Why This Matters
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INCREASE YOUR INCOME 15% WITH AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE
When looking at workers across all occupations, those with an associate degree earn about 15% more per week than those with a high school diploma, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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EARN MORE THAN $73,370 PER YEAR
The median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians is $44,090, but the highest 10% earn more than $73,370 annually. Top paying states include the District of Columbia, Alaska, and Washington.
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JOBS IN HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ARE PROJECTED TO GROW 8%
The widespread use of electronic health records will continue to create demand for health information technology professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects there to be 29,000 new jobs for medical records and health information technicians created over the next 10 years.
Our Research
We focused our research on undergraduate programs related to health information technology that award an associate degree. The most common type of degree granted in this field is an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology. We reviewed programs that are offered online and in blended formats.
To ensure the quality of the programs, our list includes schools with regional and national accreditation. Most programs are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM), which establishes standards for educational programs that prepare students for careers in health information professions. Students who complete a CAHIIM-accredited program are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
- 80 hours to write this article
- 200 universities and colleges we assessed
- 390 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Associate in Health Information Technology Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
A degree in health information technology provides the foundation to enter various roles in the evolving health information industry. The most common careers for those who earn this degree include RHIT or medical biller and coder.
Although health information professionals are not directly involved in patient care, they are a critical part of the healthcare system. If you’re interested in working more directly with patients, you may want to consider related career paths, such as clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, which typically require a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or life sciences.
The job outlook for those who earn a degree in health information technology is favorable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for medical records and health information technicians are projected to grow 8% over the next decade, which is twice the average rate for all occupations.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in health information technology programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? A high school diploma or equivalency is typically enough to qualify a student for an associate program in health information technology. Some colleges and universities may also require prospective students to demonstrate college-level placement in reading, writing, and math.
- How long does it take to complete this degree? For full-time students, it typically takes two years to earn an associate degree in health information technology. Some programs can be completed in as few as 18 months.
As you research programs, keep track of application deadlines and materials you must submit for each program. You can usually find information about the application process by reviewing the school’s website or contacting the admissions department.
Financing your education is another important consideration. Be sure to submit financial aid applications in a timely manner and explore other types of potential funding, such as grants, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement from your employer.