Your Guide to Health Information Technician Training in Hawaii
If you’re aiming to launch a career as a health information technician in Hawaii, understanding the “health information technician training in Hawaii” path is essential. This article outlines the available health information technician training programs in Hawaii, the required certifications, and the promising job outlook in this field. Dive in to discover how you can become an integral part of Hawaii’s healthcare industry and what steps you need to take to secure your future as a health information technician.
- Health Information Technician (HIT) programs in Hawaii offer comprehensive training, with courses like EHR systems and medical coding, and include mandatory clinical externships to provide practical, hands-on experience.
- Hawaii’s job outlook for Health Information Technicians is positive, with an 11% expected growth from 2020 to 2030, and a variety of unique roles available due to the state’s specific health concerns.
- Accreditation from organizations like CAHIIM is crucial for HIT programs to ensure quality education and allow graduates to be eligible for AHIMA professional certification exams.
Health Information Technician Training in Hawaii: An Overview
Hawaii, known for its scenic beauty, is also making its mark in the field of health information technology. Training programs in Hawaii are equipping students with the required skills to manage health information and medical records effectively in healthcare facilities. One such notable program is offered by Leeward Community College.
eeward Community College
- Program Overview:
- Associate in Science (A.S.) in Health Information Technology (61 credits): Prepares students for roles such as medical coder, reimbursement clerk, and electronic health record (EHR) technician in various healthcare settings.
- Certificate of Achievement (31 credits): Equips students with skills to maintain accurate and timely medical data in healthcare organizations.
- Certificate of Competence (16 credits): Develops foundational skills in records and information management for roles like patient access clerk and registration clerk.
- Program Duration and Costs:
- Time to complete varies from one to four semesters.
- Average of 15 credits per semester needed to complete the associate degree in two years.
- Detailed cost information available for tuition and fees.
- Accreditation:
- Program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) through 2026-2027.
- Graduates eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam by AHIMA.
The college, committed to modern technology, prepares students to keep up with the latest HIT trends.
The Role of Health Information Technicians
As Health Information Technicians, individuals play a pivotal role in managing health information data. Their work guarantees the proper organization, management, accuracy, and security of information in both paper and electronic systems. Their indispensable role in healthcare organizations leads to efficient operations within healthcare systems.
Going beyond the technical aspects, Health Information Technicians must possess an interest in healthcare, uphold strict compliance and confidentiality, and own a problem-solving mindset to thrive in this field. So, are you ready to take up the challenge?
Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation signifies quality. Programs accredited by CAHIIM, a renowned health information management accreditor, demonstrate adherence to rigorous industry and educational standards. A program’s accreditation status paves the way for students to be eligible to take AHIMA professional Health Information Management (HIM) certification exams.
Both students and universities benefit from CAHIIM accreditation. Universities gain access to valuable tools for continuous improvement and can leverage outcome metrics and trend data for program assessment. Everyone wins.
Top Health Information Technician Programs in Hawaii
When it comes to Health Information Technician programs, Hawaii houses some of the best. CBD College’s online HIT program and Leeward Community College are top contenders in shaping the healthcare landscape of Hawaii.
The mission of the Health Information Technology Program at CBD College is to provide meaningful and engaging education, emphasizing professional and ethical practices.
CBD College
CBD College offers an Online Health Information Technology Associate’s degree program that began in July 2020. The program is designed to be flexible and transfer-friendly, catering to part-time workers and individuals with busy schedules.
The curriculum is comprehensive, consisting of seven 11-week modules focusing on:
- EHR systems
- Medical terminology
- ICD-10 and CPT codes
- Healthcare industry best practices
After finishing the program, students can take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential exam. This exam qualifies them for the RHIT credential. Plus, the program’s accreditation has been affirmed through 2029 by ABHES.
Key Components of a Health Information Technician Program
Health Information Technician programs are not one-size-fits-all. They consist of a diverse curriculum that includes HIT-specific classes, along with a blend of liberal arts and science courses. To ensure competency and retention of materials, students are required to earn at least a ‘C’ grade or higher in each HIT course to successfully progress through the program.
Medical Terminology and Coding Systems
‘Introduction to Statistics’ and ‘Anatomy and Physiology’ are among the courses that impart an understanding of medical terminology and healthcare concepts. A robust knowledge of the healthcare industry, including medical terms, roles, and functions is crucial for health information technicians.
Health Information Technician programs enable students to proficiently use medical coding systems like Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD). These are essential for patient record management and billing. As a medical records coordinator, are you prepared to master coding?
Electronic Health Records and Health Information Systems
In this digital age, students pursuing information management education are taught to utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and health information systems (HIS) for managing healthcare data and care management, while also learning about health informatics. They are educated on organizing digital patient records while adhering to necessary compliance and privacy protocols. After all, securing patient data is as important as managing it!
Clinical Externship and Hands-On Training
Clinical externships are a compulsory element of Health Information Technician programs, necessitating the direct application of students’ knowledge and skills in real healthcare environments. To fulfil the externship requirements, students may need to complete up to 240 hours, equivalent to six 40-hour work weeks, in a healthcare setting.
Gaining practical experience with professional EHR software during training equips students with a competitive edge for entering the workforce. Internships and work experiences are instrumental in helping students build connections and gain practical insights, which are beneficial for their future careers in the health information field.
Job Outlook and Demand in Hawaii
The future seems bright for Health Information Technicians in Hawaii, as labour statistics indicate a promising outlook. The expected employment growth from 620 employees in 2020 to 690 by 2030, reflecting an overall growth of 11%, is a testament to this. Annually, there are approximately 50 job openings for Health Information Technicians in Hawaii due to growth and replacement needs.
Unique roles such as managing data for cancer registries and clinical trials, and positions that address unique health concerns like tropical diseases and indigenous health issues, are available in Hawaii’s healthcare industry. Isn’t it exciting to be part of this dynamic field with endless possibilities?
Explore Health Information Technician Training Across the United States
Looking for more information on Health information technician training in other parts of the country? Visit our home page to access resources for each state. Whether you’re exploring training programs, certification requirements, or career opportunities, our comprehensive guide covers every state, providing you with the insights needed to start or advance your career in health information technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there specific certifications that are highly recommended for Health Information Technicians in Hawaii?
While the RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) certification is widely recognized, other certifications like Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) are also valuable in Hawaii, particularly for HIT professionals who focus on medical coding and billing. These certifications are beneficial for those looking to advance in specialized areas of health information management.
What types of internships or clinical experiences are available for HIT students in Hawaii?
Many HIT programs in Hawaii, such as those at Leeward Community College, offer internships and clinical externships at local healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care centers. These experiences allow students to gain hands-on experience with health information systems, medical coding, and patient data management.
