Online Health Information Technology Associate Degree

Learn How to Provide Efficient and Effective Healthcare

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Earn Your Health Information Technology Degree Online

Accuracy with patient information is crucial as the healthcare system works to provide increasingly efficient and effective care. With an online health information technology degree from DeVry, you can work to develop a strong foundation of health information technology skills to help you stand out in the healthcare field.

Our CAHIIM-accredited Associate Degree in Health Information Technology program enables you to explore opportunities in the medical technology field, and also offers built-in preparation for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) RHIT Certification Exam. You can earn your Associate Degree in Health Information Technology (AHIT) as a solo credential or by applying your qualifying credits towards our Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Management1.

Get to Know Our Online Health Information Technology Degree

Our Associate Degree in Health Information Technology can help you learn more than just procedural and regulatory knowledge needed to work in this field, you can also build strong technical skills to modify medical records and more.

Experienced faculty members help you develop a solid background in current coding and chart management software, health data content and structure, health services and information systems, insurance reimbursement procedures and medical coding. Aspects of our curriculum are based on current associate degree entry-level competencies outlined by the AHIMA.

Classes Start Every 8 Weeks

Earn your Associate Degree in Health Information Technology in as little as 1 year + 4 months*—or even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.

*Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment.


Availability

Reasons to Choose DeVry

  • AHIMA’s RHIT certification exam preparation is built in.
  • Get first-hand experience with medical records in a virtual lab.
  • 100% online coursework offers the flexibility to fit your life.
  • Learn from professors who have experience in the healthcare field.
  • Receive resume and job searching help with our Career Services support.

What You'll Learn

Our Associate Degree in Health Information Technology program covers the following topics:

  • health insurance and reimbursement icon

    Health Insurance and Reimbursement

    Explore reimbursement and payment methodologies applicable to healthcare provided in various US settings as it relates to relevant forms, processes, practices and the roles of health information professionals.
  • process information icon

    Process Information

    Compile codes, categories, calculations, tabulations and audits or verify information or data.
  • health services systems icon

    Health Services and Information Systems

    Explore the history and organization of, and current issues in, the US healthcare delivery system, including interrelationships among system components and care providers.
  • record information icon

    Document and Record Information

    Enter, transcribe, store or maintain information in written or electronic form.
  • legal and regulatory health icon

    Legal and Regulatory Issues in Health Information

    Examine legal and regulatory issues in healthcare, with an emphasis on their application to healthcare information services and the documentation of care.
  • international classification of diseases coding icon

    International Classification of Diseases Coding

    Study the principles and guidelines for using the International Classification of Diseases system to code diagnoses and procedures.
  • medical terminolgy icon

    Medical Terminology

    Learn medical terminology, including the foundations of words used to describe the human body and its conditions, terminology for medical procedures, the names of commonly prescribed medications and common abbreviations.
  • evaluate information icon

    Evaluate Information

    Use relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations or standards.

Accreditation Matters

It matters to you. It matters to employers. Accreditation provides recognition, establishes respect and can help you stand out.

Our Online Health Information Technology (HIT) associate degree program is accredited1 by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) https://www.cahiim.org.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of our Associate in Health Information Technology degree program may consider the following careers:

  • Medical Coder Biller

  • Medical Coding Specialist

  • Medical Records and Health Information Technician

  • Medical Records Analyst

  • Medical Records Supervisor

  • Employment in this occupation may require years of relevant experience.

Health Information Technology Degree Courses

The courses included in our Associate in Health Information Technology degree program span topics related to PC applications, human anatomy, information systems and more. Core coursework areas for our Health Information Technology Degree includes legal issues, pharmacology, pathophysiology and data applications.

 At DeVry, we believe in expanding your understanding and skills beyond the area of your degree program in health sciences. To help prepare you for the workplaces of tomorrow, your general studies may include communications, humanities, mathematics, social sciences and more.

