HIM professionals play a critical role in maintaining, collecting and analyzing the data that doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers rely on to deliver quality healthcare. They are experts in managing patient health information and medical records, administering computer information systems and coding the diagnosis and procedures for healthcare services provided to patients. HIM professionals work in a multitude of settings throughout the healthcare industry including hospitals, physician offices aid clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, government agencies and home care providers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 20 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. Employment growth will result from the increase in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures that will be performed. As the population continues to age, the occurrence of health-related problems will increase. In addition, with the increasing use of electronic health records, more technicians will be needed to complete the new responsibilities associated with electronic data management.
On top of strong job prospects, competitive salaries also await HIM graduates. More than half of new HIM graduates with a bachelor’s degree start with salaries in the $30,000 to $50,000 range. Five years out, many are earning $50,000 to $75,000. New HIM graduates with an associate’s degree and acquired credentials may earn $30,000 to $50,000 annually.
The first step in your career planning process is to discover your interests and then match them to careers. If you have an interest in healthcare and information technology, health information management (HIM) may be the right career choice for you. As one of the fastest growing occupations in one of the fastest growing industries, a HIM career places you right where the expanding arena of healthcare meets the cutting edge of technology.
Course Progression for NEW HIT Certificates at MC
Health Data Coordinator
Credit Hours
ENGL 1301 Composition and Rhetoric (POFT 1301 option for applicable certificates)
3
HITT 1205 Medical Terminology
2
HITT 1353 Legal and Ethical Aspects of HIM
3
BCIS 1405 Business Computer Applications
4
HITT 1311 Health Information Systems
3
HITT 2335 Coding and Reimbursement Methodologies
3
*POFT 1227 Beginning Keyboarding suggested for those with less than 40 wpm
2
Total Certificate Hours
18
Health Data Specialist - Healthcare Facility
Fall Semester
Credit Hours
HITT 1205 Medical Terminology
2
HITT 1353 Legal and Ethical Aspects of HIM
3
BCIS 1405 Business Computer Applications
4
HITT 1301 Health Data Content and Structure
3
HITT 1311 Health Information Systems
3
Semester Hours
15
Spring Semester
HITT 2335 Coding and Reimbursement Methodologies
3
SPCH 1318 Interpersonal Communication or SPCH 1321 Professional Speaking
3
ENGL 1301 English or POFT 1301 Business English
3
HITT 2327 Vendor Specific HIT Systems
3
HITT 1260 Clinical – Health Information(96 hour Virtual Clinical)
2
Semester Hours
14
Total Certificate Hours
29
Health Data Specialist - Physician Practice Management
Fall Semester
Credit Hours
HITT 1205 Medical Terminology
2
HITT 1353 Legal and Ethical Aspects of HIM
3
BCIS 1405 Business Computer Applications
4
ENGL 1301 English or POFT 1301 Business English
3
HITT 2335 Coding and Reimbursement Methodologies
3
Semester Hours
15
Spring Semester
SPCH 1318 Interpersonal Communication or SPCH 1321 Professional Speaking
3
Elective - ACCT 2401 Intro to Accounting or POFT 2312 Business Correspondence
3 or 4
HITT 1391 Special Topics in Health Information Technology (Practice Mgmt)
3
HITT 1260 Clinical – Health Information (96 hour Virtual Clinical)
2
HITT 1311 Health Information Systems
3
Semester Hours
14-15
Total Certificate Hours
29-30
Coding and Billing Certificate is listed in the 2011-2012 catalog or on website at www.midland.edu/hitt under "Progression of Courses".
Credentialing Exams for graduates of HIT programs
After completing your formal education, the next step is to successfully complete an AHIMA certification exam. A credential validates your competence as a HIM professional to employers and the public. There are key credentials for professionals in the HIM field:
Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT): This credential requires an associate degree from a CAHIIM accredited college and successful performance on the RHIT certification exam.
Credentials for Coding and Billing Certificates
Students completing the Coding and Billing Certificate are encouraged to sit for the credentialing exams through AHIMA.org. These include:
Certified Coding Associate (CCA): By taking this credentialing exam, students prove their understanding of fundamental principles of coding and billing.
Certified Coding Specialist - Physician Based (CCS-P): This exam is a coding proficiency exam at an intermediate level related to physician office E/M and procedural coding and billing.
Job Opportunities HIM professionals enjoy a broad selection of job opportunities and options for professional growth. Based on skills, education and interests, some of the positions available are:
Students who complete their associate degree and obtain their RHIT certification may continue their education to acquire a bachelor's degree or masters degree in Health Information or Health Informatics in online or traditional classroom settings.
American Health Information Management Association
233 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2150
Chicago, IL 60601-5519
312-233-1100 www.ahima.org or www.hicareers.com
