Health Information Technology Program Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Health Information Technicians focus on the technical side of managing health information, working with software and hardware used to manage and store patient data. They provide the following healthcare services.
Ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems.
Use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs.
Often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research.
Although most health information technicians work in hospitals, they are also found in other healthcare settings including office-based physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities, and public health agencies. In fact, health information technicians may be employed in any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors.
Health Information may be a good career choice for you if you:
- See yourself in a career that offers diverse opportunities.
- Would like to work in health care, but no directly with patients.
- Have an aptitude for science, but also like management, law, and computers.
- Enjoy working with professionals: physicians, nurses, lawyers, administrators and executives.
- Are detailed oriented and capable of independent problem solving.
- Want a career where you can choose to work on your own, with others, or some of both.
No, you do not need to apply to the HIT program, but you need to complete a Shasta College application for admission.
It is suggested that you take your General Education (GE) required courses so when you are in the program you may focus on the core program courses. You may also take Medical Terminology (HEOC 110), Introduction to Human Biology (BIOL 5), and Introduction to Human Disease Process (HIT 7) prior to starting your HIT program courses.
An additional suggestion is to visit a health information services department in a hospital or other healthcare facility or volunteer in such a department in order to gain insight into the roles and functions of health information professionals on the job.
It is advisable to schedule an appointment with the Health Sciences Counselor, Mindy Marlatt, to have your transcripts evaluated and to develop your education plan. Contact Mindy Marlatt at (530) 242-7724 or mmarlatt@shastacollege.edu, or schedule a counseling appointment online on the Shasta College website.
The courses are offered online.
HIT courses are scheduled over a period of two academic years (4 semesters). You will not be able to complete the program in less than two years.
Students must complete California State University (CSU) requirements for General Education in order to earn an A.S. degree in Health Information Technology.
Yes.
For California residents, students enrolled in lower-division coursework pay $46 per unit.
Students will be required to copmlete and pay for a physical exam, TB skin test, required immunizations, a background check/drug screening and any additional clinic-specific requirements required by the clinical sites to begin the clinical experience. In additional to the cost of textbooks, there is a fee for use of educational software used in some of the course work.
Graduates of Shasta College's Associate of Science in Health Information Technology program will be offered a spot in the Bachelor of Science Health Information Management program.
Yes.
No. You must complete your training and earn an A.S. in Heatlh Information Technology in order to be eligible to write the RHIT exam.
The demand for health information professionals is on the rise at all levels of education and credentialing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites medical records and health information technicians as one of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the U.S.
For program information, you may email Andrew Dowgiert, MSHIM,RHIA, Director of HIT/HIM at adowgiert@shastacollege.edu.
More information about a career in the health information field may be found on these websites: