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HIM Frequently Asked Questions
Can all of the courses required for the HIM majors be
taken by distance education?
All courses unique to the HIA, HIT or Health Care Coding
Certificate (those beginning with an HIM prefix) are offered either by distance
education, DDN or web technology, so as long as you have access to the internet,
you can take these classes by distance education. We currently do not have the
sciences (biology and anatomy/physiology) via distance delivery. We will,
however, provide you with information about other schools that do offer these
courses via distance delivery and will work with you on transferring those
credits to DSU. You may also wish to take the science classes on-site at a
school near you and transfer the credits to DSU. With any transfer credits, we
recommend checking with DSU before taking the class to be sure that the course
will be accepted. Other required courses will be available from DSU or one
of the South Dakota state universities. The South Dakota Electronic
University Consortium website displays all distance statewide courses available
through the state of South Dakota.
Am I required to start at the beginning of a specific
semester when enrolling in a health information management degree?
You may start courses at the beginning of any semester,
however, the progression of the HIM courses will depend on the availability and
sequencing of the courses you take. You must be aware of any course
prerequisites.
How long will does it take to complete a degree (HIT or
HIA) by distance education?
The amount of time it will take to complete your degree
will depend on the number of courses you feel you can handle per semester along
with other responsibilities you may have (work, job, family, etc.). It
will also vary depending on the number of credits you may have already taken and
transferred.
Am I eligible for financial aid if I am enrolled in a
course offered by distance education?
The financial aid requirements for on-line students is the
same as it is for on-campus students. For information on Financial Aid, see web
site
http://www.departments.dsu.edu/financial/
What is the tuition rate for distance education courses
in the HIM majors?
The tuition rates are established each
year.
DSU tuition rates can be found in the DSU catalog.
Courses offered off campus, such as at the University Center (formerly USDSU) in Sioux Falls or via
distance delivery, are considered self-support. If you have questions on costs, please contact our Enrollment Services
Offices at 1-888-DSU-9988.
Can I enroll in a health information management course
without enrolling in the entire major?
It is possible to enroll in a course without having to take
a complete degree or certificate. You will be considered a “non-degree” seeking
student.
If I have already passed AHIMA’s Certified Coding
Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam, can I receive credit
for any of the courses required for the Health Care Coding Certificate?
You will be required to either take the courses required
for the certificate or submit a request to DSU for Prior Learning/Work
Experience to receive credit for any courses required in the Health Care Coding
Certificate. You can find information on Prior Learning/Work Experience in the
DSU catalog.
I would like to obtain your Bachelor of Science degree
in Health Information Administration. I am already an RHIT. Will I be
required to take all of the courses required for this degree.
Your RHIT
credential will meet the requirements for the 100 and 200 level HIM-specific courses.
You will need to provide documentation regarding the credential as well as
transcripts of your college work.
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Health Information Management