1. Is enrollment limited?
The Health Information Technology program can only accept 15 students each year. The selection is based on completion of the prerequisite course and Cumulative GPA.
2. What is the employment outlook?
Although job openings in the Daytona Beach area are limited, employment opportunities outside of this area are very good for those willing to relocate. Job openings in the Daytona Beach area and outside the area are very good.
3. What salary can I expect to earn?
Outside of the Volusia county area, graduates typically earn $12 to $13 per hour as a starting salary. A graduate can expect to earn $10- $11 per hour in the Daytona Beach area.
4. What are the typical working hours in this profession?
Regular working hours are 8am – 5pm, although some night shifts are available in hospital settings.
5. What are the program hours?
Health Information Technology classes are held two mornings a week for the Fall and Spring semesters; four mornings a week during the Summer A semester; and one full day each week for clinical experiences during the second year. All other program co-requisite courses are offered online, day or night as noted in the college’s course schedule guide each semester.
6. How much does the program cost? What about books, lab fees?
At an in-state rate of $104.48 per credit hour, the tuition cost for this 70-credit hour two-year program would be about $7,313. For out-of-state students, the fee would be approximately $28,476 ($406.80 per credit hour). Books will cost about $500 for program required books, and an insurance fee (billed as a “lab fee”) of $15 is also required.
7. FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) Level II Background Screening
Prior to enrolling in the program students will be required to complete an FDLE Level II Background Screening to include Fingerprinting and Drug Testing with cost approximately $90. Instruction on how to complete this process will be provided once a student is provisionally accepted into the program.
8. Must I take a national certification exam upon completion of this program?
Although no exam is required, it is highly recommended that you obtain national certification through the American Health Information Management Association.
9. Is a license required to work in this occupation?
No license is required in this field.
10. Do I need to take a college placement exam?
All applicants will need to take the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). If an applicant has successfully completed college level English and Math, they will not be required to take this exam. Applicants must be at the 10th grade level for reading, language, and arithmetic.
11. What courses may I take before starting the major courses?
Any non-“HIM” course may be taken before being accepted in this program.
12. Is clinical or externship training required in the program?
Yes. In the first year during the fall term clinical will be required. The second year, one day per week during the fall and spring terms is spent in on-the-job training.
13. I have previous college courses. Will they count in this program?
If assessed as equivalent to courses in the program, credits will be transferable.
14. When may I start the program?
Applications are received throughout the year for the program which begins once per year in the spring semester (January). The applicant must have completed the prerequisite course and/or developmental courses needed prior to being considered. You may submit an application prior to completing the prerequisite course. Selection will be based on those who have met the prerequisite and/or developmental courses necessary to enter the program. Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better will be ranked higher for acceptance. Applicants will be notified of their status of acceptance or denial in mid-October by mail for the spring program.
Rev 3/2013
