OVERVIEW
What is a Health Information Technician?
Electronic health records (EHRs) have become an invaluable aspect of modern healthcare. Beyond insurance billing and regulatory reporting, these digital files guide clinical decision-making and directly contribute to safer, more coordinated care.
Health information technicians ensure that EHRs are accurate, up to date, and accessible to providers. They keep sensitive patient information secure by implementing and maintaining robust security protocols that prevent unauthorized EHR access. While health information technicians don’t provide direct patient care, their work is essential for maintaining patient confidentiality, enhancing interdisciplinary communication, and improving the overall quality of care.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Health Information Technician Do?
Health information technicians (HITs) oversee the digital records that make effective patient care possible. Their skills are needed in many different healthcare settings, including hospitals, physicians' offices, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and insurance companies. The exact responsibilities involved in this role depend on many different factors, including the employer and the type of healthcare facility. Most HITs focus on responsibilities such as:
- Entering and updating documentation and codes in electronic records and billing systems.
- Checking EHRs for accuracy, completeness, and overall quality.
- Reviewing provider documentation to ensure that diagnoses, procedures, and services are clearly described and ready for coding.
- Organizing and maintaining patient data for clinical databases and registries.
- Tracking patient outcomes for quality assessment and reporting purposes.
- Working with medical coders and billing staff to resolve issues that could lead to insurance claim denials or delays.
- Evaluating data management processes and systems for accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
- Performing audits to find discrepancies or gaps in health data.
- Helping implement and test updates to electronic record systems and reporting any issues with how the data is entered, stored, or displayed.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Health Information Technician?
Becoming an HIT typically starts with formal training in medical records management, coding, and electronic health systems. HITs need a combination of strong data management skills and practical experience handling sensitive patient information. Most HIT roles require an associate degree at a minimum, but earning a bachelor’s degree can unlock more job opportunities and pave the way for career advancement.
Step 1: Obtain a Relevant Healthcare Degree
To succeed as an HIT, you’ll need to understand how medical records are created, stored, and used. Many entry-level positions in the field of health information require only an associate degree, which provides foundational knowledge and skills. However, an accredited bachelor’s degree in health informatics or health information management offers a more comprehensive education. These degrees delve deeper into essential topics like medical terminology, data management, healthcare system applications, and healthcare compliance. Look for a degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). This ensures that your degree meets industry standards and is recognized by employers.
Step 2: Work in Entry-Level Health Information Roles
After completing your degree, gain practical, hands-on experience in a job that involves handling electronic medical records. Some HITs start out as medical records clerks, patient registration staff, data entry specialists, or administrative assistant roles. With time and practice, you’ll be ready for health information technician positions with more focused responsibilities and greater independence.
Step 3: Earn a Professional Certification
Earning a recognized professional certification can demonstrate your expertise, open up job opportunities, increase your earning potential, and create pathways for career advancement. The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential is highly respected in the health information field. Candidates earn this certification by passing an exam that tests their knowledge of key health information topics, including information governance, health information laws and regulations, and data analytics.
Best Degrees for a Health Information Technician
Health & Nursing
Health Information Management – B.S.
A program designed for future leaders in HIM....
A program designed for future leaders in HIM.
- Time: 61% of grads earned this degree in 36 months or less.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Medical Terminology
- Healthcare System Applications
- Health Information Law and Regulations
- Healthcare Project Management
- Data Analytics and Information Governance
This CAHIIM-accredited program makes you eligible for the RHIA exam.
The best degree for a Health Information Technician is a bachelor of science in health information management. In fact, 92% of students who enroll in our program pass with their full accreditations and are ready to enter the healthcare workforce immediately, with the majority finishing their program in just 36 months.
How Much Does a Health Information Technician Make?
$50,250
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual income for health information technicians is $50,250. Salaries typically range from $35,780 to $80,950 a year. Salaries for this role depend on many factors, including the type of employer, industry, and location. HITs with significant experience can often advance into higher-paying roles.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
7%
The job outlook for health information technicians is favorable. The BLS reports that the employment of HITs will grow by 7% from 2024 to 2034. Projections indicate that there will be approximately 14,200 openings in the field each year during that period.
The increasing demand for health information professionals is driven by several key factors. In recent decades, there has been a tremendous growth in the amount of data generated by various health products and services. Additionally, advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming how healthcare providers gather, evaluate, and use health data. These developments have created a strong need for skilled professionals who can analyze, interpret, and apply insights from this data.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Health Information Technician Need?
Health information technicians are unique because their work requires both technical proficiency as well as strong communication, teamwork, and project management abilities. No one steps into a HIT role already strong in every area; some of these skills are introduced during college or in training programs. Others are developed over time by working in healthcare settings and collaborating with clinicians, coders, and billing staff. Some of the most important skills needed for a health information technician job include:
- EHR management. Keeping EHRs updated, organized, and secure is a foundational aspect of the HIT role.
- Data entry and validation. By carefully inputting and verifying details such as medical services, diagnoses, and provider names, HITs ensure that patient records reflect the most accurate, current information.
- Knowledge of the healthcare industry. HITs must understand how medical codes, health records, and data management processes fit into the larger healthcare system.
- Communication. Whether they’re explaining documentation issues, gathering patient information, or collaborating on process improvements, HITs need to communicate effectively.
- Leadership. Even in nonmanagerial roles, leadership skills enable HITs to take initiative, guide projects, and train other staff on EHR processes.
- Time management. HITs must keep up with data entry, quality reviews, and reporting tasks while adhering to tight deadlines.
- Continuous learning. Technologies, processes, and regulatory requirements are constantly evolving, requiring HITs to continually learn and adapt.
- Attention to detail. Even minor mistakes and oversights can lead to delayed insurance claims, inaccurate reports, and other issues, making attention to detail crucial.
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