Health Information Technology Schools and Degrees

<p>With a degree in health information technology, you can work as a health information technician, manager or administrator. Programs provide instruction on how to manage and protect the privacy of patient information and can help you prepare for professional certification in the field. These programs are available at numerous schools throughout the U.S. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degrees</b> </td><td> Associate in Applied Science in Health Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management, Master of Health Informatics and Information Management: Entry Level or Post Graduate Track</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Courses</b> </td><td> Electronic health records systems, healthcare database design and development, health informatics infrastructure, international classification of diseases, pharmacology for health information management</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Online</b> </td><td> Some schools offer 100% online programs</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatSkillsWillILearnInAnAssociateSDegreeProgram">What Skills Will I Learn in an Associate's Degree Program?</h3> <p>In a 2-year degree program in health information technology (sometimes referred to as health informatics), you learn to electronically manage patient records. In addition, you learn to use technology that accurately manages patient information. Your coursework will explore the legal ramifications of managing patient privacy. A health information technician associate's degree may be offered. Here are some additional topics you might be covering in your associate's degree program: </p> <ul><li>Medical terminology </li><li>Medical coding </li><li>Pharmacology </li><li>Anatomy </li><li>Physiology </li><li>Health information law and ethics </li><li>Ambulatory care coding </li><li>Intro to health information management </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnFromABachelorSOrMasterSDegreeProgram">What Will I Learn From a Bachelor's or Master's Degree Program?</h3> <p>You can find bachelor's and master's degree programs online or in the traditional classroom format. If you pursue a master's degree, your coursework will include information technology courses, as well as administrative courses. A Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management or a Master of Health Informatics and Information Management might be two available options. These topics might also be covered in a bachelor's or master's degree program: </p> <ul><li>Information systems </li><li>Troubleshooting healthcare software </li><li>Human resources </li><li>Medical law </li><li>Leadership </li><li>Financial management </li><li>Healthcare statistics and research </li><li>Pathophysiology </li><li>Classification systems </li><li>Data management </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCareerOpportunitiesAreAvailableInHealthInformationTechnology">What Career Opportunities Are Available in Health Information Technology?</h3> <p>With an associate's degree, you're generally eligible to become a health information technician. In this role, you will manage the quality of patient records using computer applications. A bachelor's or master's degree in health information technology qualifies you to work as a health information administrator or manager. In these roles, you would perform duties like manage patient records, ensure quality control and oversee technology to keep records safe and up-to-date. You may also serve as the liaison between patients, hospitals and insurance companies. You can find some health technology degrees at the following schools listed below: </p> <ul><li>Pierce College (Philadelphia, PA) </li><li>University of Cincinnati (OH) </li><li>Western Governors University (Multiple locations) </li><li>The University of Tennessee (Memphis) </li><li>Rasmussen College (Bloomington, MN) </li></ul><h3 id="section---AmIEligibleForCertificationAfterCompletingMyProgram">Am I Eligible For Certification After Completing My Program?</h3> <p>Certification is not mandatory for employment. However, employers give preference to certified health information technicians, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The American Health Information Management Association offers certification for health information administrators and technicians, providing an industry standard for competent health information technology professionals.</p>