Healthcare Informatics FAQ
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What is Healthcare Informatics?
- How do I know if the Certificate in Healthcare Informatics is right for me?
- What qualifications do I need to enter the program?
- How do I apply for admissions to Bellevue College (BC)?
- How do I register for classes?
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Are all the classes conducted online?
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Where do I purchase my text books?
- When does the program start?
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Who teaches the MEDIT classes?
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What kind of job can I get when I complete the certificate?
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Do you provide job placement assistance?
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Does the program qualify for financial aid?
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Can I challenge courses or transfer in credits from another school?
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What are online classes like?
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What if I don’t have time to take 8 or 10 credits each quarter?
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How do I register for classes after the first day of class?
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I tried to register, but I get a message that I need an entry code. What does this mean?
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The online course catalog lists multiple certificates. What is the difference between them?
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What if I miss a class one quarter?
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What level of computer skills do I need?
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Do I need health care experience?
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How much does the program cost?
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How do I get my certificate at the end of the program?
1. What is Healthcare Informatics?
Healthcare Informatics is the intersection of patient care and technology. The field is relatively new, but one of the fastest growing opportunities in healthcare. New career pathways are unfolding, spurred by the development and implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and the movement of patient information from paper to electronic format.
Although healthcare informatics skills are infused in a variety of careers, tasks often found in related job descriptions include:
- Application selection and implementation support
- Data analysis
- Data representation and communication
- Liaison with network administrators, database administrators and device and software systems vendors
- Super application user
- IT related project management
- Clinical user support
- Help desk support
- Change management
- Information integration
- Report construction
Any one item on this list might describe a job; some careers will incorporate many.
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2. How do I know if the Certificate in Health Informatics is right for me?
As you begin your exploration of the program, please arrange to meet with a Life Science Informatics Center (LSIC) staff member to discuss the program and your experience, career goals and previous academic credits. While aimed at those with significant IT experience, there are many routes to this program. An LSIC staff member can help you determine potential career paths in the field. Contact us at Informatics@BellevueCollege.edu or 425-564-4182.
3. What qualifications do I need to enter the program?
Students who are most successful in the program have prior experience in some aspect of Information Technology.
4. How do I apply for admissions to Bellevue College?
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5. How do I register for classes?
6. Are all the classes conducted online?
Our three Healthcare Informatics courses are taught online with two strongly advised face-to-face sessions per quarter, held at BC North Campus. You may choose to take the Medical Terminology course online or on campus, depending on when it is offered and what suits your schedule.
7. Where do I purchase my text books?
Purchase text books at the campus bookstore in building B on the main campus, or online at http://bcc.collegestoreonline.com/
8. When does the program start?
The program begins in Winter Quarter 2010, and lasts for two quarters. Winter quarter students will take Medical Terminology (HPRO 120, 3 credits) and Healthcare Fundamentals (MEDIT 115, 5 credits). Spring quarter students will take Health IT Data Standards (MEDIT 125, 5 credits) and Applications of Healthcare IT (MEDIT 235, 5 credits).
Winter Quarter |
Course No. |
Course Name |
Credit Hrs. |
HPRO 120 |
Medical Terminology |
3 |
MEDIT 115 |
Healthcare Fundamentals |
5 |
Total |
2 Courses |
8 |
Spring Quarter |
Course No. |
Course Name |
Credit Hrs. |
MEDIT 225 |
Health IT Data Standards |
5 |
MEDIT 235 |
Applications of Healthcare IT |
5 |
Total |
2 Courses |
10 |
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9. Who teaches the MEDIT classes?
Courses are taught by leading professionals within the healthcare informatics industry. They possess hands-on informatics experience as well as sound knowledge of teaching and learning principles. Past instructors include an MD, PhD, CIO and Association Chapter President.
10. What kind of job can I get when I complete the certificate?
Opportunities in this growing field are found in hospitals and clinics and those businesses which develop products for them, such as software and medical device vendors. Skills learned in this program are not associated with one job title, and span many. Depending on an individual’s interests and background, entry points include clinical analyst, medical informaticist, implementation specialist, trainer or IT liaison.
For an industry overview, visit the web site of its largest professional association, the Health Information Management Systems Society, www.HIMSS.org.
Another employment resource is our partner, Parker Technical Services. Visit their web site to learn more about jobs in Healthcare IT and to view the most current jobs available.
