Harper College

Health Information Technology

Become a health information technician

Health information technicians are a key part of the healthcare team, ensuring the quality of medical records and analyzing patient data to improve patient care and control costs in all healthcare settings. Opportunities for employment may also be found in any organizations that use patient data or health information, including pharmaceutical companies, law firms and medical product vendors.

The Health Information Technology program at Harper College offers one degree, the A.A.S. HIT, which has a Fall Semester start and is completed by full-time students in 21 months. A part-time option, suitable for working adults, is also available. The A.A.S. HIT degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The curriculum is rigorous and covers both data management and revenue cycle management objectives at higher learning levels.

At Harper College, you will be part of an online community of inquiry and will enjoy the benefits of taking all your classes in an asynchronous, “Online Anytime” format. You will get to know the classmates in your cohort and will have opportunities to study and work independently and on teams. You will gain hands-on practice with multiple electronic health record applications, medical coding and grouping software, and health information management specialty software.

Earn your HIT degree

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is designed to prepare you for entry into this profession. As a Harper graduate, you will meet eligibility requirements to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam. Coursework in the A.A.S. may also prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university. This is an application-based program.

Explore Health Information Technology careers

Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Health Information Technology degree program. Each career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries, open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Health Information Technology Careers page.

HIT course credits available with current Medical Coding credentials

Students with a current (not expired) Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®) Certification could earn the following Health Information Technology (HIT) credits at Harper College:

  • HIT 165 – Pathopharmacology for Health Information Professionals
  • HIT 196 – Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding
  • HIT 197 – International Classification of Disease (ICD) Coding
  • HIT 199 – Healthcare Reimbursement
  • HIT 235 – Advanced Medical Coding

The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®) credential is offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and demonstrates a practitioner’s tested skills in data quality and accuracy as well as mastery of coding proficiency.

For more information, please contact HIT Program Coordinator, Paula Akialis. 

Physician-based (CCS-P®) Certification could earn the following Health Information Technology (HIT) credits at Harper College:

  • HIT 165 – Pathopharmacology for Health Information Professionals
  • HIT 196 – Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding

The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS-P®) credential is offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and demonstrates mastery-level coding proficiency performed in physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, or specialty centers.

For more information, please contact HIT Program Coordinator, Paula Akialis. 

Students with a current (i.e. not expired) Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) Certification could earn the following Health Information Technology (HIT) credits at Harper College:

  • HIT 196 – Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) credential is offered through AAPC and demonstrates expertise in coding medical services and procedures performed by physicians.

For more information, please contact HIT Program Coordinator, Paula Akialis. 

Resources

Next steps

For more information about earning your HIT degree at Harper, please contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.

Health Information Technology program News

Get the latest news and updates from the Harper Health Information Technology department.

Haroon Wilson

Students to Watch: Haroon Wilson

With a love for Health Information Technology and a deep appreciation for the opportunities Harper College has provided, the future is bright for Haroon Wilson. Read More

Last Updated: 3/15/24