Get Your Degree!
What is Medical Records Technology?
Medical records technology is a field of study focused on the secure exchange of health information using computer systems. The health information is often exchanged between a number of stakeholders including the consumer, health care provider, quality monitors, health care payers, and insurance providers.
Based on a series of recent studies, health information technology and medical records technology has been cited as the most important component for improving the quality and safety of health care. As such, the overall costs and safety will ultimately lead to a more efficient system for all. When prudently utilized, the proper use of electronic health records and electronic medical records software can substantially:
- Improve health care effectiveness
- Help prevent medical errors and improve overall safety quotient
- Reduce health care costs
- Improve the flow of quality information between stakeholders
- Reduce paperwork and inefficiencies
- Bolster real-time information for providers and consumers
- Improve health care quality of care
Career Summary
MEDIAN SALARY
PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE
TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT
3,018,820Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Health Information and Medical Records Technology Degree
Located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Career Training Solutions (CTS) LCC is a career training center that offers career-focused programs and training in the healthcare industry to support individuals and communities. As part of the center’s services, students have access to marketing support, information sessions, success management, and externship placements.
The Administrative Medical Records degree at CTS prepares students for careers involved in providing patients a positive experience in any kind of healthcare facility. The online program equips students with the knowledge and training needed in scheduling appointments, encoding demographic and insurance information, using electronic health records software, assigning medical codes, and processing insurance. The topics covered in the program are medical terminology, law and ethics, electronic health records, office policies and procedures, scheduling, insurance and medical billing, communication, and patient education. More information about the program can be seen at careertrainingsolutionsllc.com.
Acceptance Rate
63.89
Tuition
$31,479 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
5:1
Located in the State of Tennessee, Concorde Career College - Memphis offers several career-focused healthcare programs such as dental hygiene, medical assisting, radiologic technology, surgical technology, massage therapy, and many more. Upon completion of the program which can be as few as 8 months, students are awarded associate degrees and diplomas that can jumpstart their career in their chosen fields.
At Concorde Memphis, the Health Information Management program leads to an associate degree where students learn the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional attributes needed to pursue careers as health information technologists. The program includes courses on general education, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, natural sciences, and the humanities as well as program-focused concepts like Electronic Health Records, data privacy, security of health information, management coding practice, anatomy and physiology for ICD-10 coding, and effective communication. In just 16 months, graduates are eligible to take the examination for Registered Health Information Technical (RHIT) credential. To know more about the program, go to concorde.edu.
Acceptance Rate
93.38
Tuition
$15,840 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
35:1
Bidwell Training Center is a career training center based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that provides exceptional vocational training and employment opportunities to its local residents. The center, established in 1968, continues to fulfill its mission of bridging the gap between the unemployed and the needs of the workforce through programs in the field of health sciences, horticulture, and culinary arts.
The Professional Medical Assistant Training at Bidwell Training Center is a 7-month program that teaches students the proper use of the electronic health record, documentation of health care services, obtaining vital signs, and other administrative and clinical duties in various healthcare settings. The program curriculum covers Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, Clinical Procedures & Laboratory Techniques, Coding, Communications & Professional Skills, Computers & Professional Skills, Electronic Health Records, Fundamentals of Medical Assisting, Mathematics, and Pharmacology. Students are required to finish a 4-week externship which allows them to apply their knowledge and skills as a professional medical assistant and gain relevant and real-world experience. For more information about the program requirements, visit bidwelltraining.edu.
Acceptance Rate
88.52
Tuition
$12,000 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Great Lakes Institute of Technology is a two year private career college dedicated to offering a practical education for students located in and around Erie. Students may choose from a few areas of study, including:
- Personal and Culinary Services
- Health and Clinical Professions
- Education
Over the past several years Great Lakes Institute of Technology has awarded degrees to over 730 students with more than 75% of students who start the program complete it. Over twenty different programs are offered at Great Lakes Institute of Technology. The more popular programs are listed below:
- Cosmetology
- Medical Assistant
- Veterinary Assistant
- Nursing Assistant
- Surgical Technologist
To help support students, Great Lakes Institute of Technology may offer support services like those listed below:
- Night and weekend classes available
- Counseling assistance
- Employment search assistance
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has accredited the instruction & training provided by Great Lakes Institute of Technology for over thirty-four straight years. Please visit glit.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$30,000 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is a public research university based in Baltimore, Maryland. Serving nearly 14,000 students, the university is also a member of the University System of Maryland. UMBC the university aspires to advance knowledge by providing innovative teaching, inclusive learning, multidisciplinary research, and civic engagement to redefine excellence in higher education.
