Your Guide to Health Information Technician Training in Michigan

Looking to launch a health information technician career in Michigan? Navigating the array of accredited “health information technician training in Michigan” programs is your first step. With options at Davenport University, Baker College, and others, our guide helps you identify the pathway that best fits your goals, prepping you for essential certifications and a rewarding career. Discover your options and the keys to success in Michigan’s dynamic health IT landscape.

Accredited Health Information Technology Programs in Michigan

Embarking on a career in Health Information Technology? Great decision! Your journey begins with enrollment in an accredited Health Information Technology program. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the highest standard of quality, and it’s often a prerequisite for eligibility to sit for industry certifications such as the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential. In Michigan, several colleges offer such accredited programs, including:

Davenport University
Baker College
Schoolcraft College
Macomb Community College

Each of these institutions offers unique programs tailored to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of Health Information Management. From Davenport University’s online Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology to Baker College’s Health Information Technology Associate Degree program, there’s a variety of options to suit different learning preferences and career objectives. We will now examine each of these programs individually.

Davenport University

Davenport University offers an online Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology. The program’s features include:

Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
100% online classes, allowing students to study from anywhere
Flexibility to accommodate busy schedules
A solid foundation in Health Information Technology

Our curriculum, designed to achieve optimal program outcomes, covers a breadth of topics such as:

Medical terminology
Advanced procedural coding
Health care ethics
Presentation techniques

The program increases students’ employability by preparing them for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam. The high student satisfaction rating further underscores the program’s effectiveness in delivering a robust Health Information Management education.

Baker College

Baker College offers a Health Information Technology Associate Degree program that is accredited by CAHIIM. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in Health Information Management.

The online program allows students to balance their studies with other life commitments, making it an excellent choice for working professionals or those with familial responsibilities. Notably, the program’s accreditation status assures students of the quality of education they’ll receive, fostering confidence in their preparedness for the Health Information Management field.

Schoolcraft College

The Health Information Technology program at Schoolcraft College is CAHIIM-accredited and prepares students for the RHIT exam. It boasts high graduation and employment rates, with strong employer satisfaction, positioning graduates for successful careers in health information management.

Program Outcomes:

Eligible for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Annual Program Assessment Review (APAR) completed yearly for CAHIIM.

Recent Program Review Outcomes:

93% graduation rate.
100% of employer survey respondents rated the quality of Schoolcraft HIT graduates as Excellent or Very Good.
90% of graduates employed within one year of graduation.
78% of graduates employed in roles directly related to their HIT degree within one year.
95% of graduates rated the program as Excellent/Good Overall.
68% of first-time test takers passed the RHIT exam.

Career Opportunities:

An RHIT credential is highly regarded by employers in south-eastern Michigan.
Leads to excellent employment opportunities in the region.

Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College’s Health Information Technology program prepares students for a crucial role in maintaining electronic medical records and liaising between healthcare stakeholders. The program offers comprehensive training, expert faculty guidance, and strong career support, with opportunities for remote work and further education.

Program Overview:

Focuses on maintaining patient medical records in a secure, electronic format.
Includes serving as a liaison between healthcare providers, patients, and insurance companies.
Offers the flexibility of remote work from home in many positions.

Course Content:

Diagnostic and procedural coding
Pharmacology
Healthcare statistics
Data informatics
Legal and accreditation issues
And more detailed courses available in the course list.

Program Features:

Taught by expert faculty with experience in health records management.
Emphasizes precision in coding to avoid far-reaching consequences.
Develops good communication skills for interaction with doctors, patients, and insurance representatives.

Key Courses and Skills for Health Information Technicians

What can you expect to learn in a Health Information Technology degree program? These programs are tailored to prepare students for:

The analysis, management, and utilization of patient care data and health information resources
Health data management
information policy
Information systems
Understanding administrative and clinical workflows

They’re designed to equip students with the competencies necessary to thrive in a healthcare delivery system setting, which is a part of the larger healthcare system.

