Prospective Students Frequently Asked Questions
Are there job opportunities for health information technicians?
There are over 40,000 health information management professionals using their education to serve the healthcare industry. Employment opportunities can be found in any organization or agency that utilizes health information, including government agencies, home healthcare providers, behavioral health facilities, hospice facilities, dental and chiropractic clinics, veterinary clinics, managed care organizations, pharmaceutical companies, as well as physician clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. For more information, check the “Members in the Workplace” on the AHIMA’s site: http://www.ahima.org
What is the salary range for health information technicians?
Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023) shows an average hourly wage of $25.81 for Medical Records Specialists, with a typical range of $19.05 to $29.79. For Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars, the average hourly wage is $33.78, with a typical range of $22.39 to $41.81.
Can I receive the HIT degree online?
Yes, this degree program is offered exclusively online. The only possible exception is the final class, HIMC 2870, HIT Capstone Experience, which requires a 40-hour professional practice experience (PPE). The PPE can be done in person at a facility that works with health information (e.g., hospital, clinic, insurance company). However, we currently have a participating facility that offers the PPE online via teleconference software, so this class, too, can likely be completed online.
Are there career paths that can lead to the HIT degree or enhance it?
Yes!
- Health Information Technology AAS Degree
- Coding Specialist Diploma
- Healthcare Informatics Diploma
- Healthcare Office Professional AAS Degree
- Healthcare Office Professional Diploma
- Healthcare Office Professional Certificate
- Healthcare Documentation Specialist Certificate
I work during the day. Is it possible to complete the degree evenings, weekends, or online?
Yes! Our program is nontraditional in delivery. See “Online Schedules” for suggested course schedules for Full-time and Part-time Online learning.
I already have general education and other college credits. Will these credits transfer in?
Our Admissions and Records Department will review accredited college credits from an official transcript and determine transfer value. Most general education credits taken at an accredited college (especially MnTC general education) will transfer. However, there are some general education requirements that are specific to this program—English, psychology, speech, and anatomy & physiology. Please check our online catalog for detailed information. See the Admissions transfer process.
What is AHIMA?
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is the dynamic professional association that represents more than 40,000 specially educated health information management professionals who work throughout the healthcare industry. Health information management professionals serve the healthcare industry and the public by managing, analyzing, and utilizing data vital for patient care — and making it accessible to healthcare providers when it is needed most.
Quality Healthcare through Quality Information
Test results, diagnoses, prescriptions, and treatments — these are exactly the types of information required to effectively treat patients. Whether stored on paper or computer files, reliable health information is critical to quality healthcare. Enhancing individual patient care through timely and relevant information is one of the primary goals for the health information management profession.
Quality information is also important for administrative purposes. In fact, accurate patient billing and reimbursement to providers centers on competent health information management. Plus, by compiling and analyzing data from many patients, effective health information management can help identify ways to better utilize resources, reveal public health patterns, and lead to establishing new medical treatments.
Yet, just as health information managers make medical records available to legitimate users, they also work diligently to protect patient confidentiality. Likewise, these professionals are pivotal in developing policies to meet information management standards as mandated by the government and other regulatory and accrediting organizations.
Leading the Way with Health Information Management
Good health—whether for an individual or an entire population—depends on reliable health information. The members of AHIMA are leaders in this field, working to ensure that healthcare is based on accurate and timely information. Building on the profession’s strong tradition, AHIMA members are also prepared to be a driving force in a changing healthcare industry. AHIMA works to not only strengthen the profession, but also to improve healthcare by:
- Supporting members with practice guidance and lifelong learning opportunities
- Guaranteeing excellence to the healthcare industry through certification and relevant resources
Disseminating best practices and innovations - Promoting education and research in the field
- Providing public policy leadership
Copyright © 2002 American Health Information Management Association.
Visit the AHIMA site at http://www.ahima.org.