Health care reform is all the rage these days. Reports, debates and big decisions loom. Where will you fit in?

While what occurs in the short run is uncertain, what we do know is that there will be a need for health care professionals for several years.

If you are considering a major as a college freshman or a career-changer, then health care might be a great choice for you. Often, people think of health care as providing direct patient care. While this is an important aspect, it is not the only one.


Computers in Health Care

Computers make providing health care easier in many ways. Digitizing medical records and enabling professionals to quickly access critical information from a central location could significantly affect whether desired outcomes are met or not.

Health information technology (HIT) addresses this issue and many others, while attracting talented students into the field. If perhaps you are detail-oriented, enjoy technology, embrace change, and enjoy medical science, then this exciting field might be right for you.


Which Track?

The right track for you depends on a few things. HIT professionals can be technicians, as well as managers. A technician requires at least an associate's level degree and practical, hands-on training, usually in an internship or practicum. On the other hand, prospective students who are interested in management-level careers as administrators should pursue either a bachelors or a master’s track. Some schools offer post-baccalaureate certificate programs.


Associate's Degree Track

Prospective students should inquire about entrance requirements for the HIT program. Review the student information on the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) website. Ideally, students would have already completed science, math, English, and social studies courses during all four years of high school. Some coursework in computer science is recommended.

Once accepted, associate's students take both general education courses and core courses for their major. The core courses include medical terminology, computer sciences, pathology and others. Associate's programs typically require two years of study.

Students who successfully complete a CAHIIM-accredited program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam. After passing the certification examination, new technicians are designated Registered Health Information Technologist (R.H.I.T.), and have a very valuable credential!


Bachelor's and Master's Track

Four-year and graduate-level students complete more courses than do the associate's track. There are more general education requirements, as well as major field of study classes to complete including management.


Prospects

Career prospects are very good. Beginning salaries range from the low 30s to 40s with plenty of room for career advancement.


For More Information

Please visit the links below for a listing of accredited programs, information about the health information technology field, and statistical data from the US Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Best wishes!


Cheryl Lynne Likins, M.A.

Editor- Colleges