What Is a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)?

Maybe you've been exploring various non-clinical healthcare roles and you came across the term 'registered health information technician.'

Curious to find out more? In this article, we'll cover what it means to be a registered health information technician. We'll also answer related questions about what it takes to become a RHIT.

What Is a Registered Health Information Technician?

Healthcare providers throughout the country store patients' medical information in digital documents known as electronic health records (EHRs).

Registered health information technicians are responsible for preparing these EHRs from doctors' notes and other documents. They are also tasked with storing them securely and ensuring they are used properly.

Common RHIT job duties may include:

• verifying the accuracy of electronic health records
• updating patient information as needed
• keeping all information organized and confidential
• compiling data to create reports and statistics
• using special coding systems and software programs

Many registered health information technicians work in hospitals, physicians' offices, and long-term care facilities. Others work for home health services, insurance firms, and pharmaceutical companies.

They typically work full-time hours and may work irregular shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays depending on their place of employment.

What Skills and Qualities Do You Need to Be a RHIT?

Registered health information technicians need to have various skills and qualities to succeed at the job.

First, they must have a strong moral and ethical foundation, as they have access to protected health information and must do all in their power to keep it secure and confidential.

They must have strong computer skills and the ability to use the necessary coding and software programs required for the job.

They must be analytically minded with an ability to compile and interpret large amounts of data as necessary.

They must be highly organized and have a strong attention to detail to make sure patient records are error-free. They must also be good problem-solvers.

Finally, registered health information technicians must have strong interpersonal skills, as the job often requires them to communicate and collaborate with both healthcare workers and administrative personnel.

What Education and Certification Is Required to Be a RHIT?

Registered health information technicians must meet highly specific training and certification requirements before they can pursue work in the field.

RHITs are required to have at least an associate degree in health information technology, health informatics, or a related field.

Those hoping for career advancement may choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in health information management or a related field.

Regardless of the specific program chosen, it must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

After graduating, aspiring RHITs must pursue registered health information technician certification through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

To obtain your RHIT credential, you must pass a computer-based exam administered by AHIMA. The timed exam can take up to three and a half hours and consists of 150 questions.

Test-takers must obtain a passing score of 300 or more to receive certification. Once they do, they can begin searching for employment as a registered health information technician.

What Schools Offer RHIT Training Programs?

Are you ready to become a registered health information technician? The first step is completing an accredited educational program.

The following schools offer RHIT training programs in a flexible online format, enabling you to finish your education and pursue your career in a way that works for you.

1. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University is a private school. It has various physical locations throughout the United States, but many of its students complete their degree programs online.

The school's health information technician associate degree can be completed entirely online in as little as 18 months. The program is CAHIIM-accredited and prepares students to take the RHIT exam.

Students with previous college credits can transfer into the program for an earlier completion date, and those hoping to pursue a bachelor's degree can seamlessly transfer into the health information management program after obtaining their associate degree.

2. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is a large public school belonging to the University system of Ohio. It boasts around 50,000 students, many of whom study partially or fully online.

This school offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in health information systems. This accredited program is a great precursor to taking the RHIT exam, as well as the Cancer Registry Management Certificate exam.

The school also offers an online bachelor's in health information management for students who want to go that route or enroll in the program after obtaining their associate degree.

3. DeVry University

DeVry is a private school with various campuses throughout the U.S. and a large online presence. In fact, most of its students study entirely online.

One of the online degree programs is an associate degree in health information technology. Like the other programs in this article, it is CAHIIM-accredited and designed to help you pass the RHIT examination.

Students enjoy flexible coursework, multiple yearly program start dates, and the opportunity to apply their associate degree courses toward a bachelor's degree in technical management with a health information management concentration.

Decide If Becoming a Registered Health Information Technician Is Right for You

Registered health information technicians play a vital non-clinical role in the world of healthcare, making sure patient health records are stored securely and used properly.

If you think this might be a good career for you, check out any of the degree programs outlined in this article to get started.