Top Health Information Technician Training in Minnesota

If you’re seeking health information technician training in Minnesota, understanding your educational options is crucial. With a focus on accredited programs, certification requirements, and practical training opportunities, this article demystifies the process and details the direct path to becoming a health information technician in Minnesota.

Pathways to Becoming a Health Information Technician in Minnesota

Multiple entry pathways exist in the dynamic field of Health Information Technology. No matter your chosen pathway, accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) is a fundamental aspect to consider. This accreditation confirms that the program meets the professional standards required in the industry and enhances your marketability upon graduation.

Associate Degree Programs

One popular pathway is through an Associate Degree in Health Information Technology/Coding. For instance, M State offers an accredited 64-credit online AAS degree in this field. This program offers practical experience with educational electronic health record systems and includes coursework on health information guidelines, confidentiality, and coding systems.

Medical Coding Specialist Programs

Venturing into a Medical Coding Specialist diploma program presents another feasible pathway. Anoka Technical College, for example, offers a 41-credit program in this field. This program equips students with skills in medical record documentation analysis, diagnostic and procedure coding, and contributing to healthcare reimbursement processes.

Moreover, graduates from Anoka Technical College are eligible to sit for several national certification exams, reflecting the comprehensive preparation provided by the program.

Professional Certifications

Holding professional certifications such as the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) considerably boosts a graduate’s employability and appeal to potential employers. Graduates of Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs in Health Information Technology (HIT), like those at Anoka Technical College, are eligible to sit for the RHIT certification exam.

Health Information Technician Programs in Minnesota

Those interested in a career in health information technology, should consider one of the following institutions:

Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Minnesota West Community and Technical College’s HIT program provides a comprehensive education in health information management, preparing students for various certifications and career opportunities in the healthcare industry, supported by practical experience and articulation agreements for further education.

Program Overview:

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) program in Health Information Technology (HIT) teaches students how to manage health information, including collecting, analyzing, storing, protecting, and ensuring the accuracy and accessibility of health records.
Focuses on diagnostic and procedure coding, electronic systems for reimbursement, data reporting for planning and research, and maintaining legal patient records.

Curriculum:

Comprehensive education in data structure, content and information governance, information protection, informatics, analytics, data use, revenue cycle management, health law and compliance, and organizational management and leadership.
Includes a 40-hour supervised practicum in the last semester.
Recommends prior experience with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software.
Pairs well with the Medical Coding Specialist Diploma program.

Employment Opportunities:

Graduates can find employment in academic institutions, government agencies, healthcare software companies, law offices, insurance companies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, hospices, and health information management consulting agencies.

Certification and Career Preparation:

Graduates are eligible for certifications from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), including Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), and Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC).
Encourages students to maintain AHIMA student membership for scholarship opportunities and participation in regional, state, and national events.

Anoka Technical College

Anoka Technical College’s Health Information Technology program offers a comprehensive A.A.S. degree that prepares students for a range of certifications and career opportunities in the healthcare industry. The program includes rigorous coursework, a supervised practicum, and strong support for career placement, all within an accredited framework.

Program Overview:

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Health Information Technology (HIT) is a 64-credit program.
Prepares students for entry-level positions in healthcare settings where health information is utilized.
Equips students with essential professional and technical knowledge, effective communication skills, and competencies fundamental to the health information management profession.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates are prepared to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam.
Eligible for various coding credentials such as CCA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, and CPC-H.
Career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, public health facilities, insurance companies, and related facilities.
Ability to handle confidential patient information and work in areas like release of information.

Curriculum Highlights:

Comprehensive education in data structure, content, information governance, information protection, informatics, analytics, data use, revenue cycle management, health law and compliance, and organizational management.
Includes a 40-hour supervised practicum in the last semester.

Key Skills for Health Information Technicians

Beyond academic qualifications, a range of essential skills are necessary for a successful career as a health information technician. Active listening, for instance, is paramount to accurately gather and retain information. Effective written communication is crucial for updating electronic health records and ensuring clear translations of physician’s notes.

Problem-solving and critical thinking skills come in handy when addressing issues like denied insurance claims or discrepancies in medical documentation. Furthermore, strong interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and good time management are vital in managing an efficient workflow and maintaining the medical team’s functionality, particularly in adhering to healthcare privacy laws like HIPAA.

Practical Experience and Internships

Practical experience, often gained through internships, is priceless in health information technology. Such internships offer invaluable real-world experience, enabling students to apply their academic knowledge to practical issues and accumulate work experience.

Interestingly, internships often function as the ‘new interview’ in today’s job market, with a substantial number of paid interns receiving subsequent job offers.

Navigating General Education and Program Requirements

When pursuing a Health Information Technology degree, one must meet general education requirements, often encompassing compulsory courses in areas like:

Reading
Mathematics
English
Specific healthcare-related topics

Additionally, students must attain at least a ‘C’ grade in all prerequisite courses for program admission and maintain this minimum grade in all courses each term to progress to the next term, ensuring successful completion.

Program-specific requirements encompass coursework in:

Medical coding
Health information software
Electronic systems in healthcare
Legal patient record-keeping
Data privacy
Security governance
Data analysis
Revenue management
Communication

Accreditation and Exam Preparation

The significance of securing CAHIIM accreditation for Health Information Technology programs is paramount, as it directly impacts a program’s accreditation status. Being accredited by CAHIIM, a reputable health information technology accreditor, is a prerequisite for eligibility to take the RHIT exam.

AHIMA, the organization responsible for awarding certification, provides multiple exam preparation resources for candidates. Nonetheless, the usage of these resources does not ensure success in the certification examinations.

Employment Opportunities and Outlook

With a projected 17% increase in job opportunities from 2021 to 2031, the health information technology field, which utilizes electronic systems, is set to witness substantial growth.

Health information technicians in Minnesota have diverse employment opportunities in specialized healthcare settings, government agencies, and the private sector.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial aid and scholarships serve as excellent resources for financing your education. For instance, the Minnesota Health Information Management Association (MHIMA) provides scholarships for Minnesota residents enrolled in health information technology programs.

Additionally, the Foundation of Research and Education of AHIMA (FORE of AHIMA) offers merit scholarships for undergraduate health information administration and technology students, as well as credentialed HIM professionals pursuing graduate degrees.

Explore Health Information Technology Opportunities in the Upper Midwest and Great Plains

If you’re interested in health information technology careers in the Upper Midwest and Great Plains, our resources provide essential information on certification requirements, training options, and job prospects across these states. Explore our pages for:

Each state page offers insights into the healthcare landscape, salary expectations, and demand for health information technology professionals in the region. Use these resources to make informed decisions as you advance your career in health information technology in the Upper Midwest and Great Plains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What certifications are recommended for HIT professionals working in Minnesota?

The RHIT certification is highly recommended, but professionals may also pursue certifications like Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) to enhance their qualifications, particularly in medical coding and billing.

What are the salary expectations for entry-level Health Information Technicians in Minnesota?

Entry-level HIT professionals in Minnesota typically earn between $40,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on location, certifications, and employer. Salaries may be higher in metropolitan areas like Minneapolis-St. Paul.