Health Information Technology Degree in Raleigh NC

Are you considering a Health Information Technology Degree in Raleigh, NC but unsure where to start?

This article provides a clear guide to the top programs available, detailing their curricula, flexibility, and career prospects.

By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which program fits your needs and how it can propel your career in healthcare IT.

Miller-Motte College – Healthcare Information Technology Degree Program

Miller-Motte College in Raleigh, NC, offers a practical Healthcare Information Technology degree program designed to prepare you for various administrative healthcare roles. You’ll gain essential skills through courses in pharmacology, health information management, healthcare systems, statistics, and legal and ethical issues in health IT.

Key Features:

• Flexible Learning Options: Choose between a hybrid track that you can complete in just 18 months or an online track.
• Rolling Admissions: New courses start every five to 10 weeks, reducing your waiting time.
• Hands-On Training: Enjoy externship opportunities available through the hybrid track to gain real-world experience.

Career Outcomes:

Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as:

• Medical Records Specialists
• Medical Billers
• Medical Coders
• Health Information Technologists

For detailed information on tuition and program specifics, visit Miller-Motte College.

Wake Tech Community College – HIT-3500BCS Health Information Technology Part 2

Wake Tech Community College offers the HIT-3500BCS Health Information Technology Part 2 course for professionals looking to deepen their knowledge in healthcare technology.

Key Features:

• Practical Training: The course covers electronic health record systems, cybersecurity, and data privacy regulations.
• Accessibility: No prerequisites required, making it accessible to a diverse range of students.
• Hands-On Experience: Focus on practical skills ensures you gain applicable knowledge in healthcare settings.

Potential Careers:

This course is ideal if you’re looking to:

• Install and maintain electronic health record systems
• Join an internal IT team in a healthcare facility
• Provide technical support across various healthcare organizations

More details about hours and fees can be found on Wake Tech Community College’s course page.

Central Piedmont Community College – Health Information Technology Program

Central Piedmont Community College, in partnership with Edgecombe Community College, offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology (HIT).

Key Features:

• Flexibility: Fully online HIT courses and in-person or online general education courses.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Focuses on patient health data management, diagnosis and procedure coding, healthcare reimbursement, and data security.
• Real-World Experience: Clinical practice in healthcare facilities provides hands-on training.

Career Readiness:

Graduates will be prepared to sit for the RHIT certification examination, enhancing employment opportunities in:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Academic Institutions
• Government Agencies

For more information, visit Central Piedmont Community College’s program page.

East Carolina University – Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management

East Carolina University (ECU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (HIM), accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Key Features:

• Accreditation: Program is CAHIIM accredited through 2027-2028, ensuring high educational standards.
• Credentialing: Graduates can sit for the RHIA credentialing examination by AHIMA.
• Career Focus: Prepares you for roles in healthcare systems management and governance, emphasizing analytical and project management skills.

Special Benefits:

• Community College Agreements: Allows AAS degree holders in Health Information Technology to enter ECU as juniors.
• Strong Outcomes: ECU boasts a 100% graduation and retention rate, with high employment or further education rates within a year of graduation.

Explore all the details on East Carolina University’s Health Information Management program.

By following these program details and exploring their unique features, you can find the best fit for your Health Information Technology Degree in Raleigh, NC. Each school offers something unique, allowing you to tailor your education to suit your career aspirations in the healthcare IT field.

Edgecombe Community College – Health Information Technology Program

Edgecombe Community College provides a robust Health Information Technology program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) through 2028-2029. This program prepares you to manage and process health information with proficiency while ensuring the security and compliance of data within healthcare environments.

Key Features:

• Core Skills Development: Obtain skills to manage health information, design security controls, oversee departmental functions, and coordinate data for quality management or planning.
• Certification Examination: Graduates may qualify for the national certification examination to become Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT).
• Diverse Career Options: Work in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, or insurance organizations.
• Flexible Curriculum: Engages students through primarily online coursework, except for three clinical courses completed at assigned healthcare agencies.

Career Prospects:

Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings, capable of handling roles that require knowledge of coding systems, healthcare reimbursement, and patient data protection.

For more details, visit Edgecombe Community College’s program page.

Central Carolina Community College – Health Information Technology Program

Central Carolina Community College offers a comprehensive Health Information Technology program that blends online coursework with in-person opportunities. Accredited by CAHIIM through 2030, this program equips you with the technical and ethical skills needed for a successful career in health information management.

Key Features:

• Flexible Learning Options: Fully online program suited for remote learners and working professionals, with in-person options for general education courses.
• Accreditation Assurance: Accreditation ensures compliance with industry standards and enhances employability.
• Real-World Application: Graduates enjoy strong job placement rates, with a 42.11% graduation rate and 100% student satisfaction.
• Diverse Role Preparation: Focus on roles such as medical coder, medical records technician, HIPAA compliance officer, and healthcare data analyst.

Career Preparation:

This program prepares you for various healthcare administrative roles, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strict ethical standards and professional behavior.

For further details, visit Central Carolina Community College’s program page.

University of North Carolina – Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP)

The Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP) at UNC stands out for its advanced training in health information technology. By focusing on reducing healthcare costs and improving care quality, the program prepares you for roles in health informatics and data science.

Key Features:

• Specialized Degrees: Offers a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Biomedical Health Informatics, a Ph.D. in Health Informatics, and the NLM Biomedical Informatics and Data Science Research Training Program.
• Diverse Specializations: Options include clinical genomics, population informatics, and health informatics.
• Privacy Commitment: Requires comprehensive HIPAA training to ensure patient data protection.
• Research Opportunities: Access to labs, centers, and conferences enhances research and collaboration skills.

Career Focus:

Graduates are equipped for advanced roles in health informatics, with a strong emphasis on practical applications and protecting patient privacy.

Explore more about the program at UNC’s CHIP page.

How to Choose the Best Health Information Technology Program for You

Selecting the right Health Information Technology degree program in Raleigh, NC, is crucial for your career success. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized body such as CAHIIM. Accreditation guarantees that the program meets industry standards.
2. Faculty Expertise: Investigate the qualifications and industry experience of the faculty. Experienced instructors often provide invaluable insights and higher quality education.
3. Curriculum Scope: Check whether the curriculum covers essential topics like data management, coding, reimbursement, and information security. Comprehensive coursework prepares you well for industry demands.
4. Practical Experience: Prefer programs offering internships or clinical practice opportunities. Hands-on experience is invaluable for gaining real-world skills.
5. Costs and Financial Aid: Compare tuition fees and additional costs. Look for programs offering financial aid, scholarships, or flexible payment plans.

By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can choose a program that aligns with your career goals and personal needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Health Information Technology degree in Raleigh, NC, can set you on a path to a rewarding career in healthcare IT. Each program offers unique features and benefits, from flexible online options to hands-on clinical experience. Ensure you align the program’s offerings with your career aspirations and personal circumstances.

Start your journey towards a flourishing career in health information technology by exploring these top programs, and find the best fit for you.

For more information, be sure to visit each program’s dedicated web page. This journey could be the gateway to a fulfilling and high-impact career in healthcare technology.