The Master of Professional Studies in Health Information Technology (IT) at UMBC Office of Professional Programs prepares working IT and healthcare professionals in the healthcare industry for more opportunities in the field. The program offers a blended on-campus and online learning format to provide flexibility for full-time working students. The curriculum focuses on healthcare strategy, policy, and management as well as courses in data analytics and statistics helps students build a solid interdisciplinary background to implement health IT to solve challenges in the industry. Some of the courses in the program are Health IT Policy and Administration, Health IT Law and Ethics, and Process and Quality Improvement with Health IT. Visit professionalprograms.umbc.edu to get more information about the program.
Acceptance Rate
61.03
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
Established in 1963, Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a private, Catholic university headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut that is considered among the most forward-looking Catholic universities in the United States. With numerous campuses within the state as well as international campuses in Luxembourg and Ireland, the university offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs across 6 schools and colleges. Offered by the College of Health Professions at SHU, the Master of Science in Healthcare Information is a graduate program that can be taken 100% online or on-campus by students who want to learn the use of technology to improve patient care and health outcomes. The program covers different aspects of healthcare information technology such as social, economic, and technological, putting an emphasis on business and clinical operations. Students may also choose from a wide range of elective courses on topics like electronic health records, project management, database design, information analysis, and many more. Prior to graduation, students are required to finish two internships where they can apply the knowledge they gained to practice the profession. Read more about the program requirements at sacredheart.edu.
Acceptance Rate
63.92
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
The University of Utah is a public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah founded in 1850 as the flagship institution of the Utah System of Higher Education. With roughly 33,000 students and 17 colleges and schools, the university offers diverse programs in the areas of business, education, fine arts, dentistry, health sciences, nursing, medicine, social work, and more.
The Department of Communication at the University of Utah offers a Certificate in Health Information which provides a comprehensive study on how health communication is developed, transmitted, constructed, received, and circulated in different contexts. Available to both undergraduates and graduates, the program focuses on health communication and education as well as topics in related areas like health promotion and family & preventive medicine which allows students to tailor their program based on their interests, goals, and strengths. The courses in the program include Global Health Promotion, Contemporary Issues in Organizational Communication, and Public Health Perspective on Surgery in the Global Context. Find out more about the program at utah.edu.
Acceptance Rate
62.12
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Lancaster County Career and Technology Center, located in Willow Street, Pennsylvania, is a center for career education that offers many choices to those who are looking to jumpstart their current career and those who want to pursue a new one. LCCTC offers many programs of study, as well as lots of student services to help students succeed and achieve their goals. Many career certificate programs of study are offered at LCCTC for adults and high school students. These programs include: advanced manufacturing, agriscience, construction technologies, consumer services, culinary arts, health care, information technology, and more. They also offer flexible programs for those adults who also work a full time job. These flexible programs include: culinary arts, construction, transportation logistics, and visual communications. Lancaster County Career and Technology Center offers a wide array of student services that are aimed at helping students be successful. These student services include: career planning and job placement, counseling services, English as a second language classes, financial aid officers, scholarship programs, guided tours of the campus, and a compilation of student forms available online for convenience. There is also an adult education program available at LCCTC for those who need help preparing for the GED exam. These classes are complementary and are led by a certified GED instructor. Take the time to learn more about LCCTC today by researching their website further. Additional insights on career certificates and various degree programs are available via the Lancaster official website.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$14,965 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
With an additional campus in Syracuse, New York, the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego or SUNY College at Oswego is a public comprehensive college headquartered in Oswego, New York. It was founded in 1861 as the Oswego Primary Teachers’ Training School and today, it serves over 8,000 students through more than 170 programs in business, natural sciences, education, communications, and humanities.
