Health Information Technology Program
Delivery Options:
Online
Delivery Type:
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Program Length:
5 Semesters
Why Pursue the Health Information Technology Degree?
The fully online, accredited Health Information Technology program prepares you to ensure the quality of medical records. While most registered health information technicians work in hospitals, they also are found in other health care settings, including office-based physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities and public health agencies. Enrollment in the program includes membership in the American Health Information Management Association and Great Falls College pays for your Registered Health information Technician exam fee.
Graduates are Prepared to:
- Ensure the quality of health records by verifying their completeness, accuracy and proper entry into computer systems.
- Use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for improving patient care or controlling costs.
- Specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research.
- Compile and maintain data on cancer patients as a cancer registrar.
- Apply knowledge in any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms and health product vendors.
- Support the community with highly skilled and educated health information professionals.
- Operate within the health information technology field at high levels.
Types of Courses
| AHMS 103 | Research in Health Information Management |
| AHMS 108 | Health Data Content & Structure |
| AHMS 160 | Beginning Procedural Coding |
| AHMS 208 | Healthcare Statistics |
Career Opportunities
In addition to hospitals, office-based physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities and public health agencies, Great Falls College’s program will prepare you to work in any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as pharmaceutical companies, law firms, insurance firms and health product vendors.
I was drawn to the Health Information Technology program because I was already coding in the field, and I was looking to transition into a manager or leadership role. I knew I needed to advance in my education. The program did really well in preparing me for my current role.
Additional Program Information
Student Outcomes
| 2022-2023 HIT Program Metrics | |
| Certification Exam Pass Rate | 89% |
| Graduation Rate | 50% |
| Retention Rate | 80% |
| Attrition Rate | 20% |
| Employment Rate (within 1 year of graduation) | 60% |
Health Information Technology Student Handbook
Continuing Your Education
Furthering your education and earning a bachelor’s degree would allow you to sit for the national credentialing exam for Registered Health Information Administration and prepare you for a wider array of career opportunities such as health information management, health information management systems manager, data quality manager, chief privacy officer, health information management college instructor or consultant. Go to AHIMA’s website for a college search.
Accreditation
The Health Information Technology accredtor of Great Falls College Montana State University is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for associate degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2029-2030. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at [email protected].
Curriculum Map & Assessment Plan
Health Information Coding Specialist/Health Information Technology Program Assessment Plan: Program directors will submit annual assessment in May using program summary document.
