Health Information Technology

Health information management professionals are uniquely qualified to:

• Ensure health information is complete and available to legitimate users
• Code and classify data for reimbursement
• Analyze information necessary for decision support
• Protect patient privacy and provide information security
• Enhance the quality and uses for data within healthcare
• Administer health information computer systems
• Comply with standards and regulations regarding health information
• Prepare health data for accreditation surveys
• Analyze clinical data for research and public policy

HIT professionals play a key role in the planning, implementation, and management of the electronic health record (EHR). As a Health Information Technician, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality of medical records—checking them for completeness, accuracy, and appropriate entry into computer systems in a multitude of healthcare settings.

You might specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for billing, reimbursement, or research.

The program includes a clinical practicum (professional practice) experience, and is designed for students planning on entering the workforce immediately, as well as for those looking to upgrade skills or change direction. It awards the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and prepares students to transfer, if they wish to pursue a Baccalaureate Degree in Health Information Management.

There are dedicated faculty members in the department who are credentialed professionals and strive to provide a quality education to our students. We have clinical affiliations with many types of healthcare organizations, including hospitals, long term care and home health care facilities, mental health organizations, and large group physician practices. Our goal as a department is not only to prepare students for their RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) certification exam and to provide the technical basis for employment, but also to mold graduates into the professional health information technician who sees the value, importance, and confidentiality of the patient’s health information and the vital role they play in contributing to quality patient care.

In order to participate in clinical rotations, which are required to graduate from this program, students are required to submit proof of a current physical and up-to-date required vaccinations, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID). Specific instructions about required documentation and deadlines are provided by the Program Director.