Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology Programs

Health information technologists develop software systems that healthcare providers use to review patient records and prescribe medication. This profession is projected to grow faster than other healthcare jobs in the next decade. This projection and higher-than-average median salary make becoming a healthcare information technologist an appealing healthcare career.

You need an associate in health information technology to enter the field. Consider enrolling in a local community or junior college. These schools charge in-district and in-state students the lowest tuition rate.

This article highlights the best online associate health information technology degrees. Other sections cover potential career paths and answer frequently asked questions.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Individuals who want to pursue a career in health information technology should be creative and work well as part of a team. They should find it easy to empathize with others and be able to go with the flow, accepting whatever comes their way. It also helps to have a knack for explaining things to other people.

An associate program in health information technology consists of around 60-70 credits and takes about two years to complete. In a typical program, students learn about health insurance and reimbursement, legal and regulatory issues, and health services information systems. Students also learn to document and record information in electronic format.

Most associate degrees in health information technology are either AAS or associate of science (AS) degrees. The AAS degree generally prepares students to enter the workforce directly after graduation, while the AS degree is aimed more at preparing students to transfer to a four-year college to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

In this course, students learn the basic vocabulary, symbols, and abbreviations used in medical practices. They learn to recognize common prefixes, suffixes, and root words used in medical terminology.

Students taking this course will learn about the health information systems that health insurers, hospitals, and other healthcare businesses use to store and exchange information about their patients.

This course introduces students to the formatting of patient records, the creation of indexes and registries, and the storage requirements for patient records. Students learn how to design the forms that are used to input patient data.

In this course, students learn about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other legislation that affects health information. They learn about patients’ right to privacy and other ethical issues in healthcare.

This course teaches students how patient care is financed through health insurance. Students study processes and practices, reimbursement, and payment methodologies.

The admission requirements for a community college are usually less stringent than those for a four-year college or university. Students still need to meet certain minimum requirements, however. Even community colleges may require a minimum high school GPA or a minimum score on a college entrance exam.

You’ll need to start the admissions process by filling out an application form and submitting an application fee. This can usually be done online. You’ll also need to submit your official high school transcripts or prove that you passed the GED test to earn your GED diploma.

Some schools require an application essay or letters of recommendation. If you’ve been working in the medical field, you may be able to take tests to prove your existing knowledge in order to gain college credit for life and work experience.

The BLS projects the need for healthcare information technologists to grow 16% between 2022-2032. The BLS bases this projection on economic trends, such as more workers retiring in recent years. Professionals in this field earn an average salary of $45,586, according to Payscale.

Medical records and health information specialists often work in general medical and surgical hospitals. They also work in physicians’ offices, educational services, governmental agencies, and professional and scientific services.

See where an associate in health information technology can take you. Learn more about healthcare careers.

Since many employers look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, some graduates with an associate in health information technology eventually go back to school. They may pursue a bachelor’s in health information technology or health informatics.

A bachelor’s degree program in health informatics can prepare students for higher-level careers in the field, such as medical records manager and medical office manager. Candidates are more likely to move up to management-level positions in health information technology if they possess a bachelor’s degree.

Another degree path for those with an associate in health information technology is healthcare administration or healthcare management. Those with serious ambitions of moving up the healthcare ladder may even consider further education to earn a doctorate in healthcare administration or healthcare management.

When considering a program’s cost, be sure to consider the total cost, including tuition, room and board, and fees. Public in-state, two-year colleges are often more affordable than private schools. Online colleges often charge students in-state tuition. Costs vary from one school to another, so shop around.

Online programs may be synchronous or asynchronous. Asynchronous programs allow you to log in and view the material whenever it is convenient to you, as long as you meet the required deadlines. Part-time programs may allow you to continue working, while full-time and accelerated programs allow you to finish school more quickly. Some accelerated programs allow you to earn an associate degree in as little as 18 months.

If you’re attending college online, location may not matter. However, when evaluating an online associate in health information technology program, check with the school to make sure there are no in-person requirements. If you live in New York City and the program requires you to attend an orientation in California, that course of study may not be right for you.

If you take classes at a school that is not properly accredited, it may not be possible to transfer your credits if you need to switch schools. It is much easier to transfer credits from an accredited college or university. In addition to institutional accreditation, some schools gain programmatic accreditation for specific courses of study.

Many schools offer a variety of student support services, including online support services for remote students who cannot access them in person. You should consider what services you need and check to see if the school offers them. Student services can include tutoring, internships, mentorships, and alumni connections.