The 25 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology Degree Programs
Jan 31, 2020
TBS Staff
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Earning an online health information technology degree can lead to many exciting career opportunities. In fact, sometimes these programs are known as RHIT online degree programs because they can lead to or prepare students for registered health information technician (RHIT) certification. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that 27,800 new jobs will be added over the next decade in response to the influx of aging Americans and the use of electronic health records. According to PayScale, entry‐level health information managers earn an average $51,000 annually. After 5-10 years of experience, this figure rises to $55,000. Pursuing a health information technology associate degree online qualifies you for this lucrative field with the potential for professional advancement over time.
Online Associate in Health Information Technology Degree Program Ranking Guidelines
We selected the following degree programs based on the quality of program and range of courses provided as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Methodology for College Rankings
The motto of TheBestSchools.org is Finding the best school for you. Here is how we do it:
The value of any ranking list of schools and/or degree programs depends on having a methodologically sound assessment of each school’s/program’s characteristics, especially insofar as these can be objectively measured. A college or university is a complex entity, with numerous factors to consider, and distilling these down to the place where meaningful comparisons can be made to form a defensible ranking list becomes part science and part art.
To meet this challenge—and thereby provide you with the most useful and insightful educational rankings on the Internet — TheBestSchools.org formulates our rankings based on five informational categories (six, when considering online schools). The major metrics and qualities for which we rank are these (with expanded, detailed considerations and weights listed):
1. Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline [weight = 25%]
Weighs school against known leading schools in that discipline
Weighs number of core curricula listed as advanced courses within that discipline and compares against introductory courses
Weighs school’s curriculum against known knowledge needs of major employers in that discipline
Considers number and types of specializations offered within that discipline
Considers faculty expertise in that discipline
Considers range of electives within that discipline
Considers quality of online environment offered to students (if applicable), particularly within that discipline
2. Strength of faculty scholarship [weight = 25%]
Considers education background of the faculty
Considers years of faculty experience both inside and outside of academia.
Considers faculty membership and leadership within relevant, prominent associations
Considers academic papers published by faculty in relevant, prominent periodicals
Considers awards and recognitions given to faculty members from prominent organizations and from other sources
3. Reputation [weight = 20%]
Considers a school’s reputation among academic peers and employers regarding the following:
Faculty
Curriculum
“Freshness” of academic knowledge
Adaptability to changes in employment sectors
Suitability of graduates for the workplace
4. Financial aid [weight = 10%]
Mandatory: Requires full accreditation from an agency endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and listed on the federal register to accept student federal financial aid
Considers range of school-sponsored financial aid such as scholarships and grants
5. Range of degree programs [weight = 20%]
Considers range of degree levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral and professional
Considers range of degree subjects offered, such as art & design, computers & technology, education & teaching, criminal justice, and business
6. Strength of online instruction methodology (if applicable) [weight = 25%; subtract 5% from each of the above for online schools/programs]
Considers the following of the online classes:
Types of online technology used to deliver content
Pedagogy style: asynchronous, synchronous, or both (depending on the degree)
Extent and quality of the online, community learning environment, including options for communication, interactivity, and collaboration between students and also between students and instructors
Variety, breadth, and depth of coursework, and its support, including project options and online tutoring
Considers the following of instructors:
Extent of training for teaching within an online learning environment
Amount of timely, consistent feedback to students
Extent of collaboration with prospective employers to ensure suitability of instructional materials for achieving desired skills
Ratio to number of students in a class
Number and quality of internships in a student’s geographical area for applicable degrees
Because students tend to review a variety of information when choosing a school, the weight a student gives any one criterion will vary. For instance, it’s not enough to offer a carefully constructed ranking of great schools if many are too expensive or too difficult to get into.
To better serve the needs of prospective students, we are therefore increasingly offering filters that help you better use our rankings to find the schools that match your specific needs. These supplement our ranking criteria and include:
Accreditation
Public or private status
Acceptance rate
Retention rate
Graduation rate
ACT/SAT requirements
Cost in-state / out of state
Undergrad, grad, or both offered
Region
State
City
Get the best rankings here AND get them to suit your personal needs. That’s TheBestSchools.org advantage!
If you have any questions about our ranking methodology, please contact us.
Citations: For a broader account of our ranking methodology, especially as it relates to TheBestSchools.org's underlying educational philosophy and, in other ranking articles, looks beyond academic excellence (as here) to such factors as return on investment or incidental benefit, see our article "Ranking Methodology: How We Rank Schools at TBS." Reputation of schools and degree programs can at least in part be gauged through the school or department's publishing activity, citations, and desirability. At TheBestSchools.org, we keep track of such social and peer validation: "Making Sense of College Rankings." For nuts-and-bolts information about colleges and universities, we look to the National Center for Education Statistics and especially its College Navigator. Insofar as salary and inflation data are relevant to a ranking, we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, nothing beats contacting schools and degree programs directly, which our researchers often do, with the result that all the entries in this article should be considered as belonging to this citation!
The Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology Degree Programs
Located about 50 miles northwest of Wichita, Kansas, Hutchinson Community College is a two-year school offering more than 70 associate degrees. Distance learners at HCC can pursue an associate in health information technology degree online.
The 66-credit AAS in health information management prepares students to manage essential information and records in the healthcare industry. The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Computers in Healthcare
CPT Coding
Health Information Processes
Health Statistics
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
Medical Terminology
Pathophysiology
Principles of Supervision
Reimbursement Methodologies
Learners take courses that include health records applications, healthcare analytics, medical terminology, and a coding lab. Upon graduation, RHIT online degree students can take the national RHIT certification exam from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
HCC’s department of online education provides a variety of support services to distance learners, including technical assistance, proctoring information for exams, and library resources. Online learners also qualify for financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and grants for both full-time and part-time students. HCC awards more than 500 scholarships each year.
Applicants to HCC must meet minimum reading competency standards, as well as minimum math and/or English standards for specific courses. Prospective students who submit ACT or SAT scores may not to be required to take the school’s placement tests.
The Boeing Corporation helped found Shoreline Community College, located just north of Seattle, Washington, in 1964. Today, SCC offers more than 100 academic and technical programs, including many online options.
Students pursuing SCC’s health information technology degree online learn how to professionally collect and manage health information records. Graduates can find work as health information technicians, coding specialists, health information managers, medical record supervisors, and medical record technicians. Work environments include hospitals, insurance companies, nursing homes, and home health agencies. The curriculum for this degree has no in-person requirements and can be completed entirely online.
This health information technology degree, which spans between 92 and 94 credits, requires that students meet with a faculty advisor to create an academic plan at the beginning of the program. The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
CPT Coding
Hospital and Clinic Patient Records
Human Diseases
Intermediate Medical Coding
Legal Aspects of Healthcare
Medical Reimbursement Systems
Medical Terminology
Pharmacology
Quality Improvements in Health Care
Survey of Health Care Delivery
To be eligible for admission to the RHIT online degree program, individuals also need to demonstrate strong English grammar skills. Applicants must also complete prerequisite coursework in intermediate algebra, English composition, human biology, and computer literacy before enrolling. Finally, students need to submit a government agency and criminal background check to complete the program’s clinical practicum and work in a healthcare environment. Graduates emerge ready to take the RHIT certification exam.
Founded in 1865 to educate returning Civil War veterans, Peirce College is a private school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Today, the college offers practical undergraduate degrees in business, information technology, paralegal studies, general studies, and healthcare.
Prospective students interested in one of the best health information technology online degree programs can pursue an associate in health information technology degree at Peirce. This program provides technical training in healthcare, business, and IT to help students begin or advance their healthcare careers. The flexible associate of science program is available fully online or as a hybrid option.
Students must complete 64 credits to graduate. All online learners also complete a three-credit professional practice experience at the end of the program, helping them build practical skills and develop professional connections. The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Computer Information Systems for HIT
CPT Outpatient Coding
Healthcare Reimbursement
HIT Professional Practice Workshop
Introduction to Health Information Technology
Legal Issues in Health Information Management
Managing Quality and Performance Improvement in HIM
Medical Terminology
Pathophysiology
Statistical Applications in Healthcare
Graduates can find work as medical assistants, insurance and claims specialists, and staff members at hospital facilities. Individuals who want to keep exploring the field can continue their education in Peirce’s bachelor’s in health information administration program. To further increase their employability, some RHIT online degree students also pursue RHIT certification after they graduate.
Students looking to pursue a health information technology associate degree online may be interested in Dakota State University’s health information technology degree. This program prepares learners to work as health information technicians, teaching them the skills needed to ensure the accuracy of medical records and protect patient health. The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Basic Foundations of Health Data Systems
Fundamentals of Disease and Diagnosis Coding
Healthcare Procedure Coding Systems
HIM Quality Management
Introduction to Health Information Systems
Legal Aspects of Health Information Management
Management and Supervision of HIM
Revenue Cycle Management
All students in the health information technology program also complete a supervised professional internship, which provides networking opportunities and hands-on training at a healthcare facility. Distance learners qualify for a variety of scholarships and grants at DSU, including several reserved for individuals studying health information technology. Graduates of the RHIT online degree program may pursue the RHIT certification exam.
Applicants need to meet one of the following requirements to qualify for admission into DSU’s associate programs: earn an ACT score of at least 18 or an SAT score of at least 870; hold a cumulative 2.6 GPA or higher; complete the GED with a minimum total score of 580 (or at least 145 on each subject); or graduate in the top 60% of their high school class.
