Key Takeaways:
- Clarkson College and Northwest Iowa Community College are two best online health information technology schools.
- Graduates from these programs are well-prepared for diverse roles in managing health information systems, analyzing patient data, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Online health information technology schools offer flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments, making education accessible to more individuals.
- Choose programs that are accredited by recognized bodies such as the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
The best online schools for health information technology offer students a flexible path to earn a degree and start a rewarding career. If you want a career in healthcare that will allow you to use your computer skills, and let you use your organizational and attention to detail talents, you’ll want to consider an online Health Information Technology (HIT) associate’s degree.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the ten-year job growth for Health Information Technicians to be a rapid 11% over ten years, which is much faster than the average career. Annual salaries can range from $35,520-$43,470.
Online, accredited HIT programs can be completed in two years or less and will help you start your healthcare career. Best Health Degrees has researched some of these health information technology programs to get you started. The 2020 Coronavirus pandemic has caused many schools to change their enrollment policies and class offerings. School websites will give you additional information about their health information technology programs.
Our Method: Ranking the 15 Best Online Health Information Technology Associate’s Degrees
To rank the 15 Best Online Health Information Technology Associate’s Degrees, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. We ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential from our initial pool, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.
1. Clarkson College
Here’s a 100% online Associate of Science in Health Information Technology degree from Nebraska’s Clarkson College.
This 67 credit hours (6 semesters) HIT degree holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) and will prepare you to sit for the credentialing Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam. The program blends general education and support studies with HIT major courses.
You’ll study Health Care Delivery Systems, Principles of Coding, management, Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Information, and also Revenue Cycle Management. Additionally, there’s the Professional Practice Experience which will allow you to work with an HIM professional in a healthcare setting as well as experience a virtual practicum through AHIMA’s Virtual Lab.
The cost for this program is $558 per credit hour with Federal Financial Aid and school scholarships available for eligible students.
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report rates Clarkson College at #38 in its Best Value Schools Ranking
Degree Awarded: A.S.
Learn more here about the health information technology degree!
2. Northwest Iowa Community College
You can earn your A.A.S. in Health Information Technology in four semesters and one summer term at Northwest Iowa Community College. This CAHIIM-accredited program is offered online.
The curriculum offers a broad spectrum of courses including general education courses to prepare you to sit for the RHIT exam. Your studies will include anatomy and physiology, legal and ethical considerations, quality management, reimbursement requirements, medical coding, Electronic Health Records in acute and alternative healthcare settings, and more. There are two Professional Practice Experiences included in this program.
Northwest Iowa Community College estimates the total cost for this program is $17,075.00. Transfer credits are accepted at NCC and you’ll want to discuss transfer details with an admission advisor.
Fast Fact: NCC is ranked #1 in Iowa Best Community College by PayScale
Degree Awarded: A.A.S.
Learn more about the health information technology degree!
3. Neosho County Community College
This A.A.S. in Health Information Technology degree is a new program for Kansas’ Neosho County Community College and is CAHIIM accredited.
In five semesters (67 credit hours), you’ll study computer concepts, an introduction to healthcare technology, Electronic Health Records (EHR), statistics, pathophysiology, quality improvement, reimbursement methodologies, communications, psychology, among others. The curriculum includes general education coursework as well. You’ll also participate in Clinical Affiliations (Professional Practice Experience). The Clinical Affiliation will be conducted in a healthcare facility near you and you’ll be expected to help identify prospective clinical sites and preceptors.
NCCC has an 86% first-time pass rate for the AHIMA certification exam. Tuition at NCCC are estimated at $75 per credit hour with variable fees, depending on your residency. You can apply for financial aid and scholarships to help with your program costs.
Fast Fact: NCCC has been named #97 of 871 Best Community Colleges in America by Niche
Degree Awarded: A.A.S.
Learn more about the online health information technology degree!
4. Minnesota State Community and Technical College
It’s possible to receive your A.A.S. Health Information Technology/Coding degree at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in 64 credit hours with this hybrid program.
