[Click to request more information for online associate's degrees in health information technology]

The curriculum of an associate’s degree program in health information technology includes courses that teach you quantitative skills. Also, the degree gives you a solid footing in the relevant technology. You learn about topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, data management, math, biology, business and health management, and data and technology security.

Upon graduation, you should be able to manage medical records and perform medical billing and coding tasks. The courses cover coding requirements and systems, clinical classifications, and reimbursement methods. As health care information becomes more digitized, the skills you learn will be valuable to health care organizations.

You can increase your chances of admission into a program by taking high school classes in math, computers, health, chemistry, and biology. Look for programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) because accreditation is needed to obtain the Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT) credential.

Job: Medical Records and Health Information Technician

An entry level position as a medical records or health information technician usually requires an associate’s degree in health information technology. Medical records and health information technicians maintain medical records of patients including insurance policies, medications, surgeries, appointments, and diagnoses.

They must know how to use electronic health records (EHR) software. They communicate with medical practitioners as well as insurance companies to ensure payments are made and records are tracked and registered.

Medical records and health information technicians should be detail-oriented and have a knack for catching recording mistakes made by other employees. They act as the organizer and bridge between medical professionals, patients, and insurance companies.

[Click to request more information for online associate's degrees in health information technology]