Founded in 1985, Collin College predominantly serves residents in Rockwall and Collin counties in the area northeast of Dallas, Texas. The school also has an online associate in health information technology degree, which appeals to distance learners who want to improve healthcare outcomes by effectively managing healthcare data. Graduates of this program go on to work in positions throughout the healthcare field, including at hospitals, government agencies, insurance companies, home care providers, and long-term care facilities.
All coursework for this associate in health information management is available online. The 60-credit curriculum includes the following online college courses:
Advanced Medical Coding
Coding and Reimbursement Methodologies
Elementary Statistical Methods
Health Data Content and Structure
Health Information Organization and Supervision
Health Information Systems
Introduction to Database - Access
Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Information
Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement
Students must also complete a professional clinical experience at a healthcare facility in Texas. Additionally, participants may elect to earn Collin’s certificate in medical coding and billing. This 30-credit certificate is also available online.
Admission into the RHIT online degree program requires applicants to place at the college-level for all Collin’s assessments in reading, mathematics, and writing. Applicants must also hold a minimum 2.5 GPA, complete prerequisite coursework related to biology and health information technology, and pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills. Students should submit an essay explaining their interest in the field and two reference letters. Graduates emerge ready to take the RHIT certification exam.
Gateway Community and Technical College, located in Florence, Kentucky, offers an associate in health information technology degree that hosts 50% of its classes online and the other half in person. On-campus evening courses take place at Gateway’s Edgewood campus. Gateway is the only public, accredited two-year institution in Northern Kentucky, and distance learners can access online technical support, tutoring, and digital library services.
The 60-credit health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Clinical Classification Systems I
Health Care Management and Statistics
Information Systems in Health Care
Introduction to Health Information Technology
Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Information
Medical Terminology
Pathophysiology/Pharmacology for Health Information Professionals
Productivity Software
Quality Management and Process Improvement
Reimbursement Methodologies
In their last semester, learners also complete a four-credit clinical practicum. The RHIT online degree program typically takes five semesters to finish. Before enrolling in any health information technology classes, students must complete a prerequisite digital literacy class.
Graduates of the program can sit for AHIMA’s RHIT certification exam. Career options for individuals who hold an associate in health information technology degree include patient information coordinator, insurance claims analyst, health data analyst, medical billing specialist, clinical coding specialist, and medical records technician.
Founded in 1903 as a business school, Boston’s Fisher College offers a variety of practical, career-focused degrees. The school’s online health information technology degree combines healthcare and new technologies, focusing on legal issues in health information, management of filing systems, and storage of health data. Students learn all about health data, including its organization, evaluation, analysis, computation, and coding, while also receiving training in health information technology software applications. Distance learners enrolled in the associate program can transfer in up to 34 credits towards the degree. Learners typically graduate in six semesters.
The 71-credit health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Coding and Classification Systems I
Coding and Classification Systems II
Computer Applications in Health Information Management
Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology
Essentials of Pharmacology
Health Care Statistics, Data Analysis, and Quality Improvement
Introduction to the Study of Disease
Law and Ethics of Health Care
Management of Health Information Departments
Medical Terminology
Students also take two supervised professional experience internships — one in the first term and one in the last term. These three-credit internships allow students to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare organization, while also providing valuable networking opportunities.
At the end of the program, RHIT online degree graduates can take AHIMA’s RHIT certification exam. To prepare for this, program participants can take an RHIT preparation course offered by Fisher. Alumni have found work as health information services operations managers, claim trust analysts, clinical coding specialists, and health information privacy officers.
One of eight colleges of technology in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, SUNY College of Technology at Alfred offers a health information technology degree online. The school’s AAS in health information technology degree prepares students to assume leadership and management roles in the health information industry. The program covers data analysis, maintenance, and collection and provides an understanding of the regulatory, legal, and medical requirements of healthcare. Applicants to the program must have completed courses in high school keyboarding and biology.
The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Electronic Health Record Management
Essentials of Pharmacology
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Insurance and Reimbursement Processing
Introduction to Health Information Management
Medical Terminology
Pathophysiology
Quality and Legal Aspects of HIM
Distance learners complete a 160-hour unpaid professional practice experience in the health information management department of a hospital or other healthcare facility. The school works with each student to set up this professional experience at a convenient location. Full-time students can complete the degree in four semesters. Required courses include quality and legal aspects of health information management, leadership in health information technology, and alternate care health information management.
Graduates of the RHIT online degree program qualify to sit for the national RHIT certification exam. Alfred’s graduates traditionally pass the exam at a higher rate than the national average. Individual’s interested in continuing their education in health information technology can enter directly into Alfred’s technology management BBA or interdisciplinary studies BTech programs.
Northwest Iowa Community College, located in the city of Sheldon, offers more than 43 vocational and academic programs, and the school’s career placement office offers lifetime assistance to its graduates.