This program is developed to deliver a broad range of educational experiences, combing general education and information technology courses. The curriculum includes studies in Microcomputer Databases, Medicolegal Aspects, Information Systems in Healthcare, Foundations of Medical Coding, Revenue Cycle Management, Intermediate Procedure Coding, Intermediate Diagnosis Coding, and Medical Terminology. You’ll also participate in a Health Information Professional Practice. This internship is conducted on one of the MSCTC campuses.
The program also includes RHIT Exam Review to prepare you for the credentialing exam. Tuition charges are approximately $199 per hour.
Fast Fact: MSCTC was created in 2003 with the merger of Fergus Falls Community College and Northwest Technical College
Degree Awarded: A.A.S.
Learn more about the online health information technology degree!
5. Moraine Park Technical College
If you’re looking for a full-time or part-time, online Health Information Technology A.A.S. degree, you may want to review Moraine Park Technical College in Fon du Lac, Wisconsin.
CAHIIM accredited, this program requires 63 credit hours in general education and technical subjects. You’ll learn Medical Terminology, Foundations of HIM, Basic Anatomy, Human Diseases for the Health Professionals, CPT and ICD coding, Communication, Management of HIM Resources, Quality Management, etc. This program also requires a Capstone Project in Health Information Technology as well as Professional Practice experience. The practice experience is the final assessment prior to graduation.
If you’re a Wisconsin resident, you can expect to pay approximately $139 in tuition, and out-of-state, online students will pay the same amount.
Fast Fact: The program has an impressive 100% exam pass rate for 2018-2019
Degree Awarded: A.A.S.
Learn more about the online health information technology degree!
6. Herzing University
You can complete this online Health Information Management associate’s degree in two years or less.
If you have previous college credit, Herzing has a generous 47 credit hour transfer policy; or, if you, don’t have credits, you can complete this program in 63 credit hours (about 20 months). The program is CAHIIM approved and will prepare you for the RHIT credentialing exam.
The curriculum for this degree includes studies in coding, HIM and leadership, anatomy and physiology, data management, and more. Professional development courses are also part of the curriculum along with general education courses. This program requires a 90-hour internship which, in most cases, can be completed in your home community (some state restrictions may not allow this so check with the admissions advisor).
Tuition cost for this A.A.S. degree is estimated at $590 per credit hour (excluding fees and other charges). Scholarships are available for qualified students.
Fast Fact: Herzing University is a proprietary school founded in 1965 and has multiple campuses across the country
Degree Awarded: A.A.S.
Learn more about the online health information technology degree!
7. Alfred State College of Technology-SUNY
CAHIIM accredits the A.A.S. online Health Information Technology degree at this New York college. This program is offered 100% online and can be completed in four semesters.
Its broad HIM curriculum includes studies in Medical Terminology, Essentials of Pharmacology, Electronic Health Record Management, ICD-10-CM & ICD-10-PCS Coding, Insurance & Reimbursement Processing, Leadership in Health Information Technology, and more. You’ll participate in a Professional Practice experience (see school for details). This degree will allow you to sit for certification exams such as RHIT, Certified Professional Coder, and Certified Coding Specialist. Graduates of this program have a 2018-2019 RHIT exam pass rate of 92% (above the national average).
An estimate of tuition costs, per credit hour, is $539 NY residents and $646 out-of-state residents. Alfred State is part of the State University of New York system.
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks this school as a Best Value Among Northern Public Colleges
Degree Awarded: A.A.S.
Learn more about the health information technology degree!
8. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
Requiring 64 credit hours, you can earn an A.A.S. degree in Health Information Technology completely online and is offered by Scott Community College, a sister school in the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges.
You’ll study a CAHIIM accredited curriculum which will cover medical terminology, health records in alternative and acute care settings, coding, medical-legal and ethical considerations, billing and reimbursement, as well as a practicum experience. Additionally, you’ll take courses in communications, English composition, psychology, and sociology. It’s estimated you can complete your studies in five semesters.
The tuition estimate for courses is $195 for each credit hour. You may apply online for scholarships from the Scott Community College Foundation.
Fast Fact: Scott Community College was established in 1966
Degree Awarded: A.A.S.
Learn more about the online health information technology degree!
9. National American University
Suppose you want an A.S.in Health Information Technology that will prepare you to handle electronic patient records, information privacy, and database management. In that case, you may want to consider National American University’s online program. CAHIIM accredits this degree.
