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Ever wondered which Health Information Technology degree programs in North Carolina are worth your time?
This article highlights the top options, focusing on accredited programs that ensure career readiness. Whether you’re looking for flexible online courses or hands-on clinical experience, you’ll find the right fit here.
Discover everything from entry-level associate degrees to advanced certifications in this succinct guide.
East Carolina University – BS in Health Information Management
At East Carolina University (ECU), the BS in Health Information Management (HIM) program offers a 120-semester hour curriculum. This program is designed to develop your skills in managing health information systems and promoting healthcare improvements.
ECU offers both on-campus and distance education options. Thus, you can choose the learning style that suits you best. One of the unique benefits of ECU’s HIM program is its CAHIIM accreditation through 2027-2028, which ensures that you receive a quality education aligned with industry standards.
Key features of the program:
- Eligibility for RHIA Credentialing Exam: Graduates can sit for the RHIA exam by AHIMA.
- Practical Experience: The program includes practicum opportunities, allowing you to gain hands-on experience.
- Flexible Learning Options: With bilateral agreements with community colleges, students holding an AAS degree in HIT can enter as juniors.
- Accreditation: Accredited by CAHIIM, ensuring high-quality education standards.
The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, prepping you for roles in health data management and healthcare policy improvement. For more information, check out the BS in Health Information Management Program at ECU.
Central Carolina Community College – Health Information Technology Program
Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) provides an online Health Information Technology program that seamlessly fits into your schedule. The program is accredited by CAHIIM, confirming that it meets industry standards for health information management education.
The program prepares you for a variety of roles within healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies. CCCC boasts an impressive 100% employment rate for HIT graduates from the 2022-2023 academic year.
Key benefits of the program:
- Accreditation: Accredited by CAHIIM, ensuring high educational standards.
- Career Opportunities: Diverse career paths such as medical coder, data analyst, and healthcare consultant.
- Flexible Online Learning: Fully online format for flexible education.
- Professional Guidance: Erika Parker, the program director, offers guidance and support for your career in health information technology.
Graduates are well-equipped to earn nationally recognized certifications, making them competitive in the job market. For more information, visit the CCCC Health Information Technology Program page.
East Carolina University – Health Information Management Graduate Certificate
The Health Information Management Graduate Certificate at ECU is tailored for those looking to advance their careers in the management of medical data. This program offers flexible learning options, allowing you to complete it within a year.
Program highlights:
- Eligibility for RHIA Exam: Prepares you for the RHIA credentialing exam by AHIMA.
- Flexible Learning: Can be completed within a year, offering both on-campus and online options.
- High Success Rate: Maintains a 100% RHIA exam pass rate.
- Adviser Support: Offers dedicated 1:1 adviser support to guide you throughout the program.
The curriculum includes courses in health informatics, quality management, and leadership. Graduates can pursue various roles, such as HIM director, coding supervisor, and data integrity analyst, with an average salary of $91,250 in North Carolina. For more details, check out the Health Information Management Graduate Certificate at ECU.
Guilford Technical Community College – Health Information Technology Program
Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) offers a Health Information Technology (HIT) program that is accredited by CAHIIM. This program prepares you to handle roles such as medical coder, clinical data manager, and health information technician.
Notable aspects of the program:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers coding, reimbursement, research, and system design.
- Clinical Rotations: Includes mandatory clinical rotations for hands-on experience.
- High Employment Rate: Reports a 100% employment rate for Spring 2022 graduates.
- Accreditation: Accredited by CAHIIM, maintaining educational quality and standards.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the RHIT® exam, ensuring they meet the qualifications for professional roles in health information management. For additional information, visit the GTCC Health Information Technology Program page.
Edgecombe Community College – Health Information Technology Program
Edgecombe Community College offers a Health Information Technology program accredited by CAHIIM. This program prepares you to sit for the RHIT certification and provides a blend of online courses with essential in-person clinical requirements.
Program highlights:
- Accreditation: Accredited by CAHIIM through 2028-2029.
- Multiple Study Options: Includes degree, diploma, and certificate pathways.
- Clinical Experience: Combines online learning with mandatory clinical courses.
- Career Readiness: Prepares graduates for various roles in healthcare settings, from hospitals to insurance organizations.
The program is designed to address local employment needs while ensuring a high-quality education. Learn more about the Edgecombe Community College HIT Program.
University of North Carolina – Carolina Health Informatics Program
The Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP) at UNC provides specialized training aimed at improving healthcare and reducing costs through health technology information.
Key features:
- Various Degrees: Offers a Master of Professional Science in Biomedical and Health Informatics and a PhD in Health Informatics.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Classes cover Clinical Genomics to Population Informatics.
- Collaborative Environment: Promotes a collaborative learning environment with access to specialized labs and databases.
- Research Opportunities: Offers various research-oriented opportunities to enhance learning.
The program ensures you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for advanced healthcare IT roles. For more details, visit the Carolina Health Informatics Program at UNC.
Craven Community College – Health Information Technology (HIT) Program
Craven Community College’s Health Information Technology (HIT) program aims to blend clinical, IT, and management skills, providing a flexible hybrid learning format.
Program benefits:
- Accreditation: CAHIIM-accredited, ensuring high educational standards.
- Hands-On Training: Includes two clinical experiences to help you gain practical skills.
- Flexible Learning: Hybrid format caters to both full-time students and working professionals.
