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Associate of Applied Science Degree Program
Health Information Technology (HIT)
Ready to Start a Career in HIT? You Could Graduate in Just 18 Months*
Gain the Skills Needed for a Healthcare IT Career
Health Information Technology (HIT) professionals are vital in managing health information and electronic health records (EHRs) across various healthcare settings, from large hospital systems to private practices. With specialized training in information management technology applications, they ensure that patient health data remains accurate, complete, and secure. This information includes:
- Patient medical history
- Formal diagnoses of patients
- Treatment plans for patients
Their expertise supports efficient workflow in healthcare organizations, directly influencing patient care and operational effectiveness.
Become a Qualified Health Information Technology Professional
Get the Technology Skills You Need to Succeed

Health Information Technology offers a dynamic and rewarding path for those interested in a healthcare career that focuses on technology rather than direct patient care. Combining business, science, and IT, HIT professionals manage and protect essential medical data, ensuring it is securely stored and effectively utilized. As technology evolves, their expertise remains critical in maintaining efficient electronic data exchange, safeguarding patient privacy, and improving healthcare operations.
These professionals serve as a bridge between clinical, operational, and administrative functions, affecting the quality of patient information at every stage of healthcare delivery. They standardize disease and treatment classification for clinical, financial, and legal purposes, ensuring consistency across medical systems. HIT specialists hold diverse roles in healthcare, helping to maintain compliance, efficiency, and security in medical data management.
These professionals serve as a bridge between clinical, operational, and administrative functions, affecting the quality of patient information at every stage of healthcare delivery. They standardize disease and treatment classification for clinical, financial, and legal purposes, ensuring consistency across medical systems. HIT specialists hold diverse roles in healthcare, helping to maintain compliance, efficiency, and security in medical data management.
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this program will gain the essential skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to excel in the field of Health Information Technology. You will be able to:
- Exhibit communication skills both oral and written.
- Demonstrate skill in ensuring the quality of health records and healthcare data.
- Understand policies and procedures with regard to health information use and disclosure.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the types of laws that govern the healthcare industry.
-
Discuss the HIPAA Privacy Rule and HIPAA Security Rule with regard to health information use and
disclosure, including requirements implemented by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. - Verify completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems.
- Apply skills in in-patient and out-patient coding.
Student Achievement / Outcomes
Reporting Period: August 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023
- Student Satisfaction Rate: 94%
- Employer Satisfaction: 100%
- Beal University Pass Rate for RHIT Exam: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 100%
Core Courses in Health Information Technology
During the Health Information Technology Associate's Degree Program, you’ll take a carefully designed selection of courses that provide a strong foundation in healthcare data management, electronic health records, and information security. The courses include the following:
- Fundamentals of Law for Health Information Management
- Health Administration and Supervision
- Health Care Data Analysis & Statistics
- Health Care Reimbursement Methodologies
- ICD-10-CM Coding
- ICD-10-PCS Coding
- CPT Coding
- Advanced Coding
- Pharmacology & Pathophysiology
- Medical Terminology
- General Education Courses
These courses will equip you with the essential skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving healthcare technology landscape
Externships
As a student of this program, you’ll complete a 92.5-hour externship before graduation. The externship provides a valuable learning experience under the guidance of an experienced professional and Certificate in Health Information Technology. Beal University has affiliations with many healthcare facilities that offer students the opportunity to learn current skills intended to prepare them for the workforce. Our externship placement sites include, but are not limited to: externship sites are: Northern Light Health, MaineHealth, Penobscot Community Health Center, and St. Joseph Health.
Certifications
The Health Information Technology Associate’s Degree program prepares you to take two industry certification exams through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA****):
- Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)****
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA)***
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)***
-
Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Based (CCS-P)***
Obtaining these certifications is key in establishing your qualification for employment in the Health Information industry.
Download AHIMA’s Health Information Technology Salary Survey Here.
Download AHIMA’s Health Information Technology Salary Survey Here.
Accreditation

The health information management accreditor of Beal University is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for associate degree in health information technology has been reaffirmed through 2030-2031. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at [email protected].
Take the Next Step
Meet with one of our knowledgeable Admissions Advisors to get more details on our online medical science programs and learn more about how Beal could be the right fit for you.
Is a Career in Health Information Technology Right for You?
Take the Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Take the Quiz!

100% Online Program
Earn Your Degree Anytime, Anywhere

Our Healthcare Information Technology program is fully online, allowing you to pursue your degree from the comfort of your chosen location. Designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, this program offers the flexibility to complete courses at your own pace in a stress-free environment.
With a focus on convenience and support, you won’t have to delay your education. This program is tailored to give you peace of mind, adaptability, and the resources you need to thrive academically and professionally.
With a focus on convenience and support, you won’t have to delay your education. This program is tailored to give you peace of mind, adaptability, and the resources you need to thrive academically and professionally.
Health Information Technology Career Opportunities
Find your Perfect Career Fit
Industries with an increased demand for Health Information Technology professionals include academic institutions, consulting agencies, government agencies, and healthcare facilities. Health Information Technology professionals will continue to be critical members of the electronic health record workforce. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, HIT will grow to encompass new support positions, including mobile support adoption positions, public health informatics, implementation support specialists, and information management redesign specialists.
Careers to Explore
With a Health Information Technology Associate’s Degree program, you will be qualified for a career in a variety of interesting areas, including:
- Medical Coder
- Medical Records Clerk
- Release of Information Specialist
- Cancer Registrar
- Data Analyst
- Health Information Specialist
- Health Information Clerk
- Health Information Technician
- Medical Records Analyst
- Medical Records Coordinator
- Medical Records Technician
- Registered Health Information Technician
- and more!
High Demand for H.I.T. specialists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health information technology professionals is projected to grow 16% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations**. Feel confident you’re getting relevant skills to enter an in-demand career with plenty of opportunities.
Take The Next Step
A new career is right around the corner