What is Health Information Technology?

Health information technology programs teach students how to manage computer systems and analog archives that enable secure record keeping and the exchange of health information between consumers, providers, government, and insurers. Health information technology is one of the most rapidly innovating sectors of the healthcare industry today. The main duties of a health information technologist are to ensure that medical data is stored, retrieved, shared, and used effectively and seamlessly. Both nursing and medical assistants frequently use health information technology in their everyday work, so familiarity of it is essential to succeed in these careers. The ideas coming out of leaders in this field have the capability to:

• Improve the quality of healthcare
• Reduce costs
• Decrease paperwork
• Prevent medical errors
• Expand access to medical information

Earning a Degree in Health Information Technology

Degrees in health information technology from schools like Purdue University and Herzing University teach students how to use technology to collect, analyze, monitor, maintain, and report health data. Courses instruct students on the processes and methodologies for the dissemination of health information, the entering of clinical information, and the processing and use of health data for clinical quality management, billing and reimbursement, and compliance with HIPAA privacy regulations. Graduates work as information technology associates in numerous healthcare environments. Candidates are more competitive for employment if they obtain the Registered Health Information Technician certification.

Degrees in Health Information Technology

• George Mason University: MS in Health Informatics
• Grand Canyon University: MS in Health Care Informatics
• Rasmussen College: AS in Health Information Technician
• Saint Joseph’s University: MS in Health Administration – Informatics
• Ultimate Medical Academy: AS in Health Information Technology