Not in Fayetteville? Check out our lists of Health Information Technology Degree in Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Springdale, and across Arkansas.
Thinking about pursuing a Health Information Technology Degree in Fayetteville AR?
This article reviews the top programs available in Fayetteville, breaking down key details so you can make an informed choice.
Discover the best paths to advance your career in this growing field.
1. NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) – Health Information Management (HIM) Program
Located in the heart of Fayetteville, AR, the Health Information Management (HIM) program at NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) readies students for entry-level positions in health information management.
Key Features
- Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The program includes 20 credit hours of general education and 46 credit hours focused on HIM coursework.
- Technical Certificate in HIM Coding: Also available within the larger degree framework.
- Certifications: Prepares you to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and AHIMA professional HIM certification exams.
- Accreditation: CAHIIM accreditation ensures quality and industry recognition.
- Flexibility: Offers both on-campus and online options to cater to different needs.
Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and are equipped to handle a variety of roles in the health information field. In 2023, the program celebrated impressive outcomes, with a 100% graduation, employment, and satisfaction rate, and an 83% RHIT Exam pass rate.
For more information on this dynamic program, visit the NWACC HIM Program.
2. Miller-Motte – Healthcare Information Technology Program
The Healthcare Information Technology program at Miller-Motte in Fayetteville, AR is designed for those looking to advance their administrative careers in healthcare.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes important areas like healthcare delivery systems, legal considerations, and health IT management.
- Flexible Learning: Offers both hybrid and online tracks.
- Externships: Provides hands-on experience to enhance learning.
- Essential Topics: Curriculum includes pharmacology, healthcare statistics, and healthcare systems.
Graduates can look forward to roles as medical records specialists, billers, coders, and health information technologists. Although Miller-Motte emphasizes that it does not guarantee employment, the program spans 18 months and offers frequent new sessions.
Explore this program further by visiting the Miller-Motte Healthcare IT Program.
3. Fayetteville Technical Community College – Healthcare Management Technology Program
Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Healthcare Management Technology program prepares students for a myriad of business and financial roles within the healthcare industry.
Key Features
- Focused Curriculum: Emphasis on effective communication, leadership, and managerial skills.
- Certification Preparation: Prepares you for certifications like PAHCOM, HFMA, CPAM, and CMPA.
- Flexible Options: Online course completion to accommodate busy schedules.
- Career Opportunities: Pathways to roles in clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, and medical offices.
For more detailed information on this program, visit FTCC Healthcare Management Technology Program.
4. University of Arkansas – Master of Information Systems (MIS)
The Master of Information Systems (MIS) program at the University of Arkansas caters to both full-time students and working professionals, offering flexible full-time and part-time tracks.
Key Features
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Combines IT expertise with critical business disciplines to enhance decision-making.
- Innovative Curriculum: Includes ERP systems, cybersecurity, analytics, and business intelligence.
- Experienced Faculty: Courses taught by faculty and industry experts.
- Unique Offerings: Features the “Information Systems and Business Analytics Toolkit,” a 4+1 degree option, and hands-on learning with platforms like IBM and SAP.
- Networking Opportunities: Located in a vibrant business network region.
The program is selective, offering various financial assistance options. For more information, please visit the University of Arkansas MIS Program.
5. University of Arkansas – Electronic Health Records Management
The University of Arkansas offers a practical Electronic Health Records Management course designed to equip you with the skills necessary to manage electronic health records (EHR).
Key Features
- Role Understanding: Learn the role of an EHR specialist, from health record organization to legal requirements.
- Software Proficiency: Gain skills in using EHR software to ensure compliance and efficiency.
- Reimbursement Expertise: Understand methodologies for accurate and timely reimbursement.
- Flexible and Self-Paced: Complete the course online at your own pace over six months.
- Practical Application: Participate in optional volunteer clinical externships for hands-on experience.
- Cost and Resources: The program costs $1,299 and includes e-textbooks and course materials.
This course is ideal for those wanting to pivot into a healthcare technological role. Learn more by visiting the University of Arkansas EHR Management.
6. University of Arkansas Grantham – Health Information Technology Management Program
The Health Information Technology Management Program at the University of Arkansas Grantham offers a structured path toward a career in health IT.
Key Features
- Accredited Education: Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
- Program Variety: Offers certificates, associate, and bachelor’s degrees covering topics like health IT systems, billing and coding, and healthcare administration.
- Certification Readiness: Prepares students for various certifications like CPC and RHIA.
- Flexible Learning: Online courses cater to working professionals, offering the flexibility to balance education with other commitments.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Includes medical terminology, healthcare policy, project management, and more.
- Student Support: Resources such as the Learning Center and Career Services support students throughout their educational journey.
Explore more about this program by visiting University of Arkansas Grantham Health IT Management.
7. University of Arkansas – Health Information Management Program
The Health Information Management (HIM) program at the University of Arkansas delivers a robust education in health informatics and medical coding.
Key Features
- Accredited Program: CAHIIM accreditation ensures the program meets high standards.
- Comprehensive Training: Includes courses in health informatics, legal and ethical issues, and healthcare statistics.
- Professional Practice: Offers a supervised professional practice experience to provide real-world training.
- Partnerships: Developed in conjunction with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), emphasizing data management and analytics.
- Certification Pathway: Prepares graduates for the RHIA certification exam.
- Extensive Commitment: A four-year bachelor’s degree program that ensures you are well-prepared for the workforce.
You can find more details about this program by visiting University of Arkansas HIM Program.
How to Choose the Right Health Information Technology Degree Program
Choosing the right Health Information Technology degree program in Fayetteville, AR, involves several considerations to ensure it aligns with your career goals.
- Accreditation: Look for programs accredited by reputable bodies such as CAHIIM and DEAC to ensure quality education.
- Faculty Expertise: Check the credentials and experience of the faculty members.
- Curriculum Depth: Ensure the program covers essential areas like medical coding, data management, and healthcare administration.
- Hands-On Training: Seek programs offering externships or clinical practice for practical experience.
- Job Placement Support: Evaluate if the school offers job placement assistance to help secure employment post-graduation.
- Learning Flexibility: Consider programs offering online or part-time options if you have other commitments.
- Program Outcomes: Research graduation rates, employment rates, and student satisfaction to validate program effectiveness.
- Finances: Assess tuition costs, availability of financial aid, and the potential return on investment based on career prospects.
Taking these factors into account will help you select a program that best fits your needs and sets you up for success in the Health Information Technology field.
Conclusion
Exploring various education options for a Health Information Technology Degree in Fayetteville AR can set the foundation for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. Whether you are considering NWACC’s HIM program, Miller-Motte’s Healthcare IT track, or any other detailed in this article, choosing the right program involves careful consideration of accreditation, curriculum, and flexibility.
Make an informed choice that aligns with your professional goals, and embark on a path that opens doors to numerous opportunities in health information technology.
Good luck in finding the perfect program for advancing your career in health information technology!