The Advanced Certificate in Health Information Technology at SUNY College at Oswego is a post-baccalaureate program that provides instruction and training to master different technological skills useful in satisfying the needs for data management, data analytics, and health records in the healthcare sector. The program integrates coursework from information science and health informatics which can be applied in numerous internship opportunities in digital and electronic health care. With the option to complete the program 100% on-campus or online, the program can be finished in 1 year. At the end of the program, students are expected to use the latest information technology concepts and techniques to improve healthcare and processes through data analytics and data management. To read more about the program requirements, visit oswego.edu.
Acceptance Rate
54.05
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Advanced Training Associates is a Medical Assistant School, IT School, and Computer School offering courses at its campus in El Cajon, CA. Classes in Medical Assisting, Medical Billing, English as a Second Language (ESL), Fiber Optics, Information Systems and Electronics are taught for students living throughout the San Diego area. Medical assisting, computer, and IT program students come primarily from the communities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Spring Valley, Santee, Lemon Grove, and San Diego. We are a small veteran-owned family business in El Cajon, California with an emphasis on student satisfaction and outcomes. It is the everyday goal of ATA to assist individuals in learning new skills and/or enhancing previously obtained skills, through continuing education or vocational education. ATA also provides customized military education programs to a variety of armed forces branches and major corporations from across America. If you are not able to come to us, we will bring the education to you. ATA is fully equipped to travel and teach at your location. In San Diego, we are in the Military Spouse Advancement Initiative.
For more information about Advanced Training's graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.advancedtraining.edu/disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$12,090 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Institute of Medical Careers began as Academy for Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy and was eventually called Pittsburgh School of Pain Management. This school started the Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy program, a one-of-a-kind program in the United States. To qualify for admission, applicants 18 years old and above must be a high school graduate or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) certified and they must also pass the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test. This school is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau for Health Education Schools (ABHES) and is authorized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Private Licensed Schools. IMC fosters an environment conducive to learning through the provision of essential facilities and equipment. Moreover, to ensure the delivery of high quality education, classes are led by highly qualified educators. Students of IMC are given academic opportunities in any of the following programs: Career in Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing & Coding, Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy and Phlebotomy. These programs are designed to develop students' occupational skills essential for starting a career in a globally competitive industry. Upon finishing a course, students are assisted in finding a career in the Pittsburgh area or in any area they prefer. To learn more about admissions and degree pathways at IMC, simply visit the school site or request information via this page.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$20,100 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Whether you're looking to upgrade your skills, reenter the job market or begin a new career, TechSkills of California has the comprehensive, hands-on program offerings to get your career moving in the right direction. You can choose from several in-demand fields. These fields include:
- IT and Computer Training
- Health Services
- Business Skills
With so many program choices, flexible schedules and convenient locations, there's never been a better time to change your life. There's never been a better time to choose TechSkills of California!
TechSkills of California is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit: https://student.techskills-ca.com/login.asp
*Not all programs are available at TecSkills of Sacramento.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$27,708 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$30,191 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
With nearly 1,000 students, Plaza College is a private college located in Forest Hills, New York. It was initially located in Long Island City during its founding in 1916 as Plaza Business Institute. The college aims to improve the lives of its students by providing various programs in the areas of allied health, business, dental sciences, and court reporting.
Available in hybrid and fully online formats, the Associate in Applied Science in Health Information Technology at Plaza College is a program that prepares students for the functions of health care professionals involved in supporting health information systems, managing medical records, and coding information for reimbursement. The program includes concepts in electronic health records management, data analytics, patient privacy and best legal practices, coding and revenue cycle management, and quality improvement. Graduates of the program can work for various healthcare institutions such as hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and physicians' offices. Upon graduation, students are qualified to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) examination. Explore more about the program at plazacollege.edu.
