Programs and Courses

Health Information Technology (10-530-1)
Associate Degree-Two Years
(offered in Eau Claire)

General Program Information Course Information Graduate Information	Admission Requirements Program Requirements 60 Second Program Video Program Information Video Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader Requires Windows Media Player

This program has August and January entry dates. Program Description Are you a detail-oriented, analytical person? Do you enjoy investigative tasks and searching for accurate information? If these characteristics describe you and you are interested in combining an aptitude and interest in healthcare with computer technology, consider the Health Information Technology (HIT) program. The HIT program prepares individuals for roles in the health information management (HIM) profession. HIM professionals work "behind the scenes" (nonpatient care) in healthcare settings. They are skilled in collecting, maintaining, analyzing, and disseminating clinical data for healthcare facilities. These individuals also code medical information for research and reimbursement and apply legal regulations to maintain the confidentiality and security of patient data. HIM professionals are in high demand throughout the country. The curriculum is comprised of health information technology courses (including professional practice experiences), technical information technology support courses, and general studies courses designed to prepare students to demonstrate the entry level competencies defined by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The HIT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write the national certification examination offered by AHIMA to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)- credentials required by employers for most positions in this field. Program Outcomes • Adhere to health information requirements and standards. • Utilize clinical classifications. • Support data collection and reimbursement systems. • Abstract health care data for analysis and presentation. • Adhere to security, privacy and confidentiality policies. • Use information technology systems to process health information. • Apply organizational management techniques to improve efficiency of departmental functions and services. • Model professional behavior, ethics, and appearance. Program Admission Requirements • COMPASS pre-entry assessment • Wisconsin criminal background check and processing fee • Biology-two semesters at high school level or one semester at postsecondary level with grade of C or better • A pre-entrance health history and physical examination must be on file three weeks prior to entering the core courses of the Health Information Technology program. The Admissions Office will notify you at the appropriate time. For detailed requirements, click on the Admission Requirements link toward the top of this page or call one of our Enrollment Assistants at 1-800-547-2882. Helpful Academic Background • Strong interest and aptitude in computer information systems and healthcare/health sciences • Attention to detail and accuracy • Strong organizational skills • Excellent spelling, reading, and proofreading skills • Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Access) • Strong written and oral communication skills Messages For more information about this program, contact the program counselor at 1-800-547-2882 or 715-833-6346. For general admissions information, contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-547-2882 or 715-833-6246.