Students seeking a health information technology associate degree online can enroll in NCC’s online health information technology degree program. Full-time students, who must begin the program in the fall, can complete the program in four semesters plus one summer term. Individuals who enroll part-time can begin the program before any term. NCC’s degree covers a variety of skills, including maintenance of healthcare records, collecting and analyzing healthcare data, and human resources in the health information technology field.
The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Allied Health Statistics
Coding I
Electronic Applications for Health Care Data
Health Records in Acute Care
Health Records in Alternative Care Settings
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Introduction to Pathology
Legal Aspects of Health Information
Medical Terminology
Reimbursement Methods
Classes include a combination of lectures, group work, and labs. All coursework is available online, but students must complete an in-person internship. Online RHIT degree program graduates can take the national test that leads to the RHIT certification, and NCC graduates hold a pass rate of almost 100% on this exam. Besides working in hospitals and other healthcare settings, graduates can find employment at government agencies, research firms, insurance companies, and within the pharmaceutical industry.
Neosho County Community College is a two-year community college with campuses in Ottawa and Chanute, Kansas. The school serves approximately 2,500 students a year from all over the U.S., and it is home to the largest nursing program in the state.
Neosho County’s online health information technology degree is one of the oldest exclusively online HIT programs. It requires students to complete 67 credit hours over the course of five semesters. The program prepares graduates for work in a variety of health information technician positions, which range from coding and reimbursement specialists to patient information coordinators. The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Current Events in Health Information Technology
Current Procedural Terminology
Electronic Health Records
Healthcare Statistics
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Introduction to Health Information Technology
Introduction to Pharmacology
Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
Medical Terminology
Reimbursement Methodologies
RHIT online degree students are required to complete two in-person professional practice experiences to acquire hands-on training in a healthcare setting. Graduates emerge ready to take the RHIT certification exam.
Prospective students must submit either an official high school transcript or proof of a GED certificate with their program application. Neosho County offers both financial aid opportunities like VA education assistance programs and prior learning credits.
Started in 1961 as a state-run industrial education center, Pitt Community College is a two-year technical school in Winterville, North Carolina. The school offers a variety of health sciences degrees, and students looking for health information technology programs online might be interested in PCC’s online associate health information technology degree.
This degree is available primarily as a distance education program, although learners must take two biology courses and complete an internship in person. Students learn to manage, analyze, process, compile, and report health-related information. Topics explored in the curriculum include patient information security, medical coding, cost control, and quality management. The program takes five full-time semesters to complete, and graduates qualify to sit for the RHIT certification exam.
The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Diagnostic Coding
Fundamentals of HIM
Health Care Informatics
Health Law and Ethics
Healthcare Statistics
ICD Coding
Management Principles in HIT
Principles of Disease
Quality Management
Reimbursement Methodology
Applicants to the RHIT online degree program must submit official high school or college transcripts, take required PCC placement tests, complete two prerequisite courses in mathematics and biology, and have a confirmed clinical site placement (arranged by the program director). Students must also hold a minimum 2.5 GPA. In order to complete the professional practice experience, learners must submit to a criminal background check, drug screening, and a credit check, as well as demonstrate proof of U.S. citizenship.
Students pursuing their health information technology degree online at Ozarks Technical Community College prepare to take AHIMA’s RHIT certification exam. OTC students consistently pass the exam at higher rates than the national average. Graduates of this Springfield, Missouri-based program go on to work in a variety of areas, including health information security and privacy, implementation of electronic health records, data quality management, compliance with payment regulations, and management of medical records. Typical places of employment include hospitals, nursing homes, medical offices, public health agencies, and insurance companies.
OTC’s 69-credit associate of applied science in health information technology can be completed entirely online. Specific topics explored in the program include health data maintenance, monitoring, analysis, and collection; health record privacy and security laws; and regulatory standards regarding health data reporting. The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Comparative Health Records and Reimbursement Systems
Health Information Systems
Health Information Technology Applications
Healthcare Quality Management
Healthcare Statistics
Legal Aspects of Healthcare
Medical Coding
Organization and Supervision of Healthcare
Graduates of this RHIT online degree program emerge ready to take the RHIT certification exam. Students who earn their associate degree and certification can transfer to the University of Cincinnati to pursue a bachelor’s in health information management online.
OTC encourages prospective health information technology majors to attend an allied health program informational session where they can obtain information related to program requirements, admissions, and acceptance rates.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College, based in the city of Fergus Falls, offers a health information technology degree online that prepares students to manage patient medical data in a variety of healthcare settings. Minnesota State’s AAS in health information technology/coding is noteworthy due to its emphasis on medical coding. Most other health information technology associate degrees take a more general outlook.
The 64-credit curriculum focuses on a combination of information technology and healthcare. The program is available fully online, with no in-person requirements, and distance learners benefit from support services like tutoring and library resources. Required courses include medicolegal aspects, human anatomy and physiology, and introduction to diagnosis coding. Students also take several professional practice credits. Distance learners in this program must pass a state and federal criminal background check to enroll in the required professional practice internships.
