Health Information Technology (HIT) is a specialized group of individuals that work within the Health Information Management (HIM) field. They have expansive knowledge in the world of healthcare technology, coding, and legal requirements to ensure that healthcare organizations can maintain and sustain with the changing tides of regulation, quality requirements, and advancing technologies. HIT professionals maintain the health record of patients in accordance with laws and regulations to ensure that accurate, timely, and pertinent information is available to clinical staff to safely and effectively provide patient care. The CRC HIT program is designed to train students with the knowledge and skills to process, analyze, disseminate and maintain secured health care information. A career as a health information professional offers a unique opportunity to combine an interest in health information, business, computer information science.
Download and read the HIT Handbook.
While our courses are delivered online, students will be supported each step of the way and have direct contact with faculty and support staff while learning in a cohort with fellow students. Admission to the new HIT cohort occurs every fall and spring for admission the following semester. CRC’s HIT program is designed with the working professional in mind. Our program classes are offered fully online, with asynchronous instruction to allowing students the flexibility to manage their academic, work, and personal commitments. The CRC HIT program focuses on data management (DM) to help students master knowledge and skills in managing data and supporting data use through various data management systems to support patient care.
We recognize that the best way to learn is by doing. Our HIT Program includes an in-person practicum course to apply what is learned, problem solve, and further develop skills in a real HIT setting. Students get hands-on experience and exposure to HIM professionals in the surrounding area to allow students the opportunity to meet and experience HIM departments in real-time. This also opens the door for mentorship and possible job opportunities.
While we understand that it can be difficult as a working professional to take time off from work to do a practicum, we are required through our accrediting body to have a minimum of 40 hours of on-site practicum experience. HIM departments have typical business hours but can sometimes accommodate a schedule that may flex into the early morning or later evenings. This is not something we guarantee for our students, but want each student to be aware of this requirement (both degree and certificate) before committing to this educational track.
HIT Program commitments support the CRC mission, vision, and values.
Mission
The CRC HIT Program wholeheartedly embraces the CRC mission. We seek to create an inclusive and equitable environment for each HIT student. We strive to provide all with mentorship, professional guidance, and consistent and relevant learning in the field of health information technology and management. Faculty are dedicated to engaging in collaborative relationships with local and global communities in the HIM profession to support our student’s advancement.
Vision
The CRC HIT Program is innovative and responsive in educating all students, so they are successful in the HIM field. We strive to create an inclusive environment by recognizing, addressing, and eliminating all forms of racism, discrimination, and oppression.
Values
- Effective learning environment - supports future and present HIT professionals.
- Diversity and Equity - of and for our students.
- Technology - designed to improve student success in the HIT profession.
- Local and global affiliations - promote HIT professionals and the profession.
- Professionalism - recognizes the importance of the publics' right to accurate, private, and confidential health information.
- Ethics - adherence to the American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA) Code of Ethics.
- Collaboration – dedicated and supportive faculty and staff to support student success.