Health Information Management
Build your career in healthcare with an AAS degree in Health Information Technology or a BAS in Health Information Management from Arapahoe Community College.
A career in health information management (HIM) allows you to work in the medical field while utilizing your technical savvy to acquire, analyze, and protect digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. Getting your Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science or Health Information Management Bachelor of Applied Science will help you gains skills in business, science, and information technology that you will use to make connections in a patient's medical information to see the entire patient story. Are you ready to Move Mountains in a rapidly growing healthcare field?
What Does a Health Information Professional Do?
Health information professionals are trained in the latest information management technologies. They know the workflow process in healthcare organizations, from large hospital systems to private practices, and are crucial to operations management of health information and electronic health records. They make sure patient health information is complete, accurate, and protected. Health information professionals care for patients by keeping their medical data complete and ensuring the quality, integrity, security, and protection of patients health information.
CIP 510707 (HIMB)
This Bachelor of Applied Science degree prepares students to advance in the field of Health Information Management. As the large Baby Boom population ages, they typically experience increasing health challenges which will, in turn, generate an increasing demand for healthcare services. Subsequently, there will be a greater need for physicians and other healthcare workers, medical procedures, and healthcare facilities. Ultimately, a greater need for licensed managers and healthcare staff to organize and oversee medical information and records must be addressed. These managers are important for improving care coordination, which is key in team-based practice.
In addition, the widespread and continuing adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) will further amplify the demand for managers with knowledge of health information technology (IT) and informatics systems. Medical and health services managers will be vitally important to organize, oversee, and integrate medical records across areas of the healthcare industry.
A full-time student can complete this Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in two years. This degree prepares students to advance in the field of Health Information Management. Graduates of this CAHIIM-accredited program are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) national board exam and awarded the RHIA credential.
Admission Requirements
The following are the basic requirements for admission to the Health Information Management (HIM) program:
- Admission to Arapahoe Community College
- Student must have the following to be considered for entrance into this program: must possess a relevant associate degree (60+ credits) from a CAHIIM-accredited program, or closely related degree.
- Criminal Background Check
- HIM Program Entrance Interview with Program Chair or Designate
Program Requirements
AAS Degree General Education Coursework 15 Credits
AAS Degree Major Coursework 49 credits
Graduation Requirements
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
Online Program (with the exception of two Practicum courses)
CIP 510707 (AHT1)
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Health Information Technology is designed to develop the technical skills necessary for managing health information within the healthcare delivery system. The AAS degree program in Health Information Technology emphasizes the technical component of health information services and is designed to prepare entry-level graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to use, analyze, abstract, code, present, and retrieve data in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, long term care, ambulatory care, mental health care and other healthcare facilities as well as private industry. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to write the national certification examination and upon successful passing of this examination, receive the RHIT (Registered Health Information Technology) credentials. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM). The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is the association of health information management (HIM) professionals. AHIMA Web site: www.ahima.org
Admission Requirements
The following are the basic requirements for admission to the Health Information Technology (HIT) program:
- Completion of High school or GED equivalence
- Admission to Arapahoe Community College
- Submission of the HIT application
- Interview with HIT Program Chair, Allied Health Programs Success Coordinator or Designate
- Criminal Background Check (prior to first practicum)
- Vaccination documentation (prior to first practicum)
- Prerequisite:
- English: ENG 090 and REA 090 OR ENG 0092/ENG 0093/ENG 0094 with a grade of "C" or better, OR Placement sentence skills score of 95+ OR assessment to be at college-level in English (see Student Resources and Services - Assessment in this Catalog)
- Math: MAT 0250 or assessment to be at college-level in Math (see Student Resources and Services - Assessment in this Catalog)
Students must contact HITProgram [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (HITProgram[at]arapahoe[dot]edu) for counseling and program planning prior to enrolling in any courses that are part of the HIT curriculum.
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements
- All major education and other courses required for this degree must be completed with a "C" or better to meet graduation requirements.
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
- As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.
ACC academic plans will help guide you through your chosen program. The academic plan will provide you with important information, like which semesters courses are offered if there are any prerequisites or co-requisites for courses, program outcomes, course sequence recommendations, notes for the program, graduation requirements, and other important information. These are updated annually, so we recommend downloading a copy of yours to keep on track to graduation.
Accreditation Statement
The Health Information Technology accreditor of Arapahoe Community College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College's accreditation for the Associate in Applied Sciences degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2028-2029. All inquiries about the program's accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info [at] cahiim [dot] org (info[at]cahiim[dot]org).
Why Accreditation Matters to You?
Accreditation assures academic quality in higher education. Program accreditation assures students that the quality of an academic program meets a standard set by industry in cooperation with academic institutions. Accreditation is a voluntary, peer-review process that requires a program to undergo comprehensive periodic evaluations. The evaluation, conducted by professionals in the industry, examine curriculum, faculty, institutional support, facilities, and more.
