Health Information Management - About the Program

Admissions Process

Are you ready to begin a career in Health Information Technology?

Obtain full admission to Panola College.
Submit to an official high school transcript and official college transcripts (if applicable) or GED scores to the Admissions office.
Provide placement test scores.
Complete Texas Success Initiative testing requirements (refer to current catalog).
Complete and return application for admission to the the Health Information Technology Program.
Must have a 2.5 or higher grade point average in previously completed college courses to be admitted to the HIT Associate of Applied Science Degree Program.

You really can earn
around $40K a year
in your pajamas.

Introducing the Medical Coding
Technician Certificate

Medical coding is the transformation of verbal descriptions of diseases, injuries, and procedures into alphanumeric codes. A coding technician is an individual who reviews and analyzes health records to identify relevant diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement purposes, in the assessment of clinical care, and for support of medical research activity.

Medical coding technicans can work on-site, but many work from home or travel as contractural medical coding technicians.

For CCA / CCS course load, admissions requirements, and financial information, see the Panola College Catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is medical coding?: 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?: 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?: 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?: 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?: 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?: See the HIT Admission Criteria in the College Catalog.
How long will it take me to get a degree in Health Information Technology?: 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.

Find out if Health Information Technology is right for you.

Health information technology careers are found in a variety of settings including: health care facilities, consulting firms, government agencies, insurance companies, health care IS/IT vendors, pharmaceutical companies, as well as many other environments.

Are you ready to begin a career in Health Information Technology?

You really can earnaround $40K a year in your pajamas.

Introducing the Medical CodingTechnician Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

Find out if Health Information Technology is right for you.

You really can earn
around $40K a year
in your pajamas.

Introducing the Medical Coding
Technician Certificate