Waukesha County Technical College
Health Information Technology

Health Information Technology

Program Information

Degree Type

64-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code

10-530-1

Time to Degree

2 years

Start Date

August / January

How You'll Learn

Hybrid

Program OverviewApplication DeadlinesProgram Cost

Health information technicians contribute to the quality of care by collecting, analyzing and reporting healthcare data while protecting the integrity and security of patient health information. In this program, gain knowledge of disease processes and treatments, data and information standards, regulatory and ethical issues, and application of organizational management skills.

Deadlines To Know*

Fall 2023 Start

  • Application Opens: October 1, 2022
  • Application Deadline: August 7, 2023

Spring 2024 Start

  • Application Opens: April 1, 2023
  • Application Deadline: January 8, 2024

Summer 2023 Start

  • This program cannot be started in summer.

* Submit all checklist items by the application deadline. Apply early; deadlines are subject to change based on program demand.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

  • Access to any PC
  • Viewpoint Screening: $110
  • Immunizations/tests: up to $850
  • EHR Go software: $55/12 weeks - Purchase through WCTC Bookstore

Take advantage of a Direct Digital Access Program for discounted textbooks.

How To Apply

  • Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
  • Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading and writing skills:
      • High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
      • ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
      • Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
      • If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an Enrollment Counselor.

Apply Online
 

Program Details

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

If you have an interest in working in healthcare settings but not with direct patient care, consider a more technical side of health care, such as health information technology. Those working in this field have strong computer, communication, management and critical thinking skills.

  • Coder/Abstractor
  • Revenue Cycle Analyst
  • Release of Information Specialist
  • Discharge Analyst
  • Health Record Analyst

The students enrolled in the Health Information Technology program should be able to meet the established technical standards identified below with or without reasonable accommodation. The technical standards for the Health Information Technology program are representative of those found in the Health Information Technology profession.

Review the Health Information Technology Technical Standards.

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

$43,700 – $77,700 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

  • Financial aid loans
  • Scholarships
  • Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

WCTC requires a caregiver background check for all students in this program. Learn more >

Please note that some clinical sites require compliance with various COVID-19 safety protocols and measures as a condition to placement. Required protocols and measures may include, but are not limited to, receipt of COVID-19 vaccination and/or testing for COVID-19. Students may individually address clinical placement requirements with Jenny Clausen, Clinical Placement Specialist.

Reasonable accommodations may be available for students with documented disabilities and/or sincerely held religious beliefs. Students seeking accommodation due to documented disability should contact the Student Accessibility Office. Students seeking accommodation due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact Jonathan Pedraza in the Student Life Office.

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Program Courses
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Program PDF
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Career Pathway

What Makes This Program Unique?

1

WCTC's pass rate and scores for the national Registered Health Information Technology exam are consistently above the national average. The 2020-2021 RHIT exam pass rate was 100% (14 test-takers) compared to the national average of 70%.

2

For the 2022 reporting period:

  • The 2020-2021 HIT graduation rate was 44% (Cohort completion within 150% time or 3 years).
  • The 2020-2021 HIT employment rate was 40% (5 of 6 employed, with 3 in a related field, 2 in an unrelated field, 1 seeking employment and 0 unavailable for employment).
  • The 2020-2021 fall-to-fall retention rate was 71%.

3

Graduates can can become eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

Accreditation

The Health Information Management accreditor of Waukesha County Technical College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College's accreditation for associate degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2022-2023.

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. 
CAHIIM Accredited Program

Similar Programs

Related Certificates

Program Pathway

Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Health Information Technology Pathway
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Prior Learning
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Technical Diploma
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Associate Degree
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Bachelor's Degree

Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous ollege coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.

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Associate Degree
  • Health Information Technology (this program)

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

More Credit Opportunities

High School Dual Credit

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

Learn More

Credit for Prior Learning

You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

Learn More

Transfer Opportunities After WCTC

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

College Program Name Credit Awards
College of St. ScholasticaBS Health Information Managementup to 63
Concordia University - WisconsinBA HealthCare Managementup to 64
Marian UniversityBS Healthcare Administrationup to 62, 10% tuition discount
The College of St. ScholasticaBS Health Information Management (online)up to 53
University of CincinnatiBS Health Information Management -Distance LearningFull Program
UW-LaCrosseBS Health Information Managment and Technology (online)up to 54
UW-MilwaukeeBS Biomedical Sciences42-64
Western Governors UniversityBS Health Information ManagementFull Program
College Program Name Credit Awards
Bellevue UniversityAny Bachelors Degreeup to 60, tuition discount
Franklin UniversityAny Bachelors DegreeJunior Standing
Grand Canyon UniversityAny Bachelors10% tuition discount
Lakeland UniversityAny Bachelors DegreeJunior Standing, Credits Vary, 20% tuition discount
Mount Mary UniversityBachelor DegreeJunior Standing
Ottawa UniversityBachelor of Arts or Sciencesup to 80, and 20%+ tuition discount for WCTC grads
UW-Green BayOrganizational Leadership - Bachelor of Applied StudiesBlock of 60 credits
UW-StoutBS Career, Technical Education & Training (100% online)up to 60
UW-WhitewaterBA Arts and Sciences60+
Wisconsin Lutheran CollegeBachelor of Science in Business Management & Leadership50-70

 

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