NAU uses the quarter system and this program requires 99 credit hours for completion which includes some general education coursework. The HIT major offers studies in HIM systems, healthcare reimbursement methodologies, coding (includes labs), medical law and ethics, and medical terminology, etc. General education classes include courses in humanities, science, communications, as well as math and behavioral/social sciences. You’ll take 51 hours in general education and 48 core credit hours.
NAU’s admission policy allows for 75% of the 99 credit hours as transfer courses, credit for work and professional experience, military training, and national testing programs such as CLEP (College Level Examination Program). Tuition estimate is $314 per credit hour and $167 per hour for military veterans. Fees may also be assessed.
Fast Fact: NAU is a for-profit institution
Degree Awarded: A.S.
Learn more about the online health information technology degree!
10. Portland Community College
Here’s an online A.A.S degree in Health Information Management requiring 92 credit hours for completion, including general education courses.
Portland Community College’s HIM curriculum involves studies in healthcare delivery, anatomy and physiology, information analysis, ICD and CPT coding, data management & analysis, healthcare statistics, quality improvement, medications, medical science, health records in acute and non-acute settings, a coding capstone project, and other HIM related courses. A practicum experience is part of this curriculum as well. This program, which starts in the fall term only, holds CAHIIM accreditation. So, health information technology graduates can sit for the RHIT credentialing exam of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
The tuition for this program for Oregon residents is $123 per credit hour and $258 for out-of-state residents. Other fees may apply as well.
Fast Fact: PCC is the largest post-secondary school in Oregon with over 73,000 enrolled students
Degree Awarded: A.A.S.
Learn more about the online health information technology program!
11. Mercy College of Ohio
You’ll want to explore this A.A.S online degree program in Health Information Technology from this Catholic college. Requiring 65 credit hours, you can complete this online associate degree in five semesters.
Among the courses in this CAHIIM accredited curriculum are medical terminology, HIT foundations, English composition, coding and classification systems, HIT pharmacology, intermediate algebra, legal and regulatory issues, quality management, ethics, and reimbursement. You’ll also complete a Professional Practice Experience (PPE). Some students complete the PPE in their home community, and you can get more information from the program director.
Tuition, excluding fees, is $540 per credit hour. Financial Aid is available for qualified students. The school’s website boasts a 100% graduate satisfaction rate in 2018.
Fast Fact: Mercy College is a private institution that opened in 1918
Degree Awarded: A.A.S.
Learn more about the online health information technology degree!
12. Southern New Hampshire University
You’ve probably seen this school’s television ads. SNHU offers an online A.S. in Information Technology degree which will provide you with the skills for entry-level positions in healthcare facilities. Healthcare relies on information technology in a variety of areas such as administrative systems, business, education, and also finance.
The program requires 60 credit hours and SNHU has a generous 45 transfer hours policy. This degree will help you enter an undergraduate bachelor’s program when you’re ready. You’ll study best practices in IT, develop communication skills, familiarize yourself with IT tools and technology, study computer networks and systems, and understand virtual and cloud computing technology.
Tuition cost is $320 per credit hour and active military tuition is $225. In addition to Federal Financial Aid, SNHU also provides scholarship funds for qualified students.
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report rates SNHU #1 Most Innovative Schools in its 2020-21 school rankings
Degree Awarded: A.S.
Learn more about the online health information technology program!
13. Plaza College
This New York college has a completely online A.A.S. in Health Information Technology degree or as a hybrid program.
Accredited by CAHIIM, this 65-credit hour program covers HIT topics in Electronic Health Records (EHR), patient privacy (HIPAA), coding, revenue cycle management, legal and ethical considerations, as well as an on-site extern experience. Medical terminology, pathophysiology and pharmacology, quality improvement and statistics, and more. General education studies include English composition, math, and human anatomy & physiology. Successful completion of this curriculum and program requirements will qualify you to sit for the RHIT credentialing exam of the AHIMA.
Estimated program costs for this health information management HIT program are $39,375 including tuition, fees, and books and supplies. Federal Financial Aid can help you defray some of that cost.
Fast Fact: Niche rates Plaza College #709 of 1,579 Colleges with the Best Academics in America
Degree Awarded: A.A.S.
