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 the AAPC at this time.

Foundational Courses Credit Hours
ENG 110 Writing I 3
MTH 100 Intermediate Applied Mathematics or higher
(except MTH 197 Introductory Topics in Mathematics of MTH 297 Mathematic Topics in Globalization)		 3
PSY 121 Introductory Psychology 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
Total Foundational Course Hours 12
The Foundations block constitutes preparatory courses necessary for completing a college education and should therefore be completed as soon as possible.
Computer Information Systems Credit Hours
CIS 101 Computers for Learning 3
CIS 201 Computer Applications in Business 3
Total Computer Information System Hours 6
Health Information Technology Credit Hours
ALH 116 Medical Terminology 3
HIT 100 Introduction to Health Information Technology 3
HIT 110 Diagnosis Coding I 3
HIT 140 Pathopharmacology for Health Information Technology 3
HIT 150 Outpatient Procedure Coding 3
HIT 170 Electronic Health Records 3
HIT 180 Anatomy and Physiology for Health Information Technology 3
HIT 190 Principals of Healthcare Reimbursement 3
HIT 200 Comparative Health Records Systems 3
HIT 201 Healthcare Quality Management 3
HIT 210 Diagnostic Coding II 3
HIT 230 Records Management 3
HIT 250 Inpatient Procedure Coding 3
HIT 260 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Healthcare 3
HIT 297 Professional Practice Experience in Health Information Technology 3
Total Health Information Technology Hours 45
Health Information Technology (AAS) Degree Credit Hours
Total Hours Required 63

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

This workforce product was funded by a $2.5 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership.