Not in Gresham? Check out our lists of Health Information Technology Degree in Bend, Eugene, Hillsboro, Portland, Salem, and across Oregon.
Wondering where to find the best Health Information Technology degree in Gresham, OR?
This article spotlights top programs, whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career in health informatics.
From curriculum specifics to career opportunities, we cover everything you need to make an informed decision.
Portland Community College – Health Information Management Program
Explore the Health Information Management program at Portland Community College (PCC). This online program offers a two-year Associate Degree in Health Information Management. It’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), ensuring you receive quality education standards.
Key Features:
- Flexible online format: Allows you to balance your studies with other commitments.
- Accredited program: Ensures high industry standards and employability.
- Strong retention and employment rates: 80% retention and 80% employment rate for 2020 graduates.
- Comprehensive skill set: Manage medical records, enhance data quality, and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Career opportunities: Work in diverse settings like accounting firms, hospitals, government agencies, and more.
Oregon’s employment prospects for health information technicians are projected to grow by 14.1% through 2027, with salaries ranging from $18.76 to $38.76 per hour in Portland.
Portland Community College – Health Information Management (HIM) Associate Degree
The Portland Community College Health Information Management (HIM) Associate Degree stands as the oldest HIM program in Oregon, graduating its first class in 1971. It’s accredited by CAHIIM and is transitioning towards Competency-Based Education, aimed at tailoring learning to individual student needs.
Key Features:
- CAHIIM accreditation: Validates the quality and relevance of the curriculum.
- RWIT Certification Preparation: Prepares you for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam by AHIMA.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Includes health record content, legal healthcare aspects, anatomy, ICD coding, data management, and healthcare financing.
- Hands-on Practicum: Opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world settings.
- Diverse career settings: Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, law firms, and insurance companies.
The program requires a minimum of 94 credits and includes practicums in local healthcare facilities, ensuring you gain practical experience.
Oregon Tech – Health Informatics Program
The Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) Health Informatics Program offers a Bachelor of Science degree that bridges healthcare and IT, preparing you for roles like health information management, data analytics, and healthcare IT consulting.
Key Features:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Provides a robust foundation for career advancement.
- CAHIIM accreditation: Assures the program meets industry standards.
- Hands-on experience: Includes internships and clinical rotations that provide practical learning.
- Expert faculty: Professionals bring real-world expertise into the classroom.
- Flexible learning options: Available on-campus and online for added convenience.
This flexible program, combining online and on-campus courses, emphasizes applied learning to prepare you for a successful career in the health information technology sector. Courses cover vital topics like health IT, data management, and healthcare analytics. The program also prepares students for industry certifications like RHIA.
Explore these programs and consider how they align with your career aspirations in the health information technology field. Each offers unique benefits, ensuring you find a pathway to a fulfilling career.
Oregon Health & Science University – Health and Clinical Informatics
The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Health and Clinical Informatics program offers both a Master of Science (MS) and a Master of Science Non-Thesis (MS-Non-Thesis) degree. Accredited by CAHIIM, these programs equip you with the advanced skills needed for a successful career in healthcare informatics.
Key Features:
- Degree options: Offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks to suit your career goals.
- Strong technical foundation: Combines biomedical informatics, health, medicine, and computer science.
- Career-readiness: Graduates often work in healthcare organizations, research institutions, and government agencies.
- Specialized research training: Includes a PhD program with core knowledge and specialized research.
- Expert faculty: Renowned professionals in fields such as natural language processing and data analytics.
Students complete 55 credits of coursework in the MS track and 43 in the non-thesis program. This prepares you for roles that improve patient care and healthcare outcomes. The curriculum covers biomedical informatics, clinical information systems, and electives tailored to your interests.
Pueblo Community College – Health Information Technology Degree
Consider the online Health Information Technology (HIT) program at Pueblo Community College (PCC) for a flexible, career-centered education. PCC’s programs include associate degrees and certificates in Health Information Systems and Medical Coding.
Key Features:
- Accreditation: Programs accredited by CAHIIM.
- Flexibility: Online learning options with simulation labs.
- Career-focused: Prepares you for various roles, including health information systems and medical coding.
- Networking opportunities: Benefit from events featuring industry speakers.
- Scholarships available: Various financial aids including the Return-to-Earn program.
Additionally, PCC introduced a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in HIM, which prepares you for the RHIA credential exam. The HIT program is highly rated, boasting a 64% graduation rate and a 100% satisfaction rate among students.
How to Choose the Best Health Information Technology Degree Program
Choosing the best Health Information Technology degree program requires careful consideration:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by CAHIIM for quality and industry credibility.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Look for comprehensive subjects like medical coding, data management, and healthcare regulations.
- Faculty Expertise: Verify that faculty members have real-world experience and expertise.
- Internship Opportunities: Programs that offer hands-on experience through internships provide practical learning.
- Career Support Services: Seek institutions that provide job placement assistance and networking opportunities.
- Flexibility: Consider online learning options and flexible schedules if you have other commitments.
- Program Success Rates: Check student retention and employment rates to gauge program effectiveness.
- Financial Aid: Evaluate the cost and available scholarships or financial aid to manage expenses effectively.
Thoroughly researching these factors can help you choose a program that aligns with your career goals and personal lifestyle.
Summing Up the Top Health Information Technology Degree Programs
In this article, we’ve highlighted the top health information technology degree programs available in Gresham, OR. These programs provide unique strengths and opportunities that can help you build a successful career in health information technology.
Explore these programs further to find the one that best matches your educational goals and career aspirations.