Core Program Courses

Health Information Technology

HIT111 Basic Medical Terminology
HIT120 Introduction to Health Services and Information Systems
HIT141 Health Information Processes with Lab
HIT170 Health Information Fundamentals Practicum
HIT203 International Classification of Diseases Coding I with Lab
HIT205 International Classification of Diseases Coding II with Lab
HIT211 Current Procedural Terminology Coding with Lab
HIT220 Legal and Regulatory Issues in Health Information
HIT226 Data Applications and Healthcare Quality with Lab
HIT230 Health Insurance and Reimbursement
HIT272 Health Information Practicum Capstone3
HIT274 RHIT Certification Exam Preparation

General Degree Courses

Communication Skills

ENGL112 Composition

Humanities

One of:

ETHC232 Ethical and Legal Issues in the Professions
ETHC334 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Social Sciences

SOCS185 Culture and Society

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

BIOS105 Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab
BIOS268 Pathopharmacology
MATH114 Algebra for College Students
MATH221 Statistics for Decision-Making

Personal and Professional Development

CARD205 Career Development
COLL148 Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Computer Applications

COMP100 Computer Applications for Business with Lab

Health Information Technology Coursework Preview

DeVry’s Health Information Technology degree program includes these courses:

Basic Medical Terminology

This course introduces elements of medical terminology, such as the foundations of words used to describe the human body and its conditions, terminology for medical procedures, the names of commonly prescribed medications and recognition of common abbreviations. An understanding of basic medical terminology can help you carry out your duties as a health information technology professional, particularly when interacting with medical records.

Introduction to Health Services and Information Systems

Addressing history, organization and current issues in the U.S. healthcare delivery system, this health information technology course explores interrelationships among system components and care providers. Topics include licensing, accrediting and regulatory compliance activities, the importance of financial and quality management, safety, security and the role of health information technology professionals.

International Classification of Diseases Coding I

This course, the first in a two-course sequence, addresses principles, guidelines, definitions and coding conventions of the International Classification of Diseases Procedural Coding System. Coursework is designed to help students gain experience needed for accurately dissecting operative reports and building codes. Anatomy and code structure for each of the body systems, manual and computerized coding methods, health records and coding references are also examined.

Legal and Regulatory Issues in Health Information

This course examines legal and regulatory issues in healthcare, with an emphasis on their application to healthcare information services and documentation of care. Students in this health information technology course also have the opportunity to explore the rights and responsibilities of providers, employees, payers and patients. Topics in this course also include legal terminology pertaining to civil liability, the judicial and legislative processes, laws and regulations addressing release of information and retention of records as well as issues surrounding confidentiality.

Health Insurance and Reimbursement

In this course, students will have the opportunity to gain experience studying forms, processes, practices and the roles of health information professionals. They can also explore reimbursement and payment methodologies applicable to healthcare provided in various U.S. settings. Topics include third-party and prospective payment, insurance products and managed-care organizations.

Build Skills with Stackable Degrees

Earn a Credential at Every Step

You don’t have to wait four years to show a credential on your resume. At DeVry, several programs are designed to stack3. Here are some of the many benefits of our stackable degree programs:

  • Start with a shorter credential that takes less time so it’s more affordable.
  • Flexible online and on-site classes build your professional skills right away.
  • Almost all courses count toward the next degree level.4

How Do Credentials Stack?

Here’s an example: When you earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding, many of the courses in the program will also apply to your Associate Degree in Health Information Technology. Upon completing the associate degree program, all but one course stacks into our Bachelor’s in Technical Management degree with a Specialization in Health Information Management. Build your confidence—and your resume—when you start your journey at DeVry.

Academic Catalog

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Program Overview

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Academic Catalog

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Program Overview

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FAQs: Health Information Technology Degree


What is a health information technology degree?

A health information technology degree covers a range of skills and concepts that are needed to prepare to pursue a career in medical coding or medical billing. Those who graduate from a health information technology degree program may play an important role in accurately tracking and organizing patient data in many different healthcare settings.


Is the health information technology degree stackable?

Yes! At DeVry, we offer several stackable programs4. These are programs that naturally feed into a more advanced degree. Most courses from the initial degree count toward the advanced degree. For instance, with the Associate Degree in Health Information Technology, several of our courses and credits apply to our Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Management with a Specialization in Health Information Management, except the practicum course4. Program availability varies by location.


How long will it take to get a degree in health information technology?

