Associate in Science Degree, Health Information Technology
Program Overview
The Associate in Science (A.S.), Health Information Technology degree program equips students with knowledge of the practices and processes needed to interpret medical documentation and meet the demands of the transition from paper-based to electronic health records. The program provides students with a solid understanding of the fundamentals of health science as well as the topics of:
- Health information technology
- Database management
- Health law
- Healthcare performance improvement
- Financial aspects of healthcare services
- Effective communication skills
- Other soft skills needed in the workplace
An A.S. degree in Health Information Technology opens the door to many areas within the healthcare industry, including management, medical coding, consulting, patient privacy and information security. Graduates of the program can enter the work force immediately or continue their studies at the university level.
Select health information technology courses from the A.S. degree may transfer for students wishing to pursue a related bachelor's degree, such as the University of Central Florida's Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management. An Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be required for admission to the university. The A.A. degree is designed for transfer to an upper-division public college or university in the State of Florida.
Program Accreditation
The Health Information Technology Associate Degree Program at Seminole State is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). CAHIIM is the accrediting organization for degree-granting programs in health informatics and information management. CAHIIM is an independent accrediting organization whose mission is to serve the public interest by establishing and enforcing quality Accreditation Standards for Health Informatics and Health Information Management (HIM) educational programs. When a program is accredited by CAHIIM, it means that it has voluntarily undergone a rigorous review process and has been determined to meet or exceed the standards set by the Board of Directors.
Program Outcomes
In the 2018-19 academic year, the associate degree program had 14 graduates sit and pass the Registered Health Information Technician exam.
In the 2018-19 academic year, the associate degree program had 32 graduates.
The most current associate degree program graduate placement rate is based on data from the Florida Education and Training Placement Information Program (FETPIP).
Employer Outcomes
Accredited programs are also required to routinely survey healthcare entities that employ HIM professionals to assess employer satisfaction of graduates. CAHIIM requires a satisfaction rating of at least 80 percent. The employer satisfaction rating of “above average” for Seminole State graduates for 2018 is 0 percent. Note: The Program received only one employer survey.
Quick Links
- Catalog Information
- Career Opportunities
- Admission Requirements
- Additional Information
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Health Information Technology Program can embark on careers with hospitals, healthcare IT vendors, government agencies, the insurance industry and more. Opportunities in the field, including managing, analyzing and coding medical information, are expected to continue expanding.
Employment of health information technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population, especially in Florida, will require more medical services, and health information technicians will be needed to organize and manage the health information data. Prospects will be best for those who hold the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification. In 2017, the mean median hourly wage for medical records and health information technicians in Florida was $17.93 per hour.
Admission Requirements
All students enrolled in a nursing or healthcare professional program with a clinical or practicum component will be required to complete a full background check with drug/alcohol screening. Students are encouraged to review the clinical facility requirements prior to beginning their coursework.
Before requesting and paying for background check services, applicants with concerns should email the health professions career program advisor or call 407.404.6196.
Additional Information
Students are encouraged to visit a counselor or academic advisor for assistance with course selection, sequencing and scheduling. Financial assistance and scholarship opportunities are available. All services are free and available at each Seminole State campus. For more information, review the Seminole State College Online Catalog.