Health Information Technology Education and Job Outlook

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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the healthcare industry will add more jobs than any other sector through 2018.¹ Health information technology education can provide a pathway into this growing allied health field and help you qualify for an entry-level job as a health information technician.

Health information technology is different than many other allied health jobs in that it requires computer proficiency rather than direct, hands-on patient care. If this type of position appeals to you, you may want to consider an online health information technology degree, which offers a convenient way to complete your training and transition into a career in the growing healthcare field.

What Is Health Information Technology?

While most people are familiar with information technology and healthcare as individual fields, some may be wondering, “What is health information technology?” As the name suggests, health information technology encompasses computer-related work in a healthcare setting. Professionals in this line of work contribute to the organization and maintenance of medical data, such as electronic health record (EHR) information.

While specific tasks may vary by employer and specialty, health information technicians often compile patients’ healthcare records, evaluate them for completeness and accuracy and organize the data so that it is easily accessible to physicians, insurance companies and patients. The data assembled by health information technicians may include a patient’s medical history, symptoms, examination results, diagnostic tests and treatment methods.

Some health information technicians may assist with improving EHR software usability or contribute to the maintenance and development of health information systems. As more organizations transition from written documentation to electronic systems, technicians may be required to take on specialized responsibilities, such as maintaining EHR security or analyzing healthcare data to improve information flow.

Health information technicians may communicate frequently with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals to obtain, clarify and verify patient information. They typically perform their duties in an office setting and may be employed within hospitals, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, government agencies and other organizations that use electronic medical records.

Health Information Technician Requirements and Training

Health information technician jobs generally require an associate degree with specialized knowledge of relevant software and systems. Formal health information technology training can provide the necessary foundation to qualify for entry-level positions. Applicants should also possess good verbal and written communication skills. It is important for prospective health information technicians to demonstrate computer proficiency. Professionals in this field should also be willing to pursue continuing education. Since technology and the needs of healthcare organizations are constantly evolving, keeping up with developments in the field will be vital to success.

Health Information Technician Job Outlook

According to the BLS, employment of health information technicians is projected to grow much faster than the average occupation in coming years, with an expected 20% employment increase through 2018.² The BLS attributes this employment growth to the increasingly widespread use of EHRs as organizations transition away from paper-based systems. Another factor is the rising demand for diagnostic tests, medical treatments and procedures – a result of the aging baby boomer population, as elderly patients historically experience more health-related problems. Due to this growth and continued demand, BLS projections indicate the health information technology job outlook is good, especially for qualified professionals with relevant training and experience. Health information technicians with a strong understanding of computer software and technology should be in a good position to compete for entry-level jobs.

UMA’s Health Information Technology Education and Career Services

Obtaining health information technology training can help you strengthen your qualifications and meet your healthcare career goals. If you are interested in computers and data management, and wish to transition into the healthcare field, health information technology education provides an opportunity to acquire the core skills employers demand.

Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) offers an online Associate of Science Degree in Health Information Technology that is designed to expose students to the analytical, technical and management skills required for entry-level health information technician positions. This online program can be completed in as few as 18 months, depending on the selected concentration. Through UMA’s convenient online learning platform, you can attend classes as your busy schedule allows.

Combining general education courses with specialized training, UMA’s Health Information Technology degree program provides the opportunity to develop valuable skills, such as: 

• Assessing and monitoring the quality of medical records, including electronic health records (EHRs)
• Verifying that patient information is complete and accurate
• Entering diagnosis and procedure codes in patient records for reimbursement and research purposes
• Applying knowledge of laws and certification standards related to health information initiatives
• Using health information systems and technology to assemble, store and analyze patient data to improve patient care and reporting
• Applying management skills to contribute to the efforts of health information management teams

UMA’s online health information technology education offers a flexible and convenient way to learn new skills and obtain the technical knowledge employers need. Just as in traditional campus-based programs, online students have the opportunity for regular interaction with their faculty and peers. They also have the advantage of setting their own schedule and participating in classes wherever they can access the Internet – at any time, day or night.

All of UMA’s health information technology instructors have relevant healthcare experience, giving students a real-world perspective of the industry. Students also have access to UMA’s dedicated Career Services team members, who are committed to helping students achieve their healthcare career goals.

Ready to Pursue a Health Information Technology Education?

Preparing for a health information technician job requires obtaining the industry-relevant knowledge and technical skills sought by today’s healthcare employers. Advancing your education can begin with enrolling in UMA’s Health Information Technology associate degree program. This online health information technology training builds on the quality education thousands of UMA graduates have enjoyed since 1994. Contact UMA today for more details and take the first step toward meeting your personal, academic and healthcare career goals.

1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Career Guide to Industries, 2010-2011. “Healthcare.” <http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs035.htm>
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition. “Medical Records and Health Information Technicians”
<http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos103.htm#outlook>

For information on student graduation rates, retention and placement rates, and student financial obligations visit www.ultimatemedical.edu/consumerinfo