Frequently Asked Questions
Certificate vs Degree Admission | ||
| Certificate | Degree | |
| UW Tacoma Classes? | No | No |
| Online classes? | No | No |
| Evening Classes? | Yes | Yes |
| Day classes? | No | No |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA) | Yes* | Yes |
| HIHIM Credits | 65 | 65 |
| Tuition | $331/credit | $331/credit |
| Waive Course via Ext. Wk. Exp. | Yes | No |
| Books | $1000-$1500 | $1000-$1500 |
| U-PASS | $76/quarter | $76/quarter |
| Immunization Review Fee | See web site | See web site |
| Student Medical Insurance | No | Yes |
| Services & Activities Fee | No | TBD |
| Technology Fee | TBD | No |
| Degree Required | Yes | No |
| General Ed Reqs | No | Yes |
*Federal aid is not available, however a completed FAFSA application is required for HIHIM Program need-based aid.
When Can You Apply?
The HIHIM program accepts applications annually. The deadline for certificate and degree applications is April 15th. For more information, download the application process documents for certificate or degree applicants.
Since most international students do not have the 90 U.S. credits, they usually complete their college degree (4 years) in their country and then make application to the Certificate Program.
Courses completed in an accredited RHIT program may be used to waive out of an HIHIM core course. However, the University of Washington does not accept the credits earned as transfer credit. An applicant for the HIHIM degree may need to make up the credit difference prior to application if the anticipated credit loss puts them below the minimum credits required to apply to the major. This credit loss may also impact anticipated credits needed (180 credits) for graduation. This credit loss is unlikely to impact applicants for the HIHIM certificate.
Both degree and certificate students who successfully complete respective requirements are eligible to take the national RHIA certification exam. The only difference is that Certificate students do not earn a Bachelor's (undergraduate) from the University of Washington.
See "Prerequisite" and "How to Apply" pages for more information.
VISAS
The HIHIM department does not advise or manage visa issues for applicants or students. Please visit the UW's International Students and Scholars web site.
Document Translation and Evaluation
The following services provide translation and evaluation of international transcripts:
The Foundation for International Services, Inc. (FIS)
World Education Services (WES)
What are the Program Fees?
$331 per credit with the majority of our courses being five credits each. Since our program is not state funded, we can charge all students (in state, out of state and international) the same amount.
In addition, there is an "Immunization Reivew" fee applied to all Health Sciences students. For more information, visit: Required Immunizations for Health Sciences Students.
Is financial aid available?
Certificate - Federal financial aid is not available for students who apply for the post-baccalaureate certificate in HIHIM. However, need-based aid may be available from the HIHIM Program. A completed FAFSA application is required. Submit your FAFSA early.
Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid
Degree - Federal financial aid is available for students who have applied for the undergraduate degree in HIHIM. Submit your FAFSA early.
Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid
Need-based aid is not available from the HIHIM Program.
How long is the program?
The program can take from one to two years (9 and 18 academic calendar months) to complete.
Certificate Student Study Plans - Download the PDF of HIHIM's two study plans.
Degree Student Study Plans - Download the PDF of HIHIM's two study plans.
Do you have internships?
The HIHIM program does not operate paid internships. However, HIHIM curriculum includes a final Capstone Project (HIHIM 462) where students are matched up with sites to work on real-world projects.
