Health Information Technology

Become a Grizzly!

Health Information Technology 

Students can enter the job market upon completing any of the Health Information Technology (HIT) certificates or the degree. Employment opportunities exist in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home health agencies, reference laboratory settings and mental health facilities, just to name a few. The job list is endless in this field. In addition, certain positions allow you to work from home.

 

Why should I seek a HIT degree or certificate?

  • Earning a degree or certification can enhance opportunities for a promotion.

Employment Outlook

Jobs in the health information technology fields continue to expand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in these types of positions is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030.*

Sample Careers and Salary Outlook

  • Health Information Technologist/Medical Coding: $58,250
  • Healthcare Supply Chain Management: $49,510
  • Medical Assistant: $38,270
  • Medical Secretary: $38,710
  • Medical Records Specialist/Medical Coding: $47,180

(Note: Salary data as of 2023)

Online

The degree and many of the certificate programs can be completed entirely online.

State Grant

The degree and all four certificates are eligible for Missouri’s Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant.

Degree and Certificates

Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology (HIT)

This two-year degree helps graduates wear many different hats in the healthcare field as they learn the practical application of class concepts, facilitated through real-life experience working in the region.

Health information technicians are healthcare professionals in charge of processing patient data. They ensure quality, accuracy, accessibility and security in both paper and electronic systems.

This degree helps students earn credentials employers recognize and prepares them for a career in the growing health information field. This program is part of a stackable degree path that allows you to earn your degree one credential at a time.

Four students by outside in the Fall

Certificate Options:

medical woman at computer keyboard

Electronic Health Records Specialist

The security and accuracy of patient data is critical in the healthcare world. Some common responsibilities tied to electronic health records include auditing patient records for compliance, performing basic coding to submit reimbursement claims and processing “Release of Information” (ROI) requests for medical records.
Medical woman on the phone smiling

Medical Office Administrative Assistant

Medical office administrative assistants are critical in keeping healthcare offices running smoothly. They play an important role in the patient experience. Tasks vary, but may include reviewing and answering practice correspondence, answering calls and scheduling appointments, and updating and maintaining patient and other practice-specific information.
HIT worker on phone at the computer

Medical Clinical Assistant

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary with the location, specialty and size of the practice. Most medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics and other healthcare facilities.
Medical woman entering data at a computer

Medical Coding

Medical coders are essential to hospitals, physician’s offices and other healthcare facilities. Tasks often include gathering essential information, preventing fraud by auditing billing, assigning codes for diagnoses and procedures, and coaching healthcare providers to achieve optimal reimbursement.

Additional Certificate

medical supply room

Healthcare Supply Chain Management

Healthcare Supply Chain Management employees are vital in inventory management and procurement methods for medical supplies and equipment used in healthcare facilities to operate and provide medical services. Duties vary from warehouse and operating plan management, demand management and forecasting, supply plans and execution procedures, to distribution management for efficient supply chain sourcing. Most healthcare supply chain employees work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities.

Contact Information

For more information about the HIT degree or certificates and how to apply contact:
Tresa Ryan, Assistant Professor of Health Information Technology
Email: WPHIT@MissouriState.edu
Phone: (417) 255-7786

* https://www.bls.gov/ooh/

^ Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, https://meric.mo.gov/data/occupation/occupational-employment-wages