Health Information Technology Degree Course in Chicago, Illinois

If you are interested in learning how computers are used in the field of health care, then Northwestern College’s Health Information Technology degree course in Chicago, Illinois (or Bridgeview, Illinois) could be a great option for you. Health Information Technicians compile, code, and maintain patient medical records and can also tabulate and analyze data to help prepare statistical information extracted from groups of records.

To make the most of this program, you should have an interest in the health care field, although actual patient contact is very rare. You should also enjoy organizing, preparing, and retrieving detailed work.

Health Information Technology School Overview

• Organize and evaluate medical records for completeness and accuracy
• Code patient records according to standard classifications
• Utilize appropriate sanitation and universal precautions procedures
• Consult with physicians to clarify diagnoses and treatment
• Use computer programs to tabulate and analyze data

Health Information Technology Program Goals

Upon completion of the program, it is expected that students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology
• Be adequately prepared as Health Information Technicians in health data management
• Be adequately prepared as Health Information Technicians in health statistics and quality management
• Be adequately prepared as Health Information Technicians in health services organization

Delivery comparably in Medical Law and Ethical Standards

• Be adequately prepared as Health Information Technicians in health informatics
• Be adequately prepared as Health Information Technicians in organization management

Health Information Technology Career Opportunities (CIP Code 51.0707)

Health Information Technicians are employed at hospitals, nursing homes, medical group practices, clinics, home health agencies, ambulatory care practices, insurance companies, and public health organizations.

The Health Information Technology program is designed to prepare you for potential employment in the following: (the occupation listed contains a link to information on the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET website).

29-2071 - Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Accreditation

The Health Information Technology program at Northwestern College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), 233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60601.

Northwestern College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, www.ncahlc.org.

Degree Requirements and Course Offerings
See the Northwestern College Catalog.

Other Program Information

We are not required by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools or the Illinois Board of Higher Education to report placement rates.

During the 2011-2012 Academic Year, 22 students graduated from the Health Information Technology program. Of these students, seven graduated on-time as defined in the Northwestern College catalog. (Part-time students are not included in this number.) The median student loan indebtedness of the Health Information Technology program graduates in 2011-2012 was as follows: Federal Stafford Student Loans (subsidized/unsubsidized) - $29,896; Third-Party Private Education Loans - $0; and Northwestern College GAP Loan - $1,646.

The tuition and fees for a student starting the Health Information Technology associate degree program as of the 2012-2013 academic year is estimated at $45,780 based upon six academic quarters of full-time tuition at current tuition rates. (Potential future tuition increases cannot be determined at this time, and hence are not factored into this estimate.) Book and supply costs are estimated at $2,400. (The actual cost will vary depending on multiple factors). Northwestern College does not offer on-campus housing. For additional information on college costs, please visit our Financial Aid Cost of Attendance web page.

Talk to Us
To find out more about our Health Information Technology school, please feel free to contact us. Or if you would like to talk to us in person, schedule an appointment to visit one of our campus locations.