Health Information Technology Degree in Portland OR

Health Information Technology Degree in Portland OR

Are you considering a Health Information Technology Degree in Portland OR to advance your career in healthcare?

This article highlights top programs, their unique features, and how they prepare you for a growing field.

Get insights into what each program offers and make an informed decision for your educational journey.

Portland Community College – Health Information Management Program

Portland Community College’s Health Information Management (HIM) program in Portland, OR, is a distinguished option for those looking to start a career in health information technology. Let’s explore what makes this program stand out.

• Accreditation: PCC’s HIM program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets industry standards, providing you with a solid foundation in health information management.
• Delivery Method: The program is delivered almost entirely online, offering the flexibility needed for those balancing work, family, and education. Though it has a fall term entry only, this format allows for an adaptable and comprehensive learning experience.
• Program Outcomes: PCC boasts impressive outcomes, with an 85% graduation rate and an 80% employment rate for the 2020 graduating class. The first-time pass rate for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam was an astounding 100%.
• Career Prospects: According to the Oregon Employment Department, health information technicians in the Portland area earn between $18.76 and $38.76 per hour. The department forecasts a 14.1% increase in health information technician positions through 2027, indicating a robust job market for graduates.
• Curriculum and Learning: Students learn essential skills, such as managing medical records, enhancing data quality, and protecting patient information. The curriculum ensures you are well-prepared for employment in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and research organizations.

The program offers both full-time and part-time tracks, allowing you to choose a schedule that suits your unique needs. With its accredited curriculum, flexible delivery, and impressive outcomes, PCC’s HIM program is an excellent choice for aspiring health information technicians.

Oregon Health & Science University – Clinical Informatics Programs

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) offers an array of clinical informatics programs that cater to both healthcare and non-healthcare professionals. If you aim to specialize in health information technology in Portland OR, these programs provide an in-depth look at the industry.

• Program Levels: OHSU offers programs at the graduate certificate, master’s, and PhD levels. This range allows you to select a program that aligns with your current knowledge and career goals.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: The curriculum pulls from various fields, including Computer Science, Public Health, Nursing, and Biomedical Engineering. This approach equips you with a thorough understanding of clinical informatics across multiple disciplines.
• Accreditation and Curriculum: The master’s program, majoring in Health and Clinical Informatics, is accredited by CAHIIM. Courses cover Introduction to Biomedical Informatics, Clinical Information Systems, and Evaluative Sciences, ensuring a robust technical grounding in informatics and research methods.
• Expert Faculty: The program benefits from an experienced faculty proficient in areas such as natural language processing, data visualization, and health data standards. Learning from these experts provides you with cutting-edge insights into clinical informatics.
• Flexible Learning: To accommodate busy professionals, OHSU offers both online and on-campus options. This flexibility allows you to continue working while advancing your education.

Graduates are well-prepared for careers in healthcare, research, government, and beyond, leveraging data to improve patient care and health outcomes. OHSU’s Clinical Informatics programs are an excellent choice for those looking to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry.

Central Oregon Community College – Health Information Management

Central Oregon Community College (COCC) offers Health Information Management (HIM) programs designed to equip you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in data management, healthcare privacy, medical coding, and revenue cycle processes.

• Accreditation: The program is accredited by CAHIIM through 2030-2031. This accreditation allows graduates to sit for the RHIT credentialing exam, ensuring you meet national standards in health information management.
• Program Options: COCC provides both online learning and hands-on professional experiences. These formats cater to different learning styles and schedules, making it easier for you to balance your studies with other commitments.
• Outcomes: The program boasts impressive results with an 83% graduation rate, a 100% employment rate, and a 100% pass rate on the national exam. These statistics indicate the program’s efficacy in preparing students for successful careers.
• Transfer Opportunities: You can transfer credits to bachelor’s degree programs at partner institutions like the University of Cincinnati and Oregon Institute of Technology, providing a pathway for further education.
• Practical Experience: A second-year professional practice experience offers you hands-on training in real-world settings, enhancing your readiness for employment upon graduation.

COCC also offers various financial aid options and provides webinars and virtual sessions with Admissions Specialists to help you navigate your educational journey. COCC’s HIM program is a robust choice for those seeking a reliable and supportive environment to advance their skills.

Oregon Institute of Technology – Health Informatics Program

Oregon Institute of Technology’s Health Informatics program is tailored for working adults, offering both evening and online classes. The program integrates biology, computer science, and information science to enhance healthcare services.

• Program Structure: The program’s classes are flexible, making it accessible to those who need to juggle work and education. Evening and online formats provide the adaptability required for busy professionals.
• Course Content: Subjects include database design, computer networks, systems analysis, healthcare IT, data analytics, EHR implementation, and legal and ethical issues. This curriculum ensures you have a well-rounded knowledge base.
• Accreditation: Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Oregon Tech’s program ensures that you gain both business and scientific expertise necessary for the field.
• Career Preparation: Graduates are equipped to take on roles as consultants, managers, systems designers, database administrators, and researchers. The program’s focus on practical and theoretical knowledge prepares students for diverse career paths.
• Industry Demand: The course addresses the rising demand for computer professionals in healthcare. Your skills in improving healthcare cost-efficiency and care quality through technology will be highly sought after in various healthcare domains.

Oregon Tech’s Health Informatics program provides you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving field, making it an excellent option for working adults looking to advance their careers in health information technology.

