a group of health information professionals sit around a desk with computers

Health Information Programs

B.A.S.

A.A.S.

Certificate

Health Information programs are rapidly growing and evolving with strong demand for skilled professionals. TCC’s nationally accredited programs are among the leading programs in Washington state. We provide a combination of medical and business knowledge that prepares graduates for successful administrative careers in hospitals, clinics, physician practices, skilled nursing facilities, and state and federal health agencies.

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Information Sessions for associate degree:

Every 1st Thursday @ 3:30 pm on Zoom
Every 3rd Thursday @ 11:30 am in bldg. 16 rm. 210
(These information session are for associate degree programs)

Information sessions for bachelor program:

Every 2nd Wednesday starting October 8th:
- In person: 1:30 - 2:30pm in building 19 room 28
- On Zoom: 6:00 - 7:00pm

This degree provides a pathway for graduates of associate degree programs in business and healthcare fields to attain a baccalaureate level education in the specialized field of Health Information Management. Health information professionals are in high demand as the health sector continues to expand. The HIM Applied Baccalaureate degree is offered completely online. This provides convenience and flexibility for students balancing work and family commitments, while providing an excellent, affordable education.
Length

4 Years*

180 Credits

Costs

Typically $2,462.65*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map
Getting Started

Review the following information to begin:

Self-paced Virtual Information Session

Apply to the Health Information Management program
Things to Know

Review essential details on the Health Information Management program, such as:

Accreditation

Certification

Program Effectiveness Outcomes
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
This degree builds upon Health Information Technology certificates to prepare graduates to take the Registered Health Information Technician credentialing exam. Graduates will be prepared for employment in a wide variety of roles related to the quality of health records, the assignment of medical codes, analysis of patient data, and/or the release of health information.
Length

2.25 Years*

108-110 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map
Certificates Add up to a Degree

This degree builds upon the Health Information Associate Certificate and the Health Records Certificate to lead to an Associate in Applied Science degree. Students will be prepared to enter the Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Information Management program upon completion.
Things to Know

Please review this important information to learn more about the Health Information Program:

Self-Paced Information Session

Accreditation

Certification

Program Effectiveness Outcomes
Internships

The HIT AAS program internship is an opportunity to blend classroom learning with real world application. Students will work under the supervision of a qualified professional for an 80 hour on-site internship. Prior to internship approval, students must complete a background check, provide proof of immunizations, and complete any site-specific requirements.

If your organization would like to be an internship site, please email us at healthprograms@tacomacc.edu. Participating sites are compensated with up to 5 AHIMA-approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs) per year for credentialed staff who mentor students and one free admission to the Annual HIM Spring Leadership Conference at TCC.
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
This certificate prepares students for employment in entry-level health information roles such as: health information technician, medical records specialist, patient access representative, scheduling coordinator, or release of information clerk.
Length

1.25 Years*

54-58 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map
How our Certificates Stack

This certificate builds upon the Health Records Certificate. It can be taken as a stand-alone option, or it can be applied to the Associate in Applied Science degree.
Things to Know

Please review this important information to learn more about the Health Information Program:

Self-Paced Information Session

Certification
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
This certificate prepares students for employment in entry-level healthcare clerical roles such as: customer service representative, call center representative, patient service representative, medical records clerk, medical receptionist, and more.
Length

6 months*

26 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map
How our Certificates Stack

This certificate can be taken as a stand-alone option, or it can be applied to the Health Information Associate Certificate and the Associate in Applied Science degree.
Things to Know

Please review this important information to learn more about the Health Information Program:

Self-Paced Information Session

Certification
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
This certificate prepares students for employment in support positions such as medical billing, claims review, patient account or patient access representative, and a variety of other entry-level roles. Students will learn about healthcare delivery, medical office procedures, medical billing and claims processing, and an introduction to medical coding. This program will give the graduate tools to be a valuable resource to physician offices, large group practices, ambulatory surgery centers, and insurance organizations.
Length

9 months*

47-49 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map
Things to Know

This program is offered in a fully online format. It begins in Fall quarter (September) and concludes at the end of Spring quarter (June).

