Health Information Technology
Overview
Projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, health information technology (HIT) is an excellent career choice for the person who is seeking a healthcare profession that combines interests in computer science, business, management, legal procedures, and health care research. The medical world depends on health information specialists to collect data and interpret it, protect it, and determine how it can be used. The future for health information technicians looks bright. Employment opportunities include hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies, law firms, state and federal health agencies, long-term care facilities, hospice agencies, teaching institutions, and consulting firms. Many of these jobs offer opportunities for remote work.
Quick Facts
- Associate of Applied Science
- Nursing Allied Health Center
- Online
- Hybrid
- Online
Sample Curriculum
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology I, Lecture & Lab | 4 |
| Anatomy and Physiology II, Lecture & Lab | 4 |
| Computer Applications I | 3 |
| Total Hours | 11 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Computer Applications I | 3 |
| English Composition | 3 |
| Health Care Law and Ethics | 3 |
| Health Record Systems | 4 |
| Medical Terminology | 3 |
| Pathopharmacology I | 3 |
| Pathopharmacology II | 3 |
| Total Hours | 22 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Health IT Systems | 4 |
| Health Statistics | 3 |
| Introduction to Coding | 4 |
| Public Speaking I or Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Quality Management and Compliance | 3 |
| Total Hours | 17 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| General Psychology | 3 |
| Intermediate Coding | 3 |
| Professional Practice Experience I | 2 |
| Total Hours | 8 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Advanced Coding Systems | 3 |
| Certification Fundamentals for HIT | 1 |
| Fine Arts or Humanities Elective | 3 |
| Health Care Management | 3 |
| Professional Practice Experience II | 2 |
| Revenue Cycle Management | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
The degree plan provides the courses recommended for students seeking to transfer in this area of study. Students should consult the for specific course requirements at specific Mississippi universities. Students can also use .
Important Program Information
Admission Requirements
Application for admission to Ӱ
Application to the Health Information Technology Program:
- Validation of high school graduation by official high school transcript or high school equivalency transcript (GED®, HiSET®, TASC™, or Mississippi Competency-Based High School Equivalency). For currently enrolled high school students, an updated transcript, validating high school graduation, will be required prior to beginning the program.
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended, except Ӱ
- ACT composite score of 18 (15 if taken before October 1989) OR 2.5 cumulative GPA on at least 12 hours with one of the below scores:
- ACT composite score of 17 or Accuplacer scores of 88 or higher in English
- 46 or higher in Math
- 76 or higher in Reading or Next-Generation Accuplacer scores of 245 or higher in English
- 237 or higher in Math
- 246 or higher in Reading
Prerequisites
Completion of the following college courses with a grade of “C” or above:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (BIO 2511, BIO 2513)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology II with lab (BIO 2521, BIO 2523)
- Computer Applications (CSC 1123)
Selection Process
The application will be available from March 1st through July 31st. Preference will be given to applicants who complete the application procedure by April 15th for fall admission.
Individuals who have submitted all required admission documents will be considered for program admission based on a rating scale that includes but is not limited to:
- ACT composite with sub-scores
- GPA on HIT program prerequisite letter grades
- highest previous certificate or degree, and military experience
Applicants selected into the program are required to attend a scheduled orientation session. Applicants not selected for a class may reapply for subsequent classes by submitting a new Application for Selection to the Health Information Technology Program.
The HIT program is a fully online program with the following courses being offered face-to-face or hybrid:
- Health Record Systems
- Introduction to Coding
- Intermediate Coding
- Advanced Coding
- Health Statistics
Professional Practice Experience II will require students to attend clinical one day per week at scheduled times during the second year of the program.
Program Outcomes
2022-2023 Academic Year
Graduation Rate – 60%
Employment Rate – 67%
Student Satisfaction Rate – 90%
RHIT Exam Pass Rate – 82%
2021–2022 Academic Year
Graduation Rate – 38%
Employment Rate – 86%
Student Satisfaction Rate – 87%
RHIT Exam Pass Rate: 100%
2020–2021 Academic Year
Graduation Rate – 64%
Employment Rate – 71%
Student Satisfaction Rate – 100%
Is This Career Right for You?
Are you interested in coding, medical reimbursement and billing, computers, information technology, or business administration? Would you like to be part of the world of medicine without providing direct patient care? Would you like the opportunity to work from home? Do you enjoy diversity? Are you well organized and detail-oriented? Would you like to make a contribution to the welfare of others? If this sounds like you, a career in Health Information Technology could be just right for you!
National Certification Exam
During the graduation semester, the student is eligible to take the national certification exam for Health Information Technicians. The RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) credential is awarded to those who pass the exam.
Program Accreditation
The Health Information Management accreditor of Ӱ is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for Associate degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2027. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.