Health Information Technology Schools

“To new graduates entering the field of health information management, I offer this advice: embrace the versatility of HIM. Take risks, explore unconventional opportunities, and network with your peers. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. By doing so, you’ll better understand what excites you and what doesn’t, helping you find your true passion and direction in your career.”

– Mackenzie Higgins, RHIA, Partner Account Manager and Privacy and Security Liaison, Harris Data Integrity Solutions

Health information technology is a great path to consider for those with ambitions of working in healthcare and who are willing to invest two years in a certificate or degree program. Sometimes referred to as coders or coding specialists, professionals in this career are tasked with keeping accurate data records in a medical setting.

Exactness and customer service are the keys to career satisfaction in this field. The U.S. News & World Report (2024) shows that people in these positions enjoy a lower-than-average level of work stress and have a good deal of schedule flexibility compared to other occupations. Earning a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree provides graduates with the fundamental skills necessary to jumpstart a career as a health information technician.

Health information technologists, also known as healthcare data analysts, medical coding specialists, or compliance officers, do not provide care directly to patients. They support the work of clinicians, such as registered nurses, doctors, and other trained healthcare professionals. Electronic medical records (EMRs) are a central part of the job. Since the federal government offers incentives to organizations implementing these systems, the demand for health information technologists trained in information security systems and regulations is expected to increase in the coming years.

Because the career is technology-based, health information technicians often work at a desk, spending substantial time entering or analyzing information on a computer. Sometimes, when the healthcare organization where these professionals are employed is open around the clock, they may need to work evening hours or weekends.

Read on to learn more about this entry-level healthcare career, including educational programs, career outlook, certification, and licensure.

Health Information Technology fast facts
Projected Jobs Created	16,500
Projected Job Growth	8%
Average Salary	$53,690
Low Salary	$35,080
High Salary	$77,810
Entry-Level EDU	Certification

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: How has graduating from a health information management program enhanced your career?

Higgins: Graduating from a HIM program significantly advanced my career, primarily due to the supportive network inherent in this specialty. The connections I forged during my studies were instrumental in my professional journey. Three months after graduation, I was recommended for a position thanks to my professors’ strong endorsements and my employer’s commitment to supporting the HIM community and investing in young professionals like me. This environment facilitated my entry into the field and provided a solid foundation for my ongoing professional development.

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective Health Information Management professional?

Higgins: To new graduates entering the field of health information management, I offer this advice: embrace the versatility of HIM. Take risks, explore unconventional opportunities, and network with your peers. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. By doing so, you’ll better understand what excites you and what doesn’t, helping you find your true passion and direction in your career.

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: How has gaining skills and certifications in information technology enhanced your career?

Eisen: I began my career as an infrastructure technician, eager to learn and expand my horizons. I was driven by a desire to understand various field aspects and take on higher-level responsibilities. To achieve this, I pursued a wide range of certification courses.

My time at Boeing played a crucial role, as they sponsored my training in numerous areas, some of which were only tangentially related to my immediate work, such as networking and personal computing. During that period, local area networking was still developing, allowing me to earn certifications from prominent companies like HP and even from entities that no longer exist, like 3Com and Novell. Interestingly, Microsoft didn’t have certifications for their products back then, but I still managed to advance my skills.

These certifications allowed me to consistently elevate my career. I used each new qualification to enhance my knowledge, improve my skill set, and increase my value through effective communication. This approach eventually led me to work for what would now be called a managed services provider (MSP), though it was known as an IT integration company at the time. With a broad skill set, I realized I could venture out independently.

Almost 30 years ago, I founded my own business, leveraging my extensive experience and continuous learning. For anyone looking to enter the field or just starting out, I believe this combination of ongoing education, practical experience, and adaptability is key to career success. In the ever-evolving IT industry, continuous learning is not just a choice but a necessity to stay relevant and competitive.

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective information technology professional?

Eisen: One of the most exciting aspects of technology is its vast array of components and services. Whether cloud services, cybersecurity, or compliance, each area has its own subsets and specialties. This diversity means you can either be a generalist, knowledgeable about a broad range of topics and capable of solving various problems, or a specialist, deeply focused on a specific niche and becoming one of the foremost experts in that area.

The breadth and depth of technology provide endless opportunities for anyone eager to dive deeper and excel in their chosen path. Some people thrive in the minutiae and become indispensable experts, while others excel at seeing the big picture and orchestrating comprehensive solutions for clients. Both types of professionals are crucial, and that’s what makes this profession so dynamic and rewarding.

