Health Information Technology

Health Information Technology General Info

If you wish to combine your organizational and analytical skills with your interest in healthcare, a career in Health Information Technology could be for you! As a Health Information Technician, you play a vital role in making our healthcare system work. You perform data collection and analysis needed by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

As a student in the online HIT program, you will learn the necessary skills to become a valued member of the healthcare team. These skills include:

  • Maintaining healthcare records consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal,
  • and regulatory requirements
  • Collecting, validating, and analyzing healthcare data
  • Assigning code numbers to diagnoses for indexing health data and processing bills
  • Answering legal, governmental, and insurance company inquiries
  • Supervising human resources for effective and efficient health record processing
 
To graduate from this program, you must receive a “C” or better in all courses with the “HIT”, “HSC”, or “MAP” course prefix.
 
Program Effectiveness Outcomes:
  1. Three out of four students taking the certification exam for the first-time were successful during the latest Annual Program Assessment Report cycle completed 11/15/2017.
  2. 100% of students in the final professional practice met entry-level competencies as evaluated by Professional Practice Site Supervisors.
  3. Four graduates responded to the graduate survey with three out of four indicating they are currently employed in health care and one of the four pursuing further education.

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THIS PROGRAM QUALIFIES. Iowa needs people like you to fill exciting jobs in growing industries. To help keep Iowa moving forward, you can get free tuition for programs that lead to high-demand jobs and good-paying careers. Earn a one-year or two-year degree—all with free tuition. For a full list of every NCC program that qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship – click here

Want to learn more about our Health Information Technology program?

Request your free information packet now

Award

  • Associate of Applied Science Degree

Length

  • Four Semesters & One Summer Term (Certificate Option Available)
  • Fall semester entry for full-time students
  • Part-time students may enter any term; however course prerequisites and corequisites must be followed.

Student Profile

  • Detail orientated
  • Compliant to laws concerning confidentiality
  • Have good reading and English skills
  • Have an interest in science, medicine and/or technology

Program Location

  • This program is fully online, however, some courses are available on campus.

Contact Admissions

Student Story BRANDY JAMES

“I chose NCC, because it had all the things I needed to go back to school and work full-time. The instructors have been very helpful and want you to succeed! I like online learning, because it allows me to work during the day and focus on my classes in the evening.”

Health Information Technology Online student
Tuscaumbia, AL

BRANDY JAMES

Requirements for this program

Course #TitleCredits
FIRST YEAR
FALL SEMESTER15
BIO165-AHuman Anatomy and Physiology I3
BIO167-AHuman Anatomy and Physiology I Lab1
CSC110-AIntroduction to Computers3
HIT271-EMedical Coding I 3
HIT370-CHealth Records in Acute Care3
HSC113-EMedical Terminology2
SPRING SEMESTER17
BIO170-AHuman Anatomy and Physiology II3
BIO172-AHuman Anatomy and Physiology II Lab1
BIO198-EIntroduction to Pathology3
HIT272-EMedical Coding II3
HIT273-EMedical Coding III3
HIT380-CHeath Records in Alternative Care Settings3
HIT594-CHIT Practicum A1
SUMMER9
ElectiveMath*3
ElectiveHumanities/Social Science**3
ElectiveGeneral Education (suggest Public Speaking)3
Course #TitleCredits
SECOND YEAR
FALL SEMESTER13
HIT265-EHealth Informats3
ENG105-AComposition I3
HIT120-EPharmacology for HIT1
HIT420-CLegal Aspects of Health Information2
HIT451-CAllied Health Statistics3
HIT595-CHIT Practicum B1
SPRING SEMESTER15
HIT290-CReimbursement Methods3
HIT315-CElectronic Applications for Health Care Data2
HIT440-EQuality Management3
HIT541-CProfessional Practice Experience II3
HIT946-CSeminar1
MGT130-APrinciples of Supervision3
Total Credits69
Course #TitleCredits
HEALTH RECORDS CERTIFICATE11
HIT370-CHeath Records in Acute Care3
HIT380-CHelath Records in Alternative Care Settings3
HSC113-EMedical Terminology2
CSC110-AIntroduction to Computers3
Total Credits11

NOTE: Satisfactory assessment scores and/or prerequisites are required for some courses.

*You must complete MAT106-E Elementary Algebra or any math course with A suffix.
**You may select any humanities/social sciences course with an A suffix.

Frequently Asked Questions

HIT graduates could be a supervisor of a Health Information Management department, Quality Assurance Coordinator, a clinical coder/abstractor, or a medical transcriptionist. Excellent opportunities also exist in research firms, government agencies, pharmaceutical firms, insurance companies, consulting businesses, and telecommuting from your home.

In northwest Iowa the salary range is $21.50 – $34.50/hour.

Classes are a combination of lab, interactive group work, and some lecture. Online classes allow you to complete your degree in Health Information Technology from nearly any location.

This program can be completed online. NCC focuses on the sciences and communication skills. Students have internships and are well prepared to take the Registered Health Information Technician test after completion of the program (NCC grads have almost a 100% pass rate).

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office will work with you to reach the goal of attending college. Federal and state programs, scholarships and other funding sources, may be available to help you to afford college. We know there are a lot of questions and stress planning to pay for a college education. The Financial Aid Office staff administers aid programs and counsels students in planning individual methods of meeting college costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for answers to any questions regarding financial aid. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Northwest Iowa Community College follows a nationally accepted philosophy in administering financial aid programs.

Your Instructors

MariBeth Schneider

MariBeth Schneider, MS, RHIA, FAHIMA