Health Information Technology
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).
HIT Faculty/Staff
Jo Ellen Russell, MBA, MT(ASCP), RHIT, RMA(AMT), Program Director/Professor jrussell@panola.edu
903-693-1164
Lynn Davis, RHIT, CCS
Instructor ldavis@panola.edu
903-693-1116
Kimberly Bishop, RHIT
Instructor kbishop@panola.edu
903-693-1126
Erica Chesser, MLT(AMT) Clinical Instructor echesser@panola.edu 903-693-4011
Kelley Hammond
Support Specialist khammond@panola.edu
903-694-4524
Useful Links!
Find us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/PanolaHITT
Read the Medical Technologies Student Handbook by clicking the link below:
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
The Health Information Technician is a profession with a diverse blend of clinical knowledge and information management skills. HIT is a two year associate of applied science degree program.
Medical Coding Technician Certificate
A coding technician 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.Health Information Technology
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.
Health Information Technology programs incorporate the disciplines of medicine, management, finance, information technology, and law into one curriculum. Because of this unique mixture, HIT graduates can choose from a variety of work settings across an array of health care environments.
FAQ's
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 HIT program at Panola College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree that is accredited by CAHIIM (the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information Education). Students can transfer and complete the HIT/HIM undergraduate program at a university that offers the bachelor's program.
Will I be able to work and go to school?
The majority of HIT classes are offered online; however, a some of the class time is Monday through Thursday on campus.
What are the requirements (prerequisites) for the HIT program?
There are no "pre-requisites", however you college path will be overseen by an academic advisor each and every semester to keep you on the shortest and best pathway to your desired degree or certificate.
How long will it take me to get a degree in Health Information Technology?
The Associate of Applied Science degree requires sixty (60) hours and usually takes a minimum of five (5) semesters to complete. The Medical Coding Technician certificate requires thirty-six (36) hours and usually takes three (3) semesters to complete.
Program Accreditation and Licensure Exam Eligibility
The Associate of Applied Science Degree, Health Information Technician Program at Panola College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
HIT graduates are eligible to take the following certifications:
Coding Certificate Graduates:
CCA- Certified Coding Associate- from American Health Information Association (AHIMA)
More information here: http://www.ahima.org/certification/CCA
CPC- Certified Professional Coder- from American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
More information here: https://www.aapc.com/certification/cpc/
**Issuance of the HIT AAS and/or Medical Coding Certificate is not contingent upon students passing external certification exams.