to the entry-level MHIIM program each year is March 1 and the late deadline is July 1 for the fall semester start date. A personal interview is granted to an applicant by invitation only. For more general information, please visit the Admissions Office or apply online and follow the directions for admission.

Registration and Fee payment for each semester are done by mail. Each semester, students must pay fees to the Bursar's Office by the deadline to avoid late fee penalties. Students must pay fees to be considered "enrolled" in a course. Information about financial aid and fees are available from the Financial Aid office or from the Costs/Financial Aid page.

The curriculum for the Entry Level MHIIM degree is shown in the table below.

• Is the program available online?

The entry-level MHIIM program is offered on-line. One week per semester students are required to be either on campus or to attend classes virtually using video technology. For the rest of the semester, students utilize the course management system via the Internet to attend classes, complete assignment and interact with classmates and faculty members at a time convenient to their schedules.

• Do I have to attend full time?

Students may attend either full-time or part-time. Part-time students must take a minimum of six credit hours per semester.

• Will I be able to work while in school?

The part-time option is for students who need to continue to work full-time. The program is demanding and takes time and energy to complete assignments and participate in classes. Many students work part-time during the program.

• What kinds of jobs do graduates get after completing the program?

There are many opportunities available to new graduates. The majority of graduates work in hospitals. There are many health information management professionals at the larger hospitals in Tennessee with a variety of responsibilities.

• Is it difficult to get into the UT HIM program?

Students with a minimum 2.0 on a 4.0 scale are eligible for consideration although the average GPA for entering students is well above this minimum. We also consider the following in determining admissions to the program: academic record, pre-professional evaluations or letters of recommendation, past work experience, knowledge and understanding of the HIM profession, and the information gained from the personal interview with members of the admissions committee.

• What sort of electives should I take?

It is important to have a well-rounded background. We strongly recommend that you take electives that will enable you to complete a degree in another area if you are not accepted. Management courses, computer courses, database management, decision support courses are helpful. Liberal arts courses in English, history, social sciences, other disciplines are also helpful. Courses which require writing assignments help prepare students for the important written communication aspects of the profession.

• What courses do students take at UT?

Professional course content includes health information science, quality management, pathology, health information systems, coding and classification systems, legal aspects, research methods, data analysis, health statistics, organization of health care facilities, and personnel administration. Students complete clinical assignments in the health information departments of health care facilities and complete a final management affiliation.

• Is the HIM program difficult?

It is challenging and fast-paced. Mature, independent students do well. All students gain organizational and time management skills. Students report that moving from a general university academic program into a professional program is a big transition and requires adjustments in their personal lives.

• Do you accept out of state residents?

While priority must be given to Tennessee residents who meet the admission requirements, out-of-state residents are encouraged to apply. We have accepted out-of-state students in all of the recently admitted classes. The Financial Aid Office will have more information about tuition.

• How much does the program cost?

The cost of the program is calculated by the credit hours you take each term.  For more information, refer to the Cost of Attendance estimate for Health Professions. Or you may contact the Office of Financial Aid Counselor for College of Health Professions, Gloria Dobbs.
Skype: glor.dob90

• How long does it take to complete the program?

The program may be completed full-time in two years. However, most students take 2 courses per term and it takes 5 or 6 terms to complete the program. The majority of students graduate in 3 years or less.

• Where do I send my transcripts and letters of recommendation?

UTHSC Transcript Verification Department
P.O. Box 9141
Watertown, MA 02471