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Looking to advance your career with a Health Information Technology Degree in Aurora, CO?
This article highlights top programs that prepare you for the rapidly growing healthcare IT field. Find the best fit for your educational needs and gain insights into accredited courses, flexible learning options, and job placement success rates.
Arapahoe Community College – Health Information Management (HIM) Program
Arapahoe Community College provides an outstanding Health Information Management (HIM) program in Aurora, CO. This program gives you the skills needed to thrive in the healthcare IT industry. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), the program ensures high standards and broad employment prospects.
The HIM program offers two primary degree options:
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS): Ideal if you already hold a relevant associate degree.
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS): Perfect if you are just entering the field.
The curriculum includes various crucial topics:
- Data structure and design
- Health record compliance
- Data integrity
- Health information governance
- Privacy and security
- Health information systems
- Data analytics
- Revenue cycle management
- Health law
- Healthcare management
Practical training is a core part of the HIM program. Practicum courses allow you to engage in real-world healthcare settings, enhancing your hands-on experience. The program’s online format offers flexibility, making it accessible for working professionals.
Success statistics reflect the program’s quality, with a 58% graduation rate for part-time students in 2022 and a 100% pass rate for the mock RHIT certification exam. Impressively, 100% of the 2021 graduates found employment in HIM-related jobs within a year.
In summary, choosing Arapahoe Community College’s HIM program provides accredited, comprehensive education with excellent career prospects.
Community College of Denver – Health Care Informatics Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
For a deep education in Health Information Technology, Community College of Denver offers a Health Care Informatics Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree. This program merges healthcare administration, IT, data analytics, EHR, performance enhancements, and organizational leadership, providing a multifaceted learning experience.
The curriculum includes:
- Health information systems
- Data analytics
- Major health policy
- Legal issues in health informatics
It caters to students advancing from associate degrees or certificates and new entrants working towards these credentials. Primarily online, it accommodates working professionals and may offer some traditional and hybrid classes.
Graduating from this program prepares you for careers like:
- Healthcare Data Analyst
- Clinical Data Analyst
- Health Information Specialist
- IT Consultant
Given its eligibility for financial aid, the BAS program is not only comprehensive but also affordable, aligning with projected industry job growth.
Waubonsee Community College – Health Information Technology Degree
Waubonsee Community College in Aurora, CO offers a Health Information Technology degree accredited by CAHIIM. This program, at the crossroads of medicine and IT, readies you for diverse roles in health information management.
The curriculum covers:
- Medical Terminology
- Human Structure and Function
- Legal/Ethical Issues in Healthcare
- ICD Coding
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Healthcare Statistics
- Healthcare Computer Applications
The degree spans four semesters and encompasses 60 credit hours. Upon graduation, the program prepares you for various healthcare environments by blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. With a strong emphasis on coding, business information systems, and legal aspects, it ensures you are well-prepared for the professional landscape.
Exploring each program can help you decide which best fits your career goals in Health Information Technology in Aurora, CO.
Front Range Community College – Health Information Technology Program
Front Range Community College (FRCC) in Aurora, CO offers a solid Health Information Technology (HIT) program. Accredited by CAHIIM, the program ensures students receive a quality education that meets industry standards.
The HIT program provides two main educational tracks:
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree: The curriculum covers topics such as health information management science, medical record terminology, healthcare reimbursement, anatomy and physiology, coding, law, and health data systems. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national RHIT certification exam.
- Medical coding certificate: This one-year program emphasizes billing and reimbursement, equipping students with the skills necessary for roles in medical offices.
The program is available online, catering to working professionals by offering flexibility. It includes hands-on clinical work and internships, giving students practical experience essential for career readiness. FRCC reports an 87.5% completion rate for students fulfilling all program requirements within three years.
University of Colorado Anschutz – Health Care Informatics Program
The University of Colorado Anschutz presents a Health Care Informatics program that includes online graduate degrees and certificates. This program is designed for healthcare professionals aiming to lead in health informatics, focusing on consumer engagement technologies, clinical decision support, and quality care advancements.
The curriculum encompasses:
- Informatics principles
- History of health informatics
- Emerging technologies
- Program-specific courses
The fully online format is suitable for working professionals, providing convenience and flexibility. As an Academic Organizational Affiliate with HIMSS and a member of WICHE, the program ensures affordable education through reduced tuition rates for qualified students.
Graduates will gain expertise in planning, selecting, designing, and implementing healthcare technologies, enabling them to step into leadership roles in health informatics.
How to Choose the Right Health Information Technology Degree in Aurora, CO
Selecting the ideal Health Information Technology degree involves careful consideration. Here are some key factors to guide your decision:
- Accreditation status: Ensure the program is CAHIIM accredited to meet industry standards and enhance your employment prospects.
- Curriculum and specializations: Check if the program offers courses that align with your career goals, whether in health informatics, health information management, or medical coding.
- Delivery format: Choose a format that suits your lifestyle. Online or hybrid formats offer flexibility for working professionals.
- Practical training: Look for programs with internships or clinical work, as hands-on experience is crucial.
- Success rates: Research the program’s graduation and employment statistics to gauge effectiveness.
- Cost and financial aid: Consider the program’s cost and available financial aid options to ensure it fits your budget.
- Institutional partnerships: Check if the institution has ties with healthcare organizations, which can facilitate job placements post-graduation.
- Location and support services: Ensure the program offers resources and support services, even if it is online.
Focusing on these factors will help you find a program that matches your educational and career aspirations.
Final Thoughts on Health Information Technology Degrees in Aurora, CO
Pursuing a Health Information Technology Degree in Aurora, CO, can open diverse opportunities in a growing industry. Each program offers unique strengths in curriculum, training, flexibility, and support services. Thoroughly researching these options will help you make an informed decision, steering your career towards success in healthcare IT.