Cover/Signature Page – Full Template Institution Submitting Request: Dixie State University Proposed Title

I certify that all required institutional approvals have been obtained prior to submitting this request to the Office of the Commissioner.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology will prepare students as health information technicians who will ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. Health information technicians use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs. They often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. Health information technicians also may have an additional role as cancer registrars, compiling and maintaining data on cancer patients. With experience, health information technicians hold potential for advancement to management positions, especially when combined with a baccalaureate degree. Employment opportunities for health information technicians exist in any organization that uses patient data or health information such as healthcare settings, pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors. Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology will be eligible to take the national Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Graduates also will be eligible to pursue a baccalaureate degree in health information management. The Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology is the first level of a career ladder approach to a health information program that includes a Baccalaureate of Science degree in Health Information Management for which Dixie State University also is seeking approval. Additionally as allowed by Board of Regents Policy R473, articulation with Dixie Applied Technical College will allow students to apply 30 credits towards the AAS program for a certificate of completion in Medical Coding from DXATC.

The mission statement of DSU is, “Dixie State University is a teaching institution that strives to enrich its community and the lives of its students by promoting a culture of learning, values, and community.” Additionally, DSU has an ongoing commitment to its community college role, which includes transfer education, career and technical education. As a result, DSU has taken steps to develop a healthcare professions core of programs at certificate and associate degree levels. The proposed Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program is the university’s response to meeting southern Utah community needs as wells as meeting the USHE and DSU missions. The mission of the Utah System of Higher Education is to provide knowledge and skills for students enrolled in programs at the associate and baccalaureate levels, including applied science education in high-demand careers. The proposed Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program is in a high demand profession and satisfies the role assignment for a Type II institution while fitting within the Regents’ mission. The key points of the USHE Mission include "…provide high quality academic, professional and applied technology learning opportunities…for the citizens of Utah.” The mission of the Board of Regents is to ensure fulfillment of the USHE mission. The approval of the Health Information Technician associate degree will further enhance Dixie State University’s ability to meet the educational goals of its students and fulfill the obligation mandated in the DSU mission to offer career and technical education as a community college.