Campus Location: Online
Program Entry: Enrollment may occur during any term. Fall term is the start of the program course sequence.
Award: Associate of Applied Science degree
Description: The Health Information Technician (HIT) is a member of the healthcare team who ensures the quality of the medical records by verifying its completeness and accuracy and proper entry into electronic health record systems. The technician uses software applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care and monitoring costs.
The HIT is a specialist in coding diagnoses and procedures using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) utilized for healthcare reimbursement and research. Most HITs work in hospitals, but they are also found in physician practices, longterm care, home health agencies, mental health facilities, public health centers and cancer registries.
This program provides students with a working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, disease processes, informatics, legal and quality management principles, business and computer technology. Students will also learn the practical applications in coding, reimbursement, quality management, health statistics, release of information and data analysis, as well as the ability to utilize software applications that collect, store, process, retrieve and analyze health information.
The NICC HIT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Program graduates are eligible to write the certification examination and earn a credential as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) which is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Apply ethical standards of practice in the delivery and use of health data for medical, legal, and regulatory processes.
- Utilize various software systems and information technology that abstract, classify, and process data for the purpose of medical coding, reimbursement, data analysis and research.
- Apply knowledge of health information management functions to support the format and content of the health record.
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills for a diverse workforce.
- Apply knowledge of biomedical science, disease processes, pharmacology, and medical terminology as the foundation of understanding health and disease processes.
- Evaluate the financial impact on health care systems through the inappropriate and/or fraudulent use of health care delivery and reimbursement.
- Examine documentation requirements for the health record and how they are utilized in various health care settings.
Program Admission: In addition to the College enrollment process applicants must achieve a minimum ACCUPLACER CLASSIC® reading score of 70 or ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION® reading score of 250. ACT® scores are also acceptable.
Academic Requirements: Students enrolled in health occupations programs must complete all required coursework with a “C-” grade or above and earn a minimum 2.0 grade point average to graduate from the program.
Program Requirements: Health Program Requirements The College has contracted the services of CastleBranch to review and monitor background checks, health records, training requirements and drug testing. Students submit requirements to the website prior to the designated deadline date.
In addition to meeting program requirements upon admission, students must maintain these requirements throughout the program. Failure to remain in compliance will result in denial for clinical participation. Clinical participation is required for program completion.
Minimum Credits: 68
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