Academic Programs

Health Information Technology

Program Options

• Associate Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a Health Information Technician do?

   A Health Information Technician is the individual who will perform tasks related to the use, analysis, validation, presentation, abstracting, coding, storage security, retrieval, quality measurement, and control of healthcare data in a medical record and/or computer based patient record.

2. What characteristics do I need to become a Health Information Technician?

   You must have a strong interest in activities such as assisting medical staff in evaluating quality of healthcare, safeguarding the confidentiality of medical records, reviewing medical records for completeness, accuracy and compliance with requirements and the planning and developing of systems for healthcare data. The technician is detail oriented and recognizes the business aspects of healthcare.

3. Where do Health Information Technicians work?

   Health Information/Medical Record Technicians work in hospital, ambulatory care centers, mental health facilities, insurance companies, hospice, rehabilitative hospitals, correctional facilities, veterinary medicine, cancer registry, and other health related agencies. The technician may be a consultant; independent contractor, subcontractor and some are healthcare trainers and teachers.

4. What is the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)?

   AHIMA is the national association of health information management professionals. In addition to the national association there is a component state association, Michigan Health Information Management Association (MHIMA) and local associations such as Southeastern Michigan Health Information Management Association (SEMHIMA).

5. Where can I receive training to become a Health Information Technician?

   Classes for Health Information Technology are offered at Schoolcraft College-Radcliff, located in Garden City. The program is a two-year, associate degree program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. This program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

6. Is the Health Information Technician certified or registered?

   Yes, a graduate of an accredited program is eligible to take a national examination given by AHIMA. Upon successful completion of the examination an individual would be a Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT).

7. Is there an externship, hospital training or field trip available to the student enrolled in the Health Information Technology Program?

   There are three Clinical Affiliation courses that provide the student with professional practice management experience. During those courses a student will visit a variety of healthcare facilities such as a nursing home, ambulatory care center, multi-specialty hospital, mental health facility and/or veterans administration hospital. A student would be assigned to a variety of different facilities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be employed as an entry-level Health Information Technician.

8. How much will I earn as a Health Information Technician?

   According to a survey by the American Health Consultant’s, the average annual salary for experienced Health Information Technicians is $45,000.

9. How do I enroll in the Health Information Technology Program?

   Contact the Admissions & Enrollment Center to start the admission process and to obtain the application for the Health Information Technology Program. A student can develop a schedule to complete the program on a part-time basis. It is recommended to read the catalog to determine prerequisites and to make an appointment with counseling prior to registering for classes.

Professional Affiliations

• American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Related Websites

• http://www.ahima.org
• http://www.healthresource.org
• http://himcareers.ahima.org

Health Information Technology Program Office