How to Get Started on Your Career in Health INformation
Education
A student can get started in the field of health information by completing a medical information coder and biller certificate program or a healthcare informatics specialist certificate. At LSCC, all 34 credit hours of coder/biller certificate counts toward the 70 credit-hour AS degree in HIT with a coder/biller specialization while all 18 credits of the healthcare informatics specialist count toward the AS degree with the informatics specialization.
You need to complete an associate degree in health information management or technology (HIM/HIT) from a Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) accredited institution such as Lake-Sumter Community College in order to take the national examination to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
If you’ve already earned a college degree and possess the prerequisites, you can earn a postgraduate certificate or second degree in HIM. The accredited HIM program in your area can provide more details.
High school students considering a HIM career can begin a foundation with the following courses: business, computer science, English, math, biology and chemistry.
Certification
After completing your formal education, the next step is to successfully complete an AHIMA certification exam. A credential validates your competence as a HIM professional to employers and the public.
For a list of all credentials available through the American Health Information Mangement Association (AHIMA), please visit:
AHIMA Certification.