Health Information Technology AAS

The Health Information Technology AAS (AAS_HINT) is offered at LSC-North Harris and has additional entrance requirements. For more information, please contact the Health Information Technology Department.

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Program Description

The health information technology (HIT) associate of applied science degree is designed to prepare graduates for entry level employment as health information technicians. The associate of applied science degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The hospital-based coding certificate is currently approved by the Council on Certification of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Program accreditation allows AAS degree graduates to apply for certification examination to become Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT). In addition, program accreditation allows hospital-based coding certificate graduates to apply for certification examination to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA).

Registered health information technicians perform technical medical record functions vital to the operation of the organization, including analyzing, coding, and health record evaluation. Registered health information technicians process, maintain, complete and report health information data for reimbursement, facility planning, marketing, risk management, utilization management, quality assessment and research. Graduates may be employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, health maintenance organizations, and other health care facilities.

The general education core will transfer to a variety of colleges and universities. Contact a counselor or faculty member at any of the colleges/universities for specific information and to obtain the recommended sequencing of courses.

To meet graduation requirements for any of the certificate or degree programs in the health information technology department, students must attain a grade of “C” or better in each major and general education course. Courses with grades less than a “C” must be repeated.

In addition, students must meet the Student Success Initiative requirements as established by Lone Star College System. Students must demonstrate proficiency in MATH 0308 prior to graduation. Even though the prerequisite for the HIT major courses is MATH 0306, other academic courses such as BIOL 2401 require the completion of MATH 0308. Once the prerequisite for BIOL 2401 is met, the student has met this requirement for graduation.

Admission Criteria For AAS Degree

In order to be considered for admission to the HIT program, students must pass the college’s Student Success Initiative requirements and THEA test. Students who are exempt from the THEA test must take the ASSET or COMPASS test and receive college-level placement in reading, writing, and completion of MATH 0306 or higher. Students must submit an application that can be found on the college’s website under the HIT department. Prospective students may submit the form online or download the form and mail or bring to the departmental office in WNSP 170A. Applications are due July 30 for fall entry into the program. Students wishing to begin the program at any other time besides the fall may take some of the support classes or prerequisites for the program such as COSC or ITSC 1401 Introduction to Computers or HITT 1305 Medical Terminology.

Applicants seeking admission into the health information technology AAS degree program and coding certificate program must successfully pass a criminal background check. A drug screen may also be required based on terms of our clinical affiliation agreement. Information on approved vendors will be provided by the program director. Students may be required to show proof of immunizations such as tetanus and MMR (mumps, measles, rubella). Students may also be required to document negative results from a tuberculosis test. Applicants must cover the cost of the background check, immunizations and drug screen if required by clinical affiliates.

Program Plan

First Year Credit

Second Year Credit

Total Credits