Health Information Technology (AAS)

The AAS degree in Health Information Technology (HIT) includes a combination of online courses and practical experiences designed to prepare the student for employment as a clinical coder, billing analyst, electronic health record (EHR) trainer, healthcare data analyst/manager, EHR implementation analyst/coordinator, personal health record advocate, privacy and security coordinator, and more. Graduates can serve the healthcare industry in facilities such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, health information software companies, and public health and government policy agencies. Some HIT positions may even allow working remotely from home. If you desire a career in healthcare, but do not want to work in direct patient care, HIT may be the answer.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are qualified to take the national Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) Examination and earn RHIT credentials. The Health Information Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Information and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Entrance Requirements

All students are required to meet with the Program Director prior to enrolling in the program. All students must meet the requirements of the TSI.

Consideration for acceptance into the Health Information Technology program is based upon the submission of the following items directly to the Health Information Technology (HIT) program:

1. Complete the Health Information Technology program application.
2. A transcript from each college you have attended sent to:
   1. Registrar’s Office (Official Copy)
   2. Health Information Technology Program (Copy)
3. Signed Technical Standards Form.
4. Applicants must show proof of completion of the Hepatitis B vaccine series or serologic confirmation of immunity to Hepatitis B virus prior to enrolling in the practicum courses (2^nd year). Applicants must also enroll in Castle Branch Immunization Tracking. The cost of Castle Branch will be at the applicant’s expense. The anticipated cost is $45.00. More information will be given prior to the practicum course.
5. Applicants must have a completed physical examination by their personal physician prior to enrolling in the practicum courses. The practicum courses are in the second year of the program. The cost of the physical examination will be at the applicant’s expense. The physical exam forms will be emailed prior to the practicum course.
6. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS - Most practicum facilities require that criminal background checks be completed prior to allowing students to participate in training at their facilities. Applicants conditionally accepted into the Health Information Technology program will be required to complete a satisfactory criminal background check from a college-approved agency prior to enrolling in the practicum courses. The practicum courses are in the second year of the program. The cost of the criminal background check will be at the applicant’s expense. The anticipated cost for the criminal background check is approximately $55.00.
7. DRUG SCREENING - Applicants conditionally accepted into the Health Information Technology program will also be required to complete a drug screen with negative results prior to enrolling in the practicum courses. Practicum courses are in the second year of the program. Only drug screens conducted through a college-approved agency will be accepted. The cost of the drug screen will be at the applicant’s expense. The anticipated cost for the drug screen is $50.00.
8. TRAVEL - Students will be required to travel to practicum sites during the program. The program reserves the right to send the student to any of the sites the director deems appropriate. The cost of travel will be at the student’s expense.

Estimated Costs

Tuition and Fees - See Financial Information  Section
Books (approximate) - $2500
Prior to Clinical Practicum:

Criminal Background Check - $55.00
Drug Screen - $50.00
Castle Branch Immunization - $45.00
Accident/Liability Insurance - $35.00
Physical Examination - Individual Physician’s Fee

National Accreditation Exam Fee (after graduation) - $235.00

Transportation costs incurred during practicum phase vary according to individually planned schedules. Students are responsible for transportation.

Preference for admission will be given to applicants who have college credit in the following courses:

• BIOL 2401 - Anatomy & Physiology I  
• BIOL 2402 - Anatomy & Physiology II  
• COSC 1301 - Introduction to Computing  
• MATH 1342 - Elementary Statistical Methods