Program Information
The Anoka Technical College Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Health Information Technology (HIT) is a 64-credit program that prepares students for a career working in health care and settings where health information is utilized. A student graduating with an HIT degree is well prepared to assume an entry-level position in this professional field.
Successful graduates are prepared to demonstrate:
- Essential professional and technical knowledge
- Skills and competencies fundamental to the health information management profession
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- Problem solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills
Program Learning Outcomes
- Successful completion of the degree will allow the student to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam.
- Successful completion of the degree will allow the student to work in a hospital/healthcare setting beginning as an entry-level supervisor.
- Successful completion of the degree will allow the student to sit for a number of coding credentials, such as the CCA, CCS, CCSP, CPC, CPC-H.
- Successful completion of the degree will allow the student to work in a hospital, clinic, public health facility, insurance company, or related facility.
- Successful completion of the degree will allow the student to deal with confidential patient information and work in the area of release of information.
- Successful completion of the degree will allow the student to transfer to a four-year degree program in Health Information Management.
- Successful completion of the degree will allow the student to further their career path by continuing their education in Tumor Registry.
Industry and Career Outlook
The Health Information Management (HIM) professional is an important connection between doctors, patients, insurance providers, and other healthcare professionals within the field. By maintaining, collecting, and analyzing health information, the HIM professional makes an important behind the scenes contribution to the delivery of quality care. Besides working with cutting-edge technology, HIM professionals are experts in the field of patient health information and health records.
Successful completion of the degree will allow the student to:
- Further their career path by continuing their education in Tumor, Trauma, or other Registries.
- Verify health records completeness and accuracy and proper entry into computer systems.
- Utilize computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data.
- Code diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement and research.
- Compiling and maintaining registry data.
- Assure patient privacy and data security.
Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Accreditation
The Health Information Technology accreditor of Anoka Technical College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the associate degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2022. 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@cahiim.org.
Background Study
Minnesota Law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and residents at a health care facility licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health have a background study conducted by the state.
Program Start Dates
Fall Semester: August
Spring Semester: January
Graduation Requirements
All courses required for this program must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
Faculty Contact
Georgina Sampson: 763-576-4042
Jody Sandberg: 763-576-4066
For information on how to apply, to schedule a tour, or for service during summer hours, contact Enrollment Services at 763-576-7710 or EnrollmentServices@anokatech.edu
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