Print Program Overview and Courses
Associate Degree: 2 Years, 67 Credits
Oshkosh Campus
Financial Aid Eligible
Career Opportunities
Health Information Technology is a rapidly growing field of study and requires minimal interaction with patients. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in health information is expected to grow by 20% from 2008-2018. These professionals work in numerous settings such as hospitals, physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, ambulatory care centers, consulting firms and insurance companies-basically anywhere that collects, maintains, analyzes and uses medical records and data.
Health information professionals gather, code, manage and maintain patient health information. They should be very detail-oriented and often function as detectives. Proper coding and information management is necessary for health care providers to get reimbursed accurately and in a timely manner. In addition to saving money, the health information industry can improve the safety and efficiency of patient care by making accurate, updated patient information readily accessible to health care providers.
As a graduate of this program, you may find employment as Health Information Technicians—where you would compile, maintain and analyze health data. With an associate’s degree in this field of study, potential positions in the field may include revenue cycle management, coding, billing, risk management, medical records administration, informatics-electronic health record implementation/development.
Program Description
The Health Information Technology (HIT) program follows a two-year curriculum based on current competencies outlined by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). HIT graduates are prepared to work with application systems and manage electronic health information and data bases. You will have access to up-to-date coding and chart management lab software and the opportunity for professional practice experience. The program is considered hybrid, meaning over 50% of the program is online. In the second year, the program has two separate courses for students to gain field experience in healthcare settings which will be valuable as you seek employment.
FVTC has applied for Candidacy status for the program to become accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM). Candidacy does not provide eligibility for enrolled students to apply for the AHIMA entry-level certification examinations until formal Accreditation is awarded.
Program/Plan Admission Requirements
Note: ACCUPLACER Reading Score of 54 and Sentence Skills Score of 83 or greater, or completion of the appropriate Program Prep courses is required prior to enrollment into first term core courses.
Program Outcomes
- Manage health data.
- Apply coding and reimbursement systems.
- Model professional behaviors and ethics.
- Maintain electronic applications to manage health information.
- Apply organizational management techniques.
Program Offered at This Location
- Oshkosh Riverside—150 N. Campbell Road
Helpful High School Courses
Courses in Biology, Anatomy, Microsoft Office and English.
Contact Us
For additional information, call or e-mail Tanya Mulder at (920) 236-6141.
For additional program/admission information, View Program Plan.