Health Information Technology, AAS

The Shelton State Community College Health Information Technology (HIT) Program is designed to prepare individuals, 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 (CAHIIM) Education is the accrediting organization for educational programs in Health Information Technology. The Associate Degree Health Information Management Program is in candidacy status, pending accreditation review by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) Education. Only a graduate of a CAHIIM-accredited HIT program is eligible to take the national examination to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). CAHIIM is located at 233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60601-5800 (phone 312.233.1100). 

With experience, individuals who 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, public health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors.

Employment of health information technicians is projected to grow thirteen percent 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 online SSCC HIT Program application by July 1 each year to begin the program in the fall semester.
2. Submit a copy of an ACT reading score of 17 or higher or a copy of an ACCUPLACER reading score of 244 or higher. The reading scores must be current within the last five (5) years.
3. Submit an overall GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale on all college coursework completed and a GPA of 2.5 or higher on the required general education courses and HIT 110. A grade of  “C” (70) or above must be earned in the required general education courses and HIT 110 .
4. Complete prerequisite general education courses with a grade of “C” (70) or higher grade: MTH 116  or higher MTH, ENG 101  , HIT 110  , BIO 201  , and BIO 202 .
5. Attend a Health Services Program Information Session within a year of applying to the program.