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Health Information Technology

Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Overview

Health information technicians organize and manage health information data. They ensure that the information maintains its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper files and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories. 

Health information technicians play a vital role in the health care industry by participating in the creation, completion, distribution and retention of medical record documentation according to policies and procedures outlined by several regulating bodies such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Facilities and Medicare. 

Individuals enrolled in the Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree program will obtain a broad body of knowledge that will allow them to work in many capacities within a health information department. Some of the tasks include release of information, processing of medical documentation, coding and abstracting, and may include supervisory or leadership roles based on skill and ability.  ​

Program Delivery Methods
Hybrid, online and traditional in-class courses on Saint Paul College campus, St. Paul, MN​

Program Highlights

  • ​Specialized software in the completion of HIM processes such as record tracking, release of information, coding, grouping, registries, billing, and quality improvement
  • Experiential learning and application of medical coding classification systems that include ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT/HCPCS​
  • Policies and procedures to comply with the changing regulations among various payment systems for healthcare services
  • Policies and procedures to assure the accuracy of health information ​ 

 

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Program Details

  • Program Requirements

    Program Requirements Guides
     View the Program Requirement Guide to learn about Minimum Program Entry Requirements, Recommended Course Sequence and Program Outcomes:

    General Education/MnTC Requirements
    The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) is the general education curriculum for the Minnesota State system. Choose MnTC courses according to the requirements listed on your Program Requirements Guide. Refer to the MnTC course list for each Goal Area:

    Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) list.pdf

    View all course descriptions

    Minimum Program Entry Requirements

    Students entering this program must meet the following minimum program entry requirements:

    Reading: Score of 250+ or grade of “C" or better in READ 0722

    Writing: Score of 250+ or grade of “C" or better in ENGL 0922

    Arithmetic: Score of 250+

    Assessment Results and Prerequisites: Students admitted into Saint Paul College programs may need to complete additional courses based on assessment results and course prerequisite requirements. Certain MATH, READ, and ENGL courses have additional prerequisites.

    Computer Skills: Basic computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheets, and Internet usage or a grade of “C" or better in BTEC 1418.

    Students must have successfully completed the following required courses with a “C" grade or better:

    General Education Courses

    • Goal 1: ENGL 1711: Composition 1
    • Goal 1: COMM 17XX

    Technical Education Courses

    • MEDS 1420: Health Information Foundations
    • MEDS 1470: Anatomy/Physiology for the Medical Office
    • MEDS 1480: Medical Terminology

    Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.8 on all completed college courses.

    Students transferring courses to Saint Paul College from another institution must have an Official Transcript on file in the Student Records Office.​

  • Career Settings

    • ​​Private physician offices and clinics 
    • Specialty clinics 
    • Hospitals 
    • Long-term care facilities 
    • Rehabilitation facilities 
    • Government offices 
    • Insurance industry 
    • Dental and chiropractic clinics 
    • Information technology suppliers​ 

  • Transfer Pathways

    Saint Paul College has a transfer articulation agreement between the following program and post-secondary institutions for the baccalaureate degree programs l​isted below. 

    For more information please go to ​www.saintpaul.edu/Transfer.​​​ 

    Health Information Technology AAS

  • Related Programs

  • Additional Benefits

    • Graduates of a Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management accredited Health Information Technology program are eligible to apply to write the American Health Information Management Association, Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification examination.
    • This career is seeing high growth compared to other careers. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth. Employment of medical records and health information technicians is projected to grow 17.2 percent from 2014 to 2024 in the Seven County Mpls-St. Paul, MN area. Data Source: LMIwise

  • Program Advisor

    ​Jennifer Anglin
    jennifer.anglin@saintpaul.edu

    ​Kelly Dale
    kelly.dale@saintpaul.edu

  • Meet the Faculty

ACBSP Accreditation Logo

Accreditations

The Health Information Technology AAS Degree Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)​

Health Information Technology AAS Degree Program Retention Rate
The Retention Rate for Health Information Technology AAS Degree graduates at Saint Paul College in Fall 2018-Spring 2019 is 83.3%.

Health Information Technology AAS Degree Program Employment Rate
The Employment Rate for Health Information Technology AAS Degree graduates at Saint Paul College in 2018 is 91%.

Graduates Continuing Education
In the graduating class of Fall 2018-Spring 2019, 3 members are continuing their education to earn an elevated degree.​

​

Career Information

Information provided by http://www.careerwise.minnstate.edu.

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