About the Program

The Health Information Technology Program prepares students to become health information professionals who play a vital role in making our healthcare system work. They perform the data collection and analysis that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals need to do their jobs well and are a key part of quality patient care.

Health information technicians may be employed by any facility that manages patient information, such as a hospital, clinic, physician office, insurance company, or medical research center.

The Health Information Technology (HIT) Program at Wallace State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College's accreditation for the applied associate's degree in health information management has been reaffirmed through 2029.  All inquiries about the program's accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.

The Health Information Technology (HIT) Program at Wallace State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
 
Accreditation of an HIT program helps to ensure that the student is attending a college that is compliant with higher education expectations for a valid and complete education. Additionally, program accreditation makes sure that the curriculum is relevant and up-to-date to prepare HIT program graduates for today's electronic healthcare environment. A CAHIIM accredited program meets or exceeds the minimum standards for an HIT academic program. 

The RHIT Exam passage rate for the most recent reporting period (August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023) is 83% compared with the national average of 80%.  

As of 2023-2024 (most recent information available), the graduation rate of the Wallace State Community College HIT program was 81%. 

Employment rate for our December 2023 graduates is 33%. 4.8% of 2023 graduates are pursuing further education.

The 2023-2024 survey of Employers showed 100% satisfaction with the HIT Program.

We are proud to announce that we have restructured our program and have moved to a stackable certificate progression through the HIT Program. All applicants start with the Health Information Certificate, then move on to the next certification with each semester completed. If the student progresses straight through the program with no breaks, they will earn their associate degree and three certificates in 6 semesters.

The Health Information Certificate is earned after the completion of 1-2 semesters of HIT courses. This certificate provides entry-level training to students interested in the Healthcare Industry. Students who complete the Health Information Certificate are equipped with knowledge that may be used upon entering any Health Division Program at Wallace State Community College. Employment opportunities include health information clerk, medical office receptionist, hospital departmental receptionist, unit secretary, patient access clerk, release of information clerk. Courses completed may be used toward the Health Information Technology Associate Degree or related certificates.

The Medical Scribe Certificate is designed as a step between the short certificate and the Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology. A medical scribe is a health information professional who directly assists the physician with entering patient care documentation into the electronic health system or electronic medical record. The medical scribe must have an excellent understanding of medical terminology and disease processes, including diagnosis and treatment. They also require knowledge of documentation guidelines, basic medical coding guidelines, and release of information, making the health information technology graduate uniquely qualified for the medical scribe position. Serving as a personal assistant to the physician while care is provided to the patient, the medical scribe may gather information needed for the patient encounter, provide written information to the patient and help with the documentation required for the medical coding process.

The Medical Coding Certificate is designed as a step between the short-term certificate and the Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology. Medical coding specialists perform a detailed review of medical records to identify diagnoses and operative procedures. Alphanumeric and/or Numeric classification codes are assigned to each diagnosis and procedure, using automated or manual methods. Principle classification systems used include the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and the current Procedural Coding Systems (PCS). Coders also operate computerized grouper programs to cluster diagnoses and procedures into payment categories. With a balanced emphasis on coding typically done in a physician’s office and inpatient and outpatient coding that is done in acute care settings, this comprehensive coding program is completed in three semesters. Successful coding certificate graduates will have in-depth coding skills in ICD, CPT, PCS, and reimbursement schemes with special knowledge of DRGs, APCs, and Charge Master Descriptions. The American Health Information Management Association has established a national certification program for medical coders. Each new graduate qualifies as a candidate for the AHIMA national examination to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA). When coupled with extensive, on-the-job experience, the Medical Coding coursework prepares the student to take the AHIMA examination to become a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Office (CCS-P) and take American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) coding certification exams such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.

The Health Informatics Certificate is earned in one semester after the completion of HIT program prerequisite courses. This certificate verifies entry-level training for students interested in the health informatics industry. Students who complete the Health Informatics certificate are equipped with the foundation of knowledge needed to fulfill the requirements of an entry-level health informatics career such as a health information technician.

HIT Mission Statement

The mission of the Health Information Technology Department of Wallace State Community College is to maintain national accreditation status and develop HIM (Health Information Management)/HI (Health Informatics) professionals who are well prepared for the HIT workforce community by being committed to providing students with the current knowledge and skills required to become successful and ethical HIM professionals