Top Health Information Technician Training in Kansas

Are you seeking health information technician training in Kansas? Look no further. This guide provides a detailed snapshot of the accredited programs available, the skills you will learn, the certification steps involved, and insights into the job market. Gain a solid understanding of the educational trajectory and what you’ll need to excel in the growing field of health information technology. Explore your options and navigate your future with confidence through Kansas’s training offerings.

  • Health Information Technician (HIT) programs in Kansas offer CAHIIM-accredited associate, and baccalaureate degrees, and certificates, providing in-depth education on medical coding, data privacy, and patient record-keeping.
  • Becoming a health information technician requires an associate or bachelor’s degree, with essential skills including medical terminology knowledge, data entry efficiency, and compliance with healthcare laws.
  • After degree completion, obtaining the RHIT certification from AHIMA is a crucial step, necessitating continuous education and recertification every two years to maintain relevance and expertise in the HIT field.

Exploring Health Information Technician Programs in Kansas

Kansas plays host to a variety of distinguished HIT programs. Washburn University offers an Associate of Science in Health Information Technology of 73 credit hours, and a Certificate in Health Care Coding of 32 credit hours. This health information technology program typically spans over two years, thereby equipping you with all the vital skills to shine in the healthcare industry.

“I chose Washburn initially for location, but very early on I knew that Washburn was home. I can’t imagine completing my degree anywhere else. I will be forever honored to call myself an Ichabod.

Online classes offered incredible flexibility. Being able to view lectures, notes and resources at any time made it possible to be a full-time college student, full-time employee and single parent. Online classes require self-motivation, but the weekly assignments and required participation helps students complete the coursework in manageable sections.

Washburn prepared me for my career in ways that go far beyond academics and degrees. The support I received from those in the Allied Health Department helped me gain confidence and understand my worth. Knowing that my professors were always available for direction and to share their experiences in the health information field gave me courage and determination to pursue and pass two certification exams before

Linda Thomas – Washburn University graduate

https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/applied-studies/departments/allied-health/hit/index.html

To foster effective learning, Washburn University’s HIT program maintains small class sizes, limiting the number to 20 students, which allows for intimate faculty interaction. For those seeking a more adaptable learning schedule, both the Associate degree and Certificate in HIT at Washburn University present an online course option.

Essential Qualifications for Health Information Technicians

Typically, an associate degree in health information management or a related field is needed to become a health information technician. Some employers may look for candidates with bachelor’s degrees. But, what are the essential skills you need to acquire during your education? Here are some crucial skills to focus on:

  • Understanding medical terminology
  • Efficient data entry
  • Ensuring compliance with healthcare laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • Impeccable organizational and time management skills
  • Effective interpersonal skills for communication

These skills are vital in the dynamic nature of healthcare environments.

Moreover, health information technicians bear the responsibility of managing electronic health record systems and maintaining health records across a variety of healthcare settings. Specializing in roles such as medical coder or medical records technician can provide you with an edge in the healthcare industry.

Certification and Licensure Pathway

Upon completion of your degree, the subsequent step in your journey to becoming a health information technician involves securing certification. The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam, conducted by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), is the industry standard.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Pursuing a degree or certification in health information management can constitute a substantial financial commitment. However, various scholarships and financial aid opportunities can help lighten the financial burden. Some scholarships and programs to consider include:

  • The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Foundation Merit Scholarship Program
  • The Julia LeBlond Memorial Scholarship
  • The AHIMA Foundation Veteran’s Scholarship

These scholarships are designed to support student members in obtaining health IT credentials.

State-based organizations and specific funds also offer scholarships for health information management education. These include:

Some community colleges even offer scholarship programs targeting information technology as one of the eligible majors, such as the Kathy Camper Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship in Virginia.

Local scholarships, provided by institutions like the Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) and the Tarrant County College Foundation, promote further education in health IT by providing scholarships specifically for their students. So, whether you’re just starting your educational journey or are well into your degree program, there are numerous financial resources available to help you reach your goals.

Real-World Experience: Internships and Practicums

Acquiring practical experience throughout your education is vital in the realm of HIT. Internships offer valuable real-world experience sought by employers, particularly for students who lack clinical or IT backgrounds. Completing an internship or practicum considerably boosts a student’s resume, setting them apart in the competitive job market as professionals ready for employment.

Practicums offer an opportunity to actively engage with real public health problems and apply classroom knowledge, reinforcing your learning and understanding of the field.

Learning from Experts: Faculty and Resources

In the realm of health information technology, gaining reliable and valid information from seasoned faculty is priceless. Experienced HIM faculty members may hold credentials such as Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), which signifies their expert knowledge in the field.

Faculty coming from professional backgrounds such as healthcare informatics, data analysis, and medical coding offer a comprehensive and diverse skill set to students. Their active roles in healthcare bring current industry challenges and innovations into the classroom, keeping the curriculum relevant and up-to-date.

Community and Support Systems

The significance of community and support systems in the success of HIT graduates is immeasurable. Professional networks established during Health Information Technology (HIT) programs play a key role in unlocking employment opportunities for graduates.

Employer satisfaction with HIT programs, such as the one at the University of Kansas Medical Center, is high, reflecting positively on the workforce readiness of the graduates. Organizations actively participating in student internships strengthen the professional community and support the development of the local talent pool in health IT.

Moreover, practicum experiences offer students the chance to:

  • Grow their professional networks
  • Secure new job opportunities
  • Gather references
  • Benefit from networking opportunities facilitated by professors and instructors

These opportunities are invaluable for students’ internships, job placements, and professional advancement in the health information management sector, particularly for aspiring health information management professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What continuing education requirements are there for maintaining HIT certifications in Kansas?

    To maintain certifications like RHIT, HIT professionals in Kansas must complete continuing education units (CEUs) as required by AHIMA. Typically, 20 CEUs are required every two years. These credits can be earned through workshops, seminars, or online courses offered by organizations like KHIMA and AHIMA.

    What financial aid options are available for HIT students in Kansas?

    HIT students in Kansas can apply for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and student loans, as well as state scholarships like the Kansas Comprehensive Grant. Washburn University and other institutions also offer scholarships specifically for students pursuing health information management programs.

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