Health Information Technology

The Health Information Technology (HIT) Program prepares students for the registered health information technician (RHIT) certification. Graduates with (RHIT) certification are employed in a variety of settings such as acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, insurance agencies, and pharmaceutical companies. 

The Health Information Technology field involves the gathering, storage, and abstraction of health data. This data can be transformed into meaningful and useful information that can be utilized by various professionals for a variety of purposes. Career opportunities for individuals with the RHIT certification may include employment as Health Data Analyst, Electronic Health Record Specialist, Records Technician Specialist, Insurance Claims Analyst, Clinical Coding Specialist, Physician Practice Manager, Patient Information Coordinator, and Medical Records Technician.

The Atlantic Cape Community College Health Information Technology (HIT) Program is a cooperative program completed in conjunction with Camden County College. The Camden County College Health Information Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) in cooperation with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The Health Information Technology (HIT) Program is offered in two (2) phases. The first year of study, the pre-professional phase, consist of courses in general education, mathematics, science, and health information technology offered at Atlantic Cape. The second year, or the professional phase, of the program includes the remaining health information technology courses and professional practice opportunities offered at Camden County College. 

Upon completion of the prerequisite coursework (pre-professional phase) here at Atlantic Cape students apply to Camden County College for admittance to the professional phase of the program. Students must complete each course in the pre-professional phase with a grade of “C” or better and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher to be considered for the professional phase of the program. 

For additional information, please contact Myrna Morales Keklak at (609) 343-5033 or mkeklak@atlantic.edu. For questions about the professional phase of the program please contact Linda Mesko, Camden County College, at (856) 968-1331 or lmesko@camdencc.edu.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

HITT101: Introduction to Health Information

Credits 3
This course will examine the aspect of taking health data and presenting it as information. Focus will be on the concepts of health data that include data elements, data sets, data dictionaries, data quality management and the usages of health data. Governmental requirements for data reporting will be reviewed. Data analysis that results in application of information will be emphasized. Basics of health records, format, and documentation will also be discussed. Students will receive instruction on qualitative and quantitative analysis and abstraction with the opportunity to practice from actual health records in the lab. Chart management software will be incorporated into this course for the student to use in the lab.

HITT132: Basic Pharmacology

Credits 3
This course introduces the student to various drug classifications, their uses, actions, contraindications, and common side effects. The regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical industry will be discussed. Medication delivery methods, documentation requirements, and common drug-related abbreviations will also be discussed.