Health Information Technology Schools

Degree & certification Programs

Most health information technology schools offer associate degrees, although some do offer bachelor’s degree education. Programs can be found at community colleges, junior colleges and even some universities. The programs vary by institution, but you may want to look for associate-degree curriculum that is based on the competencies outlined by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) so that you can be prepared to seek Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification upon graduation. Some employers may prefer this certification. Six schools offering health information technology degrees include:

1. DeVry University: This school’s associate degree program in health information technology is available at several of its campuses, including in Chicago, Illinois; Columbus, Ohio; Fort Washington, Maryland; Houston, Texas; and others. The 67-credit hour program can be completed in four semesters and includes 12 career-focused classes, including a practicum, a research practicum and a class to prepare students to seek RHIT certification through AHIMA. 

2. ITT Technical Institute: Students can complete an associate degree in health information technology at several of ITT Technical Institute’s campuses, including in Orange, San Bernardino and Sylmar, California; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Students take a variety of general education courses, such as psychology and college math, and 15 core courses focused specifically on health technology, such as coding, alternative health records, and supervision and health management. Two practicums are required and most classes have between 15 to 30 students.

3. Ivy Tech Community College: The health information technology degree available through this school is offered at four different Indiana campuses, including in Bloomington, Indianapolis, Lafayette and Fort Wayne and is approximately 30 percent general education and 70 percent career specific. In all, the degree is 60 credit hours and can be completed in five semesters, but could take longer for those who lack the necessary college prep courses. The first semester includes many of the general education classes, but also introduces students to anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology. From there, students’ skills build, enabling them to learn about healthcare organizations and delivery systems, informatics fundamentals, and reimbursement systems. Finally, in their fourth and fifth semesters they participate in one-credit externships.

4. Davenport University: The associate of applied science degree in health information technology is available at any of this Michigan-based university’s 11 campuses, but must be finished up at its Livonia campus. The program is 75 credits in all and includes 26 credits in general education, known as the Foundations of Excellence portion, 9 credits in medical basics, known as the Foundations of Health Professions, and 40 credits in the specific major. Students complete four practicums, including two in coding that should prepare them to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification exam available through AHIMA. Students should be prepared to take the RHIT examination upon completion and, if they want, to continue their education by completing the bachelor’s of science degree in health information management (HIM) available through the school.

5. Idaho State University: In Pocatello, Idaho, students can complete a two-year associate of applied science degree in health information technology. The program accepts students in the fall of each year, but just 20 students are admitted each time. The 69-credit program can be completed over four semesters (no summer sessions!) and includes many of the general education classes during the first year and many of the career specific courses during the second. In all, students complete 12 different health information technology courses, including ones in coding, statistics, and reimbursement, many in their final year. In the spring semester of their first year, they also complete a two-credit practicum, and in the spring semester of their final year, complete another practicum that is four credits. All coursework from the first three semesters must be finished before enrolling in fourth-semester classes and must be completed with a C grade or better.

6. Seminole State College of Florida: Students enrolled in the 70-credit program at this Sanford, Florida-based school can complete an associate of science health information technology degree. The program consists of 15 credits in general education, such as English and industrial psychology, as well as 55 additional courses that are required for the degree. These include computer classes in office applications and database management, as well as health information management courses in areas like the legal aspects of health information and basic procedure coding. Two three-credit practicum experiences are also required, enabling students to demonstrate and practice their skills in a health care setting or to healthcare professionals.

It may be best when considering health information technology schools to look for those that prepare students to sit for the RHIT examination. Because employers may prefer to hire graduates who have this certification, you may want to gauge how well schools are preparing students for the examination by asking them for information about their graduates’ annual and five-year average passing rates on it.