More Information About Healthcare Information Systems

What should I know when considering a degree in Healthcare Information Systems?

• Health information technology is one of the 20 fastest growing careers.
• This is one of the few health care careers that requires little to no contact with patients.
• Health information technology is core to maintaining an organized health care system.

What does a health information technologist do?

A Health Information Technician (HIT) is a professional trained specifically to run computer programs that improve patient care, help control costs, and improve data availability for research. HITs usually work in a comfortable office and they are in one of the few health care positions that requires little to no contact with patients. Their job is create and maintain the "computer brain" that runs health care facilities. Work places include hospitals, insurance companies, physicians offices, and public health agencies. Medical records and health information technicians usually work a 40-hour week. In hospitals, where health information departments often are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, technicians may work day, evening, and night shifts.

What is the job outlook for a health information technologist?

Careers in health information technology are among the 20 fastest growing occupations in the United States. Opportunities are especially bright for technicians with a strong background in medical coding

How much money will a health information technologist make?

The average yearly salary for a health information technologist is $39,000, with a range from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience and location. Health and retirement benefits vary by workplace.

How does someone become a health information technologist?

A health information technologist must have a high school diploma or an equivalent and employers usually require an associate's degree from a junior or community college, or a bachelor's degree. Sometimes employers will train and promote an in-house medical office clerk, who has two to four years of experience, into a HIT position. However, most employers like to hire those that have passed the "Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT)" exam. In smaller health care facilities, experienced technicians with RHIT credentials may also be promoted to a director or assistant director position in a medical health information department. In larger institutions, however, the director usually is an administrator with a bachelor's degree in medical records and health information administration.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Healthcare Information Systems?

Western Governors University : Western Governors University emphasizes mastery of essential skills and knowledge in your field, basing progress toward your online degree on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) instead of accumulating credit hours. We call it competency-based learning. WGU offers Bachelors and Masters degree programs in Healthcare, Business, MBA, IT and Education. (More Info) University of Phoenix - Healthcare : Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is the largest accredited university in the U.S. The healthcare programs offered include bachelor's degrees in health administration and nursing, master's degrees in healthcare management, nursing, and healthcare education, and a doctoral degree in healthcare administration. Many healthcare professionals find a way to continue working in their field, while they earn a degree in as few as 2 years. (More Info) Walden University : Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. (More Info) Capella University (Graduate) : Capella University offers online graduate degree learning in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Business, and Technology. Students earn master and doctorate degrees while preparing for professional entry-level and advanced career opportunities—all without entering a classroom. (More Info) Kaplan University - Healthcare Programs : Kaplan University Online offers accredited associate, bachelor, and master degree programs in Nursing, Health and Wellness, Nutrition, Medical Assisting and Healthcare Management. These programs enable you with the knowledge and the credentials for a career in Healthcare and Human Services fields. (More Info) DeVry University : DeVry University provides career-oriented undergraduate and graduate degree programs in technology, business and management. With campuses and university centers across the US, DeVry provides a flexible and convenient environment to earn your degree. In many cases, you can earn your Bachelor's degree in three years or less. (More Info) National American University Online : National American University Online offers flexible distance learning programs for Associate and Bachelors degrees in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Health Care, and Information Technology. (More Info) ITT Technical Institute : With over 85 campuses nation-wide, ITT Technical Institute offers the most comprehensive business & technical degree programs at your convenience. ITT Technical Institute offers leading edge online degree programs in Information Technology, Accounting, Business, and Criminal Justice. (More Info) Strayer University Online : At Strayer University, you can complete a degree or quickly gain marketable skills and specialized knowledge through a six to 12-course certificate or diploma. Many of our programs also provide the background to prepare for professional certification in a wide variety of disciplines. Associate, bachelor, and master degrees are also offered. (More Info) Vanderbilt University : With a history dating back to 1909, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing has an established reputation for excellence in nursing education. Vanderbilt's Master of Science in Nursing degree programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. (More Info)