Health Information Technology (HIT)

Health Sciences
Award
Associate of Applied Science
Credits
68
Locations
Online
Entry
Fall
Time to Complete
24 Months
HIT students giving presentation

You will graduate with the skills and knowledge you need for high-paying, rewarding employment in this healthcare field as a licensed Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT). RHITs use software systems and information technology to abstract, classify and process data for the purpose of medical coding, reimbursement, data analysis and research. RHITs also apply knowledge of health information management functions to support the format and content of the health record.

Our program has a 100 percent graduate and employer satisfaction rate. Flexible and remote work options are available for qualified RHITs with experience in the field. If you enjoy detail, accuracy, independent work and healthcare, this career is a great fit for you.


Accreditation and Awards

CAHIIM Logo2019 Best Value Associate in Health Informatics logoIntelligent.com Best Health Info Tech Programs 2021 logo

The Health Information Management accreditor of Northeast Iowa Community College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for associates degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2026. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.  

Ranked 21st for affordable online associate degrees in Health Informatics by AffordableColleges.com.

Northeast Iowa Community College's Health Information Technology program is ranked #3 in the country by Intelligent.com.


Paying for the Program

Tuition and Fees

$15,668*

Out-of-State Tuition and Fees

$17,912*

Program Supplies

$212
* Approximate cost. Amount reflects the estimated tuition and student fees based on rates at the time of publication. These rates do not include additional expenses (books, tools, supplies, living expenses, licensures, remedial or pre-requisite coursework or partnership tuition and fees, etc.) related to your NICC education. Rates are subject to change.

Financial Aid & Tuition Assistance

There are many options available for tuition savings. Credit programs may have opportunities for Financial Aid eligibility, while non-credit programs have separate tuition savings available on a per-program basis.

Kibbie Grant Eligible

This scholarship is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific high-demand career/technical programs. It provides a maximum award of $4,500 per year for up to two years. The FAFSA is required and the award is based on need.

Last-Dollar Scholarship

This state funded scholarship is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific high-demand career programs and pays remaining tuition costs after all other federal and state aid has been applied. The FAFSA is required and the award is based on need.

NICC Scholarship Eligible

Any student enrolled in this program is eligible for NICC scholarships. The NICC Foundation offers a wide range of scholarship award amounts and all students are encouraged to apply.

Vo-Tech Grant Eligible

This scholarship is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific career/technical programs. It provides a maximum award of $1,000 per year for up to two years. The FAFSA is required and the award is based on need.

Learn more about Financial Aid.

Career Outlook


Enrollment Process

  1. Apply for admission.
  2. Submit official high school, high school equivalency and/or college transcripts to the Admissions Office of the campus you plan to attend.
  3. Complete ACCUPLACER® reading and writing assessment and ALEKS® math assessment for course placement. Assessments may be waived based on previous college coursework or submission of valid ACT®, or SAT® test scores. Reading and writing scores are valid for three years, and math scores are valid for two years.
  4. View the Program Admission Checklist.

In addition to the enrollment process outlined, applicants must achieve a minimum ACCUPLACER CLASSIC® reading score of 70 or ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION® reading score of 250. ACT® scores are also acceptable.

The health sciences programs have additional admission requirements including background checks, health records and training requirements. Please review these requirements for program admission.

Program Information

Review program courses, admissions and academic requirements.

Northeast Iowa's Health Information Technology program offers tracks in Data Management and Revenue Cycle.

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes indicate the following:

  • 100% graduate satisfaction rate per the 2023 graduate survey
  • 100% employer satisfaction rate per the 2023 employer survey
  • 83% graduate placement rate

Program Metrics

Metric Outcome
2023 HIT Program Metrics
Total Graduates 6
Total Employed in Field (within 6 months of graduation) 5
Total Eligible for Employment 100%
Graduation Rate 100%
Graduate Placement Rate 83%
Graduate Satisfaction Rate 100%
Employer Satisfaction Rate 100%
Retention Rate 79%
Time Frame Exam Number of First Time Examinees Number Of Passing Examinees Student Pass Rate National Pass Rate
National Accreditation Results
8/1/2022 to 7/31/2023 RHIT 0 0 --- 80%

HIT Program Outcomes

  1. Apply ethical standards of practice in the delivery and use of health data for medical, legal, and regulatory processes
  2. Utilize various software systems and information technology that abstract, classify, and process data for the purpose of medical coding, reimbursement, data analysis and research.
  3. Apply knowledge of health information management functions to support the format and content of the health record.
  4. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills for a diverse workforce.
  5. Apply knowledge of biomedical science, disease processes, pharmacology, and medical terminology as the foundation of understanding health and disease processes.
  6. Evaluate the financial impact on health care systems through the inappropriate and/or fraudulent use of health care delivery and reimbursement.
  7. Examine documentation requirements for the health record and how they are utilized in various health care settings.

Additional Information

Licensure and Certification Disclosure

Successful completion of this program leads to a professional licensure or certification. Use this state guide to identify the states in which NICC program requirements fulfill the state guidelines for professional licensure and certification.

Transfer Information

The Health Information Technology degree currently has transfer agreements in place with the institution(s) listed below. Students are encouraged to speak with their transfer college or university to verify that their planned courses at NICC will meet necessary requirements. Learn more about transferring from NICC.

Program Contacts

Michele Grant, B.S.H., RHIT
Health Instructor
  • Email: grantm@nicc.edu
  • Phone: 844.642.2338, ext. 2246
  • Location: Peosta
Andrea Kane, M.S., R.H.I.A., C.C.S.
Health Information Technology Instructor
  • Email: kanean@nicc.edu
  • Phone: 844.642.2338, ext. 1164
  • Location: Calmar