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Health Information Technology (HIT)

Build your career in healthcare with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology from Arapahoe Community College.

ACC Health Information Technology partners working at a computer.

The Health Information Technology (HIT) Program has been a part of ACC since 1969, being the first accredited HIT program in Colorado. ACC also pioneered the first accredited fully online HIT Program in Colorado. The HIT degree provides you with the technical skills needed to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), a fast-growing field with an above-average job growth rate predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Best RHIT Degree Program logo 2022This is an excellent career for those wanting to work in technology and health care. As a graduate of the program, you'll be eligible to take the national RHIT certification exam right away. The RHIT certification pass rate for ACC students is 92%, and we are proud to be considered one of the best online RHIT degree programs in the United States. Start your career in health information management today!

Applications will be accepted until 2 weeks prior to the start of each semester. Applications received after this time will be considered for the following semester.

ACC Admissions
Admissions
admissions [at] arapahoe.edu
Christine Tomas
Faculty / Program Chair
Health Information Technology
christine.tomas [at] arapahoe.edu

What You'll Learn in the HIT Program

Our HIT program provides you with valuable skills to use immediately on-the-job. Once you graduate, you’ll be able to:

  • Understand data content, structure, and information governance
  • Ensure access, disclosure, privacy and security in the workplace
  • Perform data analysis and use data in meaningful ways
  • Understand components of compliance
  • Become a leader in the workplace
  • Take the National Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) Certification Exam

Thinking about applying to ACC's HIT program but have questions? Sign up for a one-on-one session with the HIT Program Director to learn more about the program and the courses available.

Sign up for a time slot to meet on Zoom to get all your questions answered!

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 for counseling and program planning prior to enrolling in any courses that are part of the HIT curriculum.

Program Requirements

General Education Courses (15 credit hours)
3 Credits OR any other higher level Communications course
3 Credits OR any other higher level Composition/Writing course
3 Credits OR any other higher level Psychology course
Total: 64 credit hours

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.

United States

Field

Employment 2014

Employment 2024

Percent Change

Projected Annual Job Openings

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

188,600

217,600

+15%

7,120

Colorado

Field

Employment 2014

Employment 2024

Percent Change

Projected Annual Job Openings

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

2,340

3,090

+32%

140

*Statistics from O*Net Online.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth rate of 8% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for health information management is expected to continue to increase as the population ages.

The following items and minimum requirements must be met to be accepted into the Health Information Technology (HIT) program at ACC:

  1. Complete high school or GED equivalent.
  2. Complete ACC application for acceptance to college and select Health Information Technology AAS and complete selective admissions process.
  3. Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen is required for all HIT students. In the event the student background check reveals any disqualifying factors or tests positive for a prohibited substance, a student will be dismissed for the HIT program. View disqualifying events information. Please note: Criminal background checks and drug screens require a fee.

  4. College Placement Test required scores are:
    • English:
      • Accuplacer: 95 or higher on Sentence Skills
    • Mathematics:
      • Accuplacer: Elementary Algebra score of 61 or higher
    • Students with equivalent ACT / SAT scores taken within the last five years or appropriate college-level coursework do not need to complete the placement tests. Documentation should be provided with the college application.
  5. Request an Official Transcript be sent to ACC if you have any prior college courses.
    • General Education courses required by the program with a grade of "C" or better can be transferred in from an accredited college or university. To transfer general education courses a student must submit official transcripts to the Records and Enrollment Services Office and complete an application to the college.
    • The process of course evaluation and transferring credit can be lengthy and therefore should begin immediately.
  6. Schedule an advising and program planning session with the HIT Program Chair prior to enrolling in any courses that are part of the HIT curriculum.
    • To schedule, please contact Christine Tomas at 303.797.5603 or christine [dot] tomas [at] arapahoe [dot] edu

As part of the Colorado Community College System, ACC offers courses at a very reasonable tuition rate. At today's tuition rate, the 66 credit hours of the HIT associate degree would only cost a COF (College Opportunity Fund) eligible student approximately $15,000. COF is not a need-based financial aid, but a subsidy from the State of Colorado for the education of its residents. Apply for your COF stipend. View ACC's current Tuition and Fees.

Accreditation Statement

CAHIIM logoThe 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.

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.

Best Associate in Health Information Technology badge - Intelligent

 

Best Registered Health Information Technician Degree Program badge - Intelligent

 

Best Community Colleges in Colorado 2022 - Intelligent

 

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Job Opportunities in Health Information Technology

How to Get Your Degree and Registered Health Information Technical Credentials

ACC offers a Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) accredited program for an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology (HIT). Our Associate of Applied Science degree provides you the technical skills needed to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). You can complete your training in two years or have a plan designed to meet your needs.

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.

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)

This program is entirely online with the exception of one capstone course. The HIT289 HIT Capstone course is delivered as an online course, however, 40 hours will be conducted face-to-face in an off-campus setting with one of our healthcare partners, please plan for this 40- hour time period accordingly.

Scholarship Opportunities from CHIMA

CHIMA, the Colorado state association affiliated with AHIMA,  has opened the application for CHIMA scholarships for students in the HIT/HIM program this semester.  The recipient could receive up to $1000 for a scholarship reward.

CHIMA supports the professional development of individuals engaged in the undergraduate study of health information technology, health information management, and/or graduate study in health information management or related fields. Scholarships are awarded through CHIMA-designated funds.

Applications close on March 20.

Apply

CHIMA, the Colorado state association, affiliated with AHIMA

Scholarship Opportunities from the AHIMA Foundation

AHIMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), has opened its scholarship application with $100,000 available in scholarships for currently enrolled outstanding health information professionals pursuing associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in health information management (HIM) or health informatics (HI).

Applications close on August 31. 

Apply

AHIMA Foundation logo