Announcements

Updated 6/6//09

The Health Information Technology and Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialist Programs are now full for both full and part-time students.

Those who have already sent in completed applications to be placed on the waitlist will be considered for any openings that arise.

Applications will be accepted again beginning January 1, 2010. The start date for these individuals will be announced at a later time. Please monitor this website. If there is a change for a different application date, we will announce it here.

CHANGE IN HIT CURRICULUM

Effective Fall 2009, the 3 credit PE course will no longer be required for Health Information Technology students. HCI 220 Quality Improvement in Health Care credits will be changed from 3 to 5 credits and HCI 226 Alternate Care Records credits will be changed from 3 to 4 credits.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Due to the number of inquiries we receive for information on our program, we have developed this website at that we believe will answer most of your questions. It has detailed information including program prerequisites, suggested curriculum plans, admissions procedures (including application forms), classes available without the need for formal HCI program acceptance, etc.

There are two HCI program advisors. For students whose last names end in A-L, please contact Donna Wilde for assistance: dwilde@shoreline.edu. 206-546-4757. For students whose last names end in M-Z, please contact Gloria Anderson for assistance: ganderso@shoreline.edu. 206-546-47-7.

You can go to www.shoreline.edu/costsofattendance01.html to obtain information on tuition and fees. It has information for both Washington State resident and non-resident students. Please note that out-of-state students do not need to pay non-resident tuition for online programs. Go to the section “Non-resident eLearning Program” for the tuition fee structure. Shoreline has financial aid available for both in-state and out-of-state students. You can obtain information by going to www.shoreline.edu/financialaid01.htm. It is critical that you apply early for financial aid. If you receive word that your paperwork is complete, this does not necessarily mean that you have received your financial aid. Be sure to question staff at the financial aid office regarding when you will hear if you have received your aid, and when you can expect to receive it. Be prepared to pay tuition during the first quarter after you have applied, and you may be able to receive reimbursement for the tuition later in the quarter.

If you have questions, please call the Health Occupations office at 206-546-4743 or by contacting Judy Proffitt, Health Occupations Secretary at jproffit@shoreline.edu.

CONVERSION OF PROGRAM TO ONLINE STATUS

The Health Information Technology and Medical Coding and Reimbursement Specialist programs were converted to a total online basis effective Summer Quarter 2008. This is the result of a three-year project to change the offerings from on-campus to a total distance learning basis.

CHANGE IN COURSE NUMBERS

Effective Summer 2008, most course numbers changed to reflect the new state Common Course Numbering System. Click HERE for a cross reference list of classes with their old and new numbers.

COURSE SCHEDULES

When any HCI course is marked "Instructor Permission Required," this will require the student to register on campus and obtain a signature from Donna Wilde or Gloria Anderson on a course registration form or to obtain permission via email access code assignment from either Donna Wilde or Gloria Anderson. The program prepares a list of students approved for taking these classes. All HCI classes, other than HCI 134 Medical Terminology and HCI 120 Survey of Health Care Delivery are available only to to students who have been formally accepted into the HCI programs. There are four courses, HCI 214 Pharmacology and HCI 215 Human Diseases, HCI 210 Legal Aspects of Health Care, and HCI 225 Computers in Health Care where non-HCI students may enroll with permission from Donna Wilde or Gloria Anderson only if there is space available after HCI students have enrolled. If a course is full that is required in your HCI curriculum, after you have been accepted into the HCI programs, please contact Donna Wilde or Gloria Anderson for assistance.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS

Health Information Technology students will be required to have a criminal background check, at their expense, prior to attending clinical practice. Students who do not pass this check may have difficulty finding clinical practice sites for their internships and may possibly not be able to complete their program. The Program Director will discuss procedures with students prior to placements at sites. For more information, contact Donna Wilde, Program Director.

ADVISORS

Both Donna Wilde, MPA, RHIA, Health Care Information Programs Director and Gloria Anderson, MAEd, RHIA, CCS, Health Care Information Program Professor will be able to advise you. Phone numbers and email addresses are:

Donna Wilde 206-546-4757 dwilde@shoreline.edu
Gloria Anderson 206-546-4707 ganderso@shoreline.edu

If these two advisors are not available, please contact the office of the Health Occupations and Physical Education Division at 206-546-4743 for assistance. Please note that during the summer months, Christmas break and Spring break, faculty are not as available as they are during the normal academic year, and may not check their emails as often.