Health Information Technology
Program Overview
Health Information Technology (HIT) encompasses the management of health information across computerized systems, focusing on its secure exchange among consumers, providers, and government. HIT professionals are crucial in organizing and managing health information, ensuring that it meets high standards of quality and accuracy. Their work is vital for safeguarding protected health information within healthcare organizations.
The two-year hybrid HIT Program is dedicated to producing competent health care professionals. Careers in Health Information Technology offer a variety of exciting opportunities for graduates. After successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification.
The Health Information Management accreditor of Jefferson College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College's accreditation for the A.A.S. degree in Health information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2023. All inquiries about the program's accreditation should be directed by mail to:
CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, Illinois 60601
By phone: 312-235-3255
By email: info@cahiim.org
www.cahiim.org
Degree Information
The two-year Health Information Technology (HIT) program is dedicated to producing competent health care professionals. The HIT curriculum includes general education courses, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, medical terminology, legal aspects of health care, health care statistics, health care privacy and security, medical coding, electronic health records, and practical experience in approved health care facilities.
The one-year Health Information Technology (HIT) certificate is dedicated to producing competent health care professionals. The HIT curriculum includes general education courses, introduction to health information technology, medical terminology, legal aspects of health care, and electronic health records.
Students who complete a one year HIT Certificate are eligible to enter directly into the two year HIT Associate of Applied Science Degree at the college maintaining the credits they have already completed. The two year HIT Program has transfer agreements set up with Missouri Baptist University, Central Methodist University and Stephens College. This will provide students the opportunity to continue on and earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Management.
Academic Plan
The Academic Plan is a semester-by-semester plan for the full-time student. Part-time students should work with an advisor to customize the map to fit individual needs. Review the Health Information Technology academic plan.
Course Guides
Jefferson College Institutional Course Guides (ICGs) are found in the Simple Syllabus - Syllabus Library AND/OR within your Canvas class page via the Simple Syllabus link in the Course Navigation Menu.
Career Opportunities
Health Information Technology encompasses various roles, including health information technicians, medical coders, and clinical data analysts. These professionals are integral to healthcare organizations, managing and safeguarding patient data, ensuring its accuracy and accessibility. The ongoing digitization of healthcare records and the rise of telehealth services have escalated the need for skilled HIT professionals, making it a highly viable career choice.
The demand for HIT professionals is projected to experience significant growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health information technicians is expected to grow 16% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than average for all occupations. This growth is driven by a variety of factors including advances in healthcare technology, regulatory requirements, and a shift towards data-driven decision-making across healthcare settings.
Program Outcomes
The following HIT Program Outcomes are for 2021-2022:
- Graduation Rate 92%
- Employment Rate 92%
- Student Satisfaction Rate 100%
