Health Information Technology
Health Information Technology (HIT) graduates may be eligible to write the national certification examination to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
About Health Information Technology
An exciting career in Health Information Technology is suited for individuals who are interested in medicine, business, and the latest in computer technology. CVCC offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology as well as a Certificate option.
The Health Information Technology accreditation
The Health Information Technology program accreditor of Catawba Valley Community College is the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The college's accreditation for the Associate Degree in Applied Science in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2027-2028. 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
Why choose the Health Information Technology program?
- The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has targeted HIT as one of the top professions for projected growth potential.
- The health care field is one of the most secure job markets today;
- The ability to work remotely (from home) is an opportunity for several HIM positions and is attractive to many job seekers.
- CVCC graduates have excellent job placement rates!
Places to Work
While most RHITs 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. RHITs may also be employed in any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors.
RHITs:
- Ensure the quality of medical/health 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. An additional role for RHITs is a cancer registrar — compiling and maintaining data on cancer patients.
Degree Completion Time
Students who attend full time should be able to earn the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology in about two years. Graduates will be eligible to take the national examination to become a Registered Health Information Technician. Flexible course scheduling allows students to maintain a part-time job. For students who choose to attend part-time, the program may take longer than two years.
Clinical Experiences
Students in the HIT program will travel to various locations for a clinical/professional experience during daytime hours. Clinical sites may require a criminal background check and drug screening. Students are required to use CastleBranch, a background screening and compliance management company, for these screenings. There are fees for this service. If any clinical facility refuses to allow a student access to a clinical experience, the student will be unable to complete program requirements. In addition, students will submit a Health Services Student Medical Form.
Students will incur cost other than tuition, fees, books, and supplies
At some point in the duration of the HIT program, students will have additional expenses including, but not limited to, the following:
- 2 step TB skin test, $50
- Hepatitis vaccine (3), $175
- MMR (2) and Varicella (2), $390
- TDAP, $55
- Physical Exam (estimate), $150
- Travel expense to clinical sites vary
- AHIMA Membership Dues, $45
- Registry Exam Fee, $230
- Drug Screen (estimate), $50
- Criminal Background Check, $55
- CVCC Diploma Fee, $25
All above costs are estimated and subject to change.
How to get started?
All persons applying for admission to CVCC must complete the North Carolina Residency Questionnaire, the CVCC Application for Admission and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid found at Apply Now.
Following Application submission, applicants must meet with an Admissions staff member in the Student Services building for a personalized enrollment visit. No appointment is needed. At that time, applicants are provided enrollment and registration information.
Program Information
Program Options
Program Options
- Health Information Technology, AAS
- Health Information Technology Certificate
- Health Information Technology High School Pathway Certificate
Please see the catalog for more information about the degree option in this curriculum.
Related Programs
Related Programs
Information
Information
Health Information Packets and Forms
» Student Medical Forms for Healthcare Programs ( Please do not submit these to CVCC.)
2020 -2021 student Outcomes
| Graduation Rate | 88% |
| Employment Rate | 86% |
| RHIT Certification Exam Pass Rate | 100% |
Surveyed CVCC graduate respondents unanimously agreed that they were satisfied with their professional preparation.
Technical Standards
Technical Standards
The following activities are examples of the kind of activities which a student in the Health Information Technology program will be required to perform in order to successfully complete the program. If an accepted applicant believes that he/she cannot meet one of more of the standards without accommodations or modifications, the applicant should consult the director of the program for students with disabilities.
| Issue | Standard | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Skills | Written and verbal communication skills to permit effective interaction with others | Write job descriptions, Query physician for information regarding diagnoses |
| Visual Skills | Visual acuity sufficient to read and access medical information in a variety of media (i.e., paper records, computerized data) | Perform quantitative analysis on paper medical records, Assign ICD-10 codes using computerized coding package |
| Mobility | Sufficient mobility to maneuver in office areas | Typical office functions |
| Motor Skills | Motor skills sufficient to perform standard record processing and data input tasks | Input medical information into a computer |
| Cognitive Skills | Cognitive ability sufficient to perform standard record filing, abstracting, and coding tasks | Abstract data from patient records, Assign diagnostic/procedure codes |
Please note: Examples are not all inclusive.
If you have a disability and need accommodations, please contact the Counselor/Students with Disabilities Program at least 72 hours in advance at (828) 327-7000, ext. 4222 or accommodations@cvcc.edu
Career Outlook
Health Information Technology: Career Outlook
CONTACT INFORMATION
Director of Health Information Technology
Health Information Technology
Email:
Barbara Beatty
Phone: 828-327-7000
x4104
Office Number: REP 230
Health Information Technology Instructor
Health Information Technology
Email:
Dana Huffman
Phone: 828-327-7000
x4088
Office Number: REP 242
For questions regarding admissions requirements, contact:
Admissions
healthcare@cvcc.edu
(828) 327-7000, ext. 4216