Health Information Technology

Steps to Apply

1. Apply for Admission to Mesa College

   Not a current Mesa College student? Before you submit an application to any of the Allied Health programs, you will need to apply for admission to Mesa College. Becoming a student is free and easy.

   Apply to Mesa

2. Attend a Program Information Session

   Learn more about what it takes to apply and succeed as a student in the Health Information Technology program.

   Attending an information session is recommended but NOT required to apply to the program.

   Information sessions coming soon!

3. Program Prerequisites

   Three prerequisites are required to apply for the Health Information Technology program:

   • MEDA 110 - Medical Terminology
   • MEDA 115 - Pathophysiology.
   • MEDA 055 - Human Anatomy and Physiology * or BIOL 160 for students intending to apply to the bachelor’s program.

   You must pass all prerequisites with a minimum grade of “C” or higher within the last 5 years prior to applying to the program. If you are enrolled in a prerequisite course at the time you submit your application, you must show proof of current enrollment when submitting your application. Admission into the Health Information Technology program will be pending until each prerequisite is completed. When taking prerequisite courses at another institution, please verify with counseling, before enrollment, that they transfer to Mesa College.

4. Complete the Online Program Application

   Submit an online application for the Health Information Technology program within the application time period from TBD.Your application should include specified personal information, unofficial transcripts showing proof of prerequisites, and other program specific information.

   Access the Online Application

5. Submit Your Official Transcripts

   Please submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended. Official transcript submission is required for the application process however, evaluation of the official transcripts is not required to be considered a qualified candidate. For more information about transcripts, visit the Transcripts webpage.

   Transcripts should be submitted to:
   San Diego Mesa College Special Admissions, I4-102
   7250 Mesa College Drive
   San Diego, CA 92111
   
   For questions contact special admissions:
   619-388-2682
   sdmesaadmissions@sdccd.edu
   
   Note: If you have completed your prerequisites at City, Mesa, or Miramar College, you do not need to submit an official transcript. Your transcript will be obtained directly from the SDCCD records office on your behalf.

6. Update Your Contact Information

   You are responsible for maintaining a current email address with Special Admissions and responding to requests for confirmation of your continued interest in admission into the program sent during the year. Be sure to return each such notice by the stipulated date to maintain the admission status.

What to Expect After You Apply

If you have already applied to the HEIT program using the online application system, you can expect an email with one of the following conditions during mid-April.

1. You have been accepted (completed all 3 of your prerequisites and are one of the first 64 students to apply).
2. You have conditional acceptance (In progress with one of 3 prerequisites but were one of the first 64 students to apply and if you pass the courses, you will be accepted).
3. You have not been accepted (you have not completed or have not passed one or more of the 3 prerequisite courses).

You will not receive a confirmation of your application from admissions other than the automatic application code you receive when you submit your application online.

Withdraw Your Application

Any candidate wishing to withdraw or cancel their application or postpone admission must provide immediate written communication to the college’s Special Admissions Clerk. Additionally, if you cannot be reached or fail to respond to admissions emails expressing your interest in the program, your name will be withdrawn from consideration.

Get Ready for Your AHIMA RHIT Exam

Upon successful completion of the HEIT program, you are eligible to take the RHIT exam. You will want to begin this process in your last semester of study.

1. Read the RHIT Candidate Guide.
2. Apply for the exam. The cost of the exam is $229 for members and $299 for non-members. You can either apply online or by sending in a paper application. For Eligibility requirement you will choose the first check box “Graduate of HIA-CAHIIM-accredited program.” Our EPC code is 477. Review the application checklist.
3. Submit all necessary paperwork.
4. Watch for the receipt of authorization to test (ATT) to come in the mail to your home or your email and read it completely. This receipt will have the authorization number in it - which you will need in order to schedule your test. This receipt will also give you your eligibility window (the time in which you must take your test - a six month window).
5. Schedule the exam with Pearson Vue. Pearson Vue will send an ATT letter to you once all the application materials are complete and eligibility has been confirmed. It will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks for processing from the time you submit your completed application to the time you receive your ATT which will allow you to make an appointment to schedule the exam. The exam is offered multiple times a year - actually probably even multiple times a month depending on what area you are in.
6. Verify the time and date of exam.
7. Take your exam! You will most likely receive your results immediately afterward. Of course these are not "official" until you get your certificate in the mail.

Take your RHIT Exam Early

Students in CAHIIM-accredited programs for RHIT® or RHIA®, enrolled in their final term of study, are eligible to apply for and take their respective certification exam early. This means you can take your RHIT exam during your last semester in the program. Eligible students include the following:

• Students currently enrolled and in their last term of study
• Students who have completed their course work but have not yet graduated
• Graduates that are currently waiting for their official transcripts

To participate in early testing you have to send in two documents:

1. The Regular Application
2. The Application for Early Testing

To apply as an early tester, purchase the exam through the AHIMA webstore. When completing the online exam application, select the early testing options and upload the completed application for early testing. Please be sure to only submit your exam application with the completed application for early testing otherwise your application will not be approved.

Candidates who apply for early testing and successfully pass their exam will have their credential granted once official transcripts (must include graduation date) are received and verified and will be subject to the recertification requirements as required by CAHIIM. The exam date will be used as the official date the credential is granted. You will note that the program director must sign this form. Please complete the top portion, scan and email to crenda@sdccd.edu