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Courses in Health Information Technology prepare students to become health information specialists. The health information technician (HIT) is a professional with a diverse blend of clinical knowledge and information management skills. Most HIT graduates work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, but many are finding employment in home health agencies, rehabilitation facilities, county health departments, insurance companies, managed care facilities, county health departments, insurance companies, managed care institutions, software companies, legal firms, and consulting firms.
Students are trained in assembling, analyzing, coding, abstracting, and maintaining medical records (paper-based and electronic). Students are also taught basic skills in supervision and management; are introduced to legal and ethical issues afecting health care; learn to compile health care statistics; and learn to utilize computer softare realted to the health care field.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is medical coding?
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Medical coding is a translation from medical documentation converted into a series of code number that describe diagnosis or procedures in a standard manner. Coding is used for patient care, research, and reimbursement.
- What is the average annual salary for someone with an HIT degree or certificate?
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An average yearly salary can be expected for the following credentials:
CCA-$35-40K
CCS-$50-55K
CCS-P-$45-50K
RHIT-$45-50K
RHIA$65-70K - Where can I work once I get an HIT degree or certificate?
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Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home health, insurance companies, rehabilitation facilities, county health departments, managed care institutions, software companies, legal firms, and consulting firms, just to name a few.
- What courses will transfer for an HIT bachelor's degree?
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The HIM program at Panola College offers an accredited Associate degree by CAHIM (the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information Education). Students can transfer and complete the HIM undergraduate program at a university that offers the bachelor's program.
- Will I be able to work and go to school?
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Some HIM classes are offered online; however, a majority of the class time is Monday through Thursday at the W.H. Gullette Technology building.
- What are the requirements (prerequisites) for the HIT program?
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See the HIT Admission Criteria in the College Catalog.
- How long will it take me to get a degree in Health Information Technology?
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The Associate of Applied Science degree requires sixty-nine hours and usually takes two years to complete. The Medical Administrative Assistant certificate requires thirty-three hours and usually takes one year to complete. The Medical Coding Technician certificate requires thirty-five hours and usually takes one year to complete.
Any graduate of the program will be eligible to apply to write the national qualifying examination for certification as a registered health information technician (RHIT).
