This program is an Associate of Applied Science degree program designed to lead to employment in a variety of healthcare settings. Employment opportunities for HIT graduates include: hospitals, office-based physician practices and nursing homes. However, careers in home health agencies, behavioral health facilities and public health agencies are also common. Other available options are pharmaceutical companies, insurance firms and health product vendors. In fact, employment opportunities exist for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) in any organization that uses patient data or health information. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the employment outlook for health information and medical records technicians is expected to increase faster than average for all occupations.
The OTC Health Information Technology program will prepare the students to:
- Apply critical functions of health data collection, analysis, monitoring and maintenance
- Ensure privacy and security laws and procedures for health information and medical records
- Report health data according to established quality principles as well as legal and regulatory standards
Accreditation
The OTC Health Information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
AHIMA Code of Ethics
The HIM professional has an obligation to demonstrate actions that reflect values, ethical principles, and ethical guidelines. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Code of Ethics sets forth these values and principles to guide conduct. The code is relevant to all AHIMA members and CCHIM credentialed IHM professionals, regardless of their professional functions, the setting in which they work, or the populations they serve.
Informational Sessions
The program encourages potential students to attend an HIT Program Informational session. These sessions teach students what the program requires prior to and during the application process. Therefore, the Allied Health office offers HIT program informational sessions frequently.
Contact Us
Email questions to baerd@otc.edu or contact the Allied Health office in Lincoln Hall, room 210, on the OTC Springfield campus, (417) 447-8803, 447-8804 or 447-8954.