January 1, 2016
Mesa College opens enrollment for upper division classes in Health Information Management
Bachelor’s Degree
By Office of Communications
San Diego Mesa College is now accepting applications for its first upper-division
cohort in the Health Information Management (HIM) Bachelor Degree program. This cohort
will enter the HIM program as juniors in fall 2016, and be a part of Mesa College’s
first bachelor’s degree graduating class in May 2018. Applicants have until May 6th to apply.
Mesa College is the first in the state of California to offer upper division classes
that leads to a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification.
In January 2015, Mesa College was one of 15 California community colleges selected
to offer a bachelor’s degree as part of the state’s Baccalaureate Degree Pilot Program.
It enrolled its first freshman cohort in fall 2015.
“It’s an exciting time on the Mesa,” noted Dr. Pamela T. Luster, president. “This
is a historic first opportunity for interested students to receive a bachelor’s degree
in Health Information Management at a public educational institution in the state
of California.”
The four-year Health Information Management degree builds on Mesa’s current two-year
degree in Health Information Technology, which has been offered since 1963.
The college will accept 32 students as juniors in fall 2016. After completion of 54
units (17 classes total), students will graduate with a four year Bachelor of Science
degree in Health Information Management.
“The rigorous academic hybrid format of our classes – some online, most face-to-face
– will prepare our students to fill the growing need for health information managers
in San Diego and beyond,” said Connie Renda, Program Director/Assistant Professor of Health Information Technology and Health Information
Management.
“But what I’m most proud of is the support services Mesa College has set into place
to help this group of students succeed,” Renda added. She specifically pointed out
the college’s writing center, counseling and career services, and an extensive on-line
library resources for the program.
The HIM degree will enable those currently working in the field to advance into management
positions. Graduates obtaining their RHIA certification are qualified to be a Health
Information Department Manager or Director, a Coding Manager, a Healthcare Systems
Manager, a Data Analyst, a Quality or Compliance Coordinator, or a College/University
Professor of Health Information Technology or Health Information Management.
To be considered for admission, applicants must already have received a Registered
Health Information Technician RHIT certification and must complete an application
packet available at http://bit.ly/mesa_bach. Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2016.
Tags: Bachelor's Degree, HIM, Baccalaureate, 4-year degree