The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
College Writing
Health Information Systems
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Intermediate Procedure Coding
Introduction to Computer Technology
Introduction to Health Care Delivery
Introduction to Procedure Coding
Medical Science for Health Information Professionals
Medicolegal Aspects
Supervisory Leadership in Health
Graduates of the RHIT online degree program qualify to take AHIMA’s RHIT certification exam. Additionally, Minnesota State holds agreements with Charter Oak State College and the College of St. Scholastica, allowing graduates of this program to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree in health information management.
State Fair Community College, in Sedalia, Missouri, is a two-year institution established in 1966. SFCC hosts several extension campuses, including locations in Clinton, Boonville, and Lake of the Ozarks. Distance students can pursue SFCC’s associate in health information technology degree entirely online. This 63.5-credit degree emphasizes confidentiality, security, and integrity, teaching students how to effectively manage patient records in healthcare settings.
Students pursuing SFCC’s health information technology degree online take classes in multiple disciplines, including management, information technology, medicine, and law. The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Allied Health Career Development
Coding
Health Care and the Law
Health Care Statistics and Quality Management
Health Care Technologies
Health Information Management
Human Disease and Conditions
Introduction to Health Information Technology
Medical Terminology
Principles of Health Care Reimbursement
SFCC also offers a 33.5-credit professional certificate in medical coding, which can be applied towards the AAS in health information technology requirements or used as a stand-alone certificate. RHIT online degree holders qualify to take the exam for RHIT certification, and SFCC’s graduates pass the test at a higher rate than the national average.
North Dakota State College of Science is a two-year public institution located in the city of Wahpeton. The school offers degrees and certificates in more than 80 academic and technical programs. Among these is NDSCS’s online health information technology degree, which combines healthcare and technology. Students learn how to manage patient health information, code diagnoses and procedures, and administer computer information systems.
Admission requirements include a high school diploma or the equivalent and sufficient ACT or ACCUPLACER test scores. NDSCS recommends that prospective students prepare for the program by taking introductory courses in medical terminology, anatomy, and computer applications.
The 69-credit health information technology degree features required coursework in procedure coding; health, law, privacy, and ethics; computer applications in healthcare; and pathopharmacology. All coursework is available online. Learners also complete two professional practice internships, which combine in-person and virtual experiences. Internship hosts may require students to pass criminal background checks and drug testing. NDSCS recommends that students who plan to transfer to a bachelor’s program also take two additional biology courses. RHIT online degree students can take the RHIT certification exam during their last semester.
The online health information technology degree from Davenport University, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, teaches students to manage and analyze patient health data using advanced electronic health record systems. Topics explored in the curriculum include medical record management, coding for reimbursement, and health information regulations.
The 69-credit associate of applied science in health information technology requires students to take courses related to quality and performance improvement in healthcare, applied statistics for health information management, and health information technology. Distance learners also complete two four-credit professional practice experiences: one in coding and one in health information technology. These experiences include lectures, lab work, and a clinical component, typically taking 40-80 hours to complete. Students must also agree to undergo a criminal background check and drug testing before enrolling in professional practice courses.
The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Applied Statistics for Health Information Management
Health Care Law and Ethics
Health Care Management
Health Information Technology
ICD Coding
Introduction to HIM
Medical Terminology
Quality and Performance Improvement in Health Care
Graduates can find work throughout the healthcare field, including at hospitals, insurance companies, and consulting firms. After earning the RHIT online degree, students can take the RHIT certification exam administered by AHIMA. Distance learners can opt to transfer to the health information management bachelor of science program at Davenport.
Distance learners searching for health information technology programs online should consider enrolling in the online associate in health information technology degree program at Sinclair Community College. Students can complete this Dayton, Ohio-based program in five full-time semesters. To qualify for admission into the program, applicants must hold a minimum 2.0 GPA and complete required prerequisite courses. Sinclair’s associate degree in health information management focuses on management and the protection of patient health information, computer information system administration, and coding healthcare diagnoses and procedures.
Courses available to distance students include specialized computer applications for health information management, introductory medical office coding, healthcare data in reimbursement, and ambulatory coding. The curriculum also features a professional practice internship. Participants who live in the 14-county area around Sinclair receive professional practice assignments to local healthcare facilities, while students who live further away arrange their own professional practice experience. A health information management capstone course at the end of the program gives students the opportunity to practice job interviews, prepare resumes, and take mock exams. Graduates of the RHIT online degree program emerge ready to take the RHIT certification exam.
The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Specialized Computer Applications for Health Information Management
Moraine Park Technical College, located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, offers degree and certificate programs in more than 100 different fields. The school has also offered distance education courses since the 1990s. Today, MPTC hosts more than 15 programs that can be completed entirely or almost entirely online, including an online associate in health information technology degree. This 62-credit degree takes four semesters to complete, and graduates of the program qualify to take the national test for RHIT certification.