Professional programmatic accreditation means that in addition to national and regional accreditation, Arapahoe Community College has sought the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM), to assure that its graduates of the Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology (HIT) can sit for the national certification exam, Registered Health Information Technology (RHIT). CAHIIM accreditation assures that the program maintains compliance with the HIM industry standards. For more information go to www.CAHIIM.org.
An important component of accreditation, however, lies in the evolution of the program itself. An accredited program is expected to continuously improve through specific goals and initiatives. By choosing an accredited program, a student ensures that the quality of their education meets the standards of the profession. It also enhances employment opportunities, facilitates further education in the form of licensures and registrations, and establishes one’s eligibility for loans, grants, and scholarships.
ACC HIT Program Outcomes:
- Graduation Rate: 58% part-time (2022)
- Mock RHIT Certification Exam (required; final semester) - pass rate is 100% (2022)
- National RHIT Examination - pass rate (first attempt) is 80% (2022)
- Graduate survey: employed in HIM-related job within one year after graduation - 100% (2021)
Health Information Technology / Management Professionals are not required to be licensed. However, certification can be necessary for career obtainment and progression. As a graduate of the Health Information Technology program, you will be eligible to take the national Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam and receive the RHIT credential. The RHIT certification is not required to be registered in each state. However, the RHIT and other AHIMA certifications are maintained through a required recertification process. Recertification ensures that the certified professionals stay up to date in the constantly evolving Health Information Management field. Individuals must earn a specified number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to re-certify during a 2-year certification cycle. The initial recertification cycle for newly credentialed individuals (individuals who have earned their first credential) is two years, beginning when the exam was passed. Please visit https://ahima.org/certification-careers/recertify/ for more information on AHIMA Certifications and Credentialing.
Student Testimonials
"Driven by my passion for healthcare but a desire for a non-patient facing role, I enrolled in the Health Information Technology program at ACC. The program offered the flexibility and affordability of online classes, which was perfect for my schedule. The instructors provided clear course outlines and valuable assignments that made navigating the online format a breeze. The program gave me a comprehensive understanding of the HIM side of healthcare, particularly on the crucial role of data privacy and record accuracy. I'm confident in my ability to handle these responsibilities. With the skills and tools I've gained at ACC, I'm excited to launch a rewarding career in the ever-growing field of Health Information Technology." ~ Sydney Bowden
"Enrolling in the Health Information Technology program has been the best decision I have made thus far! It has reignited my love and passion for wanting to work back in health care. From the program chair to all of the instructors, they have given me so much encouragement and confidence to keep moving forward no matter how hard life has gotten and to put myself and my education first. That has really meant a lot to me, and I am profoundly grateful for them. No matter what type of question or problem I have had during my journey through this program they have all had the knowledge, expertise, and tools to guide me to a solution. They all genuinely want to see their students succeed and have a successful future. With the solid foundation and knowledge, I have been given in this program I cannot wait to see what doors will be opened to me after graduation. I am honored to be part of the HIT program at Arapahoe Community College!" -Stephanie Candelaria
“I am incredibly grateful to have discovered the Health Information Technology program at Arapahoe Community College. I wanted to make a career change into the health information field and the completely online format offered the flexibility I needed to be able to continue working while learning. My instructors were very helpful, always responded quickly, and their wealth of experience and background in the field have been a tremendous bonus. I am looking forward to wonderful opportunities and a new and fascinating career because of the HIT program and the foundation it has given me.” ~Stephanie Johnson, ACC HIT graduate May 2023
“For anyone who is considering a career in health information management or is well on the path to achieving their degree, the Arapahoe Community College’s HIT program should be at the top of their list for accredited education and certification. No matter the question(s) I had before, during, and even after my degree completion, all the staff (program chair & instructors) were answered with the pertinent information and delivered with kindness and mentorship. The support for the HIT profession as a whole was palpable throughout my 2.5 years of education and even after. Not only is the education itself fulfilling but the additional education of the Health Information Management profession within the state of Colorado and the encouragement to participate is invaluable. ” ~Rick Jewell, ACC HIT graduate December 2022
“The HIT program at ACC is excellent. The professors are all well-versed in their areas of expertise and provide real-world examples to help prepare students for careers in HIM. They genuinely care about helping students succeed. They provided me with feedback that helped me learn and improve. The courses not only helped prepare me for the RHIT exam but also provided me with tools that I use in my career.” ~Jerbonian Budisidharta, ACC HIT graduate Spring 2023
Choose Your Health Information Degree
Health Information Technology AAS
Health Information Technology AAS
Get started in your healthcare career with an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology (HIT). Learn more about ACC's HIT Program.
Health Information Management BAS
Health Information Management BAS
Advance your career with Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Information Management. Learn more about ACC's BAS program.
