Healthcare. Technology. Data. If you find each of these interesting, then you should consider pursuing a degree–and career–in health information technology.
The ability to store and analyze massive volumes of data has caused significant developments in every industry. Healthcare is no exception—far from it, in fact! If you’re interested in careers in information technology and are passionate about helping those with medical needs, then health information technology is bound to be a rewarding (and lucrative!) path.
What is Health Information Technology?
Health Information Technology (HIT) is an area of Information Technology (IT) that involves the creation, use, and management of IT systems in the broad field of healthcare. HIT, often referred to as Health IT, can involve the use of software, hardware, or infrastructure. These systems are used for a variety of functions, from recording to retrieving and analyzing information.
HIT mainly includes the following technologies:
- Personal Health Records (PHRs):
PHRs are digital resources that allow patients to store and manage their own health data. They are owned and managed by the patients and can be accessed online.
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs):
EHRs are digital versions of a patient’s medical history that can be shared with other providers across different healthcare organizations.
- Electronic Medical Records (EMRs):
EMRs are digital versions of a patient’s paper-based records. EMRs typically contain general information such as medical history, diagnoses, medications, etc., for a patient as collected by individual healthcare facilities.
- Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing):
E-prescribing refers to the electronic transmission of prescription information between prescribers, pharmacies, and patients. Replacing traditional prescriptions on paper, e-prescribing enables healthcare providers to send error-free, understandable, and secure prescriptions to pharmacies directly from healthcare facilities.
Modern healthcare facilities use advanced systems to store and process clinical, administrative, or financial information. Some use third-party software, while others have their own systems in place. Health technology is a dynamic space, so staying up-to-date with the latest developments and technology can make you a valuable asset.
The Health Information Technology Fact Sheet by HealthIT.gov is a great resource for quick, useful information on HIT in America.
Health Information Technology Degrees
Simply having these advanced health tech systems is not enough. Skilled professionals are still needed to use and maintain them. To prepare students for these roles, universities now offer degrees in HIT at various levels.
Core Courses to Expect from HIT Programs
HIT programs prepare you for roles that involve managing, analyzing, and securing health data and information systems. You’ll learn how to use technology to improve the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of healthcare services.
Some of the courses you can expect from a health information technology program are:
- Medical terminology
These useful classes introduce you to the basic vocabulary and concepts of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. You’ll also learn how to spell, pronounce, and abbreviate medical terms correctly. Basically, it’ll help you make sense of the jargon that’s commonly used in health IT–and the tech industry in general. These courses are more common in undergraduate degrees and certificate programs.
- Healthcare administration
Health administration courses cover the principles and practices of healthcare management, such as organizational structure, leadership, planning, budgeting, quality improvement, and legal issues.
- Medical coding
These classes teach you how to assign standardized codes to medical diagnoses, procedures, and services, based on official guidelines and regulations. You’ll also learn how to use coding software and databases to process and analyze the coded data.
- Epidemiology
This subject is included in many HIT programs. It explores the methods and applications of epidemiology, which is the study of the distribution and causes of health and disease in populations. You’ll learn how to design, conduct, and interpret epidemiological studies, and how to use statistical tools to analyze data.
- Biostatistics
Biostats courses provide you with the skills and knowledge to perform statistical analyses of health data using software such as Excel, SPSS, or R. You’ll learn how to describe, summarize, and compare data, test hypotheses, and draw conclusions.
- Financial management in healthcare
These classes examine the financial aspects of healthcare delivery, such as revenue, cost, profit, budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. You’ll also learn how to evaluate the financial performance and viability of healthcare organizations and programs.
The curriculum may vary with each university and program level. Before enrolling, you should check the program details to ensure it covers the subjects you’re interested in.
Types of Health Information Technology Degrees
Typically, HIT programs are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Many schools also offer certificate programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Associate Degrees in Health Information Technology
These programs typically take two years to complete and prepare students for entry-level positions in health information management technology. Students learn about healthcare data literacy and statistics, health records, international classification of disease coding, legal and regulatory issues in health management, health insurance and reimbursement, and release of personal health information.
Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Information Technology
These programs typically take four years to complete and provide students with a more in-depth understanding of health information technology. Students learn about healthcare data analytics, health information systems, healthcare quality management, and healthcare project management.
Master’s Degrees in Health Information Technology
This program typically takes two years to complete and provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in health information technology. Students learn about healthcare data management, healthcare information systems, healthcare quality management, and healthcare project management.
Certificates in Health Information Technology
These programs typically take less than a year to complete and provide students with basic knowledge and skills in health information technology. Students learn about healthcare data literacy and statistics, health records, international classification of disease coding, legal and regulatory issues in health management, health insurance and reimbursement, and the release of personal health information.