- Successful Outcomes: 86% graduation rate and 80% employment within one year post-graduation.
With a focus on preparing you for roles like data analyst and coding specialist, this program aligns well with career opportunities in healthcare settings. For more information, visit the Craven Community College HIT Program page.
Central Piedmont Community College – Health Information Technology Associate in Applied Science
Central Piedmont Community College, in partnership with Edgecombe Community College, offers an online Health Information Technology Associate in Applied Science program. This collaboration brings together the strengths of two institutions to deliver a curriculum that prepares you for meaningful roles in healthcare IT.
Highlights of the program:
- Online Flexibility: The entire program is available online, allowing you to balance studies with other commitments.
- Accreditation: Fully accredited by CAHIIM, ensuring that the program meets industry standards.
- Career-Ready Curriculum: Focuses on patient data accuracy, coding, and healthcare statistics.
- Clinical Experience: Includes necessary clinical rotations to provide you with hands-on experience.
Graduates are well-prepared to take the RHIT certification exam and find employment in various settings, including hospitals, academic institutions, and government agencies. The program also offers financial aid options to make it more accessible. For more information, visit the Central Piedmont Health Information Technology Program.
Catawba Valley Community College – Health Information Technology Program
Catawba Valley Community College provides an Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology, reinforcing its commitment to high-quality education. Accredited by CAHIIM, this program is designed to prepare you to become RHIT-certified professionals, meeting the growing demand in the healthcare sector.
Key benefits:
- Accreditation: Fully accredited by CAHIIM.
- Practical Training: Includes clinical experiences to ensure hands-on skill development.
- Flexible Scheduling: Ideal for working students and those with other commitments.
- Support Services: Accommodates students with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive learning environment.
With a comprehensive curriculum, Catawba Valley Community College ensures that you are well-prepared for various roles in healthcare settings. To find out more, check out the Catawba Valley Community College HIT Program.
Brunswick Community College – Health Information Technology Program
Brunswick Community College offers a CAHIIM-accredited Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology. The curriculum is designed to equip you for a variety of roles in the healthcare sector, with a strong emphasis on coding accuracy and healthcare data management.
Key features:
- Accreditation: Accredited by CAHIIM.
- High Employment Rate: Graduates have a high post-graduation employment rate.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Includes courses in anatomy, health law, coding, and electronic health records.
- Advanced Education Pathways: Provides articulation agreements with UNCG for further education opportunities.
The program ensures you are well-prepared to take the RHIT certification exam and pursue fulfilling career opportunities. For more information, visit the Brunswick Community College HIT Program.
Craven Community College – Associate in Health Information Technology Program
Craven Community College’s Associate in Health Information Technology program offers a blend of clinical, IT, and management skills to prepare you for various roles in healthcare settings.
Program highlights:
- Accreditation: CAHIIM-accredited to maintain high educational standards.
- Hands-On Experience: Includes two clinical experiences to help you gain practical skills.
- Hybrid Learning Format: Offers a flexible hybrid format for both full-time students and working professionals.
- Excellent Outcomes: Boasts a 100% RHIT exam pass rate and strong post-graduation employment rates.
The curriculum aligns well with career paths in healthcare, such as data analyst and coding specialist. For more details, visit the Craven Community College Health Information Technology Program.
North Central State College – Associate Degree in Health Information Technology
North Central State College offers an Associate Degree in Health Information Technology that is designed to prepare you for entry-level positions in the healthcare industry.
Program features:
- Broad Curriculum: Includes medical terminology, project management, and psychology.
- Certification Opportunities: Prepares you for industry certifications like CCA and RHIT.
- Partnerships: Collaborates with Marion Technical College to enhance educational offerings.
- Cost and Financial Assistance: Estimated cost of $17,305 for tuition and books with available financial aid options.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, this program provides a solid foundation for a career in healthcare IT. For more information, visit the North Central State College HIT Program.
Choosing the Right Health Information Technology Degree Program
When you’re selecting a Health Information Technology degree program in North Carolina, several factors come into play. Making an informed choice involves evaluating accreditation, curriculum focus, costs, and career support services.
Accreditation
Accreditation is critical. Programs accredited by CAHIIM guarantee that you meet industry standards and are prepared for certification exams such as RHIT and RHIA.
Curriculum Focus
Consider what aspects of Health Information Technology interest you the most. Some programs emphasize billing and coding, while others may focus on data analytics or system management. Choose a program that aligns closely with your career goals.
Costs and Financial Aid
Evaluate the total cost of the program, including tuition, books, and other fees. Also, explore financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and loan programs. Many institutions provide financial assistance to make education more accessible.
Career Support Services
Look into the career support services offered by the institution. This includes job placement rates, career counseling, and partnerships with healthcare organizations. These resources can significantly enhance your employment opportunities post-graduation.
Practical Experience
Clinical rotations and internships are essential. These practical experiences allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, making you more marketable to potential employers.
Health Information Technology Degree By State
Conclusion
Choosing the right Health Information Technology degree program in North Carolina is a crucial step towards a rewarding career in healthcare IT. By considering factors such as accreditation, curriculum focus, costs, career support services, and practical experience opportunities, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your professional goals.
Explore the programs mentioned above to find the one that best fits your needs. Take the first step towards a fulfilling career in Health Information Technology today.
For more details about each program, visit their respective program pages linked throughout this article.