RHIA qualification through DL?

[bawhitsett]

Does anyone know of a DL-based post-bachelor certificate program one lacking HIT related credits can take to qualify to sit for the RHIA certification exam? I'm preparing to make a transition from an IT generalist into a HIS support role and would love to bolster my qualifications in this area. At this point it'd be crazy to go the traditional route (finish an AAS, then RHIT, then BS, then RHIA) if I don't have to. Thanks in advance for any answers provided.

[msganti]

I am not very well-versed with RHIT programs, but you should look at this:
Accredited Programs

In the search criteria, set the "Program Level" to "Accredited Masters (HIM)" and "Distance Learning" to "Yes".

I can see these two programs:
UTHSC | Allied Health Sciences

Online Master's Health Information Management Degree | Online HIM degree | The College of St. Scholastica

[marianne202]

Hi,

In order to sit for the RHIA exam you have to have taken an AHIMA approved program at the bachelor's or post-bacc level. You can find a complete list of schools at CAHIIM.org. That is the educational arm of AHIMA. I found my program there. I'm currently in the Stephen's College post-bacc CHIA which will allow me to sit for my RHIA exam. I have many years of experience in medical coding so I find the program fairly easy. They also took about 90 credits in transfer towards the certificate. I took 3 classes this term that just ended and will take 3 classes over the summer. I will then just have my internship and capstone to complete. If they didn't break up their capstone over two semester I would be done by December, but htey just told me the capstone is required to be completed over two semesters, so it will take a little longer. They also have a bachelor's degree which requires one extra class. The program is completely online, except for your required 160 hour internship. Just make sure you choose a program that is AHIMA approved or you won't be cleared to sit for the exam. Good luck!

[bawhitsett]

Marianne, how did you find your post-bach certificate program? Looking at the Cahiim site, I see where your school and others have bachelor programs but not certificate programs...

[marianne202]

I sent you a PM