Health Information Technology, Associate in Applied Science

College(s):

Malcolm X

Program Code: 0408

Program Requirements

General Education Coursework
BIOLOGY 116Introduction to Anatomy And Physiology4
or BIOLOGY 226
& BIOLOGY 227		 Human Structure and Function I
and Human Structure and Function II
ENGLISH 101Composition3
MATH 125Introductory Statistics4
PSYCH 201General Psychology3
SPEECH 101Fundamentals of Speech Communication3
Required Program Core
CIS 120Introduction to Computer Applications3
HIT 101Foundations of HIT3
HIT 102Medical Billing4
HIT 103Basic ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding3
HIT 104Basic CPT Coding3
HIT 105Pharmacology for HIT Professionals2
HIT 108Advanced ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding3
HIT 109Advanced CPT Coding3
HIT 110Medical Terms for HIT Professionals3
HIT 201Fundamentals of Medical Science3
HIT 203Reimbursement Methodologies3
HIT 204Health Statistics & Registries2
HIT 213Supervisory and Legal Aspects (HD)3
HIT 214Quality and Performance Improvement3
Required Work-Based Learning Courses
HIT 221Professional Practice I3
HIT 222Professional Practice II4
Total Hours65

One course must fulfill the Human Diversity (HD) requirement.

Pathway

This is an example course sequence for students interested in earning a degree in Health Information Technology. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If this pathway is followed as outlined, you will earn a Basic Certificate (BC) in Medical Billing, an Advanced Certificate (AC) in Medical Coding and an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Health Information Technology.

The Health Information Technology (HIT) program prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to organize and manage health information data in both paper and electronic systems. Students will acquire knowledge and develop application skills for a variety of classification systems to code for reimbursement, databases and registries, and the maintenance of patients’ medical and treatment histories. Program graduates will be eligible to earn the following: a basic certificate in billing, an advanced certificate in coding and/or an AAS degree in Health Information Technology. Completion of this program leads to roles in data collection, data abstraction, enhanced coding and monitoring, maintenance and reporting activities. The Basic Certificate will prepare students to obtain entry level positions as medical billers in hospitals, physician private practices, as well as insurance companies. The Advanced Certificate in medical coding equips students for roles as medical coders in hospitals, physician private practices, as well as insurance companies. The AAS will prepare students for advanced biller/coder roles as well as for entry-level roles in the information systems department of healthcare systems and insurance companies.

Semester-by-Semester Program Plan for Full-Time Students

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students by adding more semesters.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
CIS 120 Introduction to Computer Applications 1 3
 Hours3
Semester 2
BIOLOGY 116 Introduction to Anatomy And Physiology 1,2,3 4
HIT 101 Foundations of HIT 1 3
HIT 105 Pharmacology for HIT Professionals 1 2
HIT 110 Medical Terms for HIT Professionals 1 3
 Hours12
Semester 3
ENGLISH 101 Composition 2 3
HIT 102 Medical Billing 4
HIT 201 Fundamentals of Medical Science 3
PSYCH 201 General Psychology 2 3
 Hours13
Semester 4
HIT 103 Basic ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding 3
HIT 104 Basic CPT Coding 3
MATH 125 Introductory Statistics 2 4
SPEECH 101 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 2 3
 Hours13
Semester 5
HIT 108 Advanced ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding 3
HIT 213 Supervisory and Legal Aspects 3
HIT 214 Quality and Performance Improvement 3
HIT 221 Professional Practice I 3
 Hours12
Semester 6
HIT 109 Advanced CPT Coding 3
HIT 203 Reimbursement Methodologies 3
HIT 204 Health Statistics & Registries 2
HIT 222 Professional Practice II 4
 Hours12
 Total Hours65
1

Program prerequisite

2

General Education Requirement

3

This course requirement can also be fulfilled by taking both BIOLOGY 226 and BIOLOGY 227.

Choose your courses with your College Advisor.

Special Admission Requirements

  • Completion of pre-admission HIT requirement courses with a grade of C or higher:

    BIOLOGY 116Introduction to Anatomy And Physiology4
    or BIOLOGY 226
    & BIOLOGY 227    		 Human Structure and Function I
    and Human Structure and Function II
    CIS 120Introduction to Computer Applications3
    HIT 101Foundations of HIT3
    HIT 105Pharmacology for HIT Professionals2
    HIT 110Medical Terms for HIT Professionals3
    Eligibility for MATH 125

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

  • Submit High School Transcripts or GED Equivalent.  

  • Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended outside of City Colleges of Chicago to the Malcolm X College Office of Registrar Services. 

  • On-campus/virtual interview, in-person interview. 

  • Submit one Letter of Recommendation at the time of interview. 

  • Once accepted to the program and prior to registration; students must complete the following: 

    • Background check 

    • Drug screen 

    • Provide current immunization records

  • Students need to have transportation to and from their clinical sites.

For more information on the Health Information Technology program, including the application process, visit the program website.

Careers

This program can prepare students for the jobs listed below. Click on each one to learn more, including average earnings, annual job openings, and how much education people in that field have. For additional guidance and resources on career options, current City Colleges students and alumni can contact the Career Services Office.

Medical and Health Services Managers

Job Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$73,672
Median 50th Percentile$112,529
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$225,640

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$35
Median 50th Percentile$54
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$108

Annual Job Openings

782 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less3.57%
A certificate7.14%
Some college3.57%
An Associate degree10.71%
A Bachelor's degree46.43%
A Master's or Professional degree25.00%
A Doctoral degree or more3.57%

75.00% continue their education beyond an associate degree