Some titles currently listed on their site are
- Project manager or application manager
- Healthcare IT trainer or Principal Educator
- Network Engineer
- Systems administrator or architect
- Security Specialist
- Interface or integration analyst or programmer
- Clinical informatics manager
- nurse informatics
- pharmacy informatics
- Build Analyst
- RIS/PACS Analyst
- QA or testing manager
- Database developer or architect
- Help desk or technical support professional
- Application or Web developer
- Instructional designer or technical writer
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11. Do you provide job placement assistance?
The BC Center for Career Connections works with students on resume and job seeking skills and also keeps in contact with local industry to seek opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to be proactive in their job search efforts and utilize all available tools. Another employment resource is our partner, Parker Technical Services. Visit their web site to learn more about jobs in Healthcare IT.
12. Does the program qualify for financial aid?
Yes it does. The deadline for Finanical Aid for Winter quarter 2010 is November 5, 2009. Direct your financial aid questions to the financial aid office at 425-564-2227 or visit their web site at bellevuecollege.edu/fa/. All financial aid applicants are required to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to complete the Online Financial Aid Contract every year. Failure to do so will delay the processing of a financial aid application. It is crucial to read the Student Aid Report (SAR) to determine if you are required to submit other documents, such as income tax returns or selective service registration confirmation, etc. The Financial Aid Office is unable to process a financial aid application until all required documents have been submitted.
13. Can I challenge courses or transfer in credits from another school?
Please speak with an LSIC staff member to discuss transfer options. Occasionally students may need to take an IT course at another school; however, most students are able to complete all coursework through BC. Course transfers require additional paperwork at certificate completion.
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14. What are online classes like?
The MEDIT courses are taught in a format that builds a community where participants learn from the instructor as well as other students. Instructors provide assignments which may include reading, watching a video, researching on the Internet and posting to a class discussion board. Responding to other students and discussing the weekly course topics is the backbone of each class. The final MEDIT course includes a project where students demonstrate use of the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.
15. What if I don’t have time to take 8 or 10 credits each quarter?
The program is designed to be completed at a rate of 2 classes per quarter beginning winter quarter. However, you may begin the program early by taking the Medical Terminology course first.
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16. How do I register for classes after the first day of class?
If you are using a tuition waiver or registering late (any time between the 4th and 10th day of the quarter), you must complete the online blue card at: http://bellevuecollege.edu/services/bluecard.asp. For instructor contact information, call the Life Science Informatics Center at 425-564-4182. Following instructor approval, Admissions will complete registration and contact you regarding payment. Please contact the LSIC if you will be doing this, so we can give you access to the online courses as soon as they start.
17. I tried to register, but I get a message that I need an entry code. What does this mean?
Usually this means you have not met all the prerequisites for the course. Please contact the LSIC for an entry code.
18. The online course catalog lists multiple certificates. What is the difference between them?
Only the 18-credit Healthcare Informatics Certificate will be offered in the 2009-2010 academic year.
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19. What if I miss a class one quarter?
Courses are only offered in sequence, winter and spring. Bellevue College will be responsive to the workforce demand in determining when the program is offered. To ensure certificate completion in the 2009 – 2010 academic year, plan on taking all three Healthcare Informatics required courses in Winter and Spring quarters, beginning January, 2010. The Medical Terminology courses may be offered more frequently, but that is not guaranteed.
20. What level of computer skills do I need?
The 18-credit Healthcare Informatics certificate program is designed to provide learners who already have significant IT experience with a critical understanding of the healthcare environment. Graduates should anticipate seeking employment in healthcare in the same area in which they were previously in IT.
21. Do I need health care experience?
No
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22. How much does the program cost?
The program is offered as an open enrollment program. Tuition is charged by the credit hour, based on the current, per-credit fee structure at BC. Please note that all tuition & fee rates are subject to change by the Board of Trustees and/or the Washington state legislature. Currently, the total cost of the certificate for a WA resident taking 8 credits Winter Quarter and 10 credits Spring quarter through distance education is approximately $1,850.00, not including text books and supplies. More information on costs associated with Distance Learning is available on the distance learning website: http://bellevuecollege.edu/distance/tuition/
23. How do I get my certificate at the end of the program?
To request your certificate of accomplishment:
- Download and print an application.
- Applications are also available at the Student Services Center located in the Student Services Building.
- NO FEE is required.
- Fill out one application for each certificate.
- Submit applications to the Student Services Center.
If you are substituting courses from another institution:
- A completion worksheet, if there are substitutions for the required curriculum.
- Official transcript(s), if any substitution or required courses where taken at another college.
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