Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our list of Health Information Technology Degree in Honolulu.
Wondering which Health Information Technology Degree in Hawaii is right for you?
This article explores top programs, providing a clear roadmap for your educational journey.
Make an informed decision to boost your career in this high-demand, rapidly evolving field.
Leeward Community College – Health Information Technology Program
Discover Leeward Community College’s Health Information Technology Program which offers three distinct educational pathways to suit your career goals:
- Associate in Science (AS) degree: This 61-credit program is designed to prepare you for positions such as medical coder, reimbursement clerk, and electronic health record (EHR) technician.
- Certificate of Achievement: With 31 credits, this option equips you to maintain accurate medical data and perform essential HIT tasks.
- Certificate of Competence: A streamlined 16-credit course prepares you for entry-level roles like patient access clerk and registration clerk.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), offering you an assurance of quality. Graduates of the AS degree program are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam, an essential credential in the HIT field.
Key Features:
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: You will gain skills in medical terminology, coding, and data management, thoroughly preparing you for the fast-evolving healthcare industry.
- Industry Growth: Employment in HIT fields is projected to grow significantly, with the U.S. Department of Labor noting it’s pacing nearly twice as fast as the average occupation.
- Accreditation and Certification: Graduates eligible to sit for RHIT exam, a credential vital for career advancement in HIT.
When considering Leeward Community College, factor in tuition costs and varying RHIT exam pass rates. Historically, the college has reported a pass rate of around 75%. Leeward Community College stands as a solid choice for those looking to enter the HIT field through a well-rounded, accredited program.
University of Hawai’i – West O’ahu – Health Information Management Program
The University of Hawai’i – West O’ahu offers a comprehensive Health Information Management (HIM) Program, blending technology, management, and medical science into one cohesive curriculum. This Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BAS) degree focuses on both traditional and emerging roles within healthcare organizations.
Key Highlights:
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The program encourages you to work across disciplines, enhancing compliance and quality in data management.
- Specialized Areas: Emphasis on health informatics, revenue cycle management, and information governance ensures you will have relevant, marketable skills.
- Internships: Opportunities are available both in traditional healthcare settings and non-traditional environments like tech companies.
Graduates often pursue roles such as electronic health record implementation managers, population health analysts, and directors or executive officers in healthcare entities.
Program Strength:
- Focused Curriculum: Covers critical areas like data quality, patient outcomes, and privacy and security standards.
- Career Preparation: While it doesn’t provide direct professional certification or licensure, graduates are well-prepared for a multitude of roles in the dynamic HIT landscape.
Consider the University of Hawai’i – West O’ahu for a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to HIM, blending essential skills with real-world application.
Kapi‘olani Community College – Information Technology Program
Kapi‘olani Community College offers a well-rounded Information Technology Program, designed to pave your way into various technical careers.
Available Credentials:
- Associate in Science (AS) degree: This program focuses on strong programming fundamentals, network connectivity, GUI programming, and offers hands-on experience.
- Advanced Professional Certificates (APC): Specialized options are available in areas like cybersecurity, programming, and database administration.
The curriculum is industry-focused and practical, with projects and internships designed to give you real-world experience.
Key Elements:
- Articulation with UH West Oʻahu: Ensures seamless transition to a BAS degree in Information Technology.
- Career Paths: Graduates typically pursue roles like computer support specialists, help desk technicians, database administrators, and web developers.
- Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of “C” or higher is needed in all IT courses to progress, emphasizing a high standard of competency.
When evaluating Kapi‘olani Community College, you’ll find it offers a robust educational pathway with significant opportunities for career advancement in the IT field, well-equipped to meet the industry’s ever-evolving demands.
CBD College – Health Information Technology Program
CBD College offers a specialized Health Information Technology (HIT) program entirely online. This program aims to provide you with comprehensive knowledge in medical terminology, electronic health record (EHR) systems, coding, and interpretation of physician notes.
Key Features:
- Hands-On Experience: Assignments focus on updating patient information, ensuring data privacy, and using coding manuals.
- Certification Preparation: Prepares you to sit for the RHIT exam, a vital certification in the HIT field.
- High Satisfaction Rate: The program boasts a 92% student satisfaction rate, reflecting its effectiveness and quality.
The curriculum is CAHIIM-accredited, guaranteeing it meets industry standards. Graduates can pursue careers such as health information clerks and clinical documentation specialists. Consider state regulatory approvals for enrollment, which is crucial if you plan to relocate during or after your studies.
When you choose CBD College, you are opting for a program that keeps up with industry demands, equipping you with essential skills and certifications to thrive in the field of health information technology.
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa – Information Technology Management Graduate Degree
The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa offers a graduate degree in IT Management focusing on the strategic role of IT within organizations. The program integrates data analytics, cybersecurity, business intelligence, and project management into its curriculum.
Program Highlights:
- Credit Hours: The program includes 30 credit hours, available in both accelerated and traditional formats.
- Skill Development: Prepares you for roles in business analysis, project management, systems design, and e-commerce.
- Real-World Application: Emphasizes designing and implementing IT infrastructure, managing IT-enabled processes, and aligning IT with business strategies.
Graduates of this Master’s program are well-prepared for dynamic careers in IT management, whether in project management, technical support, or business analytics. Explore the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa to develop in-depth skills for the evolving tech-oriented economic landscape.
How to Choose the Best Health Information Technology Program in Hawaii
Choosing the right Health Information Technology Degree in Hawaii involves evaluating multiple critical factors to ensure the program aligns with your career aspirations:
- Accreditation: Verify whether the program is CAHIIM-accredited to ensure it meets industry standards and adequately prepares you for certifications like RHIT.
- Curriculum and Practical Experience: Ensure the program covers essential skills, such as medical coding, data management, and includes internships or lab work to gain practical experience.
- Faculty Expertise: Investigate the qualifications and industry involvement of the teaching staff to gauge how well they can prepare you for the field.
- Internship Opportunities: Real-world experience through internships in hospitals or other healthcare settings can significantly enhance your marketability.
- Post-Graduation Support: Look for programs that offer robust job placement services and maintain active alumni networks.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Evaluate tuition costs, and explore available scholarship opportunities and financial aid options.
- Certification Exam Pass Rates: Check the program’s pass rates for essential certification exams like RHIT to assess the quality of the education provided.
By considering these factors, you can choose a Health Information Technology program that provides a solid educational foundation and prepares you for a successful career in this high-demand field.
Health Information Technology Degree By State
Conclusion: Find Your Path in Health Information Technology
A Health Information Technology Degree in Hawaii offers a wealth of opportunities to enter a growing field with skills in demand. By choosing from reputable programs such as those at Leeward Community College, the University of Hawai‘i – West O‘ahu, Kapi‘olani Community College, CBD College, and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, you can align your education with your career goals effectively.
Explore these programs to find the best fit for you and step confidently towards a career in health information technology.