OVERVIEW
What is a Health Information Technician?
A health information technician is someone who values compliance, accuracy, and functionality. They are the protector of patients’ electronic health records (EHRs), verifying that they are correct, accessible, and secure.
Health information technicians have an interest in both technology and healthcare industries and can come from a diverse range of backgrounds. They don't shy away from problem-solving and are motivated by fast-paced, changing environments.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Health Information Technician Do?
Health information technicians gather information from patients' treatments and follow-ups in order to analyze and provide data to any legal requests, authorizations and record requests. They also provide administration support to other staff in the health information management departments. Their day-to-day can consist of varied responsibilities surrounding patient data. Common tasks include:
- Reviewing patient data and medical records for accuracy and quality control.
- Organizing and maintaining patient data for clinical databases and registries.
- Tracking patient outcomes for quality assessment purposes.
- Using classification software to code and categorize health information and medical records for insurance reimbursement and data analysis purposes.
- Electronically recording data for collection, storage, analysis, retrieval, and reporting.
- Maintaining confidentiality, security, and accessibility of medical records, including prescriptions and treatment histories.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Health Information Technician?
Health information technicians typically hold a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field and possess industry knowledge before entering their role. A Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management is a degree that sets candidates up with the education requirements, certifications, and experience qualifications to enter HIT roles with confidence. Key subject areas of the program include:
- Healthcare Ecosystems
- Intro to Healthcare IT Systems
- Health Information Law and Regulations
- Healthcare Information Systems Management
- Foundations in Healthcare Data Management
- Medical Terminology
- Pathophysiology
- Introduction to Pharmacology
- Classification Systems
- Healthcare Compliance
- Healthcare Statistics and Research
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Quality and Performance Management and Methods
- Healthcare System Applications
- Data Analytics
Candidates will also need to pass a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam from the American Health Information Management Association.
Best Degrees for a Health Information Technician
Health & Nursing
Health Information Management – B.S.
A program designed for future leaders in HIM....
A program designed for future leaders in HIM.
- Time: 61% of grads earned this degree in 36 months or less.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Medical Terminology
- Healthcare System Applications
- Health Information Law and Regulations
- Healthcare Project Management
- Data Analytics and Information Governance
This CAHIIM-accredited program makes you eligible for the RHIA exam.
The best degree for a Health Information Technician is a bachelor of science in health information management. In fact, 92% of students who enroll in our program pass with their full accreditations and are ready to enter the healthcare workforce immediately, with the majority finishing their program in just 36 months.
How Much Does a Health Information Technician Make?
$46,630
In 2023, health information technicians made an average of $46,630 per year, with the typical range falling between $41,384 and $52,551. Level of education, certifications, and years of experience are the most common factors contributing to higher annual pay.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
8%
Medical record and health information specialist roles are projected to grow 8%, which is faster than the national average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This rise can be attributed to an aging population requiring more medical services and a need for technical experience within field roles like a HIT.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Health Information Technician Need?
If you are interested in pursuing a health information technician role, it is crucial to have a basic understanding of the healthcare field, an interest in analytical processes, and a balance of soft skills that allow you to function with cross-divisional team members and providers. Some commonly listed skills in HIT job descriptions include:
- Highly organized, with an ability to keep records and assess incoming data
- Detail-oriented, paying special attention to each patient’s specific needs
- Respect for compliance and confidentiality
- Excellent communication skills when conversing with medical teams, insurance providers, and patients
- Problem-solving mentality, with an ability to think quickly and shift gears in a constantly changing environment
- Healthcare industry knowledgeable, with an understanding of terms, roles, and functions
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