The Health Information Technician is an important member of the healthcare team, who secures, analyzes, integrates, and manages health information for patient care, reimbursement, planning, marketing, legal aspects, and research. This information steers the healthcare industry. The program is designed to combine the general education courses with the technical courses for a well-rounded and functional education. To further the student's classroom coursework with practical hands-on experience, time is spent in health care facilities.

Individuals entering the program must complete a background check required by the Minnesota Human Services licensing division. Individuals who do not receive a clear background check may participate in the program, but may not be allowed to participate in clinical and/or field experience courses.

1. Verify health information data and data sources.
2. Apply CPT/HCPCS and ICD-9-CM coding systems.
3. Interpret data for quality management studies.
4. Calculate descriptive healthcare statistics.
5. Perform compliance reviews for external agencies.
6. Reinforce patient health record confidentiality requirements.
7. Maintain integrity of filing and retrieval systems.
8. Apply departmental policies and procedures.
8. Practice within the AHIMA Code of Ethics.
10. Exhibit appropriate professional characteristics, behaviors, and attitudes.

Graduates of the Health Information Technology program in the past were employed in hospital health information departments. Today, approximately 50% of health care services are being delivered in other settings, such as physician offices, clinics, nursing homes, home health and hospice agencies, and mental health facilities, with an increasing number of job openings for Registered Health Information Technicians (RHITs) in those areas. Also law firms, computer software vendors, insurance companies and reimbursement review companies are seeking the services of RHITs. An RHIT is a skilled and credentialed professional who has completed a Health Information Technology Program and has successfully written the American Health Information Management Association's certification exam.

Opportunities continue to grow. The Bureau of Labor statistics project a 56% growth rate between now and the year 2005. Entry-level salaries are attractive and will depend on experience, geographic location, education, and employer.

The Health Information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, (800) 621-7440, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504.