Comprehensive Health Information Technician Training in California

Embark on a health information technician career in California with comprehensive “health information technician training in California” and certification guidance. From program selection to career advancement, this article outlines the pathways to jumpstart your profession in managing critical health data.

Exploring Health Information Technology Programs in California

Various HIT programs are available in the Golden State, each meticulously designed to equip students with the skills they need to manage and analyze healthcare information, leading to better healthcare delivery. A prime example of such a program is the one offered by Shasta College, which follows a cohort-based system where a prescribed course sequence is followed to complete the degree.

Degree at Santa Barbara City College

• Program Mission:
  • Provide accessible and relevant HIM education.
  • Prepare students for a meaningful future in the HIM profession.
  • Encourage lifelong learning opportunities.
• Accreditation:
  • Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) through 2027.
• Degree Requirements:
  • Completion of both HIT Department and General Education Requirements.
  • Outside transcripts must be evaluated towards SBCC’s requirements.
• Program Description:
  • Prepares students for careers in health care settings managing health information.
  • Duties include ensuring patient privacy, coding diagnoses, analyzing medical data, and managing health information systems.
• Career Opportunities:
  • High demand for health information professionals due to changes in the healthcare industry and advances in information technology.
  • Medical records and health information technicians are among the fastest-growing occupations.

Additionally, Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) provides health information management education with a mission to ensure student success in the field. These two-year associate degree programs are specifically designed to prepare students for national certification as Registered Health Information Technicians.

The Role of a Registered Health Information Technician

Despite not directly engaging in patient care, Registered Health Information Technicians (RHITs) are key players in the healthcare industry. They are responsible for:

• The storage, accuracy, and verification of electronic health records, ensuring that they are comprehensive
• Meticulously analyzing clinical data to ensure it is accurate, accessible, protected, and in compliance with federal regulations such as HIPAA
• Managing electronic health record (EHR) systems, ensuring that the patient information is up-to-date and correctly entered.

RHITs engage in regular auditing of health records to correct any discrepancies, ensuring data integrity. They frequently communicate with doctors and other healthcare professionals, ensuring the efficiency and precision of health information. By analyzing patient data, RHITs contribute to controlling healthcare costs and improving patient care. Additionally, they have the option to specialize in coding or gathering data for specific diseases. With a plethora of job titles to choose from, including:

• Clinical auditor
• Coder
• Health information technician
• Healthcare data analyst
• Cancer registrar
• Quality improvement specialist

RHITs find employment across various healthcare settings.

Pathways to Becoming a Health Information Professional

Aspiring RHITs aiming for this rewarding career path need to:

1. Earn an associate degree from a CAHIIM-accredited health information management program.
2. Pass an AHIMA certification exam to earn their credential.
3. To maintain this credential, professionals are required to renew their certification every three years with 20 continuing education units and a recertification fee.

From Degree to Career

After earning an Associate’s Degree in Health Information, individuals are well-prepared to work as health information technicians, overseeing medical records and coding information for insurance and data collection. These professionals often begin their careers in entry-level administrative roles within healthcare settings to gain the necessary experience.

With specialized roles in the healthcare industry, including the management and coding of medical records for various purposes, understanding medical terminology is essential as there is a plethora of opportunities to explore.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for HIT Students

Pursuing an education in HIT need not be a financial burden. Several scholarships are available at community colleges where many technicians are trained. For example, the CRC HIT Stars Scholarship at Cosumnes River College provides financial aid to HIT students.

Additionally, the California Health Information Association (CHIA) offers several scholarship opportunities, including awards for those enrolled in CAHIIM-accredited HIA/HIT programs or related post-graduate degree programs.

Gaining Real-World Experience: Internships and Directed Practice

For HIT students, gaining real-world experience through internships and directed practice can be transformative. Some programs, like the one at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), integrate theory with practical applications by involving faculty and industry experts within their curriculum. Directed practice enables students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems, bridging academic concepts with hands-on experience.

Internships, on the other hand, offer first-hand experience in healthcare settings, especially beneficial for those without a clinical or IT background.