Health Information Technology - Associate in Applied Science Degree

Health Information Technology combines the areas of health care, administration, and information systems to manage and report health care data. As health data becomes more digitized, the need for professionals who can collect, summarize, utilize, and report patient care and reimbursement data continues to increase.

Health information technicians organize and manage health information data to ensure its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security. In addition, they regularly communicate with physicians and other health care professionals to clarify diagnoses or obtain additional information. This is one of the few health-related occupations in which there is no hands-on patient care.

PROGRAM GOALS

The Health Information Technology Associate in Applied Science degree program from Northwestern College prepares you to become an entry-level health information technician who meets the requirements determined by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Graduates will be adequately prepared as health information technicians in the following areas:

• Medical terminology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Health statistics and quality management
• Medical law and ethical standards
• Health informatics
• Organization management
• Health data management

ACCREDITATION

The Northwestern College Associate in Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). A degree from a school accredited by CAHIIM is required if you want to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

VIRTUAL LAB

Learning is important, but no amount of lectures and reading will prepare you to work in a real-world health information technology environment. Experiential learning, or learning by doing, is an essential component of the academic experience. Hands-on practice with virtual software can adequately prepare you for the workplace.

The vLab, or Virtual Lab, is a cutting-edge software program that provides students in campus-based and distance learning colleges with access to an array of health information management technologies that support best practices. The Virtual Lab allows you to work with software that closely simulates real-world applications in health information technologies. The lab exercises emphasize the acquisition of skills related to the use of electronic tools to solve problems and make decisions, preparing you to become a leader in tomorrow's health information management workforce.

Note: An additional fee is required for the Virtual Lab.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Job prospects for health information technicians are expected to be good. With a degree in Health Information Technology from Northwestern College, you could find employment in a variety of professional settings, including the following:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Medical group practices
• Clinics
• Home health agencies
• Ambulatory care practices
• Insurance companies
• Public health organizations

THE NC ADVANTAGE

Northwestern College is committed to providing you with the health information management skills sought by today's employers. Our Health Information Technology associate degree program provides you with the solid analytical, technical, and management skills required to achieve career success. This program prepares you to take the AHIMA national credentialing exam to become credentialed as a Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT). The fee for the national credentialing exam is included in the price of the program.

Request more information about our program today, and join this growing occupation.