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 (HIT) program provides both lecture and professional practice ("experience") 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) credential.
Health Information Technology is one of the top 10 growing fields that does not require a baccalaureate degree. Graduates work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgery 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.
Accreditation Status
The HIT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
2018 Calendar Year Program Outcomes
- 88% Pass rate for our RHIT examination first-time test takers
- 100% Pass rate for students who passed the RHIT examination (under AHIMA early testing option) prior to their 2018 graduation date
- Number of graduates in 2018: 14
- 20% increase in number of graduates from previous year (from 12 to 14)
Enrollment
Enrollment in the Health Information Technology (HIT) program is by admission only. Admission to College of DuPage does not guarantee admission to the HIT 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 HIT Admissions Packet.
Degree
When planning your coursework, use the Student Planning Worksheet. Degree information and the worksheet can be found on the following files:
Certificates as part of the Associate Degree in HIT
Acute Health Care Coding
Ambulatory Coding
Physician Office Coding and Billing
Program Contact Information
Please visit the Program Contacts page for detailed information.