Acceptance Rate
29.94
Student to Faculty Ratio
28:1
Career Quest operates as a 2-year private career school dedicated to offering a practical education for students located in and around San Antonio. Based on recent program completion reports gathered, over 220 students graduated with a graduation rate of around 60%. Career Quest offers several programs to choose from. The more popular enrolled programs are shown below:
- Medical Assistant
- Health Management and Clinical Assistant
- Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Business Administration
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
To help students and alumni succeed, Career Quest may provide support services like those listed below:
- Career path counseling
- Employment search assistance
This school has been accredited by the Council on Occupational Education since 2011. Please visit careerquestusa.com for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,875 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Western Technical College is a two year private career college that provides a great education environment for its students. Over 980 students have completed their education in the last few years according to annual released graduation information with a graduation rate of about 88%. Western Technical College has several programs to pick from. Here are the programs with more popularity among students:
- Medical Assistant
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Massage Therapy
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology
- Physical Therapist Assistant
To support students and graduates, Western Technical College may offer support services including:
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial instructional courses
- Counseling assistance
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Helping students find work after graduation
This school has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges since 1990. Please visit westerntech.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$33,312 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Immokalee Technical Center, located in Immokalee, Florida, is a technical college that offers a variety of vocational certificates to their students. They also offer the opportunity for adults to earn their GED, as well as various opportunities for students to participate in programs that have business store fronts.
Immokalee Technical Center offers students the opportunity to earn vocational certificates in medical billing, digital media, early childhood education, cosmetology, nurses assisting, architectural drafting, accounting, and many more.
iTECH offers the unique opportunity for students to earn their vocational certificate by working in one of many institution-owned and operated storefronts. iTECH owns a cyber café, a restaurant, a medical office, an automotive center, and a cosmetology center. This opportunity lets students earn their certificates in a fun, hands-on setting while learning more about customer service, retail work, and real life jobs.
Immokalee Technical Center also offers a state-of-the-art GED program that assists adults in obtaining a high school degree equivalent, while getting them ready to begin college or technical school. Florida state certified teachers help prepare adults to take the GED exam and walk them through the testing process, as well.
iTECH is a fully accredited technical center in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Federal Pell grants are extended to those students who apply and qualify. Scholarships are also available to those who qualify.
If you are interested in applying at Immokalee Technical Center, or if you would like to learn more about the many programs of study offered there, click here to access their official website.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,391 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
About
Manatee Technical Institute, located Bradenton, Florida, is a public school established with the purpose to provide technical education and training to residents of Manatee county. The school enrolls both high school aged and adult students, with high school students receiving education for free. All programs at the school are fully accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and School (SACS).
Academics
Individuals may pursue career training through a variety of programs available. Students will choose the program, followed by receiving training and education in that field that will allow for employment upon completion. Programs will have practical components that are taught by industry professionals who provide supervision and a safe learning environment. Programs take between one and two years to complete based on the level of education and complexity of the field.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals wishing to enroll at MTI may do so through the submission of a completed application and payment of fees. Payment will vary based on the type of enrollment and program chosen, and as mentioned above, high school students will be able to enroll free of charge. Applicants are asked to meet with a counselor, take the Test of Adult Basic Education, apply for aid, and meet with their future instructors. Financial aid is applied for through the completion and submission of a Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows the school to determine which grants, loans and scholarships the student is eligible for when constructing an aid packet.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,332 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Offering over 130 comprehensive programs at all levels, Canisius College is among the few private Jesuit, Catholic colleges in the United States located in Buffalo, New York. The college was founded in 1870 by German Jesuits and was named after St. Peter Canisius who is known as one of the original members of the Society of Jesus. To learn more about the myriad exciting programs offered at Canisius College, please take a moment to request information from the school. The course catalog and admissions information will help illuminate the various programs worthy of consideration and you cogitate your next chapter.
