Health data and information is collected about patients from their first point of contact with a provider through their completion of services and beyond. These datapoints can include everything from information about the patients’ vitals and general health, to doctors’ notes, diagnosis, referrals, and even important scheduling and insurance information. When compiled, this information is contained in an electronic patient health record, managed by these technologists.
Preparing for and ensuring compliance in the health information technology sector requires advanced training, degrees, and certifications. Through the University of Providence’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program, graduates can take the first step toward preparing themselves for a career in health information technology or health information management. Not only does a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from UP provide foundation components of healthcare and health information, but it infuses critical applications that can be used in many fields’ administrative healthcare. Learn more about health information technologists
What is a Health Information Technologist?
A health information technologist is a certified administrative healthcare professional who is responsible for maintaining, organizing, and analyzing electronic health records.
What does a Health Information Technologist do?
Depending on the role, health information technologists may work with a specific element of health information or instead focus on a wider scope within the role. There are many roles and responsibilities they can take on, including roles specific to information technology focused on the implementation and management of health record systems, health data quality and security management, or health data analysis. These are a few examples of how they work with data.
Additional daily responsibilities include:
- Maintain health data quality though verification methods
- Build and organize patient data into relevant segments.
- Conduct and build data analysis reports aimed at improving patient care
- Monitor data security to ensuring records are kept in compliance with regulations
Where do Health Information Technologists Work?
As administrative professionals, health information technologists often work in administrative departments of health companies and organizations. However, while their primary functions include working at computers, they do interact with other administrative and clinical workers. In a report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the vast majority of health information technologists work in hospital settings (47%), including public and private institutions.
Other common work locations can include:
- Private practice physician offices or specialist physician offices
- Healthcare management companies or health contractors
- Scientific and research institutions
- Insurance companies and other health insurance adjacent roles
How to Become a Health Information Technologist
The path to becoming a health information technologist includes earning both a high school diploma and diplomas in higher education. Depending on the type of position being pursued, an associate or bachelor’s degree can provide a path to entry-level roles that can return fruitful results later in the career path. In most cases, those pursuing the path earn a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or relevant field. While other fields can prepare incoming technologists, a healthcare administration degree provides the most comprehensive breakdown. Upon completion of a degree, certification is an option for those pursuing the field but not a requirement.
A common pathway into the career includes:
- Earning a high school diploma or GED
- Completion of an associate or bachelor degree in healthcare administration or adjacent field
- Practical work experience in entry-level health information roles
- Optional certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
- Additional training or experience
Health Information Technologist Career Path
Health information technologists are and will continue to be in high demand across healthcare given the transition of many institutions to electronic records management and continued investments in data analysis. In a report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is estimated that the position will grow at a rate of 16% between 2023 and 2033, 11 percentage points higher than the average growth rate for similar fields. Those entering the field can pursue career growth and elevation through gained experience in the field, additional growth opportunities.
Learn more about how a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration can lead to or build upon a career in health information technology by visiting the healthcare administration page.
