The Health Information Technology program trains health information technicians to provide reliable and valid information that drives the healthcare industry.  The program utilizes standards established by the American Health Information Management Association to train entry-level technicians to effectively work with health information systems, manage medical records, and code information for reimbursement and research.  Students will leave the program with the knowledge and skills necessary to use, analyze, present, abstract, code, store and/or retrieve healthcare data for the support of departmental operations, and clinical and business decision making in healthcare or related organizations.

Employment is available in a variety of settings including hospitals, managed care organizations, long-term care facilities, consulting and law firms, skilled nursing facilities, physician practices, insurance companies, and more.  In addition, graduates of associate degree programs in HIT may transfer into HIA baccalaureate degree programs.  Graduates of baccalaureate degree programs are known as health information administrators.

This is a new program for NCCC.  We are currently candidacy status with the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). 

 Prerequisites

You will need to demonstrate proficiencies in reading, English, and mathematics based on the COMPASS assessment test, ACT or SAT scores, or by taking the recommended/required classes.  Some of the courses in this curriculum have specific prerequisites.  Prerequisites can be found on the reverse side (Guide to Completing Program Requirements) or in the college catalog. Students must take General Biology lecture, Intro to Human Biology or pass a test out examination prior to taking Human Anatomy & Physiology.  Students with low computer skills must take Intro to Computer Information Systems.

General Education (GE) Courses

The health information technology program is designed as either a terminal program or as a transfer program into a health information administration baccalaureate program.  Students should work closely with their advisors to determine the most efficient method of obtaining career goals.

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of healthcare data management.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of health statistics, biomedical research and quality management.
3. Describe health services organization and delivery.
4. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of information technology and systems.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of organizational resources, including human, financial, and physical.

Course Sequence

The listing that follows is the required sequence of courses. Please be sure to work with your advisor regarding your course schedule. 

Health information technology

Required Sequence of Courses

* CSIS 130 Intro to Computer Information Systems (Students who are in

    need of computer skills)  & BIOL 102 Human Biology.

Semester I

PSYC 100 First year Seminar Orientation                                    1

CSIS 100 Microcomputer Business Applications                           3

ALHT 110 Introduction to Health Information Technology             3

ALHE 105 Medical Terminology                                                   3

ALHT 210 Legal Aspects of Health Information                             3

ENGL 101 English Composition I                                                  3

                                Total -                     16

Semester II

ALHE 122 Introduction to Pharmacology                                      3

PSYC 155 General Psychology                                                   3

ALHT 200 Health Information Technology Clinical Affiliation I        3

NURS 230 Pathophysiology                                                        3

*BIOL 257 Human Anatomy & Physiology                                    3

*BIOL 258 Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab                             2

                                Total-                              17 Semester III

ALHT 150 Billing and Insurance                                                   3

ALHT 170 Electronic Health Records                                           3

ALHT 205 Healthcare Statistics                                                     3

COMM 213 Interpersonal Communication                                    3

ALHT 225  Introduction to ICD-9-CM Coding                               3

Total-                             15

Semester IV

ALHT 215 Quality Improvement                                                   3

ALHT 220 Management & Supervision                                        3

ALHT 221 Current Events in Health Information Technology       3

ALHT 230 Introduction to CPT coding                                          3

ALHT 256 Alternative Healthcare Systems in HIT                        3

Total-                             15

Semester V

ALHT 255 Health Information Technology Clinical Affiliation II      3

                                Total-                             3

 Total Program Credits                                                            66

*Prerequisite required