frequently asked questions

Fall 2021 application dates:
HIMS - February 5th, 2021 @ 12pm to April 30th, 2021 @ 12pm
HEIT - January 5th @ 12pm to March 25th @ 12pm.

To assist you with your planning and to gain information related to the admission process, information sessions are offered at Mesa in Building S, the Allied Health Building. Check the website (www.sdmesa.edu) for dates and locations. RSVP’s are not required for attendance at the one-hour orientation session. Please check the website just prior to attendance for any scheduling changes that may occur. Other helpful websites include:
www.ahima.org
www.hicareers.com

RHIT certification is recommended but not required.  Please note, this is a change from 2016.

Students must complete California state requirements for General Education. These do not need to be completed prior to entering the HIMS program but they do need to complete all coursework within the 2 year program. Once transcripts are evaluated, a counselor will assist you in planning for any additional classes you may need to graduate.

Submit a complete application packet with appropriate documentation to the Dean of Health Sciences and Public Service. The application must be received in the Dean’s office. See the Application Instructions page for full details.

The program admits up to 32 students. Completion of all designated prerequisites does not guarantee admission. See the Application Instructions page for full details.

Students with complete applications will be placed on a “qualified applicants” list. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered. The program admits up to 32 students. Completion of all designated prerequisites does not guarantee admission.

All "qualified applicants" will have their application packet evaluated using a scoring rubric.  The top candidates will be sent an invitation to interview.
See the Application Instructions page for full details.

All applicants are responsible for maintaining a current e-mail address on file with the college so as to be able to receive requests for confirmation of continued interest in admission into the program. The applicant must return each such notice by the stipulated date to maintain the admission status.

All coursework must be completed at colleges accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies in order to qualify – see below. Meet with a counselor (619-388-2672) so that they can submit a request to have your transcripts evaluated by our District office. You may also refer to a college catalog.

No. This is a cohort model and all students must take all classes, on the times and dates they are offered, in order, no exceptions. 

Yes. The Health Information Management Bachelor of Science degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM). Graduates of the program are eligible to write the national accreditation examination of the American Health Information Management Association, and upon passing this exam become designated as an RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator).

For California residents, the lower division courses numbered 0-300 are $46 per unit and the upper division courses numbered 400 and above are $130 per unit. Non-resident tuition costs for lower division courses numbered 0-300 are $193 per unit.  Non-resident tuition costs for upper division courses numbered 400 and above are $277 per unit.  For complete details of all applicable fees see COST OF ATTENDANCE

While in the program, the student will be required to complete and pay for a physical exam, TB skin test (or equivalent), required immunizations, a background check/drug screening required by the clinical sites and additional clinic-specific requirements to begin clinical experiences. A reliable means of transportation is necessary while in the program. In addition to the cost of textbooks, there is a fee for use of educational software used in some of the coursework.