Health Information Technology
Health Information Technology: An Evolving and Fast-Growing Field
Health information is the data related to a person’s medical history, including symptoms, diagnoses, procedures, and outcomes. A health record includes information such as: a patient’s history, lab results, X-rays, clinical information, demographic information, and notes.
A patient’s health information can be viewed individually to see how the patient’s health has changed; it can also be viewed as a part of a larger data set to understand how a population’s health has changed, and how medical interventions can change health outcomes.
Health information management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. It is a combination of business, science, and information technology.
You can get started on your journey toward a Healthcare Information Management (HIM) career. HIM professionals are on the rise and these occupations are one of the fastest growing in the healthcare industry. HIM professionals may work in diverse healthcare environments and have an aptitude for science, management, law, and technology.
According to the Orange County Business Council, ‘Medical Records and Health Information Technician’ is one of the largest Healthcare IT occupations with a faster than average job growth.
The Health Information Technology program at Golden West College may be completed in only three semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer) for a total of 24 units. For more information about the program, courses and prerequisites, feel free to download our Health Information Technology Flyer.
Program Details
Health Information Technology Degrees & Certificates
Golden West College’s Health Information Technology program provides fast, focused pathways leading to high-paying careers. Currently, GWC offers one certificate:
Medical Coding Specialist – Certificate of Achievement. The Medical Coding Specialist Program is designed to educate and prepare students for entry-level medical coding jobs. The outpatient/inpatient certificate of achievement provides individuals with the content knowledge and skills needed to abstract and critically analyze medical data for positions in the Health Information Management (HIM) field and the medical technology industry.
For more information about the Health Information Technology program you can visit the Golden West Catalog.
Why Golden West College?
Our knowledgeable and accessible faculty are chosen for their real-world industry experience. This ensures that GWC students learn the latest in software, technology, and industry philosophy.
Golden West offers relevant courses such as Physiology & Disease Mechanism, Pharmacology – Medications & Drugs, Medical Terminology, and many more.
Golden West cares! GWC is an energetic and welcoming community of learning, committed to supporting your higher education aspirations. Learn more about Golden West College’s student services and support resources by clicking here.
Golden Opportunities in Health Information Technology
With the HIT sector growing faster than the national average, the future is bright for college-educated professionals with applicable, hands-on skills. Health Information Technology program grads are earning great salaries in these positions and more!
- Medical Records Specialist
- Health Informatics Specialist
- Health Information Technologist
- Information Technology Project Manager
- Health Education Specialist
Affording the Opportunity
Golden West College is proud to provide excellent-quality Career Education at a low cost. Our goal is to remain accessible to ALL community members seeking to enrich their future.
Tuition: $46 per unit for California residents. Information on College Service Charge and additional fees available at: http://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/register/.
For Financial Aid information or to find out if you are eligible for Free Tuition through our Golden Promise Program, visit http://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/goldenpromise/.
Future BUILT Support
Golden West College is committed to providing students with affordable, accessible Career Education pathways, along with responsive staff to assist and guide you on your way!
Career and Employment Center:
GWC’s Career Center is a hub for services related to the career development needs of students and the general public. Our friendly staff can assist you in exploring career fields with a comprehensive library of up-to-date, computerized and published resources.
Learning Resource Center:
Featuring facilities and materials for general assistance in math, reading, writing, and more, GWC’s Learning Resource Center is a one-stop destination for student support. Take advantage of tutoring services, computer lab access, library resources, and more!
Special Programs:
Golden West hosts a variety of career-oriented programs and services, including CalWORKS, Cooperative Work Experience (CWE), and many others.
Advising and Counseling:
Make sure you’re in the right classes… and on the right course! GWC’s Planning and Guidance Services cover a broad range of student needs, including degree advising, career counseling, and transfer assistance.
Special Programs:
Golden West College is committed to assisting our underserved and challenged students in any way possible. GWC offers specific resources for DACA students, Former Foster Youth, students requiring Basic Needs Assistance, and more.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology when coding diagnostic and procedural codes.
- Examine various classification systems utilized to collect medical data in healthcare facilities.
Use common computer and HIM-related software applications for database management techniques. - Summarize fundamental knowledge, increase attention to detail, and master application skills as a coding professional.
- Describe key industry performance indicators of revenue management and their use in performance evaluation.
Average Salary in this Field
$30,830 –
$93,730
Careers in this Field
Medical Records Specialist
Health Informatics Specialist
Health Information Technologist
Ready to Get Started?
Orange County industry depends on Future BUILT professionals with the next-level knowledge and skills learned in Golden West College’s Career Education programs.
Apply today and start building your bolder future!
“
Have Questions or Want More Information? Contact Us
Golden West Career Education Benefits
67%
Find Employment Within Six Months of Attending GWC
36%
Increase in Average Income After Graduating
91%
Satisfaction Rate Among GWC Career Education Students
