Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
Are there any fees for enrolling in the EHR/HIT Program at OCC?
There are no enrollment fees or textbooks for the EHR/HIT Program classes. The EHR/HIT Program is funded by a federal grant and currently not part of the curriculum at OCC. This program will not appear on an OCC transcript.
Do I need to be enrolled in any prerequisite classes at OCC in order to be enrolled in the EHR/HIT Program?
It’s not mandatory but it is critical that HIT students are well versed in medical terminology and IT. The Grant Manager at OCC may enroll a student in an online Medical Terminology (ALHA111) class and/or Computer Information Systems introduction class (CISA111).
Please note: ALH A111, CIS A111 and internships are all credit courses in which a student will receive a grade which will be posted on the student’s OCC transcript. Students are responsible for adhering to the deadlines for dropping classes, etc.
Are there any costs for the approved prerequisite classes at OCC and are they reimbursable?
OCC HIT Students enrolled in the Winter/Spring 2012 HIT program who have been approved and enrolled by the Grant Manager for online classes Medical Terminology (ALH A111) will not be charged enrollment fees, student health fees and college service charges.
Students will be responsible for purchasing the textbook required that includes a Blackboard Learn access code (approx $94 + tax). There is also an optional medical terminology dictionary listed in the syllabus (approx $42 + tax). You are not required to purchase the dictionary.
Textbook reimbursement as it is contingent upon the remaining funds available in the HIT grant. If funding permits, we may reimburse some or a partial amount to students in the Winter/Spring HIT program who have:
- Attended/completed the first ALH A111class assignment.
- Completed ALH A111 with a “C” or better.
- Completed/passed the EHR/HIT program (please note, 4 missed classes is considered a drop).
- Submitted their original receipt within 14 days after the class has ended.
Do I need to attend an Orientation for the HIT Program?
Yes. Students who have been accepted into OCC’s EHR/HIT Program must attend a mandatory meeting. There will be several orientations scheduled 1-6 weeks prior to the start date. Students will be notified of the orientations and must RSVP and attend one orientation.
Do I need to be enrolled as an OCC student in order to be enrolled in the EHR/HIT Program?
Yes. It’s a requirement of the EHR/HIT Program to be enrolled as a student and obtain a student ID number and OCC email address (used to create an account in Blackboard and enrollment in prerequisite classes if applicable). Students accepted into the EHR/HIT Program may fill out an online application at www.orangecoastcollege.edu. We ask only applicants who have been accepted into the program to apply online.
How long is the EHR/HIT Program at OCC?
The EHR/HIT Program at OCC is a 24-week commitment. These hybrid classes consist of a weekly three-hour class on campus and additional self-study and online assignments totaling approximately 6-9 hours per week. A student who misses four or more classes will be dropped from the program.
What are the EHR/HIT Training Roles offered at OCC?
- Implementation Support Specialist
- Technical/ Software Support Staff
- Implementation Manager
- Trainer
Is there a parking fee at OCC?
Students enrolled in Tuesday or Thursday evening classes will need to provide a valid permit in the student parking area (except when school is out of session). A student may buy an OCC semester permit, purchase a 4-hour parking stub at one of the parking dispensers for $1.00 or pay for metered parking for each class. No parking permit is needed for the Saturday class.
A student may purchase a parking pass in person at the Bursar’s office or apply for a parking permit online at http://orangecoastcollege.edu/.
- Click on “About OCC”
- Click on “Parking and Public Safety”
- To Purchase a Parking Pass, Log in to MyOCC and click “Purchase an OCC Parking Decal“
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is an eEducation Platform used by the instructors. In order for students to be enrolled in the EHR/HIT Program, they must have an OCC Student ID # and OCC email address (obtained by registering to OCC). This information is used to create a Blackboard account where a student can access class materials/quizzes, etc.