Typical Admission Requirements
The typical admission requirements for Health Information Technology (HIT) degrees can vary by institution and program level. Here are the common requirements across most colleges, by program level:
Undergraduate Degree and Certificate Programs:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Official high school transcripts.
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended, if applicable.
- Proof of permanent residency or U.S. citizenship.
- Completion of specific high school or college courses, such as biology with lab.
Graduate Degree Programs:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Certain minimum undergraduate GPA (usually above 3.0).
- Letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement outlining goals for pursuing a graduate degree in HIT.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- Some programs may require specific coursework, such as a statistics course.
Some colleges have entrance exams or tests for their HIT programs. You may also need specific course credits or work experience for admission to some programs, especially at higher levels. Before enrolling, make sure you’re fully aware of all the criteria for admission at your desired school.
Accreditation for Health Information Technology Programs
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) is the main accrediting body for HIT programs in the US. CAHIIM accredits programs at the associate, bachelor, and master’s levels, as well as certificate programs. CAHIIM accreditation is recognized by employers, professional associations, and licensing boards as a mark of credibility. It is advisable to look for CAHIIM-accredited programs when you do your college research. Our free college match tool can help you with the process.
What Can I Do With a Health Information Technology Degree?
A Health Information Technology degree can lead to several careers in the healthcare industry. The table below highlights some of the popular career options in healthcare that graduates with HIT degrees are eligible for:
| Role | Median Pay (2022) | Job Outlook (2022-32) |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $104,830 per year | 28% (Much faster than average) |
| Health Information Technologists | $58,250 per year | 16% (Much faster than average) |
| Medical Records Specialists | $47,180 per year | 8% (Faster than average) |
| Pharmacy Technicians | $37,790 per year | 6% (Faster than average) |
| Medical Assistants | $38,270 per year | 14% (Much faster than average) |
Medical and Health Services Managers
Median Pay (2022): $104,830 per year
Job Outlook (2022-32): 28% (Much faster than average)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
What they do:
Medical and health services managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating healthcare services. Their role involves managing staff, finances, and ensuring compliance with regulations to guarantee the delivery of quality patient care.
See BLS data for Medical and Health Services Managers.
Health Information Technologists
Median Pay (2022): $58,250 per year
Job Outlook (2022-32): 16% (Much faster than average)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate’s degree
What they do:
Health information technologists play a vital role in managing and securing health information. They focus on the implementation and maintenance of health information systems, ensuring the accuracy and security of electronic health records. Their contributions are essential for the efficient functioning of healthcare systems.
See BLS data for Health Information Technologists.
Medical Records Specialists
Median Pay (2022): $47,180 per year
Job Outlook (2022-32): 8% (Faster than average)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
What they do:
Medical records specialists play a crucial role in maintaining organized and accurate health records. They are responsible for organizing and managing patient records, ensuring confidentiality, accuracy, and accessibility. Their work is integral to the healthcare system, contributing to the smooth functioning of healthcare facilities.
See BLS data for Medical Records Specialists.
Pharmacy Technicians
Median Pay (2022): $37,790 per year
Job Outlook (2022-32): 6% (Faster than average)
Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
What they do:
Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare system by supporting pharmacists in the preparation and distribution of medications. They assist in dispensing medications, managing inventory, and providing customer service. They contribute to the overall quality of patient care and the efficient functioning of pharmacies.
See BLS data for Pharmacy Technicians.
Medical Assistants
Median Pay (2022): $38,270 per year
Job Outlook (2022-32): 14% (Much faster than average)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
What they do:
Medical assistants play a versatile role in healthcare settings, providing support to both administrative and clinical functions. They perform tasks such as administrative duties, patient care, and assisting healthcare professionals during examinations. Their diverse skill set makes them valuable contributors to the overall functioning of medical offices and clinics.
See BLS data for Medical Assistants.
Besides these, HIT majors can also build careers in other tech-oriented roles within healthcare. These professionals work behind the scenes to design and maintain systems that aim to make the modern healthcare industry more efficient. These include database architects and administrators, programmers, IT security analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and more. Though a program in health informatics may serve better for such roles, HIT majors are often eligible too.
The healthcare industry is growing, and efforts are being taken to develop better health technology. This has greatly improved the scope and job opportunities for students interested in healthcare IT.
Related Programs and Areas of Study
Besides HIT, you can consider earning degrees in related fields, depending on your objectives and interests. Here are some areas of study related to health information technology:
Health Informatics
Though often used synonymously, health informatics (HI) differs from HIT in many ways.
Health informatics, also called Health Information Management (HIM), is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on using large amounts of information to make better healthcare decisions. This field is at the forefront of using data analytics, big data, and artificial intelligence to drive innovations in the healthcare industry, such as predictive medicine and epidemic tracking.
