Comprehensive Health Information Technician Training in North Dakota
Pursuing a career as a Health Information Technician in North Dakota starts with the right training and certification. This article cuts straight to the chase, guiding you through the necessary educational pathways, accredited programs, and the certification process to kick-start your career in health information management within the state.
Whether you aspire to manage patient data, process healthcare reimbursements, or enhance electronic health record systems, find out the steps to reach your professional goals with health information technician training in North Dakota right here.
Becoming a Health Information Technician in North Dakota
Embrace a profession where you play a pivotal role in healthcare, yet don’t engage in direct patient care. As a Health Information Technician, you hold the reins of health information management in your hands, ensuring the smooth functioning of healthcare systems in North Dakota. Your duties range from:
- Coding diagnoses
- Processing reimbursements
- Managing the release of patient health information
- Enhancing electronic health record documentation systems
The opportunities for career growth in health care are diverse, with potential avenues in hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and even health information technology management.
Education Requirements
Initiating your path to becoming a Health Information Technician requires a strong educational foundation. Typically, an associate degree in Health Information Management (HIM) is required. If you already hold a degree in a different field, a postsecondary certificate will suffice. North Dakota ensures you receive a quality education that adheres to national standards, offering CAHIIM-accredited programs.
Certification Process
Certification acts as an endorsement of your capabilities and dedication, boosting your reputation as a health information technician. To be eligible for the RHIT examination in North Dakota, you must have completed an associate degree in Health Information Management accredited by CAHIIM or graduated from a foreign HIM program that AHIMA recognizes.
The RHIT certification is obtained by passing a national examination, administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). If you’re in your last term of a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program in North Dakota or have completed the coursework but are awaiting graduation or official transcripts, you may be eligible for early testing for the RHIT exam.
Top Health Information Technician Programs in North Dakota
If you’re exploring where to commence your educational journey, North Dakota provides some of the finest Health Information Technician programs. Among them, the Health Information Management program at North Dakota State College of Science stands out with its CAHIIM accreditation, reaffirmed through 2028. Also, the NDSCS Medical Coding program option is approved by the AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Program.
North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS)
- Health Information Technician Program:
- Focuses on ensuring the completeness, accuracy, and protection of medical data.
- Uses computer applications to organize, analyze, evaluate, and report health data.
- Complies with laws, standards, and regulations.
- Specializes in coding diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement and other purposes.
- Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) through 2028.
- Medical Coding Program:
- Approved by the AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Program.
- Evaluated against a national minimum set of standards for entry-level coding professionals.
- Ensures practitioners possess necessary job skills upon entry into the profession.
Besides the physical campuses, you can also consider online healthcare information technology classes. These online options offer flexibility, making it easier for individuals juggling multiple commitments to pursue their education.
North Dakota State College
The North Dakota State College of Science offers an Associate’s degree in Health Information Technology. This program is accredited through 2028 by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), a reputable health information management accreditor.
The program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of health informatics and information management. The goals and student outcomes for the Health Information Technology AAS program are outlined in the program handbook, offering students a clear roadmap of what they can expect from the program.
Online Healthcare Information Technology Classes
For those who prefer the convenience of online education, North Dakota offers a variety of online healthcare information technology programs. Franklin University and the University of Mary stand out as two prominent institutions offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. North Dakota State College of Science also provides accredited online health information technology classes, contributing to the state’s educational resources.
Although online education provides flexibility, careful financial planning is vital. Here are some key points to consider:
- The average tuition for 4-year nonprofit schools offering online programs in health information technology is $14,934.
- 2-year institutions have an average tuition of $5,646.
- There has been a significant decline in online health information degree completions over the past five years in North Dakota, indicating increased competition in the field.
These factors emphasize the value of a degree in health information technology and the need for careful financial planning in managing health data.
Skills and Competencies for Health Information Technicians
Being a Health Information Technician necessitates not only a robust educational background but also a distinctive set of skills to excel in your role. Critical thinking, for instance, aids in identifying problems and determining relevant data to devise solutions. Meticulous attention to detail helps avoid errors in medical records, ensuring accurate entries and preventing repeated diagnostic tests.
Beyond these skills, the key skills for healthcare professionals include:
- Active listening for understanding information from diverse healthcare stakeholders
- Problem-solving abilities for systematic resolution of issues, such as denied claims or decoding illegible physician’s notes
- Technical proficiency in medical coding, validated by the AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Program
- Understanding data security practices to prevent unauthorized data access and safeguard information systems from damage.
Job Opportunities and Earning Potential
Armed with a solid educational base and a wide range of skills, a multitude of job opportunities await you in North Dakota. As a Health Information Technician with RHIT certification, you can explore diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities, and public health agencies.
Preparing for the National Exam Sponsored by AHIMA
Clearing the RHIT exam is a significant milestone on your path to becoming a certified Health Information Technician. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, covering six domains of competencies, with a required passing score of 300 within a 3.5-hour time limit. To prepare, you can use the AHIMA CCS Exam Preparation book and online assessments featuring 291 multiple-choice questions and 28 medical scenarios, including rationales, references, and test-taking tips.
