Health Information Technology

Program Description

Students who are interested in the digital and information side of healthcare may enjoy the Health Information Technology (HIT) field. After a patient meets with their healthcare provider, all the information collected from their medical history, their diagnosis and everything in-between has to be processed, analyzed, compiled, maintained and managed to support the patient care and healthcare operations.

The HIT program is 68 SHC and includes two Professional Practice Experiences (PPEs) in healthcare settings. Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to support a wide range of health information roles within healthcare organizations. Graduates are prepared to classify and code diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement and reporting; support revenue cycle operations; analyze health data to assist with quality improvement and organizational decision making; monitor compliance with governmental and regulatory standards; contribute to research and data reporting initiatives; and support the use and management of electronic health records and other health information systems that protect the security, integrity, and appropriate use of patient health information.

In this program, students will study anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology.  The curriculum includes inpatient and outpatient coding, healthcare law and ethics, quality and data analysis, and health informatics. Throughout the program, students also complete six SHC in English, a humanities/fine arts elective, and a course in either psychology or economics.

Graduates of the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in the Health Information Technology Program will be eligible to take the national certification examination to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

Craven Community College’s Health Information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM).

Admission Criteria

Health Information Technology is a selective admissions program. Selective admission into A45360 (Associate in Applied Science, Health Information Technology) requires adherence to the program of study by successfully completing all courses as outlined for progression throughout the curriculum. Please refer to the Associate Degree Health Information Technology Handbook for additional admission, progression and graduation requirements.

Admission requirements into the Health Information Technology Program to include the following:

• General Admission to Craven Community College must be completed before applying for the Health Information Technology program.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 unweighted, not rounded
• Meet developmental requirements for ENG-111, MAT-152, and BIO-163
• Prior to beginning PPEs, students must submit a completed physical examination form signed by a licensed physician and documentation of immunizations.
• Clinical facilities require criminal background checks and drug screening. Any expenses associated with these requirements are the responsibility of the student. Pending the outcome, clinical facilities may deny a student the opportunity to complete the clinical portion of the program. A student who is unable to complete the clinical portion of the program will be dismissed from the program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate that patient health information is complete, accurate, and protected.
• Effectively use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs.
• Code, classify, and index diagnoses and procedures for the purpose of reimbursement, standardization, retrieval, and statistical analysis.
• Demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning skills in health information management.

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities for Health Information Technology graduates exist in:

• hospitals
• rehabilitation facilities
• nursing homes
• health insurance organizations
• outpatient clinics
• physicians’ offices
• hospices
• mental health facilities
• remote positions

Contact Information

Director, Health Information Technology Program
252-638-7316

Health Sciences Admission & Advising Coordinator
(252) 639-2025
healthcare@cravencc.edu

Admissions Office
252-639-7430