Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) Degrees
Registered Health Information Technicians (RHITs) ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. They may also use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs. RHITs often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. RHITs may serve as cancer registrars, compiling and maintaining data on cancer patients. With experience, the RHIT credential holds solid potential for advancement to management positions and increase in salary, especially if it is combined with a bachelor's degree.
Health Information Technician employment opportunties are varied. Although most RHITs work in hospitals, you will also find them in a variety of other healthcare settings including office-based physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities, and public health agencies. In fact employment opportunities exist for RHITs in any organization that uses patient data or health information such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors.
Career outlook and salary potentials for RHITs are excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow much faster than the average of all occupations through 2008. New graduates with an associate's degree can expect to earn $25k to $35K, while graduates with a bachelor's degree can expect to earn $30k to $50k. Depending on the employment setting, many professionals with 5 or more years of experience can expect to earn from $50k to $70k.
To be eligible for the RHIT exam, candidates must have earned an associate degree in health information management or technology in a CAHIIM accredited program.
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