Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology
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Heathcare Information Technology Associate Degrees
A health information technology degree can lead to a rewarding career in healthcare by blending biological sciences, computer technology, and healthcare management.
A health information technology degree builds the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level positions in an expanding healthcare field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% growth rate for healthcare occupations from 2019-2029.
An associate degree in healthcare information technology provides a foundation for continuing onto a bachelor’s degree in the field. Keep reading for the rankings of the best online associate degrees in health information technology.
What Is an Online Associate Degree in Health Information Technology?
An online associate degree in health information technology integrates science, computer technology, and healthcare management coursework. These programs typically take two years or less to complete. Practical coursework offered in a flexible online environment allows enrollees to apply what they learn in careers in health information technology.
Students learn the fundamentals of medical coding and record-keeping, health informatics, and legal aspects of healthcare. A health information technology degree also includes classes in medical terminology, pharmacology, and healthcare delivery. The curriculum prepares learners to work as medical records and health information technicians, medical secretaries, and medical transcriptionists.
Individuals who enjoy working with others, possess strong analytical and computer skills, and have an interest in healthcare can benefit from online associate degrees in health information technology. This degree often provides a springboard for continued study and further employment opportunities in the in-demand healthcare field.
Choosing an Online Health Information Technology Program
Once you choose your major, there are other factors to consider in health information technology online programs. Students should look into program flexibility, length, accreditation, and costs. They can also explore curricula, faculty, and program highlights.
Many health information technology degrees offer comparable coursework, but specific classes vary by program and institution. Additionally, online learners should research whether the program delivers courses synchronously or asynchronously.
Colleges and universities receive regional or national accreditation, a designation that extends to online programs. Additional programmatic accreditation attests to a program’s adherence to the standards established by a discipline-specific agency. The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits health information technology programs.
If you want to become a registered health information technician, you should enroll in a CAHIIM-accredited degree. After graduation, students can take the American Health Information Management Association’s registered health information technician national qualifying exam.
Featured Online Associate in Health Information Technology Programs
The Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology Programs
Lakeshore Technical College
Cleveland, WI- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,095
- Out-of-state$6,143
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,660
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Clarkson College
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,392
- Out-of-state$13,392
- In-State$11,178
- Out-of-state$11,178
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate46%
- Students Enrolled1,108
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Richland Community College
- Decatur, IL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,760
- Out-of-state$14,400
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,846
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Columbus State Community College
- Columbus, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,588
- Out-of-state$9,540
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled28,159
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Central Arizona College
- Coolidge, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,580
- Out-of-state$5,160
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,793
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Associate
Health IT
2022
Online Associate in Health Information Technology Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyWhat to Expect From an Associate Degree in Health Information Technology
An associate degree in health information includes coursework in biological science, computer technology, and healthcare management. Classes introduce students to medical terminology, processes and practices within the American healthcare system, and fundamentals of medical coding and record-keeping.
Assignments build practical medical software skills. Projects and group activities accompany individual assessments to train learners for positions in healthcare information technology.
Health Information Technology Curriculum
While classes vary between programs, online associate degrees in health information technology share some common coursework.
- CPT Coding: Trademarked by the American Medical Association, CPT coding serves as the code used to report medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures and services. Coursework in CPT coding introduces students to specific codes and how they are used in billing processes.
- Medical Terminology: Classes in medical terminology teach students the medical and clinical language used by healthcare professionals. Coursework focuses on major body systems and the appropriate spellings and pronunciations for clinical terms and abbreviations.
- Healthcare Reimbursement: This course trains learners in the practices of medical coding and payment methods. Topics include health insurance regulations, claim submission, and revenue cycle management.
- Statistical Applications in Healthcare: Students learn to build and assess data sets, examine findings, and apply statistical tools in healthcare-related contexts in this course.
Health Information Technology Careers
Careers for health information technology graduates extend throughout the healthcare industry. Many individuals find positions as medical records specialists in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare institutions. Learners should keep in mind that certifications may be required or encouraged for many jobs.
A degree in healthcare information technology opens opportunities to work at insurance companies and in government agencies or business environments. The following information covers some of the most common healthcare careers for health information technology students.
| Career | Median Annual Wage (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | Minimum Required Education | Certification Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Records and Health Information Specialists | $44,090 | 8% | Postsecondary certificate or associate degree | Yes |
| Medical Assistants | $35,850 | 19% | Postsecondary certificate or associate degree | No, but recommended |
| Medical Transcriptionists | $35,270 | -2% | Postsecondary certificate or associate degree | No, but recommended |
Common Questions About Health Information Technology
What Jobs Can You Do With a Health Information Technology Degree?
A health information technology degree trains students for employment as medical coding specialists, medical secretaries, and health information records technologists.
What Is RHIT Certification?
RHIT stands for “registered health information technician.” This certification attests to an individual’s ability to accurately and properly enter and manage medical and health records.
What Is Health Information Technology in Nursing?
Health information technology in nursing comprises one aspect of the overall collection and standardization of medical data, patient communication, and comparable information. Nurses care for and educate patients, which health information technology professionals support.
Why Is Technology Important in Nursing?
Nurses use technology when providing care, recording medical and clinical information, and communicating with patients, families, and other medical professionals.
Melissa Sartore holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her BA and MA in history are from Western Illinois University. A medievalist by training, she has published on outlawry in medieval England with additional publications on outlaws in popular culture and across geographic and historical boundaries.
