Health Information Technology
What is HIT?
Few occupations are growing more quickly than Health Information Technology (HIT) and Health Information Management (HIM). Data that once was collected and submitted as paper documents is now being completed via computer and stored in Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Management Systems (EMRs). Medical billing and coding professionals work closely with EHR and EMR systems to ensure accurate data collection and reimbursement for physicians and healthcare facilities.
Location
Online
To learn more about online education: Email pcc-pimaonlineadvising@pima.edu to contact an advisor.
Contact Information
Division of Business and IT
Dean: 520-206-7694
Department Head/Program Director: 520-206-2262
List of Degrees
AAS - Associate of Applied Science
List of Certificates
Job Growth
The Medical Billing and Coding (MB&C) Certificate program consists of approximately 30 credit hours and leads into the HIT Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree program consisting of 60 credit hours.
Half of the HIT AAS degree is complete after finishing the MB&C Certificate. All students who seek the HIT AAS degree will also earn the MB&C Certificate.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) in an office setting
- Revenue cycle finance practices
- Privacy laws such as HIPAA and HITECH
- Health insurance
Yes, degree-seeking students will take part in a 144-hour internship that involves real-world experience through work-site, remote position, or project-based study.
These programs prepare students for professional certification exams offered by:
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Credentialing exam opportunities include:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through AAPC
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) through AHIMA
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) through the NHA
- Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) through the NHA.
HIT professionals can work in:
- Doctors’ offices
- Third-party billing service companies
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- The health insurance industry
Earning a Medical Billing and Coding and/or Health Information Technology Associates of Applied Science Degree qualifies you for positions including:
- Medical Biller
- Medical Coder
- Front Desk Receptionist
- Scheduler
- Pre-Access Coordinator
- Coding Auditor
- Medical Records Specialist
- Registration Coordinator
- Accounts Receivable/Payable
Kelly O’Keefe
Master’s in Public Health
“I have more than 20 years' experience in both clinical/non-clinical healthcare and collegiate online education. I have a master’s of science in Public Health and am a Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist. My top focus is providing personal attention to students so they can succeed.”
Sherry Miller
Doctor of Management, Healthcare Leadership & Management
“After a 30+-year career in healthcare administration and 10+ years in higher education, I enjoy developing leaders for the healthcare industry and the organizations that support healthcare providers. My experience in information systems, medical billing & coding, healthcare compliance and privacy provides a unique overall focus for learners as they prepare for new and expanded careers.”
www.pima.edu/hit