Health Information Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree, Certificate

Available at: Windward Campus

Program Overview

The Health Information Technology (HIT) program prepares students for careers in the management and use of health data and healthcare information systems. Health information professionals play a critical role in healthcare by ensuring that patient information is accurate, secure, and accessible to support patient care, healthcare operations, reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

As healthcare organizations increasingly rely on electronic health records and digital health information systems, trained professionals are needed to manage health data, protect patient privacy, and support informed healthcare decision-making. Students develop the knowledge and technical skills needed to work with healthcare information while maintaining high standards of data integrity, confidentiality, and ethical practice.

Program Mission

The mission of the Health Information Technology program at Del Mar College is to provide a student-centered education that prepares a diverse student population for careers in the health information profession.

The program develops the knowledge, technical competencies, and professional values needed to manage and protect healthcare information. By clinical case studies, emerging technologies, and ethical standards, students learn to support healthcare quality, regulatory compliance, and effective health information management.

The program promotes professional growth, leadership, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning in the evolving healthcare environment.

Curriculum

• Health Information Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Health Information Technology Coding Specialist - Level II, Certificate
• Health Information Technology, Occupational Skills Award

These pathways allow students to enter the healthcare workforce or continue their education toward advanced credentials and degrees in health information management.

Health Information Technology

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree (60 Credit Hours)

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology provides comprehensive training in the management and use of healthcare information. Students learn how health data is collected, maintained, analyzed, and protected within healthcare organizations.

Coursework prepares students to work with:

• Medical coding and classification systems
• Electronic health records and health information systems
• Healthcare data management and analytics
• HIPAA privacy and security regulations
• Revenue cycle and reimbursement processes
• Quality improvement and healthcare compliance

The AAS degree includes the Coding Specialist Certificate, allowing students to earn the certificate while completing their associate degree.

Graduates are prepared for employment in hospitals, physician offices, clinics, insurance companies, government agencies, and other healthcare organizations that rely on accurate health information.

Certification Opportunities

Graduates of the AAS program are eligible to take national credentialing examinations through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), including:

• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA)

Professional certification demonstrates competency and is highly valued by employers in the healthcare industry.

Coding Specialist

Coding Specialist Certificate (34 Credit Hours)

The Coding Specialist Certificate prepares students to translate medical documentation into standardized diagnostic and procedural codes used for billing, reimbursement, compliance, and healthcare reporting.

Students build a strong foundation in:

• Medical terminology and disease processes
• Diagnostic and procedural coding systems
• Healthcare documentation requirements
• Reimbursement and compliance regulations

Accurate coding plays a critical role in healthcare operations because it affects reimbursement, regulatory compliance, research, and healthcare decision-making.

Certification Opportunity

Upon successful completion of the certificate, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Certified coding professionals are in high demand throughout the healthcare industry.

Career and Transfer Opportunities

Healthcare organizations increasingly rely on skilled professionals to manage health data and ensure regulatory compliance. Graduates may pursue employment in positions such as:

• Health Information Technician
• Medical Coder
• Clinical Documentation Specialist
• Revenue Cycle Specialist
• Data Quality Analyst
• Health Information Compliance Specialist

Students who wish to continue their education may transfer selected credits toward a baccalaureate degree in Health Information Management or a related field.

Del Mar College HIT courses have transferred to universities such as Texas State University. Graduates who continued their education at these institutions have earned the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential.

Students are encouraged to consult with faculty advisors early in their enrollment to maximize transferable credits.

Accreditation

The Health Information Technology program at Del Mar College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The program’s accreditation for the Associate of Applied Science degree has been reaffirmed through 2030–2031.

All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed at

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 235-3255
Email: info@cahiim.org

Student Achievement Outcomes (2022–2023)

• Program Completion Rate: 75%
• Graduate Employment Rate: 100%
• Graduate Satisfaction Rate: 100%

Careers