Health Information Technology--More About the Program

Moraine Valley Community College's Health Information Technology Program prepares you for a career that places you right where the expanding arena of health care meets the cutting edge of technology. Health information technicians ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. They also may use computer applications to analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs. 

Health Information Technicians (RHITs) often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. Health Information Technology is a two-year associate's degree program that integrates medical science, ICD-9, ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT and HCPCS Level II coding systems, computer technology, and health care management. Upon completion of the HIT Program, graduates will be eligible to write the national registration exam given by the American Health Information Management Association. Successfully completing this exam allows the graduate to earn the credential RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician).

This program is intended to lead to employment. If you are considering transferring to a four-year college or university to obtain a bachelor's degree using the courses from the program, make an appointment with an academic advisor to review your options.  

Nature of Work   
Although most RHITs work in hospitals, you also will find them in a variety of other healthcare settings including office-based physician practices, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, mental health facilities, and public health agencies. In fact, employment opportunities exist for RHITs in any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors. 

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Employment Outlook�Medical records and health information technicians held about 172,500 jobs in 2008. About 39 percent of jobs were in hospitals. Health information technicians work at a number of healthcare providers such as offices of physicians, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, and home healthcare services. Technicians also may be employed outside of healthcare facilities, such as in Federal Government agencies.

Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 20 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. Employment growth will result from the increase in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures that will be performed. As the population continues to age, the occurrence of health-related problems will increase. Cancer registrars should experience job growth as the incidence of cancer increases from an aging population.

In addition, with the increasing use of electronic health records, more technicians will be needed to complete the new responsibilities associated with electronic data management. In addition to job growth, numerous openings will result from the need to replace medical record and health information technicians who retire or leave the occupation permanently. Technicians that demonstrate a strong understanding of technology and computer software will be in particularly high demand. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011Edition, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, on the Internet at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm. (visited 01/05/11)

For salary information, visit the American Health Information Management Association (www.ahima.org). A basic salary report, based on broad national data, reported exclusively by human resources departments of employers from all sizes, industries and locations (www.salary.com), showed the median salary for medical record technicians in the Chicago area to be $37,777. The 25th percentile was $33,158 and the 75th percentile was $41,411.

Criminal Background Checks
In order to comply with certain state statutes and/or clinical affiliation agreements, students are asked to complete a criminal background check. Application forms for criminal background checks may be obtained through the Career Programs Subdivision Office, B150, and fees paid to the Cashier�s Office. For information on criminal background application procedures, contact the Career Programs Subdivision Office at (708) 974-5708. Deadline dates for completion of criminal background checks will be announced by Program Coordinators.

Moraine Valley is a comprehensive, full-service community college with an open-door admission policy for high school graduates or others qualified to enter. Admission is available to individuals 18 or older who are high school graduates/GED recipients.