Health Information Technology, AAS

The Shelton State Community College Health Information Technology program (HIT) is designed to prepare individuals, to construct medical records and clinical databases, retrieve data, control security and quality of records, supervise data entry, and manage health information personnel. The program includes instruction in clinical and biomedical sciences, information management, database management, medical coding and validation, information security, quality improvement, health information content and structure, medical business procedures, and legal requirements of health information. The student receives laboratory simulation and hands-on experience under the guidance of HIT professionals.

The Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) is the accrediting organization for educational programs in health information technology. In the future, the College plans to make the application and meet the guidelines to become accredited by CAHIIM. Only graduates of a CAHIIM accredited HIT program are eligible to sit for the national examination to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

With experience, individuals that hold the RHIT credential have solid potential for advancement to management positions, especially when combined with a bachelor’s degree. RHITs may be employed in any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as office-based physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities, and public health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors.

Employment of health information technicians is projected to grow 13% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, 2018.

Admission Procedure:

1. Apply online for admission to Shelton State Community College.
2. Submit copies of official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended to the Office of Enrollment Services for evaluation for course credits and GPA.
3. Meet all academic requirements and complete program admission requirements (listed below).

Admission Requirements:

1. Complete and submit HIT program application by the published deadline.
2. A copy of ACT scores showing composite score of 17 or above (taken within the last five (5) years).
3. A copy of College Placement Test scores showing a reading score of 70 or above (taken within the last three (3) years).
4. An overall GPA of 2.5 or above on the general education courses and HIT 110  (a grade of 70 “C” or above must be earned in the general education courses and HIT 110 ).

*If the ACT has been taken within the past three (3) years, an ACT reading sub score of seventeen (17) may be accepted in lieu of the College Placement Test Reading score.