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Online Classes: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology
Health Information Technology
Discover a career where high-tech meets healthcare
Blend your high-tech skills and interests with your aspiration for a career in healthcare with Mercy College’s accredited Health Information Technology (HIT) program. One of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, HIT professionals are experts in patient health information and medical records. Generally appealing to those who enjoy analyzing and problem solving, HIT is perfect for the person who likes the excitement and flexibility of healthcare, but doesn’t necessarily want direct patient contact.
Common occupational titles in this profession include:
- Medical Coder
- Compliance Specialist/Auditor
- Director/Manager of HIM Department
- Data Analyst
- Documentation Specialist
- EHR Implementation Specialist
- HIPAA Privacy Officer
- Revenue Cycle Manager
Students may start in August. The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program courses begin in the fall semester (August) however students can be admitted and begin taking pre-requisite and general education courses toward their program of choice in the fall semester (August), spring semester (January), or summer semester (May).
Program Overview
The associate of applied science degree program in Health Information Technology (HIT) prepares graduates to serve the healthcare industry and the public by managing, analyzing and utilizing data vital for patient care. Health information technicians work to ensure the quality of health records and healthcare data by verifying their completeness, accuracy and proper entry into computer systems. Health Information Technologists use computer applications to analyze patient data to improve clinical documentation and the quality of patient care. Some areas of specialization include coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research, privacy roles due to HIPAA legislation and other clinical data management functions. Employment opportunities exist in any organization that uses health information, including hospitals, managed care organizations, long-term care facilities consulting and law firms, information system vendors, ambulatory care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home care providers, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, physician practices and insurance companies.
Program Outcomes
- 2018 Graduate Satisfaction Rate 100%*
- 2018 Employer Satisfaction Rate 100%*
*Results based on completed telephone surveys
Sample program of study for Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 105 | Human Structure and Function | 5 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HIT 104 | Introduction to Medical Coding Systems | 1 |
| HIT 114 | Foundations in Health Information Technology | 3 |
| HIT 105 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 290 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| HCA 105 | Productivity Applications for Healthcare Professionals | 3 |
| HIT 110 | Pharmacology for Health Information Technology | 2 |
| HIT 126 | Clinical Coding/Classification Systems I | 3 |
| Total Hours | 14 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIT 150 | Professional Practice Lab | 1 |
| HIT 234 | Clinical Coding/Classification Systems II | 3 |
| MTH 100 | Intermediate Algebra | 3 |
| Total Hours | 7 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIT 142 | Legal Aspects in Health Information | 3 |
| HIT 205 | Data Management and Applications | 2 |
| HIT 216 | Information Systems in Healthcare | 3 |
| HIT 220 | Health Information in Ancillary Care Facilities | 3 |
| HIT 243 | Clinical Quality Management | 3 |
| Total Hours | 14 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIT 238 | Healthcare Registries and Statistics | 3 |
| HIT 244 | Healthcare Data in Reimbursement | 3 |
| HIT 248 | Health Information Management and Leadership | 3 |
| HIT 250 | Professional Practice Experience and HIT Seminar | 3 |
| REL 290 | Medical Ethics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Curriculum effective Fall 2019. For students enrolled prior to Fall 2019, please reference the Mercy College catalog.
*Biology pre-req required.
**PPE is not online. However, students may have the opportunity to attend their Professional Practice Experience (PPE) locally or at one of the College’s established PPE sites. Contact the Program Director for more information on the PPE requirements.
At the completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program, the graduate will be able to:
- Apply legal policies, regulations, principles and standards for the control and disclosure of protected health information.
- Review health records for timeliness, accuracy, appropriateness and completeness of healthcare documentation
- Perform processes related to collection, storage and retrieval of healthcare data/records.
- Code, abstract, classify and index diagnoses and procedures for the purpose of reimbursement, standardization, retrieval and statistical analysis.
- Apply principles of supervision and leadership and the tools used to effectively manage human, financial, and physical resources.
- Review, abstract, retrieve, and compile health data for reimbursement, quality assessment, patient care research, clinical registries and other informational needs.
- Collect, organize, and apply quality management and quality improvement tools and techniques for performance improvement.
Program Outcomes
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Document .pdfHealth Information Technology
Program outcomes data for Health Information Technology, including RHIT Exam Pass Rate
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Career Outlook
Employment Growth
The Bureau of Labor reports that "employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations." As more hospitals, physician offices, and other health care providers use electronic health records, the need for trained health information technologists is expected to increase.
Salary Range
The average annual wage is $34,160 [bls.gov]
Admission Requirements
All applicants must be a high school graduate with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.3, a general equivalency diploma (GED) recipient with a score of 530 (score of 53 prior to 2002), or a transfer student with a cumulative GPA of a 2.3. Students whose GPA falls below a 2.3 but above a 2.0 will be considered on an individual basis.
Math placement test required with the following exceptions:
- Meet or exceed ACT/SAT math score required for MTH 100 (within the past 5 years), OR
- Successful completion of college-level math (grade of “C” or better) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, OR
- Transfer credit (MTH 100 level or higher with a grade of “C” or better) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
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Health Information Technology
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