Health Information Technology, A.A.S.

A45360

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

Program Faculty: Shannon Grubb

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.

Program Requirements

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). 

Health Information Technology Outcomes:

• 100% of students that entered the final year of the HIT Program graduated. (Class of 2022)
• 100% of the students that completed the HIT Graduate Survey indicated satisfaction with the education they had received. Employers of recent graduates also indicated 100 % satisfaction with the recent graduates they hired. (2021-2022)
• 75% of graduates passed the RHIT exam on the first attempt during the 08/01/2022-10/31/2022 time frame. (Percentage reflects most recently provided results.)
• 100% of the students that completed the HIT program graduate survey indicated they were employed or had gone on to further their education. (2021-2022)

Admission Requirements

Students must demonstrate English and mathematics “college readiness” levels, via college-level English/math courses or by completion of or waiver credit for specified “transition” or co-requisite courses. In addition, students must complete the Allied Health Orientation in order to be eligible to enroll in program-specific courses.  Please note that while this program is online, students must complete clinicals in North Carolina.

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.

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.

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 this profession. Health Information Technology Technical Standards (PDF opens in new window)  

Transfer Options

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.

Curriculum Guide

*Note: Once a student begins HIT-110, they must stay continuously enrolled in HIT-prefix courses.  Students who drop HIT prefix courses may be removed from the program.