Top Choices for Health Information Technician Training in Idaho

If you’re on the hunt for health information technician training in Idaho, you’ve come to the right spot. With a focus on schools like Idaho State University and UHIMA, this guide streamlines your search for the best program to fit your career goals, outlining the skills you’ll gain and the certification process to follow. Get ready to embark on an educational journey that combines practical knowledge with the technical expertise needed in today’s healthcare information systems.

Idaho offers accredited health information technician programs at institutions like Idaho State University and UHIMA, covering essential competencies from medical coding to data analysis.
Certifications like the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) are critical, requiring education from accredited programs and maintenance through continuous learning and CEUs.
Online learning opportunities, particularly programs like Idaho State University’s online Health Information Technology Program, provide flexible and accessible paths for students to gain the required skills for a career in health information technology.

Health Information Technology Programs in Idaho

Idaho offers a wide array of educational opportunities for individuals aiming to become health information technicians.

Students at Idaho State University’s esteemed Health Information Technology program acquire the essential skills for managing patient data and ensuring health information systems consistent performance. The curriculum is designed meticulously, covering core competencies required for managing healthcare information, including:

Medical terminology
Anatomy
Physiology
Medical coding
Data analysis
Technical aspects of electronic health records

Conversely, UHIMA provides an assortment of academic programs that prepare students for diverse technical and managerial roles in healthcare facilities within the healthcare industry, from two-year technician courses to in-depth four-year degrees.

Idaho State University

Idaho State University’s Health Information Technology program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), reflecting the program’s commitment to high standards of education. The university takes pride in this accreditation, which certifies the program’s adherence to rigorous educational standards. It assures students of a quality education recognized by employers nationwide.

In terms of flexibility, the university doesn’t disappoint. Offering an online learning format, Idaho State University’s Health Information Technology program admits up to 20 students each year in August. Students have the option to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology or an Intermediate Technical Certificate in Medical Coding through the online program.

UHIMA Programs

UHIMA offers the following programs in health information management:

Health Information Technician program: a two-year program that equips students with the skills needed for technical positions in diverse healthcare environments.
Bachelor of Health Information Management degree: a comprehensive four-year program with an emphasis on healthcare data analysis and managing information resources.
Masters Degree program: focuses on health information systems, preparing graduates for roles in system development and management within healthcare organizations.

For more information regarding UHIMA’s programs in Idaho, you can reach out to Patti Ellison, MA, RHIA, at 208-385-1130 or Suzanne Griffin-Lawson, MEd, RHIA, at 208-236-4169.

Gaining Necessary Certifications

Once you’ve acquired the appropriate training, the subsequent step towards becoming a health information technician involves securing the requisite certifications. To become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), candidates must complete an accredited health information management program and pass a national certification examination. Accredited programs meet the standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Benefits of Certification

Holding an RHIT certification comes with significant professional recognition. As of December 31, 2023, there were 26,830 certified RHIT professionals, indicating the value and prestige associated with this credential.

Moreover, RHIT certification compels professionals to engage in ongoing education, thus keeping their skills and knowledge current with new developments in health information. The recertification process for RHIT credentials ensures that certified professionals maintain competence and stay relevant in the rapidly changing healthcare environment.

Online Learning Opportunities for Health Information Technicians

In the current digital age, online education has emerged as an indispensable part of health information technology training, including the study of electronic health record systems. It enables health information technology students to stay updated with the necessary medical, legal, accreditation, and regulatory standards required in the health care delivery system.

The multifaceted benefits of online learning, encompassing flexibility and accessibility, render it a compelling choice for numerous students. It is especially beneficial for those who are balancing other commitments, such as work or family, alongside their education.

Advantages of Online Learning

Online education in health information technology offers the following benefits:

Flexibility for students to learn at their own pace
Enhancement of traditional education methods
Tailoring of study schedule around existing commitments
Easier balance between work, family, and education

Furthermore, online learning provides a unique platform for practical experience. Students can compile and report health information data, which includes health data and medical records, for purposes like:

Reimbursement
Facility planning
Risk management
Research

in a virtual environment. This hands-on experience equips students with the necessary skills for their future careers.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Health Information Technician Students

Achieving an education in health information technology represents a substantial investment. Thankfully, an array of financial aid opportunities and scholarships exist to help alleviate the expense. Some of these resources include:

Federal grants
State-sponsored scholarships
Private scholarships
Work-study programs
Employer tuition reimbursement

These resources can assist students in understanding state and federal laws during their educational journey.

Explore Health Information Technology Opportunities in the Western United States

If you’re considering a career in health information technology in the Western U.S., our resources offer valuable insights tailored to each state in this region. From certification requirements to available training programs and job outlooks, these guides help you explore opportunities across the West. Check out our pages for:

Each page provides detailed information on the unique healthcare landscapes and job prospects within these Western states, helping you make informed decisions as you pursue or advance your career in health information technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the continuing education requirements for maintaining HIT certifications in Idaho?

To maintain certifications like RHIT, HIT professionals in Idaho must complete continuing education units (CEUs) as required by AHIMA. Certified professionals are typically required to earn 20 CEUs every two years to stay current in the field and to ensure they are up to date with the latest health information management standards and regulations.

What technology skills do Health Information Technicians need to succeed in Idaho’s healthcare system?

HIT professionals in Idaho should be proficient in EHR systems like Epic or Cerner, as well as coding software such as ICD-10 and CPT. They must also understand data security regulations and have strong organizational and analytical skills to manage patient information accurately.