Generally, this degree can be earned in as little as 16 months*. If you have any qualifying transfer credits, it can be earned even sooner. You are considered a full-time undergraduate student when you take two classes per session. When you pursue an Associate Degree in Health Information Technology with us, you will be taking a minimum total of 67 credit hours, with each course ranging from two to four credit hours.

*Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment.


Can I earn a health information technology degree online?

Yes! At DeVry, we offer our Associate Degree in Health Information Technology program online to help students like you earn a degree on their own schedule. An online degree can be an excellent option for people with busy lives to further their education on their own terms.


Is health information technology a good career?

Health information technology can be a great career choice for those who have excellent organization skills and want to help improve the quality of care at hospitals, doctor's offices and other care facilities. According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to grow by about 9% on a national level between 2020 to 2030, adding 37,100 new jobs5. This steady growth rate, along with the opportunity to build a career assisting patients and working to improve the quality of their care has the potential to make health information technology a rewarding career choice.  


Accreditation and Related Information

The Health Information Management accreditor of DeVry University is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The University’s accreditation for the Associate degree program in Health Information Technology (HIT) has been reaffirmed through 2029-2030. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 E. Randolph St., Ste. 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at 312.235.3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.

As reported on DeVry University’s 2021 CAHIIM Annual Program Assessment Reports, HIT program graduates who were eligible for, and chose to sit for, the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam had a 40% pass rate for first time test takers in academic year 2020-2021.

Graduation rates for all new full-time students, including transfers, for fall cohorts were: 2008 37%, 2009 34%, 2010 34%, 2011 28%, 2012 33%, 2013 32% and 2014 27%.

Retention rates for all first-time freshmen, including new transfers, for fall cohorts were: 2014 40%, 2015 54%, 2016 46%, 2017 62%, 2018 63% and 2019 58%.

Timeframes, Definitions and Calculations

The outcomes below were reported to CAHIIM in February 2022. CAHIIM required only summary data for graduates. A placement rate was not reported. Data was reported for all students who graduated between 7/1/2020 and 6/30/2021. In-field and out-of-field employment includes new employment obtained within a year after graduation. “New employment” is defined as employment obtained no earlier than 6 months prior to graduation. “Existing employment” is defined as employment that existed at the time of enrollment or was obtained more than 6 months prior to graduation.

Timeframes, Definitions and Calculations
Location Program Number of Graduates Number of Graduates Employed within One Year Number of Graduates with New In-Field Employment Number of Graduates with New Out-of-Field Employment Number of Graduates with Existing In-Field Employment1 Number of Graduates Pursuing Further Education
IL Online Associate in Health Information Technology 50 1 1 0 n/a 2

1 “Number of graduates employed in field and out of field” was defined as new employment. Graduates with existing in-field employment was not counted and is therefore shown as not applicable.

Note: DeVry University is required to report employment data to CAHIIM. DeVry University does not guarantee employment. Readers should not make assumptions about their own likelihood of employment based on this data. Attempts were made to obtain employment status information for all graduates. Collected data includes, but is not limited to, the intent to work in a field-related position and, for those who are so employed, the graduate’s start date, title, employer name, duties, hours worked per week and earnings. Information was gathered through a variety of means. Generally, information was gathered from forms graduates completed. Data may also have been collected through in-person, telephone or email interviews with graduates or from third-party sources. DeVry University neither verifies nor guarantees the accuracy of information gathered.

Related Programs


1At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied.

2For all students, this practicum course requires a substantial number of hours of professional practice time in an approved external healthcare setting. Practice time is generally completed during traditional business hours.

3At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credits will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied.

4For the MBC certificate program, all but one course stacks into our Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology. For the MBC-HIC undergraduate certificate program, all but three courses stack into our Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology. For the AHIT program, all but three courses stack into our Bachelor of Science in Technical Management with a specialization in Health Information Management. Program availability varies by location.

5Job growth indicated on a national level. Local growth will vary by location. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.html
**The figures displayed represent the minimum credit hours required for graduation. Additional coursework may be necessary to complete program requirements.**The figures displayed represent the minimum credit hours required for graduation. Additional coursework may be necessary to complete program requirements.