Learn more about the online health information technology program!
14. Davenport University
Recognized as a top online HIT associate’s degree, Davenport University holds CAHIIM accreditation for this A.S. degree.
You’ll take a variety of courses in anatomy and physiology, math, human disease, medical terminology, ethics and law, ICD coding, procedural and diagnostic coding, applied statistics, qualify improvement and performance, healthcare reimbursement, and practical experience. The curriculum is 69 hours and the practical experience is 80 hours of supervised real-world experience. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to manage and evaluate a wide variety of health information data and you’ll be able to sit for the RHIT credentialing exam.
Tuition estimates for this health information management program range from $544-$815 per credit hour according to residency. This range doesn’t include various fees and charges.
Fast Fact: Niche considers Davenport University to be one of the Best Colleges for Information Technology in America
Degree Awarded: A.A.S.
Learn more about the online HIT associate’s here!
15. Fisher College
Finally, Fisher College provides an online A.S. in Health Information Technology degree. The program has CAHIIM accreditation and the school also offers an RHIT Exam Prep Course.
You’ll need to complete 71 credit hours for this medical records program and you can transfer up to 34 prior college work credits. The curriculum requires general education courses as well as core classes. Some of the core studies include coding and classification, law and ethics, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, statistics & analysis, and two Professional Practice Experiences. It’s assumed the PPE can be completed in your home community, but be sure to check with an admission advisor.
The average tuition cost per credit hour for a health information management associate degree is $359. Additionally, if accepted to the program the school automatically considers students for merit-based scholarships. And, other financial aid is also available.
Fast Fact: Fisher College is a private institution in Boston, MA, and opened in 1903
Degree Awarded: A.S.
Learn more about the online HIT associate’s here!
Why Should You Get a Health Information Technology Degree Online?
There are several reasons an online health information technology degree program is a good option.
First, is the Coronavirus pandemic. We saw schools quickly move to online education when the pandemic hit in early 2020. This move reduced infection rates and helped “flatten the curve” of new infections.
Secondly, online programs offer the same curriculum and faculty as campus-based classes. Some programs will use virtual labs and work environments as part of the curriculum. Access to libraries and student services, such as tutoring, are also available for online students.
Third, you can learn at your own pace as it fits your schedule. For health information professionals that work, this is a great option as it allows you to continue to work while you earn your degree.
Finally, you may find a health information management program that’s too far for you to attend. Online degrees will allow you to enroll in a program outside of where you live; and, often, at the same tuition costs as in-state students.
What Can You Do with an Associate Degree in Health Information Technology (HIT)?
Anytime a patient sees a doctor, Nurse Practitioner, or has a procedure (such as MRIs), the healthcare facility generates medical records of the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan. It’s the important job of a Health Information Technician to gather, organize, analyze, and maintain those medical records. Additionally, these health information technology professionals also make it accessible to the healthcare provider.
Entry-level Health Information Technology jobs are available in almost every healthcare organization. Hospitals, physician offices, outpatient clinics, and diagnostic centers all rely on accurate and timely patient medical records. So, a registered health information technician has many job prospects in the healthcare industry.
You can find jobs near you by doing an Internet search. Job sites such as PayScale, Monster, Glassdoor, and also Indeed, will list positions in your area. These sites also provide information on how to apply for jobs and give information on salary and compensation. You may even be able to find employment that will allow you to work from home.
Will a Health Information Certification Help My Career?
Yes. There are several certifications that can improve your attractiveness to an employer or advance your current Health Information career.
Perhaps, the most recognizable credential is the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) designation. The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIM). If you graduate from a Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredited program, you’ll be qualified to sit for the RHIT credentialing exam.
But, there are other certificates you may want to consider as well. For instance, the Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) certificate can qualify you to work as a specialized Tumor Registrar. The certificate demonstrates that you understand cancer-specific issues such as diseases, treatment, clinical trials, and cancer staging.
You can review the various certificates available by going to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) website. The AHIMA provides a variety of resources to help you gain the appropriate certification.
Your Career
Is this career path not quite right for you? If not, check out some similar programs like a Medical Coding degree or a Medical Assistant program.
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