Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - HIT Program
Is the HIT Program at WSCC accredited and why is this important?
Yes. The HIT Program at WSCC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). This is very important because only a graduate of a CAHIIM-accredited HIT program is eligible to take the national examination to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
When can I apply to the Health Information Technology (HIT) Program?
The application and required documentation must be submitted by June 1st of the year in which you would like to begin the HIT program.
When does the HIT Program begin?
The HIT Program begins in the fall semester (August) of each year.
How long does it take to complete the HIT Program?
After completion of the required prerequisite classes and acceptance to the Program, it takes 4 semesters to complete the HIT Program. Students who enter the Program in the fall will complete the program at the end of the fall semester of the next year.
A part-time option is also available. Part-time completion time will depend on the number of classes taken per semester and must be completed within 3 years following entry into the HIT Program.
Can the HIT Program be completed online?
Yes. The HIT Program has an online option. All HIT classes can be taken online except for the two Professional Practice classes (clinicals) that must be completed on dayshift at an approved health care facility.
If I take online classes, am I ever required to come to the WSCC campus?
If you live more than 75 miles from campus, you are not required to come to the WSCC campus. If you live less than 75 miles from campus, you will be required to attend HIT Program Oriention and a minimum number (usually 2-3) meetings on campus.
Are there general education classes that I must complete before entering the HIT Program?
Yes. The following general education classes must be completed by the end of the summer semester, prior to entering the HIT Program:
ORI 101 or 103
ENG 101 and ENG 102
BIO 201 and BIO 202 (BIO 103 may be a prerequisite for BIO 201)
HUM/Fine Arts Elective
Social/Behavioral Sciences elective
MTH 116
CIS 146
Am I required to obtain all the general education classes at WSCC?
No. The required generall educations courses may be completed at any regionally accredited college.
If I decide to apply to the HIT Program, am I also required to apply to Wallace State?
Yes, you should apply to WSCC prior to submitting your application to the HIT Program. The application process for the HIT Program is separate from the application process to Wallace State. If you have never attended Wallace State, you must first apply to the college. If you have previously applied to Wallace State, you should submit a change of program form to the Admissions Office declaring Pre-HIT as your major.
What documentation must accompany my HIT Program application?
The following documentation/information should be submitted directly to the HIT Program prior by June 1st:
1. HIT Program Application
2. Unofficial copy of transcripts from all colleges previously attended
3. Copy of ACT score
4. Copy of COMPASS reading test score
What is the minimum GPA required for program admission?
A minimum of a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale is required for HIT Program admission.
Is the ACT or any other special entrance exam required for admission to the HIT Program?
Yes. A minimum score of 17 on the ACT is required in order for a student to be qualified for acceptance into the HIT Program.
A minimum score of 76, within the past 3 years, on the Reading Examination** part of the COMPASS test is required for a student to be qualified for admission to the HIT Program.
**If ACT has been taken within 3 years of the planned entry date into the HIT Program, an ACT Reading Examination sub score of 17 will be accepted in lieu of the 76 on the Reading part of the COMPASS test.
Do the ACT and COMPASS test have to be completed within a certain timeframe?
The ACT test can be taken at any time prior to applying to the HIT Program. The COMPASS test must be taken within 3 years of planned HIT Program entry, except as noted above.
If I have completed the required general education courses, am I required to submit COMPASS test scores?
Yes, you must submit a COMPASS reading score of at least 76.
If I already have a degree in another area, am I required to submit ACT and COMPASS scores?
Yes.
