Health Information Technology

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$14,007*

Share your unique clinical expertise

Maintain complete & accurate health records

Combine medicine, management and IT training with this associate in applied science in health information technology. Incorporate your attention to detail and organizational skills with the clinical environment to contribute to the overall patient experience.

Your course work combines lectures and clinical experience to propel your career forward. Learn to:

  • Collect, maintain, retrieve and analyze patient health information.
  • Understand legal aspects of health information, statistics, coding and reimbursement methods.
  • Improve healthcare quality.
  • Manage health records.

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Health Information Technology?

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in health information technology prepares you to start work or continue your studies in health information management, community health or related fields, which prepares you for these careers.

Admission: More Needed

Get started in this program! First, make sure you have met the admission criteria that includes:

  1. Attend an Information Session (PDF)
  2. Submit the CLC application form
  3. Submit the HIT screening form (PDF)
  4. Take the NLN NEX Pre-Admission Exam
    Must have minimum acceptable percentile scores within 3 years of the screening deadline. (NLN PAX scores within 3 years of screening deadline will also be accepted.)
  5. Complete the health screening requirements (PDF)

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will guide you through the onboarding process.

For the Fall 2024 cohort, admission will be on a rolling basis up until the start of the semester. Eligible students can submit a screening form to hit-admissions@clcillinois.edu.

Highlights

Career Outlook

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Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    HIT 111

    HIT 111 Medical Terminology

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to medical terminology used in the healthcare field. Emphasis is on word construction using prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Definitions, spelling, pronunciation, and abbreviations are also included.
         		3
    HIT 119

    HIT 119 Pharmacology

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to pharmacology. Content includes terminology, drug classifications, therapeutic use, side effects, contraindications and interactions. Common dosage ranges and routes of administration will also be discussed.
         		1
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 111
      Course Title

      HIT 111 Medical Terminology

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to medical terminology used in the healthcare field. Emphasis is on word construction using prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Definitions, spelling, pronunciation, and abbreviations are also included.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 119
      Course Title

      HIT 119 Pharmacology

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to pharmacology. Content includes terminology, drug classifications, therapeutic use, side effects, contraindications and interactions. Common dosage ranges and routes of administration will also be discussed.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HIT 115

    HIT 115 Fundamentals of Health Information Technology

    Class Description

    This course provides students with foundational knowledge and skills related to the healthcare delivery system, regulations and standards, and the health information department and profession. The focus is on health data content, purpose and structure, and techniques to assure quality documentation of healthcare facility records, with an emphasis on acute and ambulatory settings. Content includes legal and ethical issues related to health information, covers State and Federal laws on privacy, confidentiality, and release of information relative to the health record, and reviews HIPAA. In addition, students are introduced to data use and statistics, revenue cycle compliance, and leadership.
         		3
    HIT 215

    HIT 215 Medical Science

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to human conditions and diseases of all body systems. Emphasis is on etiology, manifestations, method of diagnosis, and treatment.
         		3
    BIO 111

    BIO 111 Human Form and Function

    Class Description

    This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.
         		4
    MTH 142

    MTH 142 General Education Statistics

    Class Description

    This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ?squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
         		3
    AMT 112

    AMT 112 Computer Basics/Software Applications

    Class Description

    This course provides a comprehensive study of the use of computers and technologies. Class topics include computer hardware, software, operating systems, and electronic communications such as email, the Internet, and networks. Students will have an opportunity to analyze computer-purchasing strategies, as well as acquire knowledge on data security and storage. Hands-on software experience will be provided utilizing Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, the Internet, and email.
         		3
    • Course Code HIT 115
      Course Title

      HIT 115 Fundamentals of Health Information Technology

      Class Description

      This course provides students with foundational knowledge and skills related to the healthcare delivery system, regulations and standards, and the health information department and profession. The focus is on health data content, purpose and structure, and techniques to assure quality documentation of healthcare facility records, with an emphasis on acute and ambulatory settings. Content includes legal and ethical issues related to health information, covers State and Federal laws on privacy, confidentiality, and release of information relative to the health record, and reviews HIPAA. In addition, students are introduced to data use and statistics, revenue cycle compliance, and leadership.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 215
      Course Title

      HIT 215 Medical Science

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to human conditions and diseases of all body systems. Emphasis is on etiology, manifestations, method of diagnosis, and treatment.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 111
      Course Title

      BIO 111 Human Form and Function

      Class Description

      This course is intended to provide students with a preliminary introduction to human anatomy and physiology. It is designed to prepare students requiring only a technical level of familiarity with human anatomy, providing the background required for fields such as Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology -- Paramedic.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 142
      Course Title

