Top Health Information Technician Training in Mississippi
Embarking on a career as a health information technician in Mississippi starts with the right training. This article provides an in-depth look at the state-specific accredited programs, certification processes, and essential practical experience in Mississippi for health information technician training in Mississippi. It’s your succinct guide to making an informed decision about HIT training in a state that values your professional development.
- The Health Information Technology (HIT) curriculum at Southwest Mississippi Community College provides a blend of traditional and online coursework, and hands-on training, and covers key topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, and health IT systems, preparing students for the RHIT exam and other certifications.
- Professional certification, such as the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), is a critical component for career entry and advancement in the HIT field, with preparation resources and exam information outlined for prospective candidates.
- Real-world experience through internships and clinical experiences is highly valued in the HIT field, providing hands-on learning and the application of classroom knowledge to prepare students for a successful career, while continuing education and advanced certifications are essential for career progression.
Key Curriculum and Training Components
A comprehensive curriculum is the starting point for anyone looking to excel in HIT. One such program is the two-year Health Information Technology program at Southwest Mississippi Community College, which prepares students for an Associate of Applied Science degree, also known as an associate degree and eligibility for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam. In addition to the college’s resources, students can also benefit from the nearby Mississippi Medical Center for practical experience. It’s essential to consider a program’s accreditation status when choosing a Health Information Technology program.
A variety of subjects are covered in these programs, including:
- Health record systems
- Health IT Systems
- Medical terminology, with an in-depth exploration of human body systems
- HCPCS, CPT Category II, and ICD-10 codes
- Health care delivery system
From a practical perspective, students undergo hands-on training in medical billing and coding software, where they acquire skills in revenue cycle management, health insurance, and legal aspects of reimbursement. This practical training helps them to collect and analyze data crucial to healthcare operations.
Health Information Training Programs in Mississippi
Those interested in a career in health information technology, should consider one of the following institutions:
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offers a comprehensive Health Information Technology program with an emphasis on billing and coding, preparing students for various certifications and roles in healthcare data management. The program includes hybrid learning, practical training, and necessary support to ensure graduates are well-equipped for the healthcare industry.
Program Overview:
- A 2-year technical program leading to an associate degree.
- Prepares individuals to work as technical specialists in Health Record Systems.
- Combines healthcare with information technology, focusing on maintaining, collecting, and analyzing data crucial to quality patient care.
- Offered in a hybrid format with emphasis on billing and coding.
Degrees and Certificates:
- Career Certificate: Qualifies graduates to sit for the Medical Terminology Certification exam (NWCA).
- Technical Certificate: Qualifies graduates to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and/or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential (AHIMA).
- Associate of Applied Science Degree: Prepares graduates to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) national accreditation examination (pending program accreditation).
Southwest Mississippi Community College
Southwest Mississippi Community College’s Health Information Technology program offers comprehensive training and certification opportunities in health information management, preparing students for various roles in the healthcare industry. The program is CAHIIM accredited, provides flexible learning options, and emphasizes practical experience and professional development through student organizations and real-world applications.
Program Overview:
- Two-year technical program leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree.
- Trains health information professionals in coding, revenue cycle management, information governance, informatics, and data analytics.
- Prepares students to maintain health information systems according to medical, legal, accreditation, and regulatory requirements.
- Graduates work in various healthcare settings including hospitals, public/private health agencies, mental health facilities, long-term care, ambulatory care, state and federal health agencies, physician practices, and home health agencies.
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) through 2024.
- Prepares graduates for the national accreditation examination for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
Program Delivery:
- Offered through on-campus day courses and asynchronous online courses via Instructure Canvas Learning Management System.
Hinds Community College
Hinds Community College’s Health Information Technology program offers a comprehensive education that prepares students for various careers in the rapidly growing field of health information management, with opportunities for both in-person and remote work across a wide range of healthcare and related industries.
Program Overview:
- An 18-month technical program leading to an associate degree.
- Prepares individuals to work in hospitals and other healthcare settings managing health information in both paper and electronic formats.
- Combines healthcare with information technology, focusing on maintaining, collecting, and analyzing data crucial for quality patient care.
- Covers medical coding, revenue cycle management, cancer registry, trauma registry, electronic health records, data management, and other areas of health informatics.
Career Opportunities:
- Projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Employment opportunities include hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies, law firms, state and federal health agencies, long-term care facilities, hospice agencies, teaching institutions, and consulting firms.
Certification and Licensure: Your Gateway to the Industry
Upon completion of the HIT program, certification becomes the subsequent phase. The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam is a critical certification for HIT professionals. Students can take the exam in their last term, after course completion, or while waiting for official transcripts.
Real-World Application: Internships and Clinical Experience
Internships hold crucial importance in the training process for HIT students, especially for those without prior clinical or IT backgrounds. These internships provide critical hands-on experience, are highly valued by employers, and are essential for practical learning.
Internships facilitate students in utilizing their classroom-acquired knowledge to tackle real-world problems encountered in the healthcare industry. This helps in improving their technical and work skills in the field of healthcare IT.
Not only do these real-world experiences enhance the educational development of HIT students, but they also offer healthcare companies the opportunity to improve program outcomes by:
- Refining management strategies
- Integrating new tools
- Developing innovative business solutions
- Shaping curricula to align with industry needs.
In addition to internships, students may receive an externship starter kit which complements their academic studies by providing valuable practical experience.
Continuing Education and Career Advancement
Career advancement significantly relies on continuing education for HIT professionals. AHIMA provides online courses for health information professionals, which can enhance their knowledge in medical coding and reimbursement, potentially offering academic transfer credits.
In collaboration with Health-ISAC, AHIMA grants a Cyber Threat Intelligence Certificate for healthcare leaders. This certification, supported by federal health agencies, aims to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce within the healthcare sector. This is an invaluable addition to your skill set in an era where data security is of paramount importance.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
A career in Health Information Technician equates to investing in your future. Fortunately, there are several financial aid options available for students in Mississippi. The Federal Pell Grant, for instance, is a need-based financial aid awarded to undergraduate students based on their FAFSA data.