Many schools offer degrees in HI, HIM, or health information systems. Some even offer specific informatics programs, such as nursing informatics, for students interested in specific areas within healthcare.
HIT vs. Informatics: Comparing the Roles
| Aspect | Health Information Technology (HIT) | Health Informatics (HI) |
| Focus | Primarily focuses on the technology infrastructure needed to support healthcare data. | Focuses on the collection, analysis, and utilization of data to improve healthcare services. |
| Job Titles | Health Information Technologists, Medical Records Specialists, Pharmacy Technicians, Medical Assistants, etc. | Healthcare Informaticists, Hospital Database Administrators, Data Analysts, Data Scientists, etc. |
| Emphasis | Emphasizes technology and its utility in clinical and non-clinical settings. | Emphasizes data collection, analysis, and utilization for decision-making. |
| Career Opportunities | Offers a wide range of career opportunities in the healthcare and technology sectors. | Provides opportunities at the intersection of computer science, information science, and healthcare. |
| Skill Set | Requires knowledge of healthcare data management, information technology, and data security. | Requires specialized knowledge in data analysis, organization, and familiarity with clinical guidelines and applications. |
| Job Responsibilities | Involves managing and organizing health information data, maintaining technology infrastructure, and providing IT support. | Involves data collection, analysis, and sharing to improve healthcare services, and ensuring information is accessible to health staff. |
| Educational Focus | Focuses on the technology and infrastructure needed to store, process, and manage healthcare data. | Focuses on the collection, analysis, and utilization of data to improve healthcare services. |
In short, the difference is that HIT is more about the system, while HI is more about the data.
Related: Why and How You Should Pursue a Career in Health Informatics
Medical Coding and Billing
Many schools offer medical coding and billing degrees or certificates at various levels. These programs typically cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, healthcare reimbursement methods, and medical coding systems. They help students earn credentials by passing assessments such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam.
Related: Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs
Health Science
Health science degrees prepare students for a wide range of roles within both clinical and non-clinical settings. They typically cover topics such as healthcare ethics, communication, healthcare delivery, data analysis, and strategic planning. They can also include financial concepts related to healthcare. Many health science programs let you specialize in informatics, information technology, or similar areas.
Related: All You Need to Know About Health Science Degrees
Healthcare Management
Healthcare management programs prepare you for managerial positions in healthcare. These programs include a range of courses related to different aspects of healthcare, from finance to information technology. Running healthcare institutions is no easy task, and aspiring healthcare managers need a well-rounded education. Healthcare management programs often have electives or concentrations in areas like information technology, informatics, finance, etc.
Related: Online Healthcare Management Degrees
Information Technology (IT)
Pursuing a general IT degree can be a great option if you’re more interested in technical roles than patient-facing ones. Many IT majors work in healthcare as systems administrators, programmers, or software developers.
Related: What Can You Do With an Information Technology Degree?
Since the healthcare industry is so vast, there are a lot of academic paths you can take. Before choosing yours, you should consider your goals, the knowledge you hope to gain, and the role you’re hoping to play in health tech.
To Sum Up
Health information technology (HIT) is a unique field with careers that lie at the intersection of healthcare and technology. If you’re interested in both, then getting a HIT degree can lead to many rewarding career opportunities. Healthcare is a growing industry, which means the job outlook is great, and getting even better. Since healthcare is a diverse field, there are many similar programs that can lead to interesting careers related to health IT. It all boils down to what you’re most interested in, the skills you want to build, and the jobs you’re aiming for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Studying health information technology can prepare you for a variety of careers in the growing field of health care IT. You can learn how to use technology to enhance patient care, protect patient privacy, and comply with health care regulations. You can also develop skills in data analysis, communication, and problem-solving that are valuable in any industry.
Health information technology (HIT) and health informatics (HI) are both related to the use of technology and data in health care, but they have different focuses and roles.
The main differences are:
– HIT focuses on managing, storing, and providing easy access to health information, such as electronic health records, health information exchanges, and medical coding. Professionals in HIT work with the technical aspects of health information systems, such as hardware, software, security, and compliance.
– HIT focuses on managing, storing, and providing easy access to health information, such as electronic health records, health information exchanges, and medical coding. Professionals in the field work with the technical aspects of health information systems, such as hardware, software, security, and compliance.
– HI focuses on using and analyzing health information to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare delivery. HI professionals work with the application and impact of health information systems, such as data mining, decision support, and clinical research.
In summary, HIT is more about the system, while HI is more about the data. However, both fields are interrelated and complementary, and require collaboration and communication between HIT and HI professionals.
