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Professional Practice Experiences (PPE)
Students are required to complete two Professional Practice Experiences (PPEs) as part of the HIT Program graduation requirements and only one Professional Practice Experience (PPE) as part of the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate Program graduation requirements. The PPE is a supervised onsite experience and/or partially simulated virtual experience performing CAHIIM / AHIMA-required HIT competencies for an affiliated healthcare organization. The PPE Coordinator will assign students to an affiliated health-related facility/agency in their specific geographic region. PPE affiliations can be acute care, long term acute care, SNF, ambulatory clinics, trauma registries, billing companies, etc.
The first PPE will not be scheduled until the student has earned a “C” or better for all courses in the HIT curriculum and/or Medical Coding Specialist curriculum, dependent on his/her declared major. This includes general education courses, prerequisite courses, and professional courses. Students are required to complete 90 onsite and/or partially simulated virtual contact hours for each PPE. In alignment with our program mission statement, students are expected to exude professional behavior and a respectful attitude throughout their educational experience in the program which is also expected on the PPE practicum.
For those candidates selected for admission, a physical exam will be required in the 1st Spring semester and will comprise the following:
- A completed “Verification of Health Status Statement” signed by a physician of the applicant’s choice confirming the applicant is in good physical and mental health and possesses the requirements to function satisfactorily within the program and the occupation prior to participation in Professional Practice Experiences (PPEs).
- Proof of current immunization status to include PPD, MMR, Varicella, and Td prior to participation in Professional Practice Experiences (PPEs).
- A criminal background check and drug screening prior to participation in Professional Practice Experiences (PPEs)
The physical exam, proof of immunization status, and negative criminal background check and drug screening are required prior to the student being scheduled for the first Professional Practice Experience. This is required in the first Spring semester of the professional curriculum but no later than midterm in the first Spring semester of the professional curriculum.
The hepatitis series may or may not be required dependent on the PPE clinical site. For additional details, refer to Health Status.