How to Get A Degree in Health Information Technology

Get a degree in health information technology to prepare for such diverse career opportunities as Medical Records and Health Information Technician, Health Information or Medical Coding Specialist, Medical Transcription Specialist, Clinical Data Specialist, Medical Office Coordinator, Medical Language Specialist, Information Security Manager, HIM Department Director, Health Information System Manager, Chief Privacy Officer, among many others. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 49% job growth in health information management by 2010 and faster than normal growth in all areas of health information. Salary range for those with an Associate Degree in HIT is between $35,000 and $43,000. Take the path to a degree in health information technology by getting a high school diploma, applying for HIT program entry, and studying general education and HIT-specific coursework. Preparation for HIT positions includes certificate programs or an Associate's Degree in Health Information Technology, and those who are interested in advanced careers may pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Management (HIM).

Instructions

1. Earn a high school diploma or GED or obtain high school transcripts to be eligible to enroll in the college courses required for a degree in health information technology.

2. Take an aptitude test to determine the level of interest and aptitude for a career in health information technology.

   A successful career in health information technology requires familiarity and competency in numerical ability, language and communication, health science, and a technical orientation. The MAPP test, Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential, is a good aptitude test to take when deciding upon a career path. It highlights real emotions, matches the test-taker to careers, and charts communication style and leadership skills.

3. Review the accredited program directory at www.cahiim.org. It lists accredited programs of study for HIT/HIM to consider attending.

   There are Associate Degrees, Baccalaureate Degrees, and Master's Degrees in Health Information Technology and Management, as well as certificate programs. Not all schools offer courses of study in this area, and not all schools that offer Associate Degrees also offer Bachelor's Degrees. Deciding what kind of degree is desired and researching what programs are available will help in planning educational preparation.

4. Take the HOBET (Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test), a required entrance exam for HIT programs, as well as any other required college entrance exams.

5. Complete a federal financial aid application and plan for financing.

6. Apply, register, and enroll in a school that offers accredited health information technology courses.

   HIT/HIM students will have to complete general education coursework as well as study such subjects as medical terminology, health data content and structure, pharmacology, medical science, medical office procedures, health statistics and registries, health information systems and data literacy, and reimbursement systems in health care.

7. Apply for available scholarships.

8. Apply for available HIT/HIM internships.

   There may be internships or cooperative work arrangements available with local health care institutions for HIT/HIM students. These opportunities can be valuable to the degree being earned as well as for career aspirations after graduation.

9. Complete all required coursework to earn either the Associate's or Bachelor's degree and graduate.

Tips & Warnings

• Start planning for post-secondary education and career choices while in high school or during a career transition by researching skills and aptitude, schools and programs, and entry requirements. Talk to department directors at schools with HIT degree programs and medical billing department heads at local hospitals to get an idea of the kind of careers available in HIT. Career and education counselors and life coaches can help students navigate the maze of degree requirements and career planning. An Associate's Degree in HIT is necessary for a career in medical coding or medical transcription. A typical two year Associate's Degree requires 60 to 66 credit hours or 20 to 25 classes, is offered through technical and community colleges, and is finished in two years of full time study. Students who work full time and attend school part time or in the evenings may take longer than two years to complete an associate degree. A Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Management is necessary for a career in a manager or director role. A typical four year Bachelor's Degree requires twice 120 to 130 credit hours and 40 to 45 classes, is offered through upper colleges and universities, and takes four to five years of full time study. Many Bachelor's degrees are available on-line through accredited schools and this may enable students to either finish in less than four years or to work full time and earn their four year degree in a more cost-effective and timely manner.

References

• American Health Information Management Association
• Bureau of Labor Statistics-Health Information Technology

Resources

• Aptitude Tests
• Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education