Health Information Technology, AAS

The Health Information Technology program trains health information technicians to provide reliable and valid information that drives the healthcare industry. The program utilizes standards established by the American Health Information Management Association to train entry-level technicians to effectively work with health information systems, manage medical records, and code information for reimbursement and research. Students will leave the program with the knowledge and skills necessary to use, analyze, present, abstract, code, store and/or retrieve healthcare data for the support of departmental operations, and clinical and business decision making in healthcare or related organizations.

Employment is available in a variety of settings including hospitals, managed care organizations, long-term care facilities, consulting and law firms, skilled nursing facilities, physician practices, insurance companies, and more. In addition, graduates of associate degree programs in HIT may transfer into HIA baccalaureate degree programs, known as health information administrators. NCCC’s HIT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Accreditation was obtained on November 13, 2009. All courses listed on the recommended sequence of courses (or equivalent courses transferred from other institutions) are required for the completion of the program.

Prerequisites

The student will need to demonstrate proficiencies in reading, English, and mathematics based on the college placement policy, or by taking the required classes. Some of the courses in this curriculum have specific prerequisites. For specific requirements please refer to the College Catalog. Note: any required developmental courses are not offered in the online format.

General Education (GE) Courses

The Health Information Technology program is designed as either a terminal program or as a transfer program into a health information administration baccalaureate program. Students should work closely with their advisors to determine the most efficient method of obtaining career goals.

Program Outcomes

Apply principles of information governance, data content and structure.
Identify information protection standards with regard to privacy and security principles, access, and disclosure.
Identify the principles of data analytics and data use.
Evaluate the principles of revenue management and reimbursement.
Comply with established legal and ethical standards of health information practice and compliance.
Integrate principles of leadership in the health information field.

Course Sequence

The listing that follows is a recommended sequence of courses, but the student should work with the program advisor regarding their individual course schedule needs. All courses must be passed with a C or better; a GPA of 2.0 or higher is required for graduation.