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Health Information Technology Programs

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: September, 14 2010

Are health information technology schools prepared for industry growth?

Health information technology is a high-growth career, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipating greater than 20% growth by 2018. The demand for qualified, well-trained professionals is being driven by a number of factors.  Among these are legislation that is expanding health care coverage to include the entire US population, the push to make all medical records accessible through EHR (electronic health records) systems, financial imperatives for cost control, and an aging population that will be accessing health care services more regularly in the coming years.

Individuals looking for the security of a career in health care but who do not find themselves compelled to pursue clinical vocations may find that careers in health information technology are an excellent fit.

What are my options for health information technology schools online?

Associate’s level health information technology degree programs are available at a variety of campus-based and online universities; there are also hybrid programs that combine on-campus coursework with online courses to increase flexibility and accessibility for students. This helps ensure that arranging an education in the field of health information technology is practical for almost any student.

The education includes hands-on practical experience in clinical settings (called practicum). Most programs have coordinators who assist with identifying and arranging practicum settings for students attending online or hybrid programs who are not participating in a campus-based program.

What are the prerequisites for entering a health information technology program?

Programs in health information technology at the associate’s degree level typically require a high-school diploma or GED. Most programs total 75-85 hours of instruction. Although many institutions organize the coursework into a two-year program, scheduling courses into part-time instruction is manageable for many institutions.

The sequence of coursework is highly structured to ensure that prerequisite courses for later, more complex classes are taken in the appropriate order. Bachelor’s level programs require a full four-year equivalency of education, including the completion of general education requirements. Pacing of a four-year program is often more challenging but it can often be arranged to accommodate the part-time student.

What are the different components of health information technology programs?

Although professionals who work in the field of health information technology don’t have hands-on patient care responsibilities, the complex interaction between management of data and the medical conditions that are being documented really requires an understanding of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and disease processes.

Programs in health information technology, especially those programs that are accredited by CAHIIM, include comprehensive coursework that teaches both medical principles and data management principles. The education includes anatomy and physiology, medical and drug terminology, international disease and current procedural terminology coding, health care information systems and data security. 

In addition, a clinical practicum that pairs the student with professionals in clinical environments for observation and additional training in the handling of health information is often required. Programs that produce individuals qualified to take the examination to become Registered Health Information Technicians or Registered Health Information Administrator ensure that a future career is being built on a solid foundation.

What are the continuing education requirements for health information technicians?

RHIT certification typically requires continuing education to be maintained. This ensures that health information technicians are regularly exposed to legislative or procedural updates in the industry.  It also helps ensure that advances in technology, terminology and coding standards are incorporated into practice.

Coding terminology is a dynamic entity and undergoes regular revisions. The American Medical Association makes changes to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes on an annual basis, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adjust reimbursement for these codes also sometimes annually.