The Health Information Technology AAS degree is designed to meet growing demands for trained health information specialists and data managers in the health IT industry. Graduates may pursue work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, Long-Term care, insurance companies, government agencies, quality improvement programs, etc.
Coursework combines elements of business, computers, health sciences and health IT with practical computer lab and on-site internship experiences. Students learn skills in areas such as coding, billing, electronic health records (EHRs), registries, data analysis and reporting, quality improvement, legal compliance and other technical processes.
In addition to the AAS degree, there are many certification options for health IT professionals, depending upon the desired career path. Certifications will enhance the AAS degree. For example, CPEHR (certified professional in electronic health records), CPHIT, CPHIE, CISSP (privacy specialist) or coding credentials such as CPC, CCS-P or PAHCS. Credentials may require work experience prior to certification and continuing education hours to maintain certification. Costs and qualifications vary.
This HIT program utilizes a background check service, www.certifiedbackground.com, to conduct criminal background/abuse checks and to track the immunizations and health records of each student after their acceptance into the program. Students are responsible for the cost of this service. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participation in health IT education experiences. Students unable to participate in health IT education experiences (internships) will be unable to complete the Health Information Technology program.
For more information about the Health Information Technology program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/health/healthinfotech.
Location: Ankeny
Program Entry Requirements
- Complete an application for admission.
- Attend any required information/registration session.
- Satisfy the required assessment by taking the reading COMPASS test or equivalent.
- Obtain a minimum score of 46 in algebra on the COMPASS test OR an ACT score of 19 OR MAT 063 with a “C” or better OR Program chairperson approval.
- Obtain a minimum score of 70 in writing on the COMPASS test OR an ACT writing score of 19 or higher OR completion of ENG 061 - College Preparatory Writing II with a grade of “B” or higher OR Program chairperson approval.
- Obtain a score of at least 30 NWPM with five errors or fewer on the typing/word processing skill test.
Students start Fall semester.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a Health Information Technology AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. A grade of 2.0 (C) or better is required in all HIT courses.
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