About Health Information Technology

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The Profession

Health Information Technology (HIT) professionals are the experts who compile, code, analyze, and prepare health information needed by the patient, the health care facility, the public, agencies that pay the claims, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team. The professional may also be responsible for the supervision of employees and functions. In addition to hospitals, there are many opportunities in a variety of health-related organizations, such as clinics, nursing facilities, rehabilitation sites, behavioral health institutes, insurance companies, consulting agencies, vendors, managed care facilities, private physicians’ offices, and specialty hospitals.

The associate's degree program requires 22-semester credits of general education, and 38 credits of HIT program coursework for a total of 60-semester credits. The degree program is offered year-round with courses offered in the fall, spring, and summer. Students are admitted to begin the HIT program in the fall and spring semesters. There's a $100 HIT program fee per semester.

HIT is a growing and changing profession, offering careers that combine an interest in patient care with computers and management. Employment opportunities are available in Arkansas and nationwide.

Admission Factors

Admission to the program is competitive and based on the following criteria:

• Academic achievement
• Academic aptitude
• Computer competency
• Leadership and professionalism
• Personal endorsement
• Written and oral communication

Employment Outlook

HIT professionals can expect to be in high demand as the health sector expands over the next few decades. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics cites health information technology as one of the 20 fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. There are 40 different work settings and 125 different job descriptions, so there is something for everyone with this career choice.