Health Information Technology

A career in Health Information Technology is a combination of health care, business and information technology. Health Information Technicians collect, organize, analyze, and review patient information for completeness and accuracy. They compile statistics for health information indices, disease registries, and research studies and assign codes to diseases, procedures, and supplies for billing purposes. Using storage and retrieval systems, Health Information Technicians input and retrieve of computerized health data and manage the release of health information.

Potential Work Sites:

Professionals in this field work wherever health information is collected, organized and analyzed including:

• Hospitals, physician offices, nursing homes, home health agencies, and ambulatory care clinics, etc.

• Insurance companies and HMOs

• Research and Government Agencies

• Accounting, legal and consulting firms

Internships:

Students build competencies in two Professional Practice experiences (internships): one in the Health Information Management department of an acute care hospital or alternate health care setting; and the other in a coding department of a hospital. These non-paid, "hands-on" internships are 120 hours long and completed during regular business hours. Students are given the opportunity to continue their education and practice their skills in a realistic environment. Transportation to and from the internship is the responsibility of the student.

Course Schedule:

All Health Information Technology courses are offered in the evening, thus supporting the working professional in their quest to enhance their career options. Since Health Information Management departments are generally only open during regular business hours, students will be required to complete their Professional Practice experiences one or more days of the normal work week. Every effort is made to accommodate students' work schedules so they will be able to complete the required hours. While intended to prepare individuals for immediate employment, this program is also appropriate for transfer to a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management. Trocaire College has a articulation agreement with SUNY Institute of Technology in Utica, New York. They have agreed to accept credits from the Health Information Technology program toward their online Bachelor's degree.

Accreditation:

The Health Information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Certification:

Graduates may apply to write the national certification examination administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon passing this exam, the individual earns the credential of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). Students may also apply to write coding certification exams offered by AHIMA's and the American Academy of Professional Coders.

Admission Requirements:

1. High School diploma (minimum 80% average) or GED diploma with a minimum score of 2625
2. High School or College Biology with a lab - minimum grade of "C" (75%)
3. Keyboarding experience
4. 2.0 semester average with minimum grades of "C" in laboratory sciences for current and transfer students

Minimum Degree Requirements:

1. A total of at least 74 semester hours with a Quality Point Average of 2.0

2. General Education Requirements:
   Humanities (Literature Elective: 3 credits)                                                               
   Basic Communication (EN101 or EN200)                                                                                  
   Mathematics (MA111)*
   Natural Science* (BIO130/130L, BIO131/131L, BIO140, BIO233)*
   Philosophy (PH103, PH205)
   Social Science (6 credits)
   College Seminar (GS100) or College Success (GS102)*

3. Program Requirements:*
   HIT101, HIT103, HIT104, HIT200, HIT202, HIT204, HIT208, HIT209, HIT216, HIT220, HIT222, HIT225

4. Other Requirements:*
   BU132, MB119, MB265

* A minimum grade of "C" (2.0) is required.