157599 v.4 Bachelor of Science (Health Information Management)

Introduction

This course combines the scientific, technical and administration expertise ensuring graduates obtain the skills to be competent professionals in the field of health information management. In addition, staff have strong links with the local health and information professions, ensuring students have extensive hands-on experience in health information management. Health information management is a challenging profession involving the application of clinical knowledge, aspects of information technology, database management and administration. Health records serve as a data base for health care planning and management decisions, legal and administrative purposes, research, identifying trends for the treatment of disease and for evaluating the standards and quality of patient care. All this must be undertaken with due regard to ethical and legal considerations which emphasise the personal and sensitive nature of the information being collected and processed.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

One TEE mathematics and one TEE science subject. Human Biology desirable. Applications may be considered without these subjects - contact the School of Public Health.

Specific Requirements

STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q. Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication. Professional practice is emphasised throughout the program, through project work, visits and exercises. Compulsory field trips and professional practice placements are required, and may be undertaken locally, interstate or overseas.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This course is three years full-time or equivalent part-time study. External study is also available.

Course Organisation

In the first year, students are introduced to human biology, disease processes, the health care system, medical and surgical terminology, computing, health information systems and relevant elements of business practice. A continuing program of health science and management units combining professional practice, disease classification, computing and health information system management reflects the special characteristics of health information management. All first year and second year units must be completed prior to entry into third year, unless a waiver is granted by the Course Coordinator.

Career Opportunities

There is an increasing demand for Health Information Management graduates in the public and private sectors and in the Information Technology industry. In hospitals, graduates are working as departmental managers, in the areas of quality improvement, casemix analysis, database management, special projects, clinical classification, and as research assistants. Graduates are also employed as health information consultants, primary care practice managers, and in information systems design. Health InformationManagement is a very transportable degree with excellent job opportunities interstate and overseas.

Additional Course Expenses

Students will be required to purchase a laboratory coat. Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.