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 ?

• 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 )
• Grand Canyon University Online Founded in 1949 as a private, non-denominational Christian university, Grand Canyon University emphasizes individual attention and staff support. Students learn professional essentials for success in Education careers - all with the convenience of flexible online classes. ( 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 )
• Regis University Online Founded in 1877, Regis University Online offers college education in the form of Bachelor and Master Degrees in Business, Information Technology, Education, and Management. Accelerated online learning allows students to progress at an individually comfortable pace and tailor-fit courses to match their career goals. ( More Info )
• American Sentinel University Since 1998, experienced professionals and non-traditional students have turned to American Sentinel University to fulfill their educational goals. With a full spectrum of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, American Sentinel provides students with accredited and flexible online learning at an affordable price. Students also appreciate American Sentinel's focus on providing personal support. ( More Info )
• Keiser University eCampus Keiser University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, 404.679.4501, to award associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in the fields of Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Computer Networking, Medical Assisting and Medical Administration. ( More Info )
• Lincoln Online Lincoln Online is the online division of Career Education Institute. Lincoln Online offers Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Health Information Technology and Criminal Justice. Lincoln Online is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and licensed by the State of Georgia's Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission. ( More Info )
• Herzing University Online Herzing University Online offers students online options to obtain their Diploma, Bachelor's and Associate degrees in either business, healthcare, law or technology. ( 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 )
• Penn Foster Career School - Healthcare Penn Foster Career School is one of the world's largest distance learning institutions, offers Diploma programs in the fields of Health Information Management, Dental Assisting, Medical Office Administration, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing & Coding, Occupational Therapy Aid, Pharmacy Tech and Veterinary Tech. ( More Info )
• Penn Foster College Penn Foster College is one of the largest and most respected Distance Learning Institutions offering Associate degree programs. Penn Foster College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. ( More Info )