Health Information Technology, Associate of Applied Science

The Associate of Applied Science Degree program in Health Information Technology (HIT) prepares students for careers in health information management. The HIT Associate degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Health Information Technicians are employed in hospitals, long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, large outpatient and ambulatory care centers, as well as physician offices, health insurance companies and local, state and federal health agencies. The program includes general education courses and courses in the major that teach basic healthcare information, specific medical coding procedures and health data management, and offers students experience in varied health care settings.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 11 percent (much faster than the average for all occupations) from 2018 to 2028. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages. In addition, with the increasing use of electronic health records, more technicians will be needed to complete the new responsibilities associated with electronic data management. According to the BLS, the increasing adaptation and use of electronic health records (EHRs) will continue to change the job responsibilities of health information technicians. Technicians will need to be familiar with, or be able to learn, EHR computer software, follow EHR security and privacy practices, and analyze electronic data to improve healthcare information.

Graduates are able to:

• collect, analyze, process and evaluate health data
• demonstrate the ability to apply policies and procedures surrounding the use and release of protected health information
• utilize various technologies for health information management
• demonstrate fundamental leadership skills

Successful completion of all degree requirements enables students to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credentialing examination through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).