Health Information Technology

Program Information
The Health Information Technology Program is designed to meet increasing health industry demands for trained health information specialists. The Associate Degree program includes a combination of human science, computer, and health information courses that prepare the student for employment in organizations which use or service healthcare information systems. The program includes both theoretical instruction and practical laboratory experience on the Phoenix College campus as well as clinical affiliations in area health care settings. The program is accredited by CAHIIM, so program graduates are eligible to take the certification exam for the credential RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician). This exam is offered through the American Health Information Management Association and is highly recommended for broader employment opportunities.

Health Information Technicians are experts in health data collection, analysis, monitoring, maintenance and reporting activities in accordance with established data quality principles, legal and regulatory standards, and professional best practice guidelines. These functions encompass, among other areas, processing and using health data for billing, compliance, and surveillance purposes.

Employment Opportunities
Employment is available in many types of organizations, including:

RHITS are particularly in demand by health care facilities for medical coding, tumor registry, and specialized technical functions. Entry salaries vary depending on qualifications, prior health related experience, the current demand for specialized skills, and the type of organization. Entry salaries average $30,000 to $37,000/year.

Physical Requirements
Work in health information may require physical activities including continuous computer data entry, filing, retrieving, and transporting paper records, and extended periods of sitting and/or standing. Limited lifting of records.

For Your Information

• Students are admitted throughout the year. Enrollment numbers are limited.
• Courses are available both during the day and evenings. Part-time enrollment is possible.
• Advanced placement is available depending on documentation of experience or prior education. See Program Director.
• HIM courses may be offered only once a year. Advisement for sequencing is important.
• Additional requirements including drug and health screenings must be successfully completed prior to Level III professional practice placements (HIM218 and HIM224).
• The HIT AAS Degree Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Application Procedure
The Program Entry application is submitted anytime near completion of Program prerequisite courses.

Program Entry:

1. Obtain the Health Information Technology Program Entry Application, curriculum information, and fingerprint background clearance packet from the Health Professions Advisor located in the campus Advisement Center.
2. Complete the enrollment process at Phoenix College Admissions and Records:
   • Submit the General Information Form
   • Request official transcripts from each school that you will use for transfer credits
   • Request evaluation of all non-Maricopa Community Colleges transcripts
3. Submit the completed application materials to the Health Information Management Department. This includes the:
   • Health Information Technology Program Entry Application
   • ASSET placement test scores and/or transcripts documenting equivalent credit
   • Documentation of all Program prerequisites completed or in progress
4. Fingerprint/background check clearance card (must be presented in person)

Advanced Level (Level III) Program Continuation:
As part of the academic advisement session held during the final semester of Program Level II courses, progress in the Program will be reviewed. If in good standing, the intent to continue as a Level III Health Information Technology Associate Degree student will be documented in the Program student file. If necessary, any remedial work required before advancement will also be documented.

“I chose the Health Information Technology Program because it blends both my areas of interest – medical knowledge and technical expertise. With the wide range of topics it covers, I can choose from a variety of positions when I complete my studies.”

—Katie Wakefield
HIT Major (2005 Graduate)