Healthcare IT Jobs & Careers - Healthcare IT Associate Degrees

The Health Information field is growing and and a diploma or degree from an accredited school can help you become one. With Health Information jobs in demand, individuals with strong organizational and data management skills are well-positioned to take on the critical role of Health Information Technician.

Health Information Technicians will perform a number of tasks, but their primary responsibility is managing patient health information. Technicians work to ensure the quality, accuracy, security, and accessibility of patient data. As the use of electronic medical records becomes more and more common, the responsibilities of the Health Information Technician will continue to broaden.

Arizona College of Allied Health provides the education and training to help you start your career in the growing and changing field of Health Information Technology. Contact Arizona College to learn more about our diploma program Health Information Specialist, and our Associate Degree Program in Health Information Technology;, and take the first step toward your new career in Health Information (Medical Billing and Coding) today.

Timeline for success:

• Certification is not required, however, we recommend graduates to get certified as a resume enhancement when you interview.
• The timeframe that each graduate takes to complete the certification process is in the graduates hands as far as their priority of completing the process.

Certifications & Exams:

• Visit the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) online at www.ahima.org to register for the certification examination.  You can also download (with a fee) study materials.  You have 3 different options for certification:
  • CCA-Certified Coding Associate
  • CCS-Certified Coding Specialist
  • CCS-P-Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Based
• Students can also obtain certification through the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).  For information on their certification process visit www.aapc.com.  You have 3 options for certification:
  • CPC-Certified Professional Coder
  • CPC-H-Certified Professional Coder-Hospital
  • Various Specialty Coder Certifications (see website for options)

How much will each step cost?

• The Certification Examination pricing through American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) for each option (after passing the examination, certification is valid for 2 years) is:
  • CCA-$299
  • CCS/CCS-P-$399
• The Certification Examination pricing through American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) is:
  • CPC-$300
  • CPC-H-$300
  • Various Specialty Coder Certifications-$245

Are there any “deal breakers” that will prevent me from being able to complete a step (felonies, misdemeanors, etc.)

• The certifying body will determine on a case by case basis whether the applicant will be allowed to receive their license or sit for their certification exam if the applicant has any felonies or misdemeanors.