Graduates of health information management technology associate degree programs are known as health information technicians or registered health information technicians (RHIT).

Health information technicians generally perform technical duties vital to the operation of a health information management department. These may include analysis of the medical record; collection and preparation of statistical data, coding and abstracting, quality improvement functions and supervision. One of the most important job functions is to protect the confidentiality of patient information and ensure the integrity of the medical record.

Health information technicians primarily are employed in hospitals, long-term care and outpatient facilities. The health information technician may have full responsibility for the operation of the medical record department or may specialize in a particular function such as medical coding. There has been an increase in jobs in places such as medical billing companies, physician group practices, health maintenance organizations and mental health and rehabilitation facilities. Other places of employment, depending on education, skills and interest, include consulting firms, software vendors, research facilities, information system departments and social service agencies.

Common job titles held by health information technicians in today's job market include: coder, medical record technician, registered health information technician, data analyst, etc. It is anticipated that job titles will change as health care enterprises expand their reliance on information systems and the electronic health record.

The health information management technology program at Stark State College is a four-semester course of study leading to an associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree. A new group of students begins each year in the fall semester. The maximum number of students accepted is 24.

Graduates of the health information management technology program will be eligible to take the national accreditation examination administered by the American Health Information Management Association. Individuals who pass the examination are entitled to use the designation of registered health information technician (RHIT).

Prospective students in the health information management technology program must meet specific criteria as outlined in program pre-application requirements. Fulfilling the criteria does not guarantee admission to the program. You must apply and be accepted into the program to take HIT courses.

Graduates of the program may pursue a bachelor’s degree in health information management (HIM) via distance learning at the University of Toledo or pursue other bachelor degree options.

The health information management technology program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
(CAHIIM).

According to various sections of the Ohio Law and Regulations for Certification and Licensure Boards, persons convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor may not be accepted into a health program at Stark State College; may not be able to take the licensure or certification examinations; may be refused acceptance of placement by the clinical/practicum sites; or may have restrictions placed on their ability to practice. For more information, contact the dean of student services and the applicable licensure/certification board.