AAS Associate Program
Division of Arts, Sciences and Professional Studies | Health Information Management
Health Information Technology (HIT) is a combination of health care and information technology. The Health Information Technology Program prepares students in the methods of collecting, organizing, analyzing and protecting traditional and electronic medical information essential to providing quality patient care. Health Information Technicians compile statistics for health information indices, disease registries, and research studies, review clinical documentation to assign codes to diseases and procedures, use storage and retrieval systems to manage the release of patient health information and retrieve health data. In addition, students will obtain the necessary technological skills required to perform the daily activities in the management of health information.
Potential Work Sites
With their training and knowledge of information management, the electronic health record (EHR) and healthcare delivery systems, health information management professionals are able to work in a variety of healthcare settings, which include:
- Hospitals, physician offices, nursing homes, home health agencies, and ambulatory care clinics, etc.
- Insurance companies and HMOs
- Research and government agencies
- Accounting, legal and consulting firms
There are numerous job titles and career paths available in this field, which affords the health information management professional with many options and opportunities for growth. For more information about careers in health information, please visit www.ahima.org and www.hicareers.com
Professional Practice Experiences (Internships)
Students build competencies in two Professional Practice Experiences offered during their course of study. Through these practice internships, students will obtain “hands-on” experience in actual health care settings. These non-paid, internships are completed during regular business hours. Transportation to and from the practice site is the responsibility of the student.
Accreditation
The Associate degree, Health Information Technology Program at Trocaire College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
CAHIIM
233 N. Michigan Avenue
21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601-5800
Certification
Graduates may apply to write the national certification examination administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon passing this exam, the individual earns the credential of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). Students may also apply to write coding certification exams offered by AHIMA’s and the American Academy of Professional Coders.
