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Are you looking for the best Health Information Technology Degree in Massachusetts?
This article highlights top programs that will equip you with the skills needed to flourish in this growing field. Whether you aim to work in hospitals, insurance companies, or healthcare policy, these degree options promise comprehensive education, state-of-the-art resources, and strong job prospects right here in Massachusetts.
Springfield Technical Community College – Health Information and Informatics Management Program
Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) offers a Health Information and Informatics Management (HIIM) program designed to prepare you for a career in managing healthcare information and ensuring the accuracy of medical records. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), which signifies adherence to industry standards and quality.
- Program Length: The HIIM program spans two years and awards an Associate in Science in Health Information Technology upon completion.
- Core Curriculum: Courses cover crucial areas such as healthcare delivery systems, electronic health records, medical coding, and health information processing.
- Practical Experience: Students engage in supervised professional practices, gaining hands-on experience in real-world settings.
- Technical Skills: You’ll acquire skills in managing healthcare data, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards, and preparing health information for various needs including insurance, quality assurance, and reporting.
Springfield Technical Community College also provides extensive support services to help you succeed, including academic tutoring, library resources, and technology support. Being CAHIIM-accredited, the program is a sound investment for your future career in Health Information Technology. For more details, visit the Health Information and Informatics Management Program at STCC.
Fisher College – Health Information Technology (HIT) Program
Fisher College’s Health Information Technology (HIT) Program targets equipping you with the essential skills to manage and report healthcare information effectively. The Associate Degree program emphasizes compliance with medical, legal, accreditation, and regulatory specifications.
- Courses Offered: The curriculum includes “Introduction to Health Information Technology,” “Computer Applications in Health Information Management,” and “Healthcare Reimbursement Methodologies.”
- Hands-On Practice: The program incorporates supervised professional practice experiences to apply theoretical knowledge practically.
- Accreditation: Accredited by CAHIIM, which ensures the program meets pertinent industry standards.
- Career Opportunities: Graduates can work in various settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, health centers, insurance companies, and government health agencies.
You can also prepare for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential utilizing Fisher College’s online RHIT Exam Prep Course. For detailed information on the program and its costs, visit Fisher College’s Health Information Technology Program.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology. This program is aimed at training you to handle various aspects of health information, including its collection, analysis, storage, and safeguarding.
- Duration and Structure: It’s a four-year program, ideal for those looking to delve deeper into health information management and technology.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses cover essential areas such as statistics, biomedical informatics, databases, medical coding, and healthcare basics like medical terminology.
- Advanced Modules: You can explore advanced topics like data standards, big data, and team-based activities, along with electives such as Python programming.
- Accreditation: MCPHS is in the process of seeking CAHIIM accreditation, allowing graduates to sit for the RHIA credential exam.
- STEM Designation: Particularly beneficial for international students, it enables additional years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the U.S.
For a well-rounded education that prepares you for entry-level roles in this field, visit MCPHS’s Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Technology.
Franklin Cummings Tech – Health Information Technology Degree Programs
Franklin Cummings Tech provides extensive HIT degree programs, including an Associate Degree (AS) that can lead to the only Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Health Information Technology in Massachusetts.
- AS Program: Prepares you to manage and organize medical data, ensuring its accuracy and security. Graduates can either start their careers or continue to the BS program.
- BS Program: Combines IT skills with healthcare knowledge. This program focuses on creating and managing computerized health systems to improve patient care and reduce costs.
- Specializations: Offers paths in Data Analytics or Public Health to gear you up for high-demand careers.
- Core Courses: Curriculum includes medical terminology, electronic health records, medical coding, and healthcare compliance.
Graduates find roles in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and IT firms and can pursue further academic qualifications. For additional details, visit Franklin Cummings Tech’s Health Information Technology Program.
Each of these programs offers a valuable education in Health Information Technology, catering to various needs and career aspirations. Be it through associate or bachelor’s degrees, they provide the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this essential field.
UMass Lowell – Master of Science in Health Informatics and Management
UMass Lowell’s Master of Science in Health Informatics and Management prepares you for leadership roles in healthcare management and policy. The program, which is CAHIIM accredited through 2029, consists of 36 credits spanning 12 courses and is available entirely online.
- Core Focus: Courses cover organizational behavior, healthcare finance, operations analysis, health policy, and health information systems.
- Specializations: You can choose between two tracks:
- Health Service Management: Focuses on administrative decision-making and improving workplace environments.
- Health Informatics: Emphasizes data management and technology integration in healthcare systems.
- Networking and Opportunities: The program offers connections with healthcare providers in Massachusetts and New England, offering valuable opportunities for networking and career advancement.
- Admissions Requirements: Prospective students submit an online application, transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and a $50 fee. The tuition is $600 per credit.
Graduates are well-prepared for roles in healthcare management and informatics, with promising job opportunities and competitive salaries. For more details, visit the Master of Science in Health Informatics and Management Program at UMass Lowell.
UMass Lowell – Master’s in Health Information Management
UMass Lowell’s online Health Information Management program offers the first master’s degree of its kind from a public institution in New England. This CAHIIM-accredited program prepares you for various health information management roles, including eligibility for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) exams like RHIA and RHIT.
- Role of Health Informatics: Prominent in improving patient outcomes and driving healthcare innovation.
- Core Curriculum: Emphasizes data management, regulatory compliance, and maintaining quality standards.
- Specializations: Equips you with skills for roles such as health informatics specialists and clinical analysts.
- Key Courses: Includes project management, healthcare finance, and database design.
- Capstone Project: Features a real-world case study project to apply your learning practically.
This program offers affordable tuition rates for all students, regardless of residency, and graduates earn competitive salaries, with median earnings of $111.4K annually in New England. More details can be found at UMass Lowell’s Master’s in Health Information Management.
Mount Wachusett Community College – Health Information Management (HIM) Program
Mount Wachusett Community College’s HIM program equips you with the skills to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). This flexible, CAHIIM-accredited program includes online courses to suit varying schedules and learning needs.
- Core Learning Areas: Focuses on electronic medical records management, data analysis, and medical coding.
- Tools and Systems: Coursework incorporates the 3M™ Coding and Reimbursement System, widely used in the field.
- Career Pathways: Upon completing the associate degree, you can sit for the RHIT exam, a sought-after credential by employers.
- Expected Salary: Graduates typically earn an average salary of $45,920 in Massachusetts.
The program also offers transfer pathways to bachelor’s degree programs, ensuring continuity in your education. Courses are delivered by seasoned professionals, ensuring you receive high-quality education. For more information, check out the Health Information Management Program at Mount Wachusett Community College.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Health Information Technology Degree
Selecting the right Health Information Technology degree is critical. Here are some factors to consider:
- Accreditation: Make sure the program is CAHIIM accredited. This ensures the curriculum meets industry standards and qualifies you for certification exams.
- Curriculum: Look for programs that cover key topics like medical coding, data analysis, and electronic health records.
- Practical Experience: Hands-on internships or supervised practice experiences are essential for applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
- Flexibility: Evaluate the availability of online courses, especially if you have other commitments.
- Support Services: Academic tutoring, library resources, and technology support can enhance your educational experience.
- Career Services and Networking: Programs with strong affiliations with professional organizations and connections to healthcare providers can aid in job placement and career advancement.
Health Information Technology Degree By State
Conclusion
Investing in a Health Information Technology degree in Massachusetts is a strategic step toward a rewarding career. With programs that offer comprehensive curriculums, practical experiences, and accreditation, you can ensure you are well-prepared for various roles in health information management and technology. Explore the options and choose the program that aligns with your career goals and lifestyle, and embark on a path of long-term professional success.