Health Information Technology Program
A health information professional collects, analyzes and manages the information that steers the health care industry. At the heart of the profession's information responsibilities are records, both computer-based and paper, of an individual's health care. The health information professional orchestrates collection of many kinds of documentation from a variety of sources, monitors the integrity of the information, and ensures appropriate access to the individual record.
The professional also manages aggregate data based on the care of patients, collects health care data by abstracting and encoding information, uses computer programs to interpret data, and ensures the data's validity.
The Health Information Technology (H.I.T.) program provides both lecture and clinical affiliations ("clinicals") where students gain practical experience and learn many technical aspects of processing and maintaining health information. After completing the two-year program, graduates are eligible to take the national examination for attaining a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) title.
Health Information Technology is one of the top 10 growing fields that does not require a baccalaureate degree. Graduates work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgi-centers, nursing homes and other health care facilities.
Persons interested in pursuing this program should have an interest in the health care field, although actual patient contact is very rare. Such persons should enjoy organizing, preparing and retrieving detailed work.
Gainful Employment Information
View information about this program, including estimated cost and employment opportunities.
Accreditation Status
The H.I.T. program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Enrollment
Enrollment in the Health Information Technology (H.I.T.) program is by admission only. Admission to College of DuPage does not guarantee admission to the H.I.T. program. Students seeking admission to this program should obtain a complete information packet with an application from the Health and Sciences Division office or the program coordinator. Click here for an H.I.T. Admissions Packet.
Degree
- Health Information Technology, Associate in Applied Science
When planning your coursework, use the Student Planning Worksheet. Degree information and the worksheet can be found on the following files:
Certificates
Acute Health Care Coding
Ambulatory Coding
Medical Transcription
Physician Office Coding and Billing
Faculty Advisors
If you are considering this program as an area of study, consult with a faculty advisor in this field. To send an e-mail, click on the name of the advisor you wish to reach:
Cheryl P. Jackson, Coordinator and Professor
Health and Science Center (HSC), Room 2207B, (630) 942-3384
Joyce Graves, Instructor
Health and Science Center (HSC), Room 2207F, (630) 942-2242
Health and Sciences Division
Health and Science Center (HSC), Room 1220, (630) 942-8331
2012 College of DuPage
