Health Information Technology, Associate in Science

Program Overview

If you are interested in an innovative career in health care, but prefer to be less “hands-on” in the delivery of patient care, a career in the field of health information technology may be just right for you!

Health information professionals care for patients by caring for their medical Health information technology is essentially information technology for the health care industry. In this industry, documentation drives reimbursement and therefore the health information technologist plays a major role in ensuring that patient information is secure, accurate, and complete.

In the iHealth@NECC Health Information Technology Program, you will learn medical terminology, medical science, health care statistics, reimbursement methodologies, clinical and procedural coding, and the administrative components related to the delivery of quality health care.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be prepared to be an entry-level health information technician, and can work in hospitals, medical clinics, physicians’ practices, intermediate care centers, or biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Accreditation

The program is planning to apply for Candidacy Status and accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Once accredited, HIT graduates will be eligible to take the national qualifying exam for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Program Requirements

Starting in the fall of 2014, any student enrolled in an associate degree program who is new to NECC and has no academic history at the college, must take at least one course designated as intensive in each of NECC’s six core academic skills in order to graduate. In most cases, the program’s core required courses include these intensive courses. Plan to see an advisor for more complete information about this graduation requirement.

Program science courses must be completed within five years prior to the start date of the program to count toward completing the associate degree. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses. A minimum of 68 credits are required for graduation.

Admission Criteria

2016 Admission Criteria Packet (PDF)

2017 Admission Criteria Packet (PDF)

2017 Admission Criteria Packet – High School Seniors Only (PDF)

Technical Standards Document (PDF) for Currently Admitted Health Professions Students.

Drug Screening

Students enrolled in this academic program may be required to pass a drug screening analysis.

Health

Students are required to complete a health evaluation, including the Hepatitis B immunization series, prior to final acceptance to the Program.

Student Professional Liability Insurance

Students are required to carry professional liability insurance. The premium is to be paid at the time of course registration.

CORI/SORI/CHRI

Students interested in participating in this program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check, and a Sex Offender Record Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/SORI/CHRI page on the NECC website

Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/SORI/CHRI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.

Electives

Required Courses

Program Notes

Recommended Course Sequence Health Information Technology Associate Degree

Year 1

Fall

Spring

Summer

Year 2

Fall

Spring