Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology

What is the Standard certificate for this program?

The Health Information Technology curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to process, analyze, abstract, compile, maintain, manage and report health information.

What type of work would I do if I studied this field?

Health Information Technicians (HITs) are professionals who:

  • Ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy and proper entry into computer systems as directed by Federal and State regulations.
  • Use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient care or controlling costs.
  • Often specialize in coding and diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. An additional role for HITs is cancer registrars - compiling and maintaining data on cancer patients.

With experience, the HIT credential holds solid potential for advancement to management positions, especially when combined with a bachelor's degree.

Although most HITs work in hospitals,  they are also found in other healthcare settings including office based physical practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities and public health agencies. In fact, HITs may be employed in any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as ch as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms and health product vendors.

What is the employment outlook for this field?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Handbook, "Employment of health information technicians of projected to grow 22% from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population rises."

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.

Health Information Technology (AAS)

Associate of Applied Science

The AAS in Health Information Technology is designed as a program for students interested in the field of health care information systems; health information privacy and security; compliance with medical reimbursement laws and regulations; management of health information. Pathways for certification may be completed through National Healthcareer Association for CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist), CEHRS (Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist), and CMAA (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant). Upon completion of the program, there are many external credentials that students may pursue, if they so choose. Credentials can be obtained through external entities such as the American Academy of Professional Coders and American Health Information Management Association.

Foundational Courses Credit Hours
ALH 116 Medical Terminology 3
ENG 110 Writing I 3
CIS 101 Computers for Learning 3
CIS 201 Computer Applications in Business 3
Civics: Select three (3) credit hours
  • HST 121 Survey of US History to 1877  OR
  • HST 122 US History Since 1877  OR
  • PLS 101 American Democracy and Citizenship
3
PSY 121 Introductory Psychology 3
WES 101 Mike Rowe Works (MRW) Work Ethic Certification 1
Total Foundational Course Hours 19
The Foundations block constitutes preparatory courses necessary for completing a college education and should therefore be completed as soon as possible.
Health Information Technology Core Credit Hours
HIT 100 Introduction to Health Information Technology 3
HIT 190 Principals of Healthcare Reimbursement 3
HIT 200 Comparative Health Records Systems 3
HIT 260 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Healthcare 3

HIT Capstone course
HIT 298 Professional Practice Experience  OR
HIT 299 Medical Assistant Practicum

3
Total Health Information Technology Core Hours 15

Medical Assistant Option

The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology – Medical Assistant option is designed to prepare students for a career in medical assisting performing clinical or administrative duties in medical clinics or hospitals. This academic guide is based on the 2022-2023 Missouri State University–West Plains Catalog. The time to complete the degree will vary, depending on remediation, summer enrollment, number of classes taken per semester, etc.

Medical Assistant Requirements Credit Hours
ALH 130 Math Skills for Allied Health 2
CFD 110 Health, Safety and Nutrition 3
HIT 170 Electronic Health Records 3
HIT 180 Anatomy and Physiology for Health Information Technology 3
HIT 230 Records Management 3
HIT 270 Medical Assistant Office Procedures 3
HIT 280 Medical Assistant Clinical Procedures 3
HIT 290 Medical Assistant Laboratory Procedures 3
Electives - 6 credit hours (Choose two classes from the following):  6
Total Medical Assistant Hours 29

Medical Coding Option

The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology – Medical Coding option is designed to prepare students for a career in medical coding, medical auditing, and medical coding education in medical clinics or hospitals. This academic guide is based on the 2022-2023 Missouri State University–West Plains Catalog. The time to complete the degree will vary, depending on remediation, summer enrollment, number of classes taken per semester, etc.

Medical Coding Requirements Credit Hours
ALH 130 Math Skills for Allied Health 2
HIT 110 Diagnosis Coding I 3
HIT 150 Outpatient Procedure Coding 3
HIT 170 Electronic Health Records 3
HIT 180 Anatomy and Physiology for Health Information Technology 3

HIT 201 Healthcare Quality Management

3
HIT 202 Healthcare Payer Performance 3
HIT 210 Diagnostic Coding II 3
HIT 230 Records Management 3
HIT 250 Inpatient Procedure Coding 3
Total Medical Coding Hours 29

Healthcare Data Analytics Option

The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology – Healthcare Data Analytics option is designed to prepare students for a career in health information management in medical clinics or hospitals conducting analysis of services provided, diagnoses treated, resources used, etc. This academic guide is based on the 2022-2023 Missouri State University–West Plains Catalog. The time to complete the degree will vary, depending on remediation, summer enrollment, number of classes taken per semester, etc.

Healthcare Data Analytics Requirements Credit Hours
COM 115 Health, Safety and Nutrition 3
MTH 136 Pre-Calculus I: Algebra 3
QBA 237 Basic Business Statistics 3

HIT 201 Healthcare Quality Management

3
HIT 202 Healthcare Payer Performance 3
HIT 203 Healthcare Management and Leadership 3
HIT 204 Healthcare Statistics (using Excel) 3
HIT 262 Healthcare Compliance 3
Electives - 6 credit hours (Choose two classes from the following):  6
Total Healthcare Data Analytics Hours 30

Healthcare Reimbursements Option

The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology – Healthcare Reimbursement option is designed to prepare students for a career in medical billing, reimbursement, or patient accounts in medical clinics or hospitals. This academic guide is based on the 2022-2023 Missouri State University–West Plains Catalog. The time to complete the degree will vary, depending on remediation, summer enrollment, number of classes taken per semester, etc.

Healthcare Reimbursements Requirements Credit Hours
ALH 130 Math Skills for Allied Health 2
HIT 170 Electronic Health Records 3
HIT 192 Healthcare Revenue Cycle I 3
HIT 194 Healthcare Revenue Cycle II 3
HIT 196 Healthcare Reimbursement Methodologies 3
HIT 198 Reimbursement Diagnostic and Procedural Groupings 3
HIT 202 Healthcare Payer Performance 3
HIT 203 Healthcare Management and Leadership 3
HIT 262 Healthcare Compliance 3
Elective - 3 credit hours (Choose one class from the following):  3
Total Healthcare Reimbursements Hours 29

 

Health Information Technology (AAS) Degree Credit Hours
Total Hours Required 63 or 64 (depends on Option pursued)

Courses taken under the pass/not pass option cannot be used to satisfy general education, professional education or specific degree requirements except as noted in the pass/not pass policy.

Students are strongly encouraged to confirm the transferability of individual courses to other institutions prior to enrollment. Not all courses will transfer or satisfy specific degree requirements for bachelor degrees.