Online Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Systems
Health Information Systems (HIS) professionals manage health information and medical records to ensure data quality, integrity, confidentiality, and security.
Is Health Information Systems Right for Me?
Have you always wanted to work in a non-patient-facing role in the healthcare system? Are you looking to either start or advance your career? Do you want a flexible degree program in a high-demand, rapidly-growing field with lots of earning potential? Then working as a health information professional is a perfect career for you!
HIS professionals communicate regularly with doctors, nurses, administrators and other healthcare professionals to ensure proper management and storage of electronic health records (EHRs).
Professionals who earn their health information systems degree online can specialize in several different areas of healthcare including medical billing, coding, health information and EHR management, health administration, cancer registry management and more.
Health Information Systems Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- Graduate with your Associates, Professional Medical Coding Certificate, and your RHIT®!
- Valuable experience and networking opportunities through UC’s national healthcare network
- Generous financial aid packages available including grants and scholarships
- Associate to Bachelor’s Fast Track – HIS grads are guaranteed acceptance into UC’s 100% online Bachelor’s in HIM! In just a few additional semesters, you can advance your degree and earn the RHIA® credential!
Flexibility
- 100% online – no campus visits required
- Option to transfer credits
- Multiple program start dates per year
Support from Application to Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
The online Associate in Health Information Systems is a 63 credit hour program. Our curriculum is continuously updated with the latest compliance, quality, accreditation and certification standards.
Our CAHIIM-Accredited program is designed to prepare students to sit for the nationally recognized credential of Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) in their last semester. Our graduates are fully-credentialed, highly-knowledgeable and in high demand. After obtaining the RHIT certification, many of our HIS graduates continue their education by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (HIM) and earning the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential – opening up even more opportunities for career growth and professional advancement.
Experiential Learning (formerly known as Practicum) is an essential component of the HIS program and is virtually conducted throughout the program’s curriculum. Students gain an appreciation of real-world health information activities through our competency driven curriculum.
UC’s online AAS Health Information Systems program is a proud recipient of the Quality Matters Exemplary Online Program Certification for the following courses:
- HCMT 1005: Introduction to Health Information Systems
- HCMT 2012: Health Information Ethics
- HCMT 2014: Physician Practice Management
- HCMT 1017: ICD Medical Coding I
UC Online’s commitment to providing learners with an exceptional online learning experience was recognized by Quality Matters (QM) – the international leader in quality assurance for online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments.
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRFS1100 | First Year Experience UC Clermont College PRFS 1100 is a first-year experience course that facilitates students’ successful transition into college life. It focuses on navigating campus resources, developing academic habits and soft skills such as critical thinking and time management, and the application of knowledge and skills. Students in this course are also paired with academic coaches with whom they meet one-on-one throughout the semester. |
1 |
| BIOL1015 | Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Freshmen level course, 3 undergraduate credits. This course discusses the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body, basic current medical information on common clinical disorders encountered in the health field, the nomenclature used in describing anatomy, physiology, and disease of the human body, and the etymology of key terminology. This course is designed for students enrolled in programs of Emergency Medical Professions, Health Information Technology, Medical Assisting, and Human Services and Social Work. (Not for biology majors) |
3 |
| BIOL1015L | Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Lab This laboratory course accompanies Introduction toAnatomy and Physiology (BIOL1015). Activities provide a deeper and practical understanding of the basic principles of human anatomy and physiology. Many of the activities utilize laboratory simulation software. Topics include histology, blood analysis, skeletal muscle physiology, nerve impulse physiology, respiratory mechanics, chemical and physical properties of digestion, cardiovascular dynamics and endocrine physiology. This course was designed for students enrolled in Health Information Systems, Medical Assisting, Multi-Skilled Health Technology, and Emergency Medical Technology (not for biology or nursing majors). Co-requisite: BIOL1015. |
1 |
| HCMT2000 | Foundations of Pharmacology This course will introduce students to the names and uses of the major classes of drugs. The purpose of this course is to develop a foundation for health professionals on how drugs work, potential interaction, and risks and benefits of Rx drugs. |
2 |
| ENGL1001 | English Composition English Composition 1001 is a writing-centered course that emphasizes the careful reading, analytical thinking, and persuasive strategies inherent in researching and writing within an academic community. Students learn that rhetorical knowledge is the basis of composing while learning to write with purpose, audience, context, and conventions in mind. Students develop rigorous academic research practices: how to locate and evaluate primary and secondary sources relevant to their line of inquiry and position their own ideas in conversation with public writing. Students also engage in regular self-reflection: articulating what they know, what they can do, and how to apply their knowledge and skills in various contexts. |
3 |
