Health Information Technology

Program Overview

The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program prepares students to manage, analyze, and utilize patient data in the healthcare industry. Graduates are equipped with skills in medical coding, legal compliance, data analysis, and leadership, qualifying them for careers as medical coders, compliance specialists, and data analysts in various healthcare settings. The program emphasizes the application of technology and adherence to regulatory requirements in health information management.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Health Information Technology (HIT)
• Prepares graduates to serve in the healthcare industry as experts in managing, analyzing, and utilizing patient data.
• Ensures the quality of health records and healthcare data for accurate and timely patient care.

Objectives:

• Apply diagnostic and procedural codes and groupings for reimbursement and research.
• Adhere to legal policies and regulations for the protection and disclosure of health information.
• Analyze, compile, and report healthcare data for statistical, planning, and health information exchange purposes.
• Utilize data required in healthcare reimbursement and revenue cycle management processes.
• Apply policies and procedures for the collection, maintenance, and presentation of health data.
• Demonstrate knowledge in pathophysiology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and computer applications.
• Adhere to the compliance and regulatory requirements related to health information management.
• Apply leadership, quality improvement, and management principles in health information management.

Outline:

• General Education Requirements:
• Oral and Written Communication: 6 credits
• Math, Statistics, and Logic: 3 credits
• Arts, Humanities, Culture, and Diversity: 3 credits (including Medical Ethics)
• Natural Sciences, Technology, and Innovation: 6 credits (including Human Structure and Function and Pathophysiology)
• Additional General Education: 12 credits (from categories listed above)
• Health Information Technology Program Course Requirements:
• Introduction to Medical Coding Systems: 1 credit
• Foundations in Health Information Technology: 3 credits
• Clinical Coding/Classification Systems I: 3 credits
• Legal Aspects in Health Information: 3 credits
• Professional Practice Lab: 1 credit
• Information Systems in Healthcare: 3 credits
• Health Information in Ancillary Care Facilities: 3 credits
• Clinical Coding/Classification Systems II: 3 credits
• Clinical Quality Management: 3 credits
• Healthcare Data in Reimbursement: 3 credits
• Health Information Management and Leadership: 3 credits
• Professional Practice Experience and HIT Seminar: 2 credits

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Medical Coder
• Compliance Specialist/Auditor
• Director/Manager of HIM Department
• Data Analyst
• Documentation Specialist
• EHR Implementation Specialist
• HIPAA Privacy Officer
• Revenue Cycle Manager
• Employment Opportunities:
• Hospitals
• Managed care organizations
• Long-term care facilities
• Consulting and law firms
• Information system vendors
• Ambulatory care facilities
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Home care providers
• Government agencies
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Physician practices
• Insurance companies
• Employment Outlook:
• Employment of medical and health services managers projected to grow 32% from 2020 to 2030, faster than average for all occupations as electronic health records become more widely used.
• Salary Range:
• Average salary for Health Information Management: $34,160 annually.