College Catalog

One College Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701-5799 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222

Health Information Technology (HI)
Academic School: Business & Computer Technologies
(Effective Fall 2007)

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

The Health Information Technology major will prepare students to identify and use a variety of informational resources and technologies to effectively perform entry-level skills in health information positions. The major will provide students basic training in human sciences, computers, health information content and management, quality improvement, coding and reimbursement, and legal aspects of health information. Students are eligible to sit for a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam that is offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Students who pass the RHIT exam will distinguish themselves from non-credentialed individuals and will improve their employment prospects.

Career Opportunities:  Entry-level coder, medical records technician, abstractor, utilization management assistant, quality improvement assistant, data analyst, and supervisor.

Recommended High School Subjects:  Required: English/Communications. Biology with lab, anatomy and physiology, mathematics, keyboarding and some computer experience are beneficial.

Remediation Strategies:  Students will be expected to remediate English, reading and math deficiencies by the end of the first semester.

Transfer Procedures:  This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Program Goals:  A graduate of this major should be able to:

• apply information literacy to personal, professional, and other related areas.
• recognize and develop the skills necessary for life-long learning.
• develop critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• develop human relation skills and successfully apply those skills to a variety of business situations.
• evaluate and use professional literature.
• understand the fundamentals of good communications and apply those fundamentals in written, oral, and visual delivery methods.
• use, organize, analyze and evaluate health records according to established legal and accrediting agency guidelines and standards.
• compile, analyze, and present statistical and other health information for use by various health care professionals.
• perform quality measurement and control of health care data.
• code and abstract health care data for statistical and reimbursement purposes.
• file and retrieve health records and health information from patient files, indexes and registers for use in patient care, continuing education, research and health care planning.
• preserve the security and integrity of confidential patient information while maintaining access to information by those authorized to use patient information.
• develop and maintain systems to prepare, maintain, and provide timely access to needed health information, including computer-based patient record systems.

Accreditation:  Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics & Information Management Education.

Pennsylvania College of Technology · One College Avenue · Williamsport, PA 17701 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222

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