| HCMT1001 | Medical Terminology for the Health Professions This course is designed to introduce the student to medical terminology, including roots, prefixes,and suffixes, with emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. The course consists of the basic rules for interpreting, constructing,and spelling medical terminology. The course includes common terminology, definitions and pronunciations for prefixes, suffixes, general body terms, and body system terminology. Each bodysystem lesson includes terms for anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, radiology, procedures, and tests. Emphasis is upon learning word roots, prefixes and suffixes and how they are combined toform medical words. |
3 |
| HCMT1005C | Introduction to Health Information Systems This foundational course provides an overview of health information management technology. Emphasis is placed on health information data structure, health record content, governance, access, use, disclosure, privacy, and security of health information. Management and standards for the exchange of health informatics concepts are explored. An examination of health law and compliance along with technologies used in health information are identified. |
3 |
| HCMT1018 | ICD Medical Coding II This course is a continuation of HCMT1017 and the coding of diagnoses of body systems not covered in HCMT1017. This course also provides a comprehensive understanding and application of ICD-PCS (International Classifications of Diseases -Procedure Coding System). Official coding guidelines are used to accurately assign ICD-PCS and ICD-CM codes to procedural and diagnostic statements. Medical documentation is reviewed for accuracy and completeness and assigned ICD codes, both diagnostic and procedural, are evaluated for accuracy. |
3 |
| ALH1015C | Human Disease This course will provide students with an overviewof current medical information on common clinical disorders encountered in health care. Topics include principles of diseases of the various organ systems. |
2 |
| STAT1031 | Introduction to Statistics A one-semester comprehensive introduction to statistics suitable for students in biology, nursing, allied health, and applied science. Discussion of data, frequency distributions, graphical and numerical summaries, design of statistical studies, and probability as a basis for statistical inference and prediction. The concepts and practice of statistical inference including confidence intervals, one and two sample t-tests, chi-square tests, regression and analysis of variance, with attention to selecting the procedure(s) appropriate for the question and data structure, and interpreting and using the result. Prerequisite: at least 30 on the ALEKS Math test or 420 on the Math Placement Test (MPT) is recommended. |
3 |
| HCMT2020 | Health Information Administration Practices This course will present an overview of management theory and principles related to health information technology in the acute and non-acute care environments. Management theory and principles to strategic planning, accreditation, licensure, and institutional issues will be examined. Focus on integrated approach to diverse healthcare projects encountered in a variety of settings as well as software is utilized to simulate project management, planning and development. |
3 |
| HCMT1017 | ICD Medical Coding I This course provides a comprehensive understanding and application of ICD-CM (International Classifications of Diseases - Clinical Modification). Official coding guidelines are used to accurately assign ICD-CM codes to diagnosis statements. Concepts related to accurate medical coding such as but not limited to sequencing, required medical documentation and provider queries. Medical documentation is reviewed for accuracy and completeness and assigned ICD-CM codes are evaluated for accuracy. Classification systems and registries are discussed and compared. Medical coder certifications are discussed as well as career opportunities and coding policies and procedures. |
3 |
| HCMT1019C | ICD Medical Coding III This course is a continuation of HCMT1018, and the coding of anatomical structures and body systems not covered in HCMT1018. The coding of basic diagnostic/procedural statements, case studies and redacted patient medical records will be performed. |
3 |
| HCMT2025C | Advanced Coding Applications Advanced medical coding will be completed using ICD and CPT coding principles, conventions, and updates as they apply to accurate coding of complex medical/surgical cases with emphasis on case studies. This course will include the use of computerized encoders and groupers. Utilization review processes and objectives will be discussed and the use and application of clinical indicators and clinical documentation integrity concepts to improve the integrity of coded data will be demonstrated. Coding and documentation audits will be conducted, and coding education will be developed. A discussion and monitoring of Discharged Not Final Billed (DNFB) Reports will be conducted. |
3 |
| HCMT2030C | Health Information Systems Professional Experiencee This course is the final course of the Health Information Systems Technology Associate Degree curriculum and contains an onsite practicum requirement along with the requirement to sit for the RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) national certification exam. In this course, students review the AHIMA domains and competencies along with their previous coursework to prepare for and take the RHIT Exam. Students complete a capstone project during their practicum hours with a facility that uses health care data. Students will also complete activities to help them secure a position in the health information management field. |
3 |
| ENGL2089 | Intermediate Composition Intermediate Composition is a writing-centered course that builds on what students learn in first-year composition and focuses students’ attention on theoretical underpinning of how meaning is made, understood, and communicated within and across various discourse communities and genres. The course emphasizes critical reading and writing, advanced research and analysis skills, and rhetorical sensitivity to differences in academic, professional, and public composing. This course challenges students to engage in substantive projects drawing on primary research and source analysis methods and asks students to document, communicate, and reflect on their research. |
3 |
| HCMT1010C | CPT Medical Coding A course that provides a comprehensive understanding of CPT (Current Procedural Terminology). This course focuses on the coding rules for the CPT coding systems and then applying the rules to code patient services. |
3 |
| HCMT2015C | Healthcare Applications This course covers health information systems and their design, implementation, and application. Topics include spreadsheets, databases, electronic health records, data integrity, data modeling, and warehousing to meet departmental needs. Data dictionaries, data sets and the exchange of health information will also be covered. |