Acceptance Rate
82.7
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
With the goal to serve the citizens of the Marion County, Community Technical and Adult Education offers high quality academic and social opportunities for students. It is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education with a campus located at 1014 SW 7th road, Ocala, FL 34471. Since its inception in 1974, this school has been providing diverse educational opportunities and services to the students. It offers customized training under the Community Technical and Education programs designed in line with constantly changing technology and global market. These programs are the only provider of GED and high school diploma across the Marion County. This school’s Career and Technical Programs include Allied health, Business Management and Administration, Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts, Cybersecurity, Education and Training, Grooming and Salon Services, Industrial, Public Service and Veterinary Assisting while the Business and Office Technology, Firefighting/EMT and Special Interest Courses are under the Continuing Workforce/ Recreational Classes. CTAE also offers Young Parent Program, English as a Second Language Classes, Employment Solutions and Custom Corporate Training. CTAE is proud to achieve 90% and above certification passing rates and high job placement rate in many of its programs. This school guides students to the right direction whether they are bound to start or upgrade a career or pursue higher education. It fosters an environment that encourages lifelong learning and creates a strong foundation for success. Registration and Fees http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/chs/pdfs/Registration_Fees.pdf Course Catalog http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/chs//pdfs/CourseCatalog.pdf
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,055 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
6:1
Chipley, Florida is a small town of only 3,592 people. An interesting fact about the town is that it was once known as “Orange”, but it was renamed in the late 1880s for a railroad magnate who lived in the northern Florida area. As a small town in Florida, residents are used to very little distractions and the less than bustling life in their rural home.
The Washington - Holmes Technical Center has an enrollment of 506, and of 2012, the tuition was $3,310. It’s small size plays to its advantage, and many of its students laud the small town atmosphere and the ability to work one on one with instructors and get the kind of first hand advice that they wouldn’t be able to get at a bigger institution or technical center. There a number of quality programs that students who are enrolled can choose from—including the following:
- Emergency Medical Tech
- Phlebotomy
- Practical Nursing
- Graphic Communications
- Interior Décor Fabrication
- Automotive
- Beauty Services
- Law Enforcement
Students are admitted into Washington - Holmes Technical Center based on their own academic performance in high school in addition to an admissions interview and an entrance exam. For those living in north Florida looking for a cheap option to go to school, it’s a great choice.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$3,890 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Jackson is part of the 26 technical centers governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. TTC-Jackson has been around many decades providing excellent classroom instructions to programs that are related to highly in-demand industries. Moreover, the school also provides training to employees and empowers local communities by producing some of the nation’s most skilled workers.
The school is accredited by the Council on Occupational Health. In the last accreditation, TTC-Jackson obtained high rates on the performance criteria which include the completion (79%), placement (69%) and licensure (100%) rates of students. This is evidence that the school is always thinking of ways to improve their programs for the sake of excellence.
Due to the passion of the school and students toward excellence, those who wish to transfer to a community college or state university to get higher education can do so via the Tennessee Transfer Pathway. TTC-Jackson is in partnership with community colleges like Bethel University, Northeast Community College, Christian Brothers University and University of Tennessee.
Today, the school offers a wide variety of programs which include truck driving, computer information systems, industrial electricity, machine tool technology, business systems technology, metalworking, CAD technology, industrial maintenance, surgical technology, HVAC, practical nursing, electronics, welding, automotive technology and collision repair. The school also offers online programs to those who wish to get technical diplomas
Since last academic year of 2012-2013, the school did not impose an increase in their tuition fee rates. Currently, students have to pay $183 per credit hour thus an average student usually pays $1050 per term.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
National Career College offers outstanding training in the health professions. These allied health programs will give you the skills and the knowledge to become a part of the exciting healthcare field. Programs are available in medical assistant, dental lab technician, and medical office specialist.
The college provides employment assistance. NCC offers hands on learning and provides students with the skills they need to be successful. Instructors work closely with students during their course of study.
The Medical Office Specialist program consists of classes in bookkeeping and clerical work. National Career College’s Medical Office Specialist program in Los Angeles, California will improve your skill set and get you started on a career as a medical office specialist.
Becoming a dental lab technician is an exciting career. The job outlook for dental lab technicians is excellent. They work with hand tools and different materials. Dental Lab Technicians help create tooth replacements that are both aesthetic and functional in order to improve a patient’s life. At NCC you will learn Model and Die, Wax and Metal, Ceramics, and Dental CAD/CAM technology.
An education is an important decision. NCC can help you if you cannot pay for the entire price of your education. The Federal Pell grant is available for individuals who qualify. Students seeking Financial Aid need to fill out a FAFSA form.
