Health Information Technology A.A.S.

School: Health Careers, Technology and Applied Learning
Academic Dept: Allied Health
HEGIS: 5213.00

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2019 to Summer 2020. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree Defined

The purpose of the A.A.S. is to be fully trained for immediate employment upon graduation. Students who opt to continue on to pursue higher levels of education are encouraged to check with the receiving institution regarding transferability of credits. Click to learn more about the differences among award types.

Program Description

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Health Information Technology provides students with the knowledge and skills to analyze, organize, and disseminate health information. Students are prepared to manage patient data in a diverse range of health care settings. Certificates in Medical Coding and Medical Billing , offered by Westchester Community College, may be utilized as “stackable credentials” and be applied toward the A.A.S. in Health Information Technology.

Using classroom and practical experiences, students learn about the protection of personal health records, data analysis and the use of computer applications to record, integrate and report patient data for reimbursement and compliance facility planning, marketing, risk management, utilization management, quality assurance, and research.

Health Information Technicians work with other professionals to ensure that the documentation gathered is complete, accurate and timely. Health Information Technicians work in hospitals, office-based physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities, insurance companies, government agencies, technology firms, both inpatient and ambulatory healthcare systems, and public health agencies. Employment of health information technicians is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations and demand is expected to increase as the population ages.

Program Notes

Coursework for the Health Information Technology A.A.S. program is largely offered in the evening as a hybrid learning experience which blends online with in-person classroom experiences.
The new A.A.S. has been developed to conform to the highest standards of the profession. The program will be pursuing accreditation from The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Upon successful completion of the Health Information Technology Program, the graduate will be eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam. With experience, the RHIT credential holds excellent potential for professional advancement.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

Demonstrate competency in utilization of procedural grouping and diagnostic coding.
Demonstrate competency managing electronic health records.
Demonstrate competency in applying legal and ethical concepts to health information management.
Demonstrate competency in the use of technology to support administrative applications.
Demonstrate competency in the use of research and data analytics to support decision-making.
Demonstrate competency in managing the revenue cycle and reimbursement.
Demonstrate competency in team leadership.
Demonstrate competency in organizational management within the healthcare delivery system.

Program Requirements

General Education Requirements - 18 Credits

Students are required to fulfill a certain number of credits within the specific categories shown below. Where specific courses are not listed within these categories, courses must be selected from the list of SUNY General Education Courses .

The Arts, Foreign Language, or Other World Civilizations (3 credits)

Select a course from ONE of the following categories:

The Arts - see SUNY General Education Courses

Foreign Language - see SUNY General Education Courses

Other World Civilizations - see SUNY General Education Courses

American History or Western Civilization (3 credits)

Select a course from ONE of the following categories:

American History - see SUNY General Education Courses

Western Civilization - see SUNY General Education Courses

Degree Requirements - 45 Credits

Minimum Total Credits - 63

Career Path Opportunities

Are you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.

Transfer Opportunities (non-SUNY)

Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process for its incoming and graduating students. To ensure its graduates enjoy a seamless transfer with junior status to another college in the same discipline at both institutions (transferred from/to) and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer, Westchester Community College has signed Transfer Articulation Agreements with many colleges that offer bachelor’s degree programs. Visit www.sunywcc.edu/transferarticulation to see a list of Articulation Agreements by institution or search by a specific program of study. Visit www.sunywcc.edu/transfer for additional transfer resources and contacts.

Transfer Scholarship Opportunities

Many colleges and universities are eager to have Westchester Community College graduates transfer to their institutions. Consider this an incentive to complete your WCC degrees with high honors! Go to www.sunywcc.edu/scholarships to view the many transfer scholarship opportunities to four-year colleges.

Getting Started

Are you a prospective Westchester Community College graduate? We look forward to seeing you soon! Apply today, then see the College’s Admissions and Enrollment Checklist.