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Do you like to use computers to work on complex projects that require much attention to detail? Would you like to manage computerized databases?
The Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) has facility-wide responsibility for collecting, storing and disseminating health information.
How To Get Started
Step One begins with a college education. You need to complete either an associate or bachelor's degree from a college with an accredited HIT or HIA program. If you're a high school student, considering an HIM career, the following courses provide a good foundation: computer science, English, math, biology and chemistry.
The Program
Hocking offers a six quarter Health Information Technology course of study that is accredited and approved by the Council on Education and American Health Information Management Association and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Successful completion of Hocking's Health Information Technology curriculum leads to an associates degree in applied science and prepares learners to sit for the RHIT certification exam.
Learn by Doing
During the first year of the program the learner experiences hands-on lab exercises in Health Information Technology courses while also taking general education classes such as medical terminology, human organism and anatomy and physiology I and II, Introduction to Excel, Access and advanced Access. During the fourth, fifth and sixth quarters of the program, learners apply skills acquired in medical terminology, human organism and anatomy and physiology to assign ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes and CPT codes. Learners analyze insurance claims and review revenue codes and practice the Correct Coding Initiative coding rules in a lab setting as well as in a healthcare facility.
Jobs for Grads
Registered Health Information Technologists (RHITs) enjoy a broad selection of job opportunities and options for professional growth. Health Information Management professionals work in a multitude of settings throughout the healthcare industry. Positions available to those with an Associate's degree are:
- Health Data Analyst
- Insurance Claims Analyst
- Records Technician Specialist
- Clinical Coding Specialist
- Physician Practice Manager
- Patient Information Coordinator
Growth and Income
HIM professionals can expect to be in high demand as the health sector expands into the next century. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites health information technology as one of the 20 fastest growing occupations. Most new HIM graduates with an associate's degree jump right in and earn an average of $20,000 to $30,00 annually. To see the latest salary information visit www.ahima.org and research salaries by region of the United States.
Job Market Outlook
- Expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupation through 2014.
- Needed to comply with Federal legislation mandating the use of electronic patient records.
- Strong background in medical coding will be in particularly high demand.
What Can I Expect to Earn
Among other factors, salaries may vary by geographic region, cost of living, and employee’s previous experience. The following salary information is based on national averages.
Earnings of Medical Records and Health Information Managers in May 2004:
| $25,590 |
$20,650-$32,990 |
$17,720 |
$41,760 |
Job Outlook & Earnings from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm
Considering a Career Change - Online Outpatient Coding Certificate
Hocking College offers seven courses from the Health Information Technology curriculum online. Availability of an online course offering each quarter is dependent upon enough students registering for the courses offered. These courses offer professional training which holds value to employers because it supports the worker's ability to uphold industry standards and regulations, thereby potentially saving organizations from fines and penalties due to errors and noncompliance with the Correct Coding Initiative ICD-9-CM rules. Successful completion of the following courses transfer as credit into the Health Information Technology associate degree program with the exception of Human Machine (BIOS 100).
If you are interested in taking one of the above courses online, contact Karen Wright at wright_k@hocking.edu
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