Program Description

The AAS degree in Health Information Technology offers a 60-credit integrated curriculum of general education and professional requirements based on entry-level competencies identified by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIM) education programs. Health Information Technology involves the use of technology to facilitate the electronic exchange and management of health information such as electronic health records; database management; information privacy and security. It encompasses an array of technologies used to store, share and analyze health information. The major in Health Information Technology at Union County College is designed to prepare students from diverse backgrounds for entry-level technical and managerial career opportunities in the use of technology to store, share, and analyze health information. Graduates will be eligible to take a national credentialing examination for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). In addition, the Health Information Technology major is an excellent choice for students who may wish to pursue a bachelor’s and advanced degrees in Health Information Management. It is particularly attractive to students seeking a major with a high career potential.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

• Use health information systems to support quality assurance, financial reimbursement, and legal and ethical standards;

• Evaluate healthcare data to synthesize relevant health information for quality assurance;

• Accurately code patient records;

• Apply billing reimbursement methodologies to patient;

• Collaborate effectively with diverse individuals and members of the healthcare team.

After Union County College

Graduates of the program will be eligible to work as clinical coding and billing specialists, medical records analysts, medical records supervisors, or medical information technician. Health information technicians may work in a variety of healthcare settings that include hospitals, physician practices, nursing homes, mental health facilities, long-term care, home health care, rehabilitation facilities, managed care organizations, public health agencies, government agencies, health information technology firms, insurance agencies, consulting and law firms, pharmaceutical companies, and health product vendors among others.
 

Recommended Sequence

Milestone Courses