Health Information Technology

Health information technology (HIT) combines a profession in health care with information technology. Health information technicians maintain, collect, and analyze data crucial to the delivery of quality patient care. HIT is an online program that offers individuals the opportunity to pursue a business-related career that is an essential part of the health care industry.

HIT-dedicated courses are offered through the Internet using learning management software. Internet-based students complete all course work online. In addition, each HIT student is assigned to an academic adviser who assists with course selection and sequencing, and serves as the student’s advocate.

Internet-based course offerings are of the same quality and meet the standards of traditional on-campus courses, and they are designed and delivered to meet established course objectives.

Professional Practice Experiences

Students complete non-paid professional practice experiences (PPEs) in the Health Information Department of an acute care facility (200 hours). PPE arrangements are made in consultation with each student so that convenient locations are selected. Health information technology (HIT) program students must earn a minimum grade of "C" or higher on their first and/or second attempt in each BIOL and MEDR course. Two unsuccessful attempts (less than "C") will result in dismissal from the HIT academic program.  Health information technology (HIT) program students must earn a minimum grade of "C" or higher in BUAD 3153 and COMP 1503. Unsuccessful attempts (less than "C") will result in a requirement to repeat the course(s). Students are not a substitute for paid staff during PPEs, which means they are expected to receive appropriate supervision and mentoring during completion of all tasks.

The Joint Commission Hospital Accreditation Standards Manual requires hospitals to implement “a process to ensure that a person’s qualifications are consistent with his/her job responsibilities.” This standard “applies to staff, students, and volunteers,” and it further states that the hospital is responsible for verifying “the following according to law, regulation or hospital policy: information on criminal background.” As such, Alfred State College students who complete PPEs in the coding and reimbursement specialist and health information technology programs may be required to undergo a criminal background check prior to placement at the facility. In addition, the facility may require students to undergo a physical examination (on-site at the facility or by the student’s primary care provider) prior to beginning the professional practice experience. The physical examination includes drug screening, a Tb test, and/or DTB, hepatitis B, and/or MMRV immunization or status. Students may be required to incur costs associated with the criminal background check and/or physical examination.

Once a PPE placement has been arranged, students are expected to contact the professional practice supervisor (e.g., director of Health Information Department) to arrange a schedule for attendance. Students may be required to attend an on-site orientation at the professional practice facility, which could be several days in length.