Health Information Technology, AAS

The Health Information Technology program is designed to prepare individuals, under the supervision of health information administrators and other professionals, to construct medical records and clinical databases, perform manipulations on retrieved data, control the security and quality of records, and supervise data entry and technical auxiliary services personnel. It includes instruction in clinical and biomedical science data and information requirements, database management, data coding and validation, information security, quality control, health information content and structure, medical business procedures, and legal requirements.

Health information technicians play a vital role in making our healthcare system work. They perform the data collection and analysis that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals need to do their jobs well and are a key part of quality patient care. Health information technicians may be employed by any facility that manages patient information, such as a hospital, clinic, physician office, insurance company, or medical research center.

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

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 76 or above (taken within the last three (3) years).
4. A 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 eighteen (18) may be accepted in lieu of the College Placement Test Reading score.