Generally speaking, if you have satisfied your general education requirements with another degree you can begin taking the professional component courses immediately.  Life science courses that are considered part of the HIM educational foundation such as: Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology, and Medical Terminology will be examined critically to see if your prior coursework is of the same caliber as the program’s requirements.  You should meet with the Program Director during your first term to create a graduation plan that will identify those courses that are met and the courses that are needed to graduate.

Almost all programs (associate and baccalaureate and master’s) can accommodate the part-time student. In fact, 58% of associate degree students, and 32% of baccalaureate degree students attend school on a part-time basis.   In addition, there are a number of distance education programs where you will attend classes online from home. Hybrid classes where part of the class meets on campus and part on the internet are growing in popularity. These options accommodate a working student’s busy schedule.

Some programs attract a higher number of returning students while other programs attract the more traditional college age student.  Speak with the program director at the program that interests you for a profile of the typical student in the HIM program.  You’ll find the contact information: name/phone/email of each program director by visiting:  http://www.cahiim.org/directory/