Health Information Technology Degree, AAS (Online)
Maintain and protect patient data as a health information technology (HIT) professional. In this career, you will analyze and translate healthcare data to show trends and patterns. That information will help providers make treatment decisions and provide quality care. You'll also learn how to store and retrieve patient data under confidentiality laws.
Prepare for this high-demand career at San Juan College. You can complete our Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Health Information Technology in just two years. We offer HIT courses 100% online, and you'll complete a 40-hour internship for firsthand experience.
Why Study Health Information Technology?
HIT professionals are vital to the operations of healthcare systems. They manage electronic health records and other medical software. Their work ensures that:
- Doctors and patients can access health information
- Medical providers receive reimbursements from insurance companies
- Patient data is private and secure
You'll become an expert in the field by enrolling in a HIT program. Through your courses, you will:
- Develop leadership and supervisory skills
- Learn the ins and outs of medical coding
- Study how to manage data so it can be stored and accessed efficiently
After completing the associate degree in health information technology, you will be eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). With the RHIT credential, you can start your career as a health information technology professional.
Why Should I Enroll in the HIT Program at SJC?
Online Learning
SJC offers its Health Information Technology program 100% online. You can take classes in a way that best fits your schedule from anywhere in the world! Our faculty are experts at teaching online, and they'll stay connected to you even while you are working at a distance. Get a flexible learning option at SJC with our fully online HIT program.
Real-World Experience
Get firsthand experience that will prepare you for your future career. You'll complete simulations through the AHIMA Virtual Lab, and practice coding patient cases with real-world technology. You'll also complete a 40-hour internship to gain skills in a professional setting. You'll build your skills and confidence to prepare you for your future career.
Accredited Program
Our online Health Information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM). That means courses meet their high level of educational standards. Our excellent curriculum and expert instructors will prepare you to pass the RHIT exam so you can be a registered health information technology professional.
Affordable Option
Because of SJC's low tuition rates, the Health Information Technology AAS is an excellent investment for you. In-state tuition (including fees and books) is estimated to be $9,000. Out-of-state tuition (including fees and books) is estimated to be $18,100. If you are a New Mexico resident, you may also qualify to get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What You'll Learn in the Online AAS in Health Information Technology
Study about health information technology, from medical codes to data management. SJC's HIT AAS program will give you the skills you need to succeed in this field.
In your core courses, you will study topics such as:
- Coding classification systems: CPT-4, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS
- Data management
- Effects of ailments and medicines on the human body
- Healthcare reimbursement
- Health statistics
- Legal processes and the use of legal documents impacting health information and health care
- Organizational management and leadership
- Quality improvement
By completing the program, you will learn how to:
- Accurately assign medical codes
- Analyze and interpret health data
- Follow ethical and legal practices and policies
- Manage company resources
- Protect health information
- Understand reimbursement methodologies as part of revenue cycle management
- Verify the quality, completeness, and accuracy of medical records
Health Information Technology AAS Curriculum
Transfer Options
Continue your education after San Juan College. We encourage graduates to use the Program Directory on the CAHIIM website to find an accredited bachelor's degree or master's program in their area or online. You can find transfer opportunities in various areas, including health information management, informatics, and health administration.
Careers and Outcomes
Digital records have helped modernize healthcare. Be a part of developing and maintaining efficient systems as a HIT professional. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of health information technologists and medical registrars to grow 17% from 2021 to 2031. This is much faster than the average for all occupations and shows the high demand for this career.
Anywhere health data exists, there is a need for health information professionals. Many health information professionals are able to work from home, making this a desirable option for people looking for flexible jobs.
By completing SJC's online associate degree in Health Information Technology program, you'll be eligible to take the RHIT exam. With the RHIT credential, you will qualify for health information technology jobs.
Industries with an increased demand for health information professionals include:
- Academic institutions
- Consulting agencies
- Government agencies
- Healthcare organizations
- Healthcare software companies
Job opportunities for graduates include:
- Cancer registrar
- Coding professional
- Data analyst
- Electronic health record implementation specialist
- Health information management record analyst
- Health information technician
- Insurance claims specialist
- Physician coding compliance specialist
- Release of information specialist
Health Information Technology Student Spotlights
"I have been a certified coder (CCS-P) for over 13 years, and I always wanted to go back to school and get an additional degree in health information management so that I would be eligible to sit for my RHIT. San Juan was one of the schools that offered the full program online. Everything about this program has been amazing!"
"I chose San Juan College because of their affordability and flexible scheduling. As a working single mom of two, time and money were limited and SJC afforded me the availability to take classes that worked with my schedule. I was able to still work and spend time with my children while studying and doing it within my budget."
HIT Program Outcomes Data 2022-2023
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 64% (Students completing within normal/average time to completion)
- Graduate Satisfaction Rate: 100%
- RHIT Exam Pass Rate: 60%
- Employment Rate: 74%
- Enrollment HIT AAS Degree: 21
- Enrollment MDCD Certificate: 24
Application Information for the HIT Program
SJC's Health Information Technology program is selective. We admit a limited number of students each semester, and you must meet specific requirements in order to apply. Learn about admission requirements and the application process here.
Once admitted to the program, students must complete all HIT AAS coursework within three years. They must also complete each course with a "C" or better and maintain an overall minimum GPA of 2.75. Students may repeat a class once for a total of two attempts. Please note that courses are only offered online.
Admission Deadlines
- To be considered for fall admission, you must apply to the HIT program by June 15.
- To be considered for spring admission, you must apply to the HIT program by October 15.
For additional information, contact the Health Information Technology Department at (505) 566-3851 or email us at hitp@sanjuancollege.edu.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition, Fees and Costs Required to Complete the Program - In-State
| Term 1 (13 credits) | Term 2 (13 credits) | Term 3 (12 credits( | Term 4 (13 credits) | Term 5 (12 credits) | Total Cost | |
| Tuition | $793 | $793 | $732 | $793 | $732 | |
| Fees | $300 | $230 | $274 | $230 | $424 | |
| Books | $257 | $357 | $1,150 | $702 | $1,220 | |
| Total | $1,350 | $1,380 | $2,156 | $1,725 | $2,376 | $8,987 |
Tuition, Fees and Costs Required to Complete the Program - Out-of-State
| Term 1 (13 credits) | Term 2 (13 credits) | Term 3 (12 credits( | Term 4 (13 credits) | Term 5 (12 credits) | Total Cost | |
| Tuition | $2,535 | $2,535 | $2,340 | $2,535 | $2,340 | |
| Fees | $434 | $364 | $408 | $364 | $558 | |
| Books | $257 | $357 | $1,150 | $702 | $1,220 | |
| Total | $3,226 | $3,256 | $3,898 | $3,601 | $4,118 | $18,099 |
CAHIIM-Accredited Health Information Technology Program
The Health Information Management accreditor of San Juan College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the associate degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2029-2030.
All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 233 N. Michigan Avenue, 21st Floor, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.
Next Steps
Be sure you have completed all of our admission requirements before applying to our Health Information Technology program. You may also contact the HIT program if you have any questions.
To enroll in the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology, you must first apply to San Juan College. It's easy, and you can apply online at any time! Be prepared to send all official transcripts to San Juan College Admissions.
If you have already completed the Health Information Technology AAS program prerequisites, you may submit the program application.
