BU 102 Introduction to Computers

3 semester hours

This course examines the operation of computers from hardware to software. The Windows operating system will be thoroughly explored and learned. The course also offers an introduction to a wide variety of software applications as well as Internet history and operation. 

  

BU 104 Basic Computer Applications

3 semester hours

This course is to build proficiency skills in the Microsoft Office software suite, including word processing, spreadsheet, database creation and presentation software applications. The current Microsoft Office software is used as the standard for this course. 

Prerequisite: BU 102. 

  

BU 306 Principles of Management

3 semester hours

This course focuses on the study of managerial roles including planning, organizing, leading and controlling. Specific topics include an examination of organizational culture and design, decision making, environmental assessment, strategic planning, human resources, and motivation. Application of management concepts to real health care entities is stressed. 

                     

BU 309 Medical Billing and Reimbursement

3 semester hours

This course will introduce policies, procedures, and laws that govern medical billing and reimbursement. A history of health insurance is presented as well as medical coding and claims processing guidelines. The reimbursement methods for clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies are also discussed. 

Prerequisite: HC 102, BU 102 and HM 150; BU 306 is recommended. 

  

BU 355 Compliance Issues

3 semester hours

This course provides an introduction to the healthcare regulatory environment, including a review of federal fraud and abuse laws, Anti-kickback, Stark, HIPAA, Sarbanes/Oxley and JCAHO standards. You will learn the essential elements of an effective compliance program and the tools necessary to implement a health care compliance program. 

Prerequisite: HM 150, HM 350 and BU 211. 

  

BU 466 Health Care Delivery Systems and Managed Care

3 semester hours

This course is an overview of the American health care system. It includes the study of the evolution and current state of health care services and insurance, health professions and health services financing. HMO, PPO and POS plans will be reviewed.  Additionally, managed care functions and contracting will be discussed. 

Prerequisite: BU 309.  

  

HM 105 Medical Terminology

3 semester hours

This course introduces students to medical terminology using the basic rules for medical word-building. Classroom discussion and text provide an overview of a medical specialty, with their respective body system. Authentic medical records and critical thinking are used to help students interpret medical records. 

  

HM 150 Health Care Concepts

3 semester hours

This is an introductory course into the health information management profession.  Included in this course are: an introduction to the health information management profession; methods to access and retrieve health data and patient records; the various indexes, registers and coding and reimbursement systems encountered in the health care setting; and an introduction to the legal aspects in health information management. 

   

HM 155 Clinical Practice I

1 semester hour

Clinical experience is used to provide students the opportunity to practice the skills learned within the program curriculum. This clinical experience will include release of information, birth certificates, filing, master patient index, admissions and quantitative analysis in the acute care setting. 

Prerequisites: HM 105, HM 150 and HM 224. 

  

HM 224 Anatomy and Physiology for HIM

4 semester hours

The course is designed to teach important concepts about human anatomy and physiology in preparation for degree coursework. The course focuses on the structure of organs and their relationship to one another. The course also examines how organs function. 

Prerequisite: HM 105 or taking concurrent.  

  

HM 230 Coding I:  Foundation of Coding

3 semester hours

This course is an introduction to the nationally approved code sets. This includes use of the manuals and the basic principles of selecting codes to describe services, supplies and conditions. 

Prerequisites: HM 105, HM 150 and HM 224. 

  

HM 245 Electronic Medical Record

3 semester hour

One of the most unifying practices of modern health care delivery is centered around the development of the electronic medical record. This course offers a broad foundation in health care models and legal policy perspectives, multiple user information requirements, and strategies for mounting and managing organizational initiatives regarding the electronic medical record. 

  

HM 256 Health Care Statistics

1 semester hour

This course is the study of the methods/formulas for computing and preparing statistical reports in the health care setting. Emphasis will be placed on descriptive statistics and presenting statistical data. 

Prerequisites: HM 105, BU 104 and MA 120. 

  

HM 304 Pharmacology and Drug Administration

3 semester hours

This course is a study of pharmacological concepts and practices including theory and practice of drug administration. Legal and ethical issues of medication are also covered. 

Prerequisites: HM 105 and HM 224.  

  

HM 321 & 322 Disease Process I & II

3 semester hours each

These courses are designed to study the nature and causes of disease. This includes the study of the etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic evaluation procedures, complications, treatment, management, prognosis and advanced medical terminology. Through class discussion and assigned case studies, students apply their knowledge and utilize their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The classes are organized by body system and do not need to be taken in consecutive order. 

Prerequisites: HM 105 and HM 224. 

  

HM 331 & 332 Coding II & III: Principles of Coding

3 semester hours each

These courses begin a detailed examination of coding systems across a continuum of health care settings. The student's comprehensive knowledge of coding, terminology, anatomy and physiology, disease process and pharmacology will come into play in identifying all services, supplies and conditions described in sample patient documentation. These classes need to be taken in consecutive order.  

Prerequisites: HM 230, HM 304, HM 321 and HM 322. 

  

HM 350 Health Care Data Systems

3 semester hours

This course is the study of the healthcare code sets, clinical terminologies, and classification systems encountered in today's healthcare environment.  Special attention will be paid to issues surrounding the latest advances in health care data management, health care informatics and the electronic medical record.   

Prerequisites: BU 102 and HM 150. 

  

HM 366 Clinical Practice II

3 semester hours

This clinical experience will provide students an opportunity to practice the skills learned within the program curriculum. Students will gain experience in all types of healthcare settings. This is a capstone course for the Associate's degree; these students will prepare for and take the comprehensive examination. 

Prerequisite: This course will be taken in the final semester of the senior year.