The online health information technology degree at MPTC helps students learn to collect, analyze, and report healthcare data. Topics explored in the curriculum include professional behavior and ethics, coding, reimbursement systems, data management techniques, and data governance principles. Distance learners take courses in healthcare statistics, human diseases for the health professional, and general anatomy and physiology. Learners also complete a professional practice experience and a capstone course at the end of the program.
The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
CPT Coding
Health Quality Management
Healthcare Law and Ethics
Healthcare Reimbursement
Healthcare Statistics and Analysis
Human Diseases for the Health Professions
Introduction to Health Informatics
Management of HIM Resources
Applicants to the RHIT online degree program must submit all transcripts and take a college placement test (either ACCUPLACER or ACT). Students also need to meet certain health requirements and pass a criminal background check. Additionally, MPTC recommends that prospective participants engage in a job shadowing experience before applying to this program.
Distance learners looking for health information technology online degree programs can pursue an online associate in health information technology degree at Rowan College at Burlington County. Based in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, RCBC is one of the fastest growing community colleges in the U.S.
The school’s AAS in health information technology is delivered primarily online, with some courses offered in person or through a hybrid format. Students take classes in a sequential order and many courses have prerequisites. Participants also complete two professional practice experiences. The 68-credit degree takes five semesters to complete, and graduates of RCBC qualify to take the RHIT certification exam. RCBC students pass the test at a rate above the national average.
The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology
Health Information in Non-Acute Care
Healthcare Information Systems
Healthcare Management and Personnel
Introduction to Health Information
Legal Aspects of Health Information
Medical Terminology
Pharmacology
Quality and Performance Improvement
Reimbursement Methodologies
Applicants to the RHIT online degree program must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate; successfully pass a high school-level biology course; hold a minimum 2.5 GPA; and pass any required developmental courses. Health information technology majors also submit to a criminal background check and successfully complete the Health Education System Incorporated Admissions Assessment test.
Hazard Community and Technical College, located in eastern Kentucky, hosts two programs that allow distance learners to pursue a health information technology degree online: an AAS in health information technology and an AAS in medical information technology. Full-time students can complete either program in two years.
HCTC’s health information technology degree features coursework in managing health data, determining health information budgets, and industry best practices. Students must complete 60-64 credits to graduate. The program includes coursework in general education and the supporting sciences, delivered through a combination of lectures, labs, and professional experiences carried out in local healthcare environments. Graduates qualify to take AHIMA’s RHIT certification exam. Health information technology majors also have the option to earn HCTC’s medical records coding specialist certificate.
The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Clinical Classifications
Health Care Management and Statistics
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Information Systems in Healthcare
Introduction to Health Information Technology
Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Information
Performance Improvement in Health Information
Productivity Software
Reimbursement Methodologies
The medical information technology degree combines technical and interpersonal skills, graduating individuals who can work in the medical field and carry out coding, billing, and transcription. The program covers issues like medical insurance and coding, maintenance of medical records and reports, and accounting procedures. Coursework includes a professional learning experience that provides students with hands-on training.
Central Piedmont Community College, in Charlotte, North Carolina, offers an online associate in health information technology degree program that combines information technology, business, and science. The program coursework is available entirely online, teaching students to analyze, compile, manage, and report health information in a variety of medical settings. Similar to other top health information technology online degree programs, CPCC graduates qualify to sit for the national RHIT certification exam.
The 74-credit health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Anatomy and Physiology
Fundamentals of Health Information Management
Health Data Systems and Standards
Health Law and Ethics
Healthcare Statistics
ICD Coding
Management Principles in HIT
Medical Terminology
Principles of Disease
Quality Management
Part-time students can graduate in 8-9 semesters (including summer sessions), while full-time students can earn their associate degree in two years. The RHIT online degree program also features three required professional practice internships; students typically fulfill these at healthcare facilities in and around Charlotte. Internships include a total of 192 contact hours and take place during business hours.
This a limited enrollment program, with a maximum of 24 full-time and 12 part-time students selected each year. Applicants must submit official transcripts, take CPCC’s Test of Essential Academic Skills, pass a keyboard test, and hold provider-level CPR certification from the American Heart Association.
Tyler Junior College, a two-year school in eastern Texas, is one of the biggest community colleges in the state. TJC offers a variety of distance education programs, including an online associate in health information technology degree. This 60-credit program includes 43 major-related credits and 17 in general education. Before entering the program, students must take a four-credit business computer applications course.
TJC’s AAS provides hands-on training with information management technology applications, preparing students to work at a variety of healthcare organizations, including hospitals, behavioral health facilities, and physicians’ offices. The RHIT online degree curriculum covers healthcare privacy and security, health data analysis, coding and reimbursement, and information governance.