      MTH 142 General Education Statistics

      Class Description

      This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ?squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code AMT 112
      Course Title

      AMT 112 Computer Basics/Software Applications

      Class Description

      This course provides a comprehensive study of the use of computers and technologies. Class topics include computer hardware, software, operating systems, and electronic communications such as email, the Internet, and networks. Students will have an opportunity to analyze computer-purchasing strategies, as well as acquire knowledge on data security and storage. Hands-on software experience will be provided utilizing Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, the Internet, and email.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HIT 117

    HIT 117 Basic CPT Coding

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the theory, structure, and organization of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system. Emphasis will be on the application of coding principles to accurately assign CPT codes to health records. The role of CPT codes in billing and reimbursement will be included.
         		3
    HIT 131

    HIT 131 Basic ICD-10-CM Coding

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the ICD-10-CM classification system with an emphasis on the application of coding guidelines used to accurately assign diagnostic codes in all healthcare settings. The impact of proper code assignment and its relationship to billing and reimbursement will be addressed. ICD-9-CM will be discussed as a legacy system.
         		3
    HIT 217

    HIT 217 Health Information Systems and Data Literacy

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to health information systems concepts including selection and implementation, data quality, storage and retrieval, and security and privacy. Electronic health record concepts and HIM applications are discussed.
         		3
    HIT 272

    HIT 272 Reimbursement Systems in Healthcare

    Class Description

    In this course students will learn the history, rationale, and methodology of the systems used by third-party payers to determine the reimbursement that health care providers will receive. Reimbursement concepts include fee-for-service, managed care, capitation systems, Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs), Resource Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS), Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APCs) and related concepts. The use of the charge description master (chargemaster) in reimbursement will be discussed. The importance of compliance with regulations and the related issues of fraud and abuse will also be addressed.
         		3
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    • Course Code HIT 117
      Course Title

      HIT 117 Basic CPT Coding

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the theory, structure, and organization of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system. Emphasis will be on the application of coding principles to accurately assign CPT codes to health records. The role of CPT codes in billing and reimbursement will be included.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 131
      Course Title

      HIT 131 Basic ICD-10-CM Coding

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the ICD-10-CM classification system with an emphasis on the application of coding guidelines used to accurately assign diagnostic codes in all healthcare settings. The impact of proper code assignment and its relationship to billing and reimbursement will be addressed. ICD-9-CM will be discussed as a legacy system.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 217
      Course Title

      HIT 217 Health Information Systems and Data Literacy

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to health information systems concepts including selection and implementation, data quality, storage and retrieval, and security and privacy. Electronic health record concepts and HIM applications are discussed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 272
      Course Title

      HIT 272 Reimbursement Systems in Healthcare

      Class Description

      In this course students will learn the history, rationale, and methodology of the systems used by third-party payers to determine the reimbursement that health care providers will receive. Reimbursement concepts include fee-for-service, managed care, capitation systems, Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs), Resource Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS), Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APCs) and related concepts. The use of the charge description master (chargemaster) in reimbursement will be discussed. The importance of compliance with regulations and the related issues of fraud and abuse will also be addressed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HIT 132

    HIT 132 Basic ICD-10-PCS Coding

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the ICD-10-PCS classification system with an emphasis on coding guidelines used to accurately assign procedure codes in the hospital setting. The impact of proper code assignment and its relationship to billing and reimbursement will be addressed. ICD-9-CM will be discussed as a legacy system.
         		2
    HIT 171

    HIT 171 Insurance Procedures for the Medical Office

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to health records and insurance processing procedures in the medical office. Emphasizes the relationship between health information and billing procedures. Brief overview of hospital billing is included.
         		2
    HIT 212

    HIT 212 Professional Practice Experience in Health Information Technology I

    Class Description

    This course is the first of a two semester sequence of supervised clinical experience in health facilities. NOTE: A satisfactory health screening, background check, and drug screen must be on file with the college prior to the clinical affiliation. The student will be responsible for his/her transportation to and from the health facility. The student must be enrolled in his/her final Fall semester in the HIT program. Assignments and schedules may vary by facility.
         		4
    CMM 111

    CMM 111 Communication Skills

    Class Description

    For students in career programs or individuals interested in improving communication skills. Acquaints students with a variety of interpersonal communication concepts and theories designed to improve communication competence. The focus is on interpersonal communication but intrapersonal communication is also addressed. Topics include the communication process and factors influencing it, cultural influences, verbal and non-verbal messages, relational maintenance, and productive conflict strategies.
         		3
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Course Code HIT 132
      Course Title

      HIT 132 Basic ICD-10-PCS Coding

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the ICD-10-PCS classification system with an emphasis on coding guidelines used to accurately assign procedure codes in the hospital setting. The impact of proper code assignment and its relationship to billing and reimbursement will be addressed. ICD-9-CM will be discussed as a legacy system.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 171
      Course Title