To access Blackboard, go to: https://occ.blackboard.com/webapps/login/
Your login is the first part of your OCC email address (not including @student.cccd.edu), usually your first initial, last name (shortened if it’s long) and possibly a number. Your password is initially your six digit birthdate (MMDDYY, for example: 010181).
Who do I contact if I have problems with Blackboard?
If you are currently enrolled in the HIT Program and need Blackboard support, please fill out a Tech Support form online at:
http://www.orangecoastcollege.edu/myocc/Technical+Support+Form.htm
Please make sure that you are accessing the correct Blackboard website:
https://occ.blackboard.com/webapps/login/
Do I need to notify an instructor if I miss a class?
No. Please keep in mind that if you miss four classes you will be dropped from the EHR/HIT Program. This could also affect your reimbursement status should you be enrolled in one of the prerequisite classes (ALHA111 and/or CISA111).
Do I need an OCC Student ID card?
No. You do not need an OCC ID card for the EHR/HIT Program at OCC.
Who do I contact regarding a question about the EHR/HIT class I’m enrolled in?
Please contact one of the instructors as the EHR/HIT Program Coordinator is unable to provide information regarding the curriculum or quizzes posted on Blackboard.
Am I eligible for an EHR/HIT Internship?
Students currently or recently enrolled in OCC’s EHR/HIT Program are eligible for a HIT internship when they meet the following criteria:
- Attend an Internship Academy Orientation (typically takes place at the beginning of the semester). Orientation dates are listed on the Internship Academy webpage/ Enrollment Procedures page (website listed below).
- Considered to be in “good standing” and have completed a minimum of 12 weeks of the HIT program.
- You are responsible for securing your own internship in the field of HIT.
For more information please visit our Internships and Job Page.
Can I download the EHR/HIT Curriculum for free?
The ONC site where you can download curriculum for free is http://www.onc-ntdc.info.
Does the HIT Program at OCC offer any Job Search workshops?
Yes. Richard Katz, our Project Director and Health IT employment expert, will personally teach a unique customized HIT job search training program, along with MemorialCare representatives.
OCC is providing all HIT students with a comprehensive job search training course (18 hours of classroom instruction) customized around the HIT roles, with an emphasis on transferable skill strategies- i.e., overcoming a student’s deficiency with Electronic Health Records implementation experience.
The strategy is to train you how to communicate (with a resume and interviewing skills) your prior work experience that best relates to the EHR implementation process. This will significantly broaden your job opportunities and help you understand career paths leading you to your desired Role.
The sessions will cover these topics:
- Pre-Course Homework
- Job Search Strategies
- Communicating Your Transferable Skills
- Resume Development
- Mid-Course Homework
- Interviewing Skills
- Personalized Resume Critiquing and Mock Interviewing
- Personalized Job Search Action Plan
The OCC HIT Classroom Job Search Training Course is not a requirement for graduating or receiving the HIT Certification. Each component is taught at the OCC campus with the exception of two homework assignments.
Dates of the sessions will be announced toward the beginning of your HIT enrollment.
Am I eligible for a HIT Pro Competency Exam voucher?
Each HIT Student at OCC will receive one voucher ID# upon completion regardless of the number of HIT classes completed. The voucher ID # expires 4 months from the issue date (actual expiration date will be emailed to student).
There is no Study Guide approved or endorsed by the ONC. The ONC has reported fraudulent HIT study guides for sale. Click here to view downloadable Blueprints issued by the ONC.
Click here to access the HIT Pro Exam Testing Partner, Pearson VUE. Tests are administered at Pearson VUE locations.
Additional information:
- 6 exams offered
- 125 questions
- Students have 3 hours to complete
- $20 schedule fee to hold a spot (refunded 2-3 weeks later when candidate shows up). If no show the $20 will not be refunded and a $179 fee applies for missing the test and occupying a seat.
- Retest fee is $199
- Eligibility – permanent US residents and non citizen nationals.
- Expiration – 4 months from issue date
- Retail price for test is $299.00, additional test is $199.00