Degree & Certification Programs

Most health information technology schools offer associate degrees. However, some do offer bachelor’s degree programs. Students can find health information technology programs at community colleges, junior colleges, and some universities.

Programs vary by institution, but applicants should look for an associate-degree curriculum based on the competencies outlined by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to be prepared to seek Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification or other credentials upon graduation. Those who want to earn the RHIT credential must graduate from a two-year program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Here are four schools offering on-campus CAHIIM-accredited health information technology certificates and associate of science (AS) degrees.

Idaho State University (AS): In Pocatello, Idaho, students can complete a two-year associate of applied science degree in health information technology at Idaho State University on-campus or online. The program accepts students in the fall of each year, but just 20 students are admitted each time. The 69-credit program includes general education classes during the first year and career-specific courses during the second.

Students complete 12 different health information technology courses, including ones in coding, statistics, and reimbursement, many in their final year. In the spring semesters, students complete practicums and gain experiential learning. Students must finish all coursework from the first three semesters before enrolling in fourth-semester classes and must be completed with a C grade or better.

• Location: Pocatello, ID
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

Ivy Tech Community College (AS): The health information technology associate of applied science (AAS) degree available through Ivy Tech Community College is offered at two different Indiana campuses: Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. The program is approximately 30 percent general education and 70 percent career specific. The degree is 60 credits 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 general education classes and introduces students to anatomy, 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.

• Location: Lawrenceburg, IN
• Duration: Five semesters
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

San Diego Mesa College (Certificate; AS): Located in San Diego, California, San Diego Mesa College offers a coding specialist certificate of achievement and an associate degree program in health information technology.

The 33-credit AS program includes didactic and experiential learning courses in medical terminology and a directed clinical practicum (DCP) requirement for graduation. In the final semester of the AS program, students can prepare for the RHIT certification exam. San Diego Mesa College also offers a health information management bachelor of science program.

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

Seminole State College of Florida (Certificate; AS): Students enrolled in the 70-credit program at the Sanford, Florida-based Seminole State College can complete an associate of science in health information technology (HIM) degree on-campus or online.

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 and 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 healthcare setting or to healthcare professionals.

• Location: Altamonte Springs, FL
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

When considering health information technology schools, searching for programs that prepare students for the RHIT examination is essential. Many employers prefer to hire graduates with this certification and applicants are advised to ask programs for their graduates’ annual and five-year average exam pass rates.

Hybrid & Online Programs in Health Information Technology

Many schools offer health information technology associate or bachelor’s degrees partially or completely online. Hybrid and online programs give students more options to complete a degree at their own pace and complete coursework from home.

Here are four hybrid and online CAHIIM-accredited health information technology certificate and associates of science (AS) or associate’s of applied science (AAS) degrees programs in health information technology.

Arapahoe Community College (AAS): With campuses across Colorado, Arapahoe Community College offers an online associate of applied health information technology (HIT) degree. Students in this program learn the fundamentals of data content, structure, and information governance.

Courses include legal aspects of health records, ICD coding, health information management, and principles of healthcare reimbursement. Upon completing this program, graduates are eligible to take the RHIT certification exam.

• Location: Littleton, CO
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

Davenport University (Certificate; AS): Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Davenport University offers a fully online associate of applied science (AAS) degree in health information technology. The program is 69 credits in all and includes 29 credits in general education, known as the foundations of excellence portion, 12 credits in medical basics, known as the foundations of health professions, and 28 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 wish, to continue their education by completing the bachelor of science degree in health information management (HIM) available through the school. An online certificate in medical assisting is also available.

• Location: Grand Rapids, MI
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

Hutch Community College (Certificate; AS): Located in Hutchinson, Kansas, Hutch Community College offers a fully online or on-campus associate of applied science (AAS) degree in health information management.

To apply to this program, students must have a high school diploma or GED with a minimum GPA of 2.0, official transcripts, and submit an online application. Online students have access to academic resources such as the JFK library, student success center, and tech support. Hutch Community College also offers an online healthcare coding certificate and an AAS and certificate program in HIM, emphasizing cancer registry management.

• Location: Hutchinson, KS
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

University of Wisconsin (BS): The University of Wisconsin system offers an online 60-credit program that leads to a bachelor of science degree in health information management and technology (HIMT) that can be completed entirely online. Please note this is a completion degree, meaning that students must already have an associate degree (or a bachelor’s degree) and will complete the last two years of a four-year degree online for a bachelor’s degree.

