A Guide to Becoming a Health Information Technician

Health information technicians are responsible for organizing and managing the health records of patients. Their role is essential for health care providers to collect, store, and retrieve patient data in a secure and timely manner.

If you’re interested in becoming a health information technician, this guide will cover the steps you need to take.

Step 1: Get Your Education

The first step towards becoming a health information technician is obtaining a degree or certificate. Most employers require a postsecondary degree in health information technology, often from a community college or other vocational program. Programs typically offer a two-year associate degree in health information technology or a one-year certificate in technical coding, and most programs are nationally accredited. Common topics of study include diseases diagnosis and coding, computerized systems, medical billing principles, and health care databases.

You may also consider getting an undergraduate degree, such as a bachelor’s in health information management. This degree gives you a more comprehensive understanding of ways to handle and discuss health information.

Step 2: Get Certified

It’s highly recommended that you become certified in health information technology once you’ve obtained your degree or certificate. The most important professional certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association. This certification is called the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and requires individuals to pass an examination in their specific area of health information technology. You must also complete continuing education requirements to keep your certification current.

Step 3: Gain Relevant Experience

Most employers prefer to hire candidates with an advanced degree and/or work experience in a line of duty of the health information department. You can get your experience through internships, such as through community colleges, hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. Experienced professionals can also obtain positions through an online job board such as Indeed or Monster.

Step 4: Stay Up to Date on Technology

As with any field, health information technology is constantly advancing. It’s important to stay abreast of the latest trends in coding, databases, and systems. Additionally, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, it’s important to understand the implications these technologies have on the field and be able to navigate them.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to get into the growing field of health information technology, this guide outlines steps you need to take in order to become a health information technician. Start by getting a degree in health information technology and then obtain industry certification in order to become an RHIT. It’s also wise to gain experience through internships and be sure to stay up to date with the latest technologies such as AI and machine learning. After you’ve achieved these steps, you’ll be qualified to make your mark in the health information field.