Please review the Virtual Information Session for a complete overview of the MBS certificate and related programs.
Entry Process

This program does not have a formal application process. Students can register into the first core MBS class (MO 101) in fall quarter if the pre-requisites has been met. The class is limited to 25 students and is first come-first serve. After the class is full, students can be on a wait list, but there is no guarantee of admittance. Steps to apply:

Apply to the college to become a TCC student here. After completing the online application, students will receive a welcome admissions email with a student ID# in about 3 business days. Students will then be prompted to complete English and Math placement, complete New Student Orientation, connect with an Academic Advisor, and Register for classes.

Complete any prerequisite or recommended courses prior to beginning the MBS program in fall quarter. (Note: Students should work with an Academic Advisor to plan these classes.)

Once prerequisite classes have been met, students will be able to enroll into MBS classes without assistance.
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
This certificate prepares students to work with physicians and other medical practitioners to support documentation in the electronic health record.

Length

3-6 months

19 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map

Things to Know

Students who complete this program may be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Scribe Professional (CMSP) credential through the American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group.

The Medical Scribe Certificate consists of 4 classes in total. All classes are offered in a fully online format. There is no admission process for this certificate. Students can complete the first 3 classes at any time in the year, however, the Medical Scribe class (MO 115) is only offered one time per year, in Spring quarter.

Please review the Virtual Information Session for a complete overview of the Medical Scribe Certificate.

*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.

Health information professionals are highly trained in the latest information management technology applications. They understand the workflow process in healthcare provider organizations, from large hospital systems to private physician practices, and are vital to the daily operations management of health information and electronic health records. They ensure a patient’s health information is complete, accurate, and protected.

Top Transfer Options

tacoma Community College

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON TACOMA

pacific lutheran University

western Washington UNIVERSITY

The Industries

Health Information
Medical Records
Medical Billing and Finance

Healthcare
Insurance
Government Health Agencies

The Careers

Medical Records Specialist

Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system.

Health Information Technologist

Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems.

Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

Document Management Specialist

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

Career Explorer

From Our Students

Health Information Technology to me means supporting the patient and making sure their information stays private and secure.”

Andrea Tower
Health Information Graduate

Students in graduation regalia walk across the Japanese bridge on campus

Tuition & Payment

TCC is typically 1/3 the cost of a state university. Find out about how much college costs so you can plan for your finances.

Financial Aid

Nearly 60 percent of all TCC students receive some kind of financial aid to help pay for school. We can help you make an investment in your education.

Ways to Pay

There are resources to help you pay for college, including scholarships, grants, workforce education funding, student emergency funds, and much more.

Veterans Benefits

Service members, military veterans, and their families have unique needs when it comes to furthering their educational goals.

Academic Advising

Connect with your advisor to stay on track and make informed decisions about your future.

Student Learning Centers

Take charge of your education with our Student Learning Centers, offering support to help develop skills and excel in your classes.

Library

The Library is the campus hub for information and research resources.

Access Services

Providing accommodations and support for students with disabilities.

Counseling

TCC Counseling provides free and confidential help to all students.

Food Pantry

The Titan Food Pantry is open to all students, providing food to get you through the day.

Free Bus Pass

All students are eligible for a free ORCA card for transportation through Pierce Transit.

Childcare

The Early Learning Center is a safe, enriching place for children age 12 month to 8 years to learn and grow while you pursue your educational goals.

Career Center

Visit the Career Center to receive career coaching, resume building assistance, and get connected with employers in our area.

Career Explorer

Use the Career Explorer to find out more about future employment opportunities in the area and what each position entails.

Career Assessment

Use the Career Assessment to help you identify what jobs might be a good fit for you, and the programs at TCC that can help you get started.

Student Employment

Explore options for work while you're a student, including work-study positions, internships, and part-time opportunities.

All Student Support

The Business Side of Health

Information Sessions for associate degree:

Information sessions for bachelor program:

Degrees & Certificates

Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Information Management

Associate in Applied Science in Health Information Technology

Health Information Associate Certificate

Health Records Certificate

Medical Billing Certificate

Medical Scribe Certificate

Have Any Questions?

The Opportunities Add Up

Top Transfer Options

The Industries

The Careers

From Our Students

Support for Success & Well-Being

Related Programs