Health Information Technology Program Requirements
Industry Description
The Health Information Management (HIM) professional is an important connection between doctors, patients, insurance providers, and other healthcare professionals within the field. By maintaining, collecting, and analyzing health information, the HIM professional makes an important behind the scenes contribution to the delivery of quality care. Besides working with cutting-edge technology, HIM professionals are experts in the field of patient health information and health records.
Health information technicians ensure the quality of health information by:
-Verifying health records completeness and accuracy and proper entry into computer systems
-Utilizing computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data
-Coding diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement and research
-Compiling and maintaining registry data
-Maintaining quality control of health records
-Assuring patient privacy and data security
Industry Prerequisite
Minnesota Law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and residents at a health care facility licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health have a background study conducted by the state. An individual who is disqualified from having direct contact with patients as a result of the background study, and whose disqualification is not set aside by the Commissioner of Health, will not be permitted to participate in a clinical placement in a Minnesota licensed health care facility. The College will withdraw any student who is disqualified by the Minnesota Department of Health. The student is responsible for requesting the Commissioner to reconsider the disqualification.
Wages/Outlook/Advancement
The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in its Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 editions, projects that employment for health information technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average through 2014. Credentialed health information technicians (RHITs) can look forward to many expanding career opportunities due to Increasing patient privacy/data security legislation and computerization of health information. Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Program Description
The health information technology program prepares students for a career working in health care and settings where health information is utilized. A student graduating with a degree in Health Information Technology from Anoka Technical College is well prepared to assume an entry level position in this professional field. Specifically, program outcomes are designed to assure that graduates of the program will be prepared to demonstrate: essential professional and technical knowledge, skills and competencies fundamental to the health information management profession; effective written and oral communication skills; skills in using resources and technology; problem solving, team work and critical thinking skills.
The Health Information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
IMPORTANT Anoka Technical College requires all students seeking diploma or A.A.S. awards to meet the following requirement, new student assessment scores exempting students from taking Basic Math, Reading Skills and Basic English, or completion of Bath Math, Reading Skills and/or Basic English courses with a "C" grade or better.
Graduation Prerequisites
A minimum course grade of a "C" must be earned in each of the courses to meet graduation requirements.Program Essentials
Length of Program
Health Information Technology A.A.S. Degree 69 credits
Start Dates
Spring Semester January
Fall Semester August
Students can start coursework either semester but some courses are only offered once a year so students are encouraged to plan ahead by reviewing course sequence plans with program advisor.
Program Advisor
Georgina Sampson
Phone (763) 576-4851
E-mail gsampson@anokatech.edu
For information on how to apply or to schedule a campus tour please contact the Admissions Office Phone (763)576-4700 E-mail info@anokatech.edu
