Health Information Technology

Students will learn about medical coding, medical terminology, electronic health records, healthcare reimbursement systems, and healthcare data analysis. Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and government agencies. This program emphasizes the importance of accuracy, privacy, and security of health information, and prepares students to take the national certification exam to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

What is Health Information Technology?

Health Information Technology (HIT) is the management of health information using technology to improve healthcare delivery. It involves the collection, processing, storage, and exchange of health information in electronic format. HIT includes electronic health records (EHRs), health information exchange (HIE), telehealth, personal health records (PHRs), and other digital tools that help healthcare professionals manage patient information more efficiently and effectively. HIT plays a critical role in improving patient care, reducing medical errors, enhancing patient safety, and increasing efficiency in the healthcare system.

Is Health Information Technology right for Me?

A Health Information Technology associate of science degree would benefit individuals who are interested in working in the healthcare field but prefer a non-clinical role. The program is ideal for individuals who have strong computer skills, attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and an interest in healthcare data management. Additionally, individuals who are looking to start a new career, switch to a different healthcare profession or enhance their existing skills would benefit from the program. The program is suitable for individuals who are interested in working in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, and government agencies, and more.

Some key traits and skills that would make someone a good fit for studying Health Information Technology include:

• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking skills
• Strong computer skills
• Good communication skills
• Ethics and professionalism
• Adaptability and continuous learning

Degrees/Certificates

• Health Information Technology Associate of Science Degree

Careers

With a Health Information Technology associate degree, there are various career paths available in the healthcare industry. Some possible careers include:

1. Health Information Technician: Health Information Technicians organize and manage patient health information data. They are responsible for ensuring that all medical records are accurate, complete, and secure.
2. Medical Coder: Medical Coders assign medical codes to patient diagnoses and treatments for insurance billing purposes. They ensure that all codes are accurate and follow industry standards.
3. Health Information Analyst: Health Information Analysts collect and analyze patient data to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. They use data analysis tools to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for improvement.
4. Medical Records Technician: Medical Records Technicians manage and maintain patient health records. They are responsible for ensuring that all records are accurate, complete, and secure.
5. Electronic Health Records Specialist: Electronic Health Records (EHR) Specialists manage and maintain electronic health records systems. They ensure that all records are accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to authorized healthcare providers.
6. Compliance Officer: Compliance Officers ensure that healthcare providers comply with industry regulations and standards. They ensure that all patient data is handled ethically, securely, and in compliance with legal and industry requirements.

Beyond BC

Transfer to a University

Graduates with an Associate Degree from Bakersfield College may choose to continue their education at a university to earn a 4-year degree. See your Counselor and/or a Transfer Specialist for specific questions, options, and opportunities.

Transfer Pathways

Department and Pathway

Academic Department: Allied Health

Career & Learning Pathway: Health Sciences Pathway

Courses

See the entire list of Health Information Technology (HEIT) courses available at BC in the catalog.

Accreditation & Certification

Accreditation: The Health Information Management accreditor of Bakersfield College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for Associate degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2028-2029. 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.

Certification: As a Bakersfield College HIT program graduate, students are eligible to apply for writing the national examination for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

Web Resources

• American Health Information Management Association
• Health Information and Management Systems
• California Health Information Association
• American Academy of Professional Coders
• American Medical Association

Upcoming Program Events

• HIT Program Fall 2023 Speaker Series - Meet the Faculty: 8/31/23 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Register Now)
• HIT Program Fall 2023 Open House: Date/Time TBD
• HIT Program Spring 2024 Speaker Series- A Conversation with Health Information Professionals: Date/Time TBD
• HIT Program Spring 2024 Open House: Date/Time TBD