Health Information Technology

A medical professional talking on the phone at a desk with folders behind her

Health Information Technology

Associate Degree

62 Credits | 2 Years

Online Program | Financial Aid-Eligible

Career Cluster: Health Sciences

Healthcare meets cutting-edge technology in this two-year associate degree program. Health Information Technicians are in demand for a variety of employment opportunities. This program prepares graduates to compile, process and maintain electronic healthcare records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with requirements of the healthcare system. 

Program Overview

A degree in Health Information Technology (HIT) gives graduates the ability to work in healthcare with a focus on managing health information rather than on direct patient interaction. With this degree you will gain competency in medical coding, ensuring the integrity of health information, analyzing data, adhering to legal and regulatory standards, leading a team and quality management. You’ll master this content through simulated learning activities and with the use of academic software applications (electronic health records, encoders, etc.). 

Program Outcomes

Health Information Technology graduates will be able to:

  • Apply data governance principles to ensure the quality of health data
  • Apply coding and reimbursement systems
  • Model professional behaviors and ethics
  • Apply informatics and analytics in data use
  • Apply organizational management techniques
A computer with the Electronic Medical Record system on the screen

Upon graduation, students can apply to sit for the RHIT certification exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

A health information technician looking through a medical record folder

Accredited.

A health information technician looking at a computer screen

Diverse career opportunities.

A health information technician walking through an aisle of file folders

Career pathway options. 


Academics

Health Information Technology is offered fully online. 

Health Information Technology Program Outcomes

Percent of Graduates Employed

Percentage of graduates responding to the Graduate Follow-Up Survey who reported they were available for employment and attained employment.

Year

Percent of Graduates Employed

Percent of Graduated Employed in Related Field

2013-2014

100%

75%

2014-2015

89%

56%

2015-2016

71%

57%

2016-2017

89%

33%

2017-2018

90%

90%

2018-2019

100%

57%

2019-2020

85%

54%

2020-2021

37.5%

37.5%

2021-2022

58%

29%

 

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) Exam Results

Exam Period

Total # of Exam Takers

Exam Pass Rate of Graduates

(on 1st Attempt)

8/1/16-7/31/17

5

100%

8/1/17-7/31/18

5

 100%

8/1/18-7/31/19

6

83%

8/1/19-7/31/20

9

100%

8/1/20-7/31/21

7

86%

8/1/21-7/31/22

5

80%

 

Graduation Rates

Admission Year

# Students

% Graduated in 150%

% Graduated

In 2 Yrs

% Graduated

in 3 Yrs

% Graduated

in 4 Yrs

Fall 2015

29

40%

28%

12%

8%

Fall 2016

31

38%

29%

10%

0%

Fall 2017

39

48%

24%

24%

3%

Fall 2018

36

41%

28%

14%

0%

Fall 2019

24

44%

22%

17%

TBD

Fall 2020

33

47%

40%

0%

TBD

Fall 2021

18

8%

TBD

TBD

TBD

Fall 2022

21

0%

TBD

TBD

TBD

 

 

Offered Online

All courses offered online with the exception of the professional practice (an on-site clinical component).

Flexible

Program progression is flexible. Full time and part time sequencing is offered. Program advisors work with each individual student to develop a sequencing plan that meets the needs of demanding schedules.

Professional Practice

During the last semester of the program, students will be placed at a clinical site for hands on experience with HIT related functions.


Required Courses

The program can be completed full time in two years/four semesters (or part time taking up to 4 years/8 semesters). Curriculum is facilitated in an online format, which is supplemented by a last semester professional practice experience, which will take place on-site at a healthcare organization.  The program is 62 credits focused on the foundations of HIM, coding and reimbursement, anatomy and physiology, human disease, general studies, healthcare statistics, computer information systems, healthcare law and ethics, management of HIM resources and health quality management. 

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Health Information Technology Courses

10530196
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
Applies previously acquired skills and knowledge by means of clinical experiences in the technical procedures of health record systems and discussion of clinical situations. Student may participate in a supervised clinical experience in healthcare facilities. PREREQUISITE: 10530165 Intermediate Coding and COREQUISITES: 10530161 Health Quality Management, 10530167 Management of HIM Resources, and 10530166 HIT Capstone
10530161
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
Explores the programs and processes used to manage and improve healthcare quality. Addresses regulatory requirements as related to performance measurement, assessment, and improvement, required monitoring activities, risk management and patient safety, utilization management, and medical staff credentialing. Emphasizes the use of critical thinking and data analysis skills in the management and reporting of data. PREREQUISITE: 10530163 Healthcare Stats and Analytics
10530165
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
Prepares students to assign ICD and CPT/HCPCS codes supported by medical documentation and official coding guidance to support appropriate reimbursement. Students will participate in CDI activities, including preparation of appropriate physician queries in accordance with compliance guidelines. PREREQUISITES: 10530184 CPT Coding and 10530197 ICD Diagnosis Coding and successful completion of COREQUISITE: 10530199 ICD Procedure Coding is required prior to taking Intermediate Coding.

Health Information Technology is Part of a Career Pathway

As a Health Information Technology student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!

You could take this first and get a credential.

Technical Diploma
29 Credits / 1 Year Full Time; Part Time Option Available
Potential Careers
Medical Coding Specialist, Clinical Coding Specialist, Claims Analyst
Arrow pointing down

This is the program you’re looking at.

Associate Degree
62 Credits / 2 Years Full Time; Part Time Options Available
Potential Careers
Health Information Technician, HIM Supervisor, Insurance / Business Specialist
Arrow pointing down

Continue your education to earn a bachelor's degree.


Admissions and Tuition

Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.

Requirements and Application

Tuition and Fees

Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships. 

Learn More About Paying for College

Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*

Health Information Technology

62 Credits | 2 Years

$9,916


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 


After the Health Information Technology Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Medical Coding Specialist technical diploma and a Health Information Technology associate degree. 

Student studying at a computer

Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

View Career Options

Student studying at a laptop

Accreditation

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education accredited seal

The Health Information Management accreditor of Northwood Technical College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).  The College's accreditation for the Health Information Technology degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2024-2025.

All inquiries about the program's accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at 312.235.3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.

Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

Contact

New Richmond Admissions Contact

Jodi Saliny

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8119

Contact

Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

northwoodtech_ashland_web_430x287_fy24

Get the Northwood Tech experience

Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.

Visit Campus

Find a program icon

Finding the class you want to take has never been easier. 

Find a Class

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.