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Health Information Technology Degrees
By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: September, 14 2010
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What can be expected from health information technology degree programs?
Health information technology is a growing industry, with a high demand for an expanding workforce. Management of health data
and the administration of medical billing are complex tasks that require a knowledge base that includes information management, data security and document handling, as well as medical basics such as anatomy, physiology and medical and drug terminology. Careers in health information technology include medical records managers, data administrators, medical billers and coders and claims managers. Opportunities in these areas require different kinds of HIT training, and various levels of degrees in health information technology.
At all educational and professional levels, all CAHIIM credentials require ongoing continuing education to ensure that professionals remain current in terminology and billing practices, so learning doesn’t stop at the completion of a health information technology degree. Health information technology is constantly evolving, and continuing education requirements ensure that individuals who have completed a course of study in the field keep up with the ever-present changes in the industry.
What are my options for an associate’s degree in health information technology?
Starting with an associate’s degree in health information technology creates a building block for later degrees or certifications. It is not uncommon for individuals to start with an associate’s degree that makes them eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam, and then learn more about the field through work experience before advancing their degree or pursuing additional certifications or credentials.Practicum experiences in clinical settings are also a requisite for a bachelor’s degree in health information technology and management. Candidates who complete their bachelor’s degree may find careers in health information or medical records department directors, compliance officers, specialty coding professionals, data quality managers, healthcare consumer advocates, claims administrators or HIM professors at teaching institutions.
What are my options for more advanced degrees in health information technology?
Health information technicians can pursue a bachelor’s degree in health information management, or continue their educations through to a master’s degree in health care management. The education for these programs is progressive and builds on previous coursework. The associate’s degree establishes the basics of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, health data standards, database management, quality improvement and information security practices.A bachelor’s degree from accredited health information technology schools qualifies graduates for the examination offered by CAHIIM and will facilitate becoming a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). Campus based and online programs are available, although some programs are specifically designed to build on an RHIT certification. Bachelor’s degree level coursework may include the following:
- Quality Evaluation and Management
- Advanced Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Information Management
- Alternative Health Records
- Specialty Coding and Classification Systems
- Biostatistics
