Protect Records. Power Care.
Be the bridge between patient care, private data and digital innovation.
Health Information Technology (HIT) sits at the intersection of medical science, business and information technology, providing the framework for managing digital health information. Owens’ HIT, AAS degree prepares you for a vital role behind the scenes of modern patient care by teaching you to code and handle medical data.
As a health information technician, you’ll ensure patient records are accurate, complete and secure while analyzing data to help manage healthcare costs and improve outcomes. You’ll be the connector between patients, clinicians and administrators—making sure every medical journey is protected and efficient.
Traits that make you indispensable:
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in patient records, coding and reporting
- Technical Proficiency: Mastering healthcare systems and turning data into actionable insights
- Ethical Judgment: Maintaining patient privacy and handling sensitive information responsibly
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
At Owens, you have a team of dedicated, experienced professionals guiding you. In turn, your faculty will be supported by an Advisory Committee of local professionals.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Department
Department of Health Information Technology
Required Credit Hours
64-66
From Classroom to Clinic
$11,400
Total estimated cost for 2-year program
3
Years to complete prererequisite coursework to current knowledge
$44K
Average annual salary in Ohio—potential for $60K+
Behind-the-Scenes Healthcare Hero
Become an essential healthcare professional with clinical knowledge and advanced information management skills. You’ll build a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and healthcare applications while learning the technology systems that drive modern patient care.
You’ll advance to clinical classification systems, data management and analytical skills—supported by coursework in statistics, composition and critical thinking. As you progress, you’ll focus on specialized topics that improve patient care, including healthcare law, quality improvement, advanced record management and database analysis. Ethics training develops the professional judgment essential for healthcare decision-making.
In your final semester, you’ll explore healthcare information systems, reimbursement methodologies and health information management. You’ll gain real-world experience through professional-directed practice and a HIT capstone project.
Review this important information about the Health Information Technology, AAS Program:
Career Outcomes
You’ll graduate ready for the national Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam. Earning this certification unlocks specialist and administrative career opportunities serving patients across the entire healthcare ecosystem—from major hospital systems, rehabilitation centers and specialty clinics to insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and healthcare technology firms.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
Review more program outcomes below:
In Their Words
“I looked around for careers you could do from home. I can be in the comfort of my own place but still interact with people over email and by phone, and go to conferences. You can go into many different fields with just this one degree.”
Kaitlyn Maxwell, Health Information Technology, ’25
Selective Admission Requirements
Health Information Technology is a “Selective Health” program—meaning we can only admit a limited number of students each year. Prospective students should apply to Owens first, and then to Health Information Technology. Class admission uses a point-based system based on your academic record.
First, we look at your grade point average (GPA). Next, bonus points are awarded for most health information technology general education course earning a C or better. If you haven’t taken enough of those courses, we look only at your high school GPA. General education courses can be taken before you’re admitted to the program.
If you choose a different program at Owens, these general education courses may also count toward it. Work with your advisor early and often if you are considering multiple programs. See how the points work.
For clinical placement, you are required to submit documentation of a completed health exam and background check, along with additional requirements.
An Early Adaptor of Enhanced Curriculum
Owens’ HIT program is a select Future Education Model demonstration program chosen by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), our programmatic accreditor. We’re pioneering enhanced curriculum and accreditation standards that lead health information management into a new era, showcasing innovative educational approaches while ensuring your success.
Graduation and Pass Rates
| Health Information Technology Program | 2023-2024 |
| Graduation Rate | 75% |
| Employee Rate | 75% |
| RHIT Exam Pass Rate | 80% |
Contact Us
Kita Fleming, Chair
Health Education Center 132G
Toledo-area Campus
Phone: (567) 661-7453
Email
Professional Organizations
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
233 N. Michigan Ave, 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601-5809
Phone: (312) 233-1100
Fax: (312) 233-1090
Website: www.ahima.org
Ohio Health Information Management Association (OHIMA)
P. O. Box 30966
Gahanna, OH 43230
Phone: (614) 795-7514
Fax: (614) 847-0153
Website: www.ohima.org
Email
Northwest Ohio Health Information Management Association (NWOHIMA)
Website: www.nwohima.org
Email
Accreditation
The Health Information Management/Health Informatics program accreditor of Owens State Community College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the Associate degree in Health Information Management/Health Informatics has been reaffirmed through 2027.
All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 E. Randolph St., Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601 | phone: (312) 235-3255 | email: info@cahiim.org
New Owens Students
You’re ready to begin your HIT journey and still need to apply to Owens.
Current Owens Students
You’re already an Owens student and ready to get started in your HIT journey.