Health Information Technology, A.A.S.

A45360M Total credit hours: 67

The Health Information Technology Curriculum is designed to provide individuals with the technical knowledge and skills to process, analyze, maintain and report health information data in compliance with legal, accreditation, licensure and certification standards.

Course work includes diagnosis and procedure coding/classification systems, privacy and security strategies, health informatics, data analytics and use, revenue cycle management, regulatory compliance, and organizational leadership.

Graduates of this program may be eligible to write the national certification exam to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). Employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, health insurance organizations, outpatient clinics, physicians’ offices, hospice, and mental health facilities.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate effective, professional written and oral communication skills with consumers and co-workers.
2. Use and apply critical thinking skills and basic health information management principles to recognize, analyze, and solve problems.
3. Perform and interpret math calculations related to descriptive healthcare statistics.
4. Use current technology to access and process health information.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level health information competencies.
6. Practice in a legal, ethical, and professional manner by demonstrating responsibility, initiative, positive attitudes toward those of diverse backgrounds, integrity, time management skills, and the ability to work in teams in a healthcare setting.

Accreditation

The Health Information Management accreditor of Davidson-Davie Community College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the 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 (opens in new window).

Program Director 
Heather Watson, RHIA
Smith Health Sciences Center - Office 120
336.249.8186 x6310
heather_watson@davidsonccc.edu

Program Faculty: Shannon Grubb

Health Information Technology Outcomes 2019-2020:
93% of students that entered the final year of the HIT program graduated.  
100% of students indicated satisfaction with the HIT program on the graduate survey. 
89% of graduates passed the RHIT exam during the 08/01/2019-07/31/2020 time frame.
100% of the students that completed the HIT program graduate survey indicated they were employed or had gone on to further their education.

Technical Standards

In addition to Davidson-Davie requirements and course objectives, there are professional standards that encompass communication, motor skills, sensory and cognitive ability and professional conduct that are essential for the competent study and practice of health information technology. These technical standards are published in the application for admission to health programs and the program student handbook and/or are available from program faculty. Health Information Technology Technical Standards (PDF opens in new window)  

Transfer Credit for Health Information Technology Courses

The decision regarding transfer credit for health information courses is made by the Program Director, in consultation with members of the faculty. Syllabi for courses for which credit is requested will be required.

The HIT program will only accept transfer credit for HIT prefixed courses from CAHIIM Accredited institutions.  A maximum of 15 hours of HIT prefixed courses may be transferred in from another accredited institution. Transfer credit must be evaluated by the program and is not guaranteed.

Progression Requirements

A student must earn a grade of “C” or better in all HIT, BIO, MED, and ENG prefix courses in order to progress in the program.

Clinical Clearance Requirements 

A criminal background check, drug screen, and up-to-date immunizations are required by the clinical site prior to participation in the clinical component.

If any clinical facility denies a student’s participation in clinical experiences in that clinical agency, the student will not be able to progress in the program.

NOTE: Special legal requirements exist which may limit the ability of an individual to obtain clinical experience, employment, or certification in the Health Information field. Prospective students should obtain additional information from a College Adviser or program faculty member prior to seeking admission.

Program Requirements:

Once students start HIT-110, they MUST stay continuously enrolled in HIT prefix courses.