The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites health information technology as one of the top 20 fastest-growing occupations in the US. As health information technology (HIT) becomes more prevalent, health information practitioners will continue to be critical components of the electronic health record (EHR) workforce. According to the US Department of Labor, HIT will grow to encompass new support positions, including mobile support adoption positions, public health informatics, implementation support specialists, and information management redesign specialists.
Students in the program have found having a part-time or full-time job is manageable, but does require excellent time management skills. The student must consider that during the final spring semester of the program, a professional practice experience (PPE) of 96 hours is required. The PPE is usually conducted Monday and Wednesday from 8 am-noon, so it is important to consider that when deciding to work. Courses are offered during the day and evening if only offered in the classroom setting. 75% of the courses in this program are offered online. There are no weekend course offerings.
As of 2020,  Registered Health Information Technicians' median hourly wage was $21.20 and median annual wages were $44,090.
Registered Health Information Technicians find employment in a variety of settings including acute care hospitals, office-based physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities, public health agencies. An RHIT may be employed in any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors.
Yes. Owens Community College maintains an Office of Student Financial Services on each campus. The Office of Student Financial Services is the place for you to ask questions related to financial aid.
Contact: 1-800-GO OWENS ext. 2387 or (567) 661-2387 
Email: studentfinancial@owens.edu.
Scholarships are available through the following:
America Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), www.ahima.org
Ohio Health Information Management Association (OHIMA), www.ohima.org
Northwest Ohio Health Information Management Association (NWOHIMA), www.ohima.org/reg.associations/regassocnwohima.html
Full-time students can complete the program in two years. Part-time students are required to complete the program in three years from when they enter the program.
Health Information Professionals care for patients by caring for their medical data. They ensure that all of a patient’s health information is complete, accurate, and protected. They ensure the information is readily available for healthcare providers when needed. Health Information Management is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information that is vital to providing quality patient care.
Follow the selective health admission process to health science programs. To learn more, please visit the Selective Health Process webpage.
The RHIT credential indicates you have graduated with an associate degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. An RHIT ensures the quality of medical records by verifying completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. RHITs use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data to improve patient care or control costs. They can specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. The RHIT protects patient privacy and provides information security. RHITs administer health information computer systems, and ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding health information.
To take the Registered Health Information Technician certification examination, you must graduate with an associate degree from an accredited college program. The Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits programs based on their ability to comply with program standards. The program at Owens Community College is accredited by CAHIIM. Once you have completed your program, you are eligible to sit for the national certification examination to earn the RHIT Credentials. Earning a credential validates your competence as an HIM professional to employers and the public.