Job Description

Southwestern Illinois College’s Health Information Technology (HIT) program prepares students to work as medical record/health information technicians.

Health Information Technicians:

• Ensure the quality of medical records/health information by verifying completeness, accuracy and proper entry into computer systems
• Use universal coding system to assign diagnostic and procedural codes to each piece of patient information
• Use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data to improve patient care and control cost
• Ensure that patient interest is maintained in matters of privacy, security, information release and record access

Career Resources

The American Health Information Management Association website provides career and certification information.

The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook provides additional information regarding the HIT field.

Job Opportunities

Although most HITs work in hospitals, there are also opportunities in:

• Office-based physician practices
• Nursing homes
• Home health agencies
• Mental health facilities
• Public health agencies
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Law firms
• Insurance firms
• Health product vendors

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor 2019-2029 Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of health information technicians is expected to increase by 8 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Salary

National Average Salary

The most recent American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) survey indicates average annual salary across the nation is $60,930.

Local Starting Salary

Locally, the average starting salary is $40,110, depending on the size and location of the health care facility. The Bureau of Labor Statistics report the median pay is $45,240.