      HIT 171 Insurance Procedures for the Medical Office

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to health records and insurance processing procedures in the medical office. Emphasizes the relationship between health information and billing procedures. Brief overview of hospital billing is included.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 212
      Course Title

      HIT 212 Professional Practice Experience in Health Information Technology I

      Class Description

      This course is the first of a two semester sequence of supervised clinical experience in health facilities. NOTE: A satisfactory health screening, background check, and drug screen must be on file with the college prior to the clinical affiliation. The student will be responsible for his/her transportation to and from the health facility. The student must be enrolled in his/her final Fall semester in the HIT program. Assignments and schedules may vary by facility.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 111
      Course Title

      CMM 111 Communication Skills

      Class Description

      For students in career programs or individuals interested in improving communication skills. Acquaints students with a variety of interpersonal communication concepts and theories designed to improve communication competence. The focus is on interpersonal communication but intrapersonal communication is also addressed. Topics include the communication process and factors influencing it, cultural influences, verbal and non-verbal messages, relational maintenance, and productive conflict strategies.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HIT 213

    HIT 213 Professional Practice Experience in Health Information Technology II

    Class Description

    This course is the second of a two semester sequence of supervised clinical experience in various areas pertaining to health information. NOTE: A satisfactory health screening, background check, and drug screen must be on file with the college prior to the clinical affiliation. The student will be responsible for his/her transportation to and from the health facility. The student must be enrolled in his/her final Spring semester in the HIT program. Assignments and schedule may vary by facility.
         		2
    HIT 218

    HIT 218 Seminar in Health Information Technology

    Class Description

    This course requires students to apply the academic knowledge acquired in the HIT curriculum to specific challenges encountered in the health information management workplace. The focus is on critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and ethics. It also includes a review of HIT content areas with strategies for preparing for the national exam. Additionally students will select a health information topic of interest, summarize a literature search in a written report, and present the substance of the study orally.
         		2
    HIT 231

    HIT 231 Leadership and Management in Health Information Management

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the basic principles of supervision as applied to the health information profession. The elements and concepts related to leadership and organizational management including human, financial, and physical resources are included.
         		2
    HIT 232

    HIT 232 Quality Management and Healthcare Statistics

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the principles of quality management. Content includes quality assessment and management, risk and utilization management, and credentialing. The collection, preparation, and analysis and interpretation of healthcare statistics are also introduced. The functions and uses of registries, with emphasis on the cancer registry, are studied.
         		3
    HIT 271

    HIT 271 Advanced Coding

    Class Description

    This course explores the more complex areas of ICD and CPT coding introduced in previous coding courses. Students will apply coding principles and guidelines related to complex diagnoses and procedures. Coding from actual patient records is emphasized. The use of coding references and coding software is integrated into the course.
         		2
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    • Course Code HIT 213
      Course Title

      HIT 213 Professional Practice Experience in Health Information Technology II

      Class Description

      This course is the second of a two semester sequence of supervised clinical experience in various areas pertaining to health information. NOTE: A satisfactory health screening, background check, and drug screen must be on file with the college prior to the clinical affiliation. The student will be responsible for his/her transportation to and from the health facility. The student must be enrolled in his/her final Spring semester in the HIT program. Assignments and schedule may vary by facility.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 218
      Course Title

      HIT 218 Seminar in Health Information Technology

      Class Description

      This course requires students to apply the academic knowledge acquired in the HIT curriculum to specific challenges encountered in the health information management workplace. The focus is on critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and ethics. It also includes a review of HIT content areas with strategies for preparing for the national exam. Additionally students will select a health information topic of interest, summarize a literature search in a written report, and present the substance of the study orally.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 231
      Course Title

      HIT 231 Leadership and Management in Health Information Management

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the basic principles of supervision as applied to the health information profession. The elements and concepts related to leadership and organizational management including human, financial, and physical resources are included.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 232
      Course Title

      HIT 232 Quality Management and Healthcare Statistics

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the principles of quality management. Content includes quality assessment and management, risk and utilization management, and credentialing. The collection, preparation, and analysis and interpretation of healthcare statistics are also introduced. The functions and uses of registries, with emphasis on the cancer registry, are studied.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HIT 271
      Course Title

      HIT 271 Advanced Coding

      Class Description

      This course explores the more complex areas of ICD and CPT coding introduced in previous coding courses. Students will apply coding principles and guidelines related to complex diagnoses and procedures. Coding from actual patient records is emphasized. The use of coding references and coding software is integrated into the course.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

65

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.



Female student taking notes in class

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