About the Program

The Delgado Health Information Technology (HIT) Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply to complete the national certification exam for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). The RHIT credentials are recognized throughout the United States.  

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

233 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2150

Chicago, IL 60601     (312-233-1131)

www.cahiim.org

What is a Registered Health Information Technician?

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) uses business, medical, legal and computer skills to organize, maintain, analyze, and generate health information for patient care, reimbursement, planning, quality, and research to ensure quality health data. RHITs often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. RHITs work in a variety of health care settings which include hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care agencies, health information exchanges, and any facility that manages health information.  

What is the Health Information Technology Program like at Delgado?

The Health Information Technology Program promotes a learning environment to develop the technical competency skills and critical thinking skills using a variety of instructional methods such as web-enhanced online course work, lecture recordings, videos, simulated laboratory activities and hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

The Health Information Technology  Program includes two parts: (1) PREREQUISITES to include general education and related courses and (2) HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMPONENT which includes the professional health information technology courses. The Health Information Technology Program is a limited admission program that starts in August of each year and consists of five semesters of didactic and clinical education. Minimum career entry competencies expected of graduates include:

•  Critical Thinking, organizational, time management, oral and written communication skills

•  Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body and a detailed understanding of disease processes with related pharmacology

•  Thorough understanding of health (medical) record content with the ability to review and analyze health records to identify relevant diagnosis and procedures for distinct patient encounters

•  Ability to translate diagnostic and procedural terminology used by physicians and health care professionals into coded form (ICD-10-CM/ICD-10/PCS and CPT) using coding rules and guidelines

•  Ability to use a computer and have a mastery in the use of the Internet, Blackboard, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

•  Ability to work as a team member in a professional manner. 

   

If you are interested in the new HITTECH funded program for students with an IT or medical background please click here and complete the form.