HIT Program Progression & Readmission Policy

To satisfy the progression policy, students earn a grade of “C” or better in all HIT curriculum courses. Academic standing is tracked by “Non-compliant Occurrences” (any grade below a “C.”

Progression

• First & Second Occurrence (Academic Probation):
  If a student receives their first or second non-compliant grade, they are placed on probation. To remain in the program, the student must:
  • Submit a written request for readmission to the Program Chair.
  • Submit a written improvement plan to the Program Chair for approval.
  • Note: If a student receives two non-compliant grades within a single semester, the second grade is treated as the second occurrence.
• Third Occurrence (Program Dismissal):
  A third total non-compliant grade—whether occurring in one semester or across multiple semesters—standardly results in dismissal from the program.

Extenuating Circumstances

In cases where a student receives three non-compliant grades within a single semester due to documented extenuating or unusual circumstances, the Department Chair maintains the discretion to permit probation in lieu of dismissal. Such exceptions require a formal written request, comprehensive improvement plan for review and a comprehensive success plan, subject to the Chair’s review and approval.

Eligibility & Readmission

Students readmitted to the program with previous compliant grades must retake any coursework that is more than 3 years old. To maintain eligibility, all courses that are less than 3 years old that do not result in a grade of B or higher must be repeated.

Unless granted an exception by the Department Chair, dismissed students are ineligible to re-apply for five (5) years if:

• The student reaches their third total non-compliant grade.
• The student receives three or more non-compliant grades in a single semester.
• Note: Students readmitted after the five-year period will remain on probation for three semesters. A single non-compliant grade during this time results in permanent dismissal.

Program Completion

To ensure graduates possess the current body of knowledge required for national certification exams (RHIT, CCS, or CCS-P), the following limits apply:

• Completion Windows: The HIT Degree must be completed within 11 consecutive semesters; the HIT Diploma must be completed within 7 consecutive semesters. Courses exceeding these limits must be repeated.
• CourseTimeframes: Students transitioning from a Certificate or Coding Diploma to the Degree option must repeat any HIT courses older than three (3) years.
• Residency Requirement: Once admitted, students must take all HIT curriculum courses at ECC.

Advisor Holds

Without an approved request for readmission and an improvement plan, an Advisor Hold will remain on the student’s record. This hold will only be lifted upon the submission of a Change of Major form.

HIT Transfer Policy

Applicants seeking admission to the HIT Program after enrollment in another institution must meet both the general college admission requirements and the specific program criteria outlined below.

1. Eligibility Requirements
   • Accreditation: Only students from CAHIIM-accredited programs are eligible for transfer. Applicants from non-accredited programs must apply as new students and repeat all HIT coursework.
   • Academic History: Applicants must have no more than two non-compliant grades (less than a “C”) from their previous institution.
   • Clinical Standing: Students dismissed from a previous program due to unsatisfactory clinical performance are ineligible for transfer.
2. Credit Evaluation & Time Limits on CourseworkIf accepted, transfer credits for HIT and OST prefix courses are subject to the following:
   • Grades of “B” or Higher: Courses less than 2 years old are accepted.
   • Grades of “C”: All “C” level coursework must be repeated, regardless of age.
   • Aged Coursework: Any course older than 2 years must be repeated.
   • Clinical Courses: All clinical/practicum courses must be repeated at ECC, regardless of when they were originally taken.
3. Residency Requirements
   To graduate from Edgecombe Community College, transfer students must complete at least 25% of their total credit hours at ECC. For the HIT degree or diploma, this 25% must include at least 18 semester hours of major (HIT) coursework.
4. Transfer Application Process
   Admission is contingent upon the availability of clinical space. To be considered, applicants must:
   • Written Request: Submit a formal request for transfer to the Program Chair.
   • Improvement Plan: If the transfer is due to previous non-compliant grades, a written improvement plan must be submitted to the faculty advisor.
   • Clinical Compliance: Submit updated medical records, background checks, and drug screenings as directed by the advisor.
     Important Note: Once accepted as a transfer student, a single non-compliant grade will result in immediate dismissal with no option for readmission.