Courses follow the traditional academic schedule and are 15 weeks long in the fall and spring and ten weeks long in the summer. Students can take as many or as few classes at a time as they wish. The program includes 16 core courses and then four follow-up courses in the specific track chosen, either HIM or HIT.

Interested students can find many other HIT programs offered in hybrid or online learning formats. Some schools may have ground-based components that require students to be at the school to do labs or to be at healthcare sites to complete externships. Applicants should be sure to talk to an enrollment counselor to clarify these expectations before enrolling.

• Location: Madison, WI
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

Please see our online HIT degree programs guide for detailed information on accredited health information technology schools.

Core & Elective Courses in Health Information Technology Programs

In health information technology schools, students learn information and skills specific to the field. Most programs feature general education classes to help students expand their math and writing skills and explore the social sciences.

Following the general education coursework, students start exploring the foundational skills for their career through classes in human anatomy, medical terminology, data analysis and spreadsheets, and statistics. These help students improve their analytical, communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

Although the names of career-specific courses vary, classes are similar in focus with the shared objective of helping students prepare for certification. Common courses offered as part of a health information technology degree include:

• Healthcare data literacy and statistics
• Health records
• International classification of disease coding
• Legal and regulatory issues in health management
• Health insurance and reimbursement
• Release of personal health information
• Utilization, risk and compliance management

Practicums, externships, or lab experiences are often part of health information technology degree programs and give students the opportunity to practice their new skills in a healthcare setting. These requirements vary by institution, so applicants are advised to look at the entire curriculum before applying.

Accreditation of HIT Programs

There are two types of accreditation: programmatic and institutional.

Programmatic Accreditation

As previously mentioned, students are advised to look for health information technology programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). This agency has a mission of identifying quality programs in health information and health information management. As of August 2024, all the programs featured in this guide hold CAHIIM accreditation status.

Completing a CAHIIM-accredited program is also necessary to be able to take the AHIMA certification to become a Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT). Students not attending an accredited school may be ineligible for entry-level certification testing done through AHIMA. A program directory on the CAHIIM website allows students to search for programs by state, program level, and delivery method.

To earn accreditation from CAHIIM, programs must submit an application, complete a self-study, and open their program up to a site visit from experts identified by CAHIIM. Programs are reviewed based on the Health Information Management (HIM) Accreditation Standards.

Institutional Accreditation

In addition to programmatic accreditation through CAHIIM, potential applicants should look to a school’s institutional accreditation. Following the same processes, schools can have their institution as a whole accredited by an organization approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a non-profit organization affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education. These organizations are divided by region and include the following organizations:

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Career Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023) estimates approximately 16,500 new medical health records and health information specialists will be needed between 2022 and 2032. This represents a 8 percent growth rate, which is roughly as fast as the national average for all occupations (8 percent). Most people employed in this career work full-time in hospitals, clinics, and government offices. Medical records specialists earn median annual salaries of $48,780, with the lowest 10th percentile earning $35,080 and the top 90th percentile earning $77,810 (BLS May 2023).

As of 2023, there were 194,300 people employed as medical records and health information technicians. If BLS predictions hold true, this number could grow to 210,800 by 2032. Job prospects could be best for those with RHIT or CCA certifications. Read on to learn more about licensing and certification below.

Career Facts	Health Information Technology
Related Careers	Medical and Health Services Manager
Common Job Titles	Electronic Medical Record Specialist, Health Information Technologist, Health Information Technician, HIM Analyst

Licensing & Certification in Health Information Technology

There are no legal licensure or certification requirements to work in health information technology. However, certification is available for those that choose to pursue official recognition of their skillset.

To seek certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) through AHIMA, students need to graduate from a CAHIIM-accredited program or a foreign association with whom AHIMA holds a reciprocity agreement. Students may also be eligible to take the exam in the last semester of their program, but need to meet certain eligibility requirements.

Exams can be scheduled at PearsonVUE Test Centers available across the U.S. The exam is 3.5 hours long and includes 130 multiple-choice questions and 20 pretest questions. AHIMA reports that certification can increase earning potential and opportunities for advancement and strengthen staff competence.

After obtaining certification, renewals are needed every two years and are obtained by meeting continuing education requirements. Although it is recommended, it is not necessary to graduate from a CAHIIM-accredited program to seek Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification through AHIMA.