Required classes delve into medical coding, health information organization and supervision, and coding and reimbursement methodologies. All coursework for this AAS is available online, and the school works with healthcare facilities near the homes of distance learners to help individuals find positions for a required clinical internship. Students must take program classes in the appropriate sequence, and graduates qualify to take the national RHIT certification exam. TJC is the only college in east Texas to offer a health information technology online degree.
The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges boasts three campuses in the eastern part of the state, located in Clinton, Scott, and Muscatine. EICC serves more than 7,000 students in its associate and career technology programs, some of which can be completed online.
The health information technology online degree at EICC requires students to complete 64 credits, including courses in medical terminology, ICD-10 procedural coding, allied health statistics, and clinical documentation improvement. Students also need to carry out two health information technology professional experience practicums, which provide valuable hands-on training and the opportunity to network. Prior to enrolling in these practica, students must submit evidence of good health by completing an immunization form and undergoing a physical exam. Learners also must hold medical insurance.
The program helps students acquire skills related to health data management, research, quality monitoring, and reimbursement. Participants learn about all aspects of health data and its importance to medical agencies. The associate in applied science in health information technology program takes five terms of full-time study to complete.
The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Coding
Health Informatics and Information Management Systems
Health Records in Acute Care
Health Records in Alternate Care Settings
Math for Healthcare Professionals
Medical Billing and Reimbursement Systems
Medical Terminology
Medico-Legal Ethics
Pharmacology for HIT
Principles of Human Disease
Graduates qualify to sit for AHIMA’s RHIT certification exam. Alumni of this RHIT online degree program can find work across the healthcare industry, in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, mental health facilities, and hospices.
Metropolitan Community College, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the fastest growing institutions of higher education in the state. Students looking for health information programs online may be interested in MCC’s online associate in health information technology degree program. All coursework is available online, but students must complete an in-person practicum to gain hands-on experience in the field. Before starting the AAS track, students need to pass certain general education classes, including coursework in English, humanities, and the social sciences.
The curriculum explores issues like legal and information security standards, health data management and analysis, and industry best practices. Required courses include health data and electronic records; health law, privacy, and ethics; and clinical coding. Students must complete 108-109 quarter credits to graduate, which consist of 27 general education credits; 60.5 program-specific credits; and 21-21.5 credits of introductory courses in medical terminology, disease processes, and human anatomy and physiology.
The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Clinical Coding
Health Data and Electronic Health Records
Health Law, Privacy, and Ethics
Healthcare Data Management and Use
Healthcare Delivery Systems
Healthcare Statistics
Information Systems in Healthcare
Performance Improvement
Reimbursement in Healthcare
Supervision in Healthcare
Graduates of the RHIT online degree can take the national RHIT certification exam. Health information management professionals can find work as data analysts, clinical coders, electronic health record specialists, and cancer registrars. Students who complete the AAS can also continue exploring the field of health information management at the bachelor’s level.
Portland Community College’s health information technology degree online combines theory and practice from the fields of information and healthcare. Students at this Oregon-based institution receive training in best practices related to collection, analysis, and management of healthcare data.
The AAS in health information management program, which dates back to the 1970s, is competitive. PCC typically receives 45-55 applications each year but only accepts about 35 individuals. Prerequisites include courses in English composition, medical terminology, introductory algebra, and basic computer skills, although students may be able to test out of the computer class. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts from previous schools, and answers to supplemental questions.
This 92-quarter-credit degree takes two years (six terms) of full-time study to complete. PCC’s entire AAS in health information management is available online, with the exception of a required 40-hour practicum that students complete at local healthcare facilities during their last term. Students already working in the field only need to complete a 20-hour practicum. Graduates of the RHIT online degree can sit for the national RHIT certification exam.
The health information technology degree program includes the following online college courses:
Anatomy and Physiology for Health Information Management
Choosing an Online Associate in Health Information Technology Degree Program
Earning a health information technology degree online typically requires the completion of 60-70 credits. Students can pursue their degree on a full- or part-time basis to accommodate their schedules. Students who enroll full-time earn their degrees in about two years. Throughout the program, students develop organizational and written communication skills that augment technical training in coding and computer systems navigation. In addition to coding processes, students learn electronic health records applications and the lawful handling of patient information.
Sometimes known as RHIT online degree programs, health information technology programs include both general education classes and major coursework. Students gain foundational knowledge in psychology, college-level math, human anatomy, and medical terminology. An overview of health information familiarizes students with professional ethics and popular methods of medical record organization and storage. Coding and data analysis courses equip students with knowledge of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding system and current procedural terminology used by physicians. Students often complete an internship in a healthcare setting, allowing them to participate in billing and reimbursement processes and patient data management. Upon graduation, students qualify for entry-level positions in healthcare settings, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, and mental health facilities.
What Will I Learn in an Online Associate in Health Information Technology Degree Program?