Certification Options for Health Information Technicians

Beyond a degree, certifications significantly boost your employability in the Health Information Management field. These certifications demonstrate a professional’s knowledge and skills, providing them with a competitive edge. Among the notable certifications are the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and other specialized credentials.

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification is an industry-recognized credential that assures employers of the professional’s knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to healthcare. The RHIT exam consists of a total of 150 questions and must be completed within a 3.5-hour time limit. It assesses competencies across six domains, with each domain contributing a specific percentage to the overall exam. The six domains are:

Data Content, Structure, and Information Governance (22%)
Access, Disclosure, Privacy, and Security (22%)
Data Analytics and Use (18%)
Revenue Cycle Management (16%)
Compliance (12%)
Leadership (10%)

To sit for the RHIT exam, individuals incur a cost of $299 for non-members or a reduced fee of $229 for AHIMA members. Graduates with an associate degree from programs like the one at Macomb Community College are well-prepared to take and pass the RHIT certification exam, enhancing their employability.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

The pursuit of a Health Information Technology degree need not strain your finances. Various financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for students, including:

Federal financial aid
Scholarships offered by the Michigan Health Information Management Association (MHIMA)
Scholarships offered by the AHIMA Foundation

This assistance can significantly reduce the financial burden, making higher education more accessible.

These financial aid options and scholarships aim to support students on their journey to becoming Health Information Technicians. Each source of financial aid comes with its eligibility criteria and application process. Here’s an in-depth look at these opportunities.

Online Learning Options for Health Information Technicians

The advancement of technology has pushed the boundaries of education beyond the physical classroom. Today, many Health Information Technology programs, including those focused on electronic health record management, are offered online, providing flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility for students. These online programs are designed to cater to diverse learning needs, making higher education in Health Information Technology more accessible than ever.

Benefits of Online Learning

One of the main advantages of online learning is the flexibility it offers. Online health information technician training enables students to:

Study remotely on multiple devices
Adapt their learning to their daily routine
Take self-paced courses, giving them control over their learning speed
Revisit material as needed

This flexibility allows students to tailor their learning experience to their individual needs and preferences.

Featured Online Programs

Several universities and colleges offer online Health Information Technology programs. For instance, Davenport University offers a 100% online Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program. The University of Michigan-Flint provides a fully online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Technology, catering to the technological needs in patient care.

Preparing for Success in the Health Information Technology Field

Launching a career in Health Information Technology entails more than simply earning a degree and certifications. Success in this field requires networking, involvement in professional associations, and gaining hands-on experience. These elements not only enhance your skills and knowledge but also provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals and potential employers.

Networking and hands-on experience are key to career development, whether you’re a student or a recent graduate. They provide an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting, understand the industry better, and build relationships with professionals in the field.

Networking and Professional Associations

Networking is a powerful tool for career advancement. It helps you connect with industry professionals, learn about job opportunities, and gain insights into the latest industry trends. As a Health Information Management student or new graduate, you can start by participating in activities organized by professional associations, attending professional conferences, and joining clubs or student associations.

Explore Health Information Technology Opportunities in the Midwest

If you’re considering a career in health information technology in the Midwest, our resources provide detailed insights for each state in this region. From certification requirements to training options and local job prospects, these guides help you understand the career landscape in the heart of the U.S. Check out our pages for:

Each state page covers the specific healthcare demands, salary expectations, and employment opportunities in the Midwest, equipping you with the knowledge needed to make informed choices as you grow your career in health information technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common career paths for HIT graduates in Michigan?

Common career paths for HIT graduates include Medical Coder, Health Data Analyst, EHR Manager, and Compliance Officer in hospitals, insurance companies, and healthcare technology firms across Michigan.

What is the importance of internships for HIT students in Michigan?

Internships provide students with hands-on experience in managing electronic health records and applying medical codes in healthcare settings. These experiences are crucial for developing practical skills and often lead to job opportunities after graduation.