Health information technology (HIT) professionals work in a variety of different settings and job titles. They often serve in bridge roles, connecting clinical, operational, and administrative functions.
With regulations surrounding patient privacy continuing to change, healthcare facilities around the nation are in need of professionals who understand these details and can keep patient data private. Students pursuing a Health Information Technician (HIT) Associate’s degree will learn how to seamlessly maneuver Electronic Health Records (EHR) software and set patients at ease knowing their information is safe.
Career & Technical Education Options
Students who wish to pursue this degree with the goal of a bachelor or master degree in health information should meet with the program coordinator or student advisor to select proper general education classes.
Not sure which path to take?
Use the American Health Information Association’s AHIMA’s HICAREERS website to identify the health information career path that is right for you. After answering simple questions about your education level and background, you'll see the education and career opportunities that would be the best fit for you.
Curriculum Information
Richland’s HIT curriculum covers the most relevant and up-to-date healthcare industry standards including medical coding and electronic health records. In addition, our HIT students participate in a professional practicum and use the AHIMA Virtual Lab, which is designed to provide first-hand experience working in real-world scenarios, helping them develop the high level of competency needed to successfully protect patient health information.
Training includes courses in general education, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, legal aspects of health care, ICD and CPT coding, health information technology, and practical experience in approved health care facilities.
After successfully completing the two-year HIT program, graduates are eligible to write the national exam leading to accreditation as a *Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
A coding certificate is offered for those students who do not wish to complete the AAS degree. The coding certificate prepares students to write for national CCA or CCS/CCS-P exam administered by the (AHIMA).
*Please note: The Health Information Technology associate degree program is in Candidacy Status, pending accreditation review by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Contact information: CAHIIM c/o AHIMA, 233 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2150, Chicago, Illinois , 60601-5800, (312) 233-1131, www.cahiim.org.
Contact Information
HIT Program advisor
Stuart L Coon
scoon@richland.edu
Office Location: N121
Phone: 217-875-7200, Ext. 280
HIT Program Coordinator & Instructor
Jenna Curry, RHIA
jcurry@richland.edu
(217) 875-7211, Ext. 405
