Bachelor's Degree Programs in Health Information Technology
Learn about what degree programs are offered in the field of health information technology. Find out what you'll learn about, what jobs you can get and whether you can earn your degree online.
Can I Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Technology?
Typically, only an associate's degree is needed for a job in health information technology. At the bachelor's degree level, you're more likely to find programs in health information management. These programs build off prior health information technology education and experience, in addition to building your business and communication skills.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b> Program Offered</b></td><td> At the bachelor's level, degrees are typically only offered in health information management</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Pharmacology, data collection, medical terminology, coding, anatomy</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Typical Career Skills</b></td><td> Attention to detail, technologically aware, critical thinking</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Learning Environments</b></td><td> Traditional classroom and distance learning degree options are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $44,090 (<i>for all medical records and health information technicians</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 8% growth (<i>for all medical records and health information technicians</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillMyStudiesEntail">What Will My Studies Entail?</h3><p>Your primary focuses in a health information management program will be on coding, data collection, quality management, pharmacology, basic anatomy and medical terminology. You will also learn some communication skills so that you can work with the public and with insurance companies in billing and reimbursement. Some of the subjects you may study during your program include:
</p><ul><li>Pharmacology
</li><li>Basic anatomy
</li><li>Reimbursement
</li><li>Quality assessment
</li><li>Diseases
</li><li>Coding
</li><li>Law and ethics
</li><li>Medical terminology
</li><li>Health statistics
</li><li>Health management
</li><li>Networking and security
</li><li>Database management
</li><li>Human resources
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithThisDegree">What Can I Do with This Degree?</h3><p>After receiving your bachelor's degree, you can look for work as a health information manager. In this role, you'll be in charge of recordkeeping in a healthcare facility. Such recordkeeping is done through continuously changing technologies, so you must stay up-to-date with the information systems involved. You must also make sure that patient records are kept secure and are being kept in accordance with regulations. You'll also be responsible for scheduling and supervising health information technicians.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnTheDegreeOnline">Can I Earn the Degree Online?</h3><p>Bachelor's degree programs in health information technology are available online. Make sure the school that you choose to study through is accredited by a valid agency, such as the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) or the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
</p><p>If you decide to work toward a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management online, the majority of your program likely will be delivered via streaming video, online assignments and readings. Most programs cannot be completed entirely online because they require in-field practica.</p>