By clearly outlining what each institution offers, you gain insight into which Health Information Technology Degree in Portland OR suits your career goals best. Each program provides unique benefits and opportunities, ensuring you can find the right fit for your professional development.

Portland Community College – Health Information Management Program

Portland Community College’s Health Information Management program in Portland, OR, stands as a reliable pathway for those aiming to excel in health information technology. This program caters to the growing demand for skilled health information technicians.

• Accreditation: It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), ensuring industry-standard education.
• Delivery Method: Offered almost entirely online, this program provides flexible scheduling for students balancing multiple commitments.
• Outcomes: The program boasts impressive results, with an 85% graduation rate and an 80% employment rate for the 2020 class. Importantly, the first-time pass rate for the RHIT exam was 100%.
• Career Opportunities: Graduates can expect to earn between $18.76 and $38.76 per hour, according to the Oregon Employment Department. Job positions for health information technicians are expected to grow by 14.1% through 2027.
• Curriculum: You will gain skills in managing medical records, enhancing data quality, and protecting patient information, preparing you for diverse settings like hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and research organizations.

This program offers both full-time and part-time tracks, making it a flexible and accredited option for aspiring health information technicians.

Oregon Health & Science University – Clinical Informatics Programs

Exploring advanced education? The Clinical Informatics Programs at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) offer in-depth training for both healthcare and non-healthcare professionals.

• Program Levels: Options are available at the graduate certificate, master’s, and PhD levels. Choose according to your current knowledge and career goals.
• Multidisciplinary Curriculum: Combining fields like Computer Science, Public Health, Nursing, and Biomedical Engineering ensures comprehensive training in clinical informatics.
• Accreditation: The Health and Clinical Informatics master’s program is CAHIIM-accredited. The curriculum covers crucial areas including Introduction to Biomedical Informatics, Clinical Information Systems, and Evaluative Sciences.
• Flexible Learning: Both online and on-campus options make it convenient for working professionals.
• Expert Faculty: Benefit from world-renowned experts in areas like natural language processing and data visualization.

This program prepares graduates for careers in healthcare, research, and government by leveraging data to improve patient care and health outcomes.

Central Oregon Community College – Health Information Management

Consider the Health Information Management (HIM) program at Central Oregon Community College (COCC) for robust theoretical and practical training in health information.

• Accreditation: Accredited by CAHIIM through 2030-2031, graduates can sit for the RHIT credentialing exam, a nationally recognized standard.
• Program Options: Includes both online learning and hands-on professional experiences.
• Outcomes: The program boasts an 83% graduation rate, 100% employment rate, and a 100% pass rate on the national exam.
• Transfer Credits: Credits are transferable to bachelor’s degree programs at institutions like the University of Cincinnati and Oregon Institute of Technology.
• Practical Experience: Hands-on training through a second-year professional practice experience.

COCC’s HIM program is ideal for building a stable career in health information management, supported by impressive employment outcomes and educational pathways for further advancement.

Oregon Institute of Technology – Health Informatics Program

The Health Informatics program at Oregon Institute of Technology is designed to meet the needs of working adults through flexible learning options.

• Flexible Structure: Evening and online classes make this program accessible to those who need to balance work and study.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses include database design, computer networks, systems analysis, healthcare IT, data analytics, EHR implementation, and legal and ethical issues.
• Accreditation: Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, ensuring a robust business and scientific knowledge base.
• Career Preparation: Graduates are prepared for roles as consultants, managers, systems designers, database administrators, and researchers.
• Industry Demand: Cater to the rising need for computer professionals in healthcare, enhancing cost-efficiency and care quality through technology.

This program equips you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of health informatics.

Choosing the Right Health Information Technology Degree Program

Choosing the right Health Information Technology degree program in Portland, OR is crucial for your career success. Consider these key factors:

1. Reputation

Evaluate the program’s historical performance, reviews, and industry standing. Accredited programs such as those from PCC and OHSU typically have well-established reputations.

2. Curriculum

Ensure the curriculum covers essential areas like health information systems, data management, privacy regulations, and practical experience. Programs should strike a balance between theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, ensuring you are well-prepared for the job market.

3. Faculty Expertise

Knowledgeable and experienced faculty can enhance the learning experience. Faculty expertise, particularly at institutions like OHSU, provides valuable insights into advanced areas like natural language processing and data visualization.

4. Accreditation

Accreditation, such as by CAHIIM, ensures the program meets industry standards, which can significantly enhance your employability.

5. Cost and Financial Aid

Evaluate tuition fees and available financial aid options. Programs like those at Central Oregon Community College offer financial aid, which can make education more accessible.

6. Career Support

Look for programs offering career services, practicum placements, and robust alumni networks. This support is invaluable for finding employment post-graduation.

7. Flexibility

Programs that offer online and part-time options cater to working adults and those needing flexible schedules. Oregon Institute of Technology’s evening and online classes are examples of such flexibility.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select a Health Information Technology degree program that aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances, ensuring a well-informed decision.

Conclusion

In summary, pursuing a Health Information Technology Degree in Portland OR can open doors to promising career opportunities in various healthcare settings. Programs like those at Portland Community College, Oregon Health & Science University, Central Oregon Community College, and Oregon Institute of Technology offer accredited, flexible, and comprehensive options for advancing your career.

Evaluate your options carefully and choose the program that best fits your needs and career aspirations. Your commitment to education in this growing field will set you on a path to success, contributing significantly to improving healthcare services and outcomes.

Explore the detailed offerings of each program to make the best choice for your future.