Health Information Technology - Associate Degree
This field is where healthcare meets the cutting edge of technology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites health information as one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. Health information technicians contribute to the quality of care by collecting, analyzing, and reporting health care data. That requires knowledge of disease, treatments, computer systems, privacy/security and organizational skills. Students complete a 40-hour clinical experience. Credits from the Medical Coding technical diploma may be applied towards this program. Students will attend an asynchronous HIT/MCS Program Orientation and students are expected to have entry-level computer skills. The Health Information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association to become Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT).
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
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Follow Your Path
All credits from the following technical diploma(s) apply toward this associate degree:
Medical Coding, 315302
Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Submit the following:
- High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript).
- College transcript.
- If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- Completed application.
- Admission Assessment or equivalent or ACT assessment (For a list of equivalents, please contact a counselor.)
- Complete these prerequisite requirements (unless already completed):
- Immunizations.
- Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Must be completed to be accepted to the program.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
Program Availability
A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more about program waitlists.
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Health Information Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
Summer Before First Semester
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Summer Before Third Semester
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-501-XXX, 10-804-XXX, 10-806-XXX, and 10-530-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an institutional requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
Flexible Learning Option
All Health Information Technology program courses are offered in an online format. | This program may be completed in a part-time or full-time format.
Program Outcomes
- Apply data governance principles to ensure the quality of health data.
- Apply coding and reimbursement systems.
- Apply informatics and analytics in data use.
- Apply organizational management techniques.
- Model professional behaviors and ethics.
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 50% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following settings: hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, mental health facilities, home health agencies, state and federal health agencies, and private industry as a (an):
- Coding Specialist
- Release of Information Specialist
- Health Information Technician
- Insurance/Business Specialist
- Reimbursement Coordinator
- Data Quality & Integrity Monitor
- Privacy and/or Security Officer
- Data Analyst
- HIM Supervisor
Professional Practice Experience
Students are required to petition for a professional practice assignment. Students may petition by submitting a "Petition to Enter Professional Practice" form to the Health Sciences Department office according to the following schedule: -Spring semester Professional Practice deadline is October 31 -Fall semester Professional Practice deadline is March 31
NWTC will make every effort to place students in the semester they request. However, NWTC cannot guarantee a site or an assignment in the semester being requested.
Students will be required to show proof of an annual flu vaccine prior to placement at PPE site.
Students will be required to submit immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
Students will be required to provide their own transportation to assigned sites, and cover any other expenses related to professional experience. Students may be expected to travel distances to assigned sites.
What's next after graduation?
Start here. Finish at a four-year.
NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Note
- A candidate who does not meet the requirements for program entry should meet with an NWTC counselor to develop a learning plan to make up any deficiencies through testing or course work.
- Students considering going on to a 4-year HIA Degree or Cancer Registrar Certification should consider taking General Anatomy & Physiology in place of Basic Anatomy.
Accreditation
The Health Information Management accreditor of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for Associate degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2026-2027. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.
Industry Credentials
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national accreditation examination offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
Clinical Experience
- All clinical arrangements will be facilitated by NWTC staff and/or faculty.
Wisconsin Caregiver Law
NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.viewpointscreening.com/nwtc AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry and/or clinical, practicum, field experience. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Please review your entry/admission checklist. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical, practicum, or field experience site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum/field experience placement or guarantee graduation.
Study Abroad Opportunities
The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.
Learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities.
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2021-2022 Program Statistics
The Health Information accreditor of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for Associate degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2026-2027. All inquiries about the program's accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.
CAHIM accreditation outcomes for NWTC's 2019-2020 graduates are as follows: 100% of students were very satisfied with their program, 42% of students accepted into the Health Information Technology program completed the program.
Looking to Advance your Education?
AHIMA - American Health Information Management Association
WHIMA - Wisconsin Health Information Management Association
- Online
-
Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.