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FAQs

What is Health Information Technology?
What online programs are available?
What other programs are available?
What steps should I take to enroll in one of the Health Information Programs?
How do I know if I am ready to take an online course?
How much time do online classes take a week?
Do I ever need to spend any time on campus for these online courses?
Can I work on the online class at my own pace or do I follow a set schedule?
What are the technical requirements to take an online course at San Juan College?
What is WebCT?
What is the cost of tuition and books?
How do I purchase books and materials?
When can I access my course?
Are the Health Information Programs accredited?
How do I take tests?
Will I be guaranteed a job after I complete the program?
What Job opportunities exist within the Health Information field?

What is Health Information Technology?
The Health Information Technology field involves the essential functions of maintaining health data and records in acute, long-term, ambulatory health care settings, and related health care settings. These functions include: the coding of diseases and procedures, maintaining statistics, transcribing medical reports, performing DRG and utilization review procedures, and supervising employees. [top]

What online programs are available?
San Juan College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology, a Medical Coder/Biller Physician-Based Certificate and a Medical Trancriptionist Certificate [top]

What other programs are available?
San Juan College is phasing out the Medical Administrative Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree. This degree will not be offered, but current students will be able to complete their degree.[top]

What steps should I take to enroll in one of the Health Information Programs?
You must first be accepted to San Juan College. Visit www.sanjuancollege.edu/pages/109.asp for information about applying to San Juan College. After, you are accepted to San Juan College, you should follow the steps listed at www.sanjuancollege.edu/pages/2204.asp to be accepted to the Health Information Program. [top]

How do I know if I am ready to take an online course?
Read the information and take the online readiness quiz at www.sanjuancollege.edu/pages/1302.asp [top]

How much time do online classes take per week?
There is a misconception that online courses are easier and have less workload than a traditional class. Online courses take more work. You will need to spend as much time on this online course as you would in class that meets on campus. As a rule, for every hour you are in class, you need to spend a minimum of 2 hours studying. So, 2 1/2 + ( 2 1/2 x 2 ) = 7 1/2 hours. Some students need more time than 7 1/2 hours, so don't sign up for the course unless you are ready to commit to the minimum time necessary. [top]

Do I ever need to spend any time on campus for these online courses?
If you live within fifty mile radius of San Juan College, you may be required to attend an online orientation and take some tests on campus. If you live outside the fifty-mile radius you will need to set up a proctor for your exams. [top]

Can I work on the online class at my own pace or do I follow a set schedule?
Online classes at San Juan College follow the same semester schedule as the traditional campus classes. You will have definite dates when assignments and tests must be completed. You will not be allowed to work at your own pace. [top]

What are the technical requirements to take an online class at San Juan College?
You must have a computer with at least 32 Megabytes of memory and a 2 Gigabyte hard-drive, monitor, sound card, speakers and Windows Operating System 95 or a newer version. You also must have access to at least a 28.8k internet connection and an internet browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. Visit the Website: www.sanjuancollege.edu/pages/1319.asp for more details about technical requirements for online classes at San Juan College. [top]

What is WebCT?
WebCT is the course management system that San Juan College uses to organize online courses. It allows students to access and submit assignments, tests and discussions through different tools. It also allows for email between students and the instructor as well as between students. For a demonstration of a WebCT classroom visit www.sanjuancollege.edu/pages/1306.asp [top]

What is the cost of tuition and books?
San Juan College is $30.00 per credit hour for New Mexico residents and $40.00 per credit hour for those living out of the state. The cost of books will depend upon the requirements for each course. Medical transcription has an additional $220.00 fee for course text materials and a $170.00 fee for hardware and software. [top]

How do I purchase books and materials?
Books can be purchased at the San Juan College Bookstore with a credit card. The bookstore can be contacted at (505) 566-3260. Medical Transcription students will purchase books and materials through Career Step at 1-888-657-5762 [top]

When can I access my course?
You will be able to access your course on the first day of the semester [top]

Are the Health Information Programs accredited?
The HIT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration with the American Medical Association and the American Health Information Management Association. [top]

How do I take tests?
If you live within a fifty-mile radius, you will take your final exams at San Juan College. If you live outside the fifty mile radius, you will locate a proctor for your tests. Please refer to www.sanjuancollege.edu/pages/2211.asp for information about acceptable proctors. You can also download the proctor agreement. [top]

Will I be guaranteed a job after I complete the program?
San Juan College and the Health Information Program do not guarantee employment upon graduation. Graduates are notified of job opportunities made available to the program. [top]

What job opportunities exist within the Health Information Field?
Employment is available in many types of organizations, including:

RHITs are particularly in demand by healthcare facilities for medical coding, tumor registry, and specialized technical functions. Entry salaries vary depending on qualifications, prior health related experience, the current demand for specialized skills, and the type of organization. Entry salaries average $25,000 to $30,000/year. [top]