The following provides a sample of the health information technology associate degree coursework. Although program content differs between schools, curriculum requirements often include similar core courses to prepare students for careers in areas like healthcare administration, informatics, and medical coding.
Health insurance and reimbursement: In this course, students explore payment collections and patient reimbursements. Students examine the U.S. healthcare system and the implications of managed care. With this knowledge, graduates of the health information technology degree programs can pursue administrative careers in healthcare and insurance settings.
Healthcare informatics: Integrating theoretical knowledge and practical applications, this course explores how information technologies impact healthcare delivery. Students gain an understanding of the evolution of medical record keeping and acquire skills in the implementation of software used to collect and store patient data. Graduates may qualify for employment as health information technicians.
ICD coding: This course introduces students to the most commonly used coding system and diagnostic tool in healthcare today. Students become familiar with ICD coding definitions, procedures, and anatomical codes. Medical billing, electronic record keeping, and medical transcription careers all require this course prior to employment.
Online Associate in Health Information Technology Degree Careers
The following occupations provide an example of career opportunities available to those with a health information technology online degree. These professionals often work in hospitals and private medical practices. Graduates who earn a health information technology or RHIT online degree will demonstrate strong technical and analytical skills.
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians: Roughly one-third of medical records and health information technicians work in hospitals. Other employers include physicians’ offices, nursing care facilities, and scientific laboratories. Skilled in the operation of patient databases, these professionals assess patient files for accuracy, record medical information, and use coding software to document procedures and operations.
Median Annual Salary: $40,350
Projected Growth Rate: 13%
Medical Assistants: The majority of medical assistants work in physicians’ offices where they perform a combination of clinical and administrative duties. An associate health information technology degree program furnishes students with the training needed to carry out the responsibilities of medical assistants, navigating medical records, gathering patient data, and assisting with patient examinations.
Median Annual Salary: $33,610
Projected Growth Rate: 29%
Medical Transcriptionists: Working primarily in hospitals and administrative support agencies, medical transcriptionists write reports that correspond with the dictation of doctors and other healthcare professionals. Earning a health information technology degree online familiarizes students with medical terminology and acronyms used in spoken communication, allowing them to accurately transcribe verbal recordings.
Educational Paths for Online Health Information Technology Degree Programs
According to a study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, adults ages 23-34 with a bachelor’s degree earned approximately $10,000 more each year than adults of the same age holding an associate degree. Students who earn a health information technology associate degree online receive the academic training needed to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a related area, such as those listed here. Upon completion of an associate degree, students only need approximately 60 more credits to fulfill the requirements of a bachelor’s degree.
Health information management: This degree prepares students to become registered health information administrators, a respected credential available through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This degree emphasizes data collection as a central part of delivering and improving healthcare.
Healthcare administration: This degree prepares health information technology degree online graduates to advance from entry-level to management positions, and addresses topics such as risk management in healthcare settings, health policies and legal issues, and leadership strategies.
Healthcare informatics: With topics in medical coding and health systems design, this degree allows students who have earned their health information technology online degree to acquire the advanced skills necessary to oversee the operation of information systems in healthcare settings.
Accreditation for Online Associate in Health Information Technology Degrees
A voluntary process of peer review, accreditation is an assurance that a school has met acceptable levels of quality established by a recognized accrediting body. There are two types of institutional accreditation: regional and national. Regional accreditation is the older of the two and, given its higher standards, is regarded as the more prestigious designation. In general, regional accreditation serves nonprofit, degree-granting institutions of higher learning, while national accreditation is more widely associated with for-profit colleges and careers schools, such as trade or technical colleges.
There are six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA): the ACCJC, HLC, MSCHE, SACSCOC, WSCUC, and the NECHE (known until recently as the NEASC). As a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education, CHEA recognizes approximately 60 accrediting organizations. When researching an online school, keep in mind that accreditation can impact federal aid, transfer credits, and certification or licensure.
Health Information Technology Professional Organizations
A health information technology associate degree features accessible courses enhanced by faculty and peer support. As students move toward graduation, they may look for ways to continue this structured, supportive experience with others in their field through a professional organization. These groups can offer networking communities, career resources, and continuing education opportunities. Members often receive access to workshops, subscriptions to informative newsletters, and discounts on training programs and events.
American Health Information Management Association: Recently celebrating its 90th anniversary, AHIMA advances the quality of medical record keeping through its professional advocacy, online learning opportunities, and certification programs. Students benefit from AHIMA’s student and career center and networking events.
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society: This nonprofit international organization emphasizes the use of technology to improve healthcare delivery. HIMSS features a blog, IT healthcare news updates, and an online resource library. The HIMSS foundation awards scholarships to student members each year.
Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists: Developed to support medical coding professionals by providing educational and networking opportunities, PAHCS hosts a national healthcare coding conference annually and offers numerous coding specialist certifications in family practice, general surgery, and psychiatry.