National Career College is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$12,600 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
22:1
Laurel Technical Institute (LTI) is a private technical college with campuses in Sharon and Meadville, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1926 as the Shenango Valley School of Commerce, the college aims to provide the training needs of individuals entering the workforce through both on-campus and online programs led by well-trained instructors.
The Health Information Technology program at LTI is an online program that provides students with technical knowledge and practical skills needed to manage health information and data within the healthcare delivery system. Students are trained to resolve insurance billing problems, manually file claims using CPT and ICD-10 manuals, complete common insurance forms, trace delinquent claims, appeal denied claims, and streamline billing procedures using generic forms. The courses in the program help students analyze medical records and assign codes to each for the classification of diagnoses and procedures. These include Medical Terminology, Pathophysiology, Foundations of Health Information Technology, and Advanced Coding. Learn more about the program curriculum at laurel.edu.
Acceptance Rate
91.86
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said that healthcare and technical occupations are expected to add 2 million jobs from 2010 to 2020 and approx 998,000 jobs have already been added in the healthcare industry since June 2009. Expansion isn’t slowing its pace!
If you’re seeking for a professional and rewarding career in healthcare, Ultimate Medical Academy is a great place to start. UMA is located in Tampa and Clearwater, Florida; accredited by the ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) – the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as both a specialized and institutional accreditor.
UMA’s campus based diploma programs and healthcare degree offer convenient day, evening and weekend classes; while its flexible online learning platform allows students worldwide to access quality healthcare training – anywhere and anytime.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$27,900 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
What is Health Information Technology?
Health information technology is the business function involving the electronic exchange of health information. HIT or Health IT, as it is commonly known, is utilized by small and large medical providers to help improve the overall quality of healthcare and reduce the cost of healthcare. Health information technology allows for the efficient transmission of medical records which reduces the propensity for human error. Health IT also allows for expanded access to more affordable health care programs.
What Does a Health Information Technician Do?
A health information technician is commonly referred to as a medical records technician. These individuals maintain and organize healthcare data and health information. Job duties include the storage and accessibility of medical records in both print form and digital versions, as applicable. Security and accuracy of medical records and sensitive health information is a pillar of health information technicians.
It is common for health information technicians and medical records technicians to be employed by several medical offices. Health information techs organize data, securely store information, update patient medical charts, and track changes for patients. Data is aggregated to be utilized by clinical databases and registries as applicable.
Educational Requirements in Medical Records Technology
In terms of educational requirements, degree and certificate programs can be quite different. The certificate for a medical records clerk will include different classes than a health information management degree. Likewise, the criteria for a registered health information technician (RHIT) will not be exactly like the medical information technology degree.
There are a number of overlapping classes that students will take to become proficient at their jobs. The following medical records and health information technician courses were found to be part of core curriculum in many medical records programs across various higher education institutions.
- English Language
- Computer Networking
- Database Management
- Medicine
- Business Management
- Public Health
- Law
- Computer Systems Technology
- Healthcare Administration
- Data Processing Technology
- Communications
- Education
Health Information Technology Jobs
Medical records jobs and health information technology jobs are flourishing. The rapid advance in technology coupled with legislative activity spurring the industry, health information jobs are poised to grow at a rapid rate in the coming ten year reporting period.
According to the BLS,health information technician jobs are estimated to swell by 13%. A thirteen percent growth in employment will create approximately 28,000 new jobs. Employment growth of this magnitude will not only create entry-level jobs but upward mobility for those seeking additional responsibilities.
Career options can be for direct-entry into health information technician positions or adjacent jobs. Examples of affiliated jobs include information clerk, information technology professional, medical transcriptionist, medical coder, health manager, and database manager.
Health Information Technology Salary
Health information technician salary and medical records specialist salary have been growing at a rapid rate. The demand for qualified, trained employees and macroeconomic factors have helped rise the tide in the field. Medical records technician salary numbers have grown to $42,820 a year on average.
Top employers of health information technicians include hospitals, surgical centers, physician's offices, nursing facilities, and outpatient care centers. States offering the highest health information technology salaries are New Jersey and Alaska followed by California and DC. Learn more about your educational options by searching for accredited programs below with our school finder and degree locater tools.