Healthcare Administration (AAS) Curriculum

This course provides an overview of commonly available software tools used in healthcare, including an introduction to encoding tools and computer-assisted coding software used in healthcare data processing. Focus is placed specifically on healthcare software and its many uses, functions and applications in the medical office. Other processes such as medical office billing and information technology are also discussed.

This course teaches the foundation of the language of healthcare. Students will learn how to pronounce medical terms and communicate medical information to both health professionals and patients. Students will also learn the principles of word-building needed for the extensive medical vocabulary used in healthcare. Students will utilize interactive technology to assist with learning, pronunciation and application in Anatomy and Physiology.

Students are introduced to health information management in healthcare delivery settings in the U.S., including filing systems, storage, circulation and documentation issues. Topics also explored are the electronic health record (EHR), patient confidentiality, the impact of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) on medical practices and various career opportunities for health information management professionals. Students apply health information management concepts and skills to course exercises to demonstrate functional knowledge.

This course is designed for those considering a career in healthcare leadership. The challenging healthcare environment requires effective leadership based on a shared vision of positive outcomes for the healthcare consumer. Through learning the principles of healthcare leadership, leaders should understand their own personal leadership style, be conversant with theories of effective leadership, recognize the influence of power and politics, and be able to model servant leadership. Student will apply sound leadership practices to case studies, evaluate their own leadership style, and understand the impact of negative leadership. The ability to positively influence others and manage conflict are included as traits of effective leaders.

This course examines medical billing and coding in medical practice. All basic medical billing and coding issues are discussed, including coding diagnosis, the International Classification of Diseases Manual (ICD-10-CM), coding compliance and legal and ethical compliance. Students extrapolate coding information from the ICD-10-CM manual and examine usage guidelines for Volumes I, II and III.

This course introduces concepts of healthcare management for a wide variety of entry-level positions. Emphasis is on office practices including decisions on managerial style, staffing, job descriptions, mission statements, and policies. Procedures such as staff hiring, employee development and retention, as well as the establishment of professional relationships with patients and staff are explored. Additional concepts of office culture, quality and risk, non-discriminatory strategies, compliance, patient experience, and other appropriate topics will provide a well-rounded view of effective medical office functions. Student will expand their understanding of the responsibilities required for a safe and effective patient support system and will apply their knowledge by developing sample documents needed in the practice setting.

This course provides students with a working knowledge of medical insurance and its applications. Emphasis is on understanding insurance essentials, including the role of the medical insurance billing specialist and legal and ethical requirements. Medical documents and coding diagnoses and procedures are discussed. Students comprehend the claims process, focusing on charges, methods of payments, billing and reimbursement. Other topics covered are private payers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Medicaid and Medicare, TRICARE and worker's compensation. Patient billing software is also explored.

This course provides the framework for students to perform various chart related functions within the electronic health record (EHR). Students will learn the basic components, functions, and terminology essential to EHR systems. Students will learn how to complete tasks such as conduction audits, entering live data, and maintaining chart integrity. Students will utilize EHR software to perform work tasks in a healthcare office setting.

This Capstone course continues to prepare students for the role of Electronic Health Record Specialist. Students will complete simulated activities, including preparatory exams, designed to evaluate their knowledge of necessary EHRs responsibilities.

This course introduces students to the essential laws and regulations that govern the practice of healthcare professionals and the business of healthcare. Topics covered include regulatory practices, federal rules aimed at preventing fraud, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), regulations governing patient privacy, and electronic health record requirements. Student will learn the differences between negligence, criminal acts, and malpractice, with preventative course of actions. This course also introduces students to the framework for making ethical decisions and highlights some of the important ethical issues facing healthcare professionals.

This course examines the twelve major systems of the human body. These systems include: skeletal, integumentary, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive. In addition, students develop the use of appropriate medical terminology, examine cell and tissue structure, and review how body systems maintain health homeostasis.

This course covers the process and method of science applied to understanding biological concepts at the molecular, cellular, organismal and community levels. The emphasis of this course is on biological diversity in major groups of living organisms and ecology. This course includes a lab.

This course stresses human systems, with applications to contemporary issues in human health and the environment. The scientific method and social applications of scientific information related to human issues are emphasized. This course includes a lab.

This course emphasizes the writing process. Students will apply principles of good writing practice through various genre (narrative, persuasive, expository writings). Additionally, students will analyze reading material as part of the critical and creative thinking processes associated with written communication.

This course introduces students to terms, concepts, and documents related to Technical Writing (writing in the work environment). The concepts and skills presented in the course are intended to be a foundation for effective writing that combines content and format with knowledge of the target audience. Technical writing covers many document types; the course will provide an overview of documents used in the work place such as visual elements, instructions, reports, and presentations. Students will create a portfolio of technical writing documents including: a proposal, progress reports, feasibility and recommendation reports, visual elements, and descriptions of a mechanism and a process.

This course provides the fundamentals of data aptitude. Through this exploration of quantitative reasoning, emphasis will be placed on how to interpret graphs, charts, and pictorial representations of data, along with an understanding of the principles underlying statistics and financial information.

This course presents an introductory overview of psychology. The course includes topics such as the history of psychology, nature vs. nurture, biological psychology, sensation, perceptions, developmental theories, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, memory, cognition, personality, health, and social psychology.

Students are introduced to basic computer concepts as well as techniques and tools for folder and file navigation and manipulation. Students explore the fundamentals of an office productivity suite, developing skills in word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications.

This general education course is designed to introduce students to a variety of ethical principles. Ethical principles can be used to assist decision-making in a global society experiencing recurrent viral pandemics. During periods of potentially catastrophic health emergencies, autonomy and personal rights may be limited by utilitarian ethics which support the premise that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. In this course, students will develop a good working knowledge of ethical principles to assist with personal decision-making and overall conduct during periods of global stress.

This course introduces students to the University of Arkansas Grantham policies and staff, provides information about higher education funding resources, discusses important skills for success in the online learning environment, and provides information about University of Arkansas Grantham student support services. Students practice submitting assignments and navigating the Learning Management System (Blackboard). Students will be required to demonstrate fundamental skills necessary for success in the online learning environment at the University of Arkansas Grantham.