3 |
| HCMT2012 | Health Information Ethics An overview course that focuses on the study of healthcare codes of ethics, patient’s bill of rights, medical malpractice cases, and legal and ethical issues for medical offices. The course will examine the concepts of privacy, security, confidentiality, healthcare legislation, and regulations relating to the maintenance and use of health information. |
3 |
| HCMT2005 | Healthcare Data Analysis This course covers the principles and techniques of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative data in a healthcare setting. Data analysis to support healthcare decision making, improved patient care, and regulatory compliance is a focus. Topics include healthcare statistical vocabulary, graphical displays, measurement, Z scores, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. |
3 |
| HCMT2002 | Healthcare Reimbursement This course covers reimbursement methodologies used in all healthcare settings as they relate to national billing, health insurance, reimbursement, compliance, and reporting requirements. |
2 |
| HCMT2004 | Revenue Cycle Management This course provides a comprehensive understanding and application of revenue cycle management. Topics covered include revenue cycle basics, cost analysis and payer contracts, patient access, documentation and charge capture, record completion and coding, claims management, and an overview of how charges become revenue. |
2 |
Prerequisites
Admission into the University of Cincinnati’s online Health Information Systems Associate degree is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college. Although admission is open, students accepted into the program must meet the academic standards of the program to advance to upper levels of study.
First-Year:
- You are currently a high school senior or have a high school diploma, GED, or home-school equivalent.
- As a first-year student, you will need to take an English and mathematics placement test if you have not obtained the minimum ACT/SAT score required for exemption. These tests do not affect your admission; however, the results are essential for your proper placement in classes. You must complete placement tests before you register for English or mathematics courses. All placement tests are given free of charge.
Transfer:
- Transferability is based on school accreditation, course/content comparability (including evaluation of practical assignments), year taken, and final grade.
- Submit all official transcripts for every school attended. Learn more about requesting your transcripts.
- If you have earned fewer than 30 semester or 45 quarter college credits, you must submit high school transcripts as part of your transfer application.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $50.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $100.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Summer 2026 for all applicants
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- are currently serving in the US armed forces
- are veterans of the US armed forces
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Our staff will review your application based on the following:
After submitting your application form, all applicants are required to have official transcripts sent directly to University of Cincinnati in order to be eligible for admissions review.
- First-Year and Transfer Applicants with Fewer Than 24 Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from your high school and all prior colleges (if applicable) for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- Transfer Applicants with 24+ Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from all prior colleges for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- You are exempt from the High School transcript requirement, this item will be removed from your application checklist once your college documents are received.
Please review the section below for guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Online transcript request systems are the preferred method to deliver official transcripts electronically. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly to determine their ordering process.
If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your prior school to the following address:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 | First Half Summer 2026 | Second Half Fall 2026 Spring 2027 |
March 15, 2026 April 1, 2026 July 15, 2026 November 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 June 25, 2026 August 24, 2026 January 11, 2027 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
CAHIIM® Accreditation
The Health Information Management accreditor of the University of Cincinnati is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the associate degree in Health Information Systems Technology has been reaffirmed through 1932-33. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.
CAHIIM® Future Education Model (FEM) Demonstration Program
The University of Cincinnati's online Associate of Health Information Systems Technology (AAS HIS) program has been named a Future Education Model (FEM) Demonstration Program by CAHIIM. As part of a select group of programs chosen as "early adopters," UC's online HIS program offers the latest in enhanced curriculum and accreditation standards. CAHIIM's Future Education Model promotes experiential learning through student engagement, and increased opportunities to gain authentic, real life experience throughout the program.
Together, we are leading health information into a new era of education!
After completing the online AAS HIS program, our graduates will:
- Have earned the highly sought after RHIT® credential that top employers are looking for.
- Be fully Certified as a professional Medical Coder, eligible to sit for the CPC® and CCA® exams.
- Stand out in the highly-competitive field of health information with your new degree, knowledge and skills.
- Be able to leverage the latest tools and technology to improve patient care and reduce costs.
- Be able to verify the quality, completeness, and accuracy of medical records and health information.
- Be able to code professional diagnoses and complex medical procedures for billing and reimbursement.
Program Stats
- 98% Student Satisfaction: recent surveys indicate 98% of our HIS grads were satisfied with the program!*
- 80% Employment Rate: 80% of our HIS graduates were employed in the field within one year of graduation.*
- 80% RHIT Pass Rate: average RHIT pass rate was 80% which is above the national average.*
- 71% Graduation Rate: The graduation rate was 71%.*
*2023-24 Academic Year
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