Health Information Technology, A.A.S.
A.A.S. Degree—72 credit hours
Curriculum Code 1244
This program prepares students for a career that places them right where the expanding arena of health care meets the cutting edge of technology. Health information technicians ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy and proper entry into computer systems. They also may use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs. Health information technicians (RHITs) often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. RHITs may serve as cancer registrars, compiling and maintaining data on cancer patients. The Health Information Technology Program is a two-year associate degree program that integrates medical science, diagnosis and procedure coding systems, computer technology, and health care management.
Accreditation
The Health Information Technology curriculum meets the basic requirements prescribed by the American Health Information Management Association. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Admission Requirements
See Admission to Allied Health and Nursing Career Programs in the Admission and Registration section. Applicants not selected for one starting class are individually responsible for reactivating and updating their application file for subsequent starting classes. Re-applicants must complete a new application form and submit it to the Admissions Office during the applicable time period.
Transfer Students—Placement is considered on an individual basis.
Certification
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to write the national registration exam given by the American Health Information Management Association. Successfully completing this exam allows the graduate to earn the credential RHIT (registered health information technician).
Program Requirements
- Must earn a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in each required career course (theory and clinical)
- Are responsible for transportation to and from clinical affiliates
- Are responsible for submitting a completed history and physical form signed by a physician as well as a drug screen prior to their first clinical rotation
- Must provide documentation of yearly 2-step Mantoux results
- Are responsible for completing a criminal background check and drug screening prior to a clinical assignment being made.
- Are asked for proof of comprehensive health and accident insurance
- Are responsible for all program fees
Program Calendar
For students who attend full time, this two-year program includes four semesters and one summer session. Part-time students may complete the general education courses prior to program enrollment. The required medical terminology, biology and mathematics courses must be completed within five years of program admission. Exceptions may be granted on an individual basis upon approval of the program coordinator. Required career courses must be taken in sequence.
Required General Education Courses
16 credit hours as follows:
MTH-109:
A minimum level of competency in mathematics is required for graduation for all A.A.S. degrees. This minimum competency may be demonstrated in one of three ways:
- Placement into MTH-120 or higher; or
- Successful completion with an earned grade of “C” or better in BUS-120, MTH-102, MTH-109, MTH-121, or MTH-133 or higher-level mathematics course for designated career programs; or
- An equivalent transfer course from another college with an earned grade of “C” or better.
Required Career Courses
56 credit hours as follows:
Suggested Schedule
Semester 1 Summer (6 credit hours)
Semester 2 Fall (17 credit hours)
Semester 3 Spring (16 credit hours)
Semester 4 Summer (4 credit hours)
| MRT-115 | HIT Professional Practice I | 4 |
Semester 5 Fall (16 credit hours)
Semester 6 Spring (13 credit hours)
| MRT-213 | Supervisory Techniques | 3 |
| MRT-216 | HIT Professional Practice III | 5 |
| MRT-218 | Quality Management | 2 |
| PSY-201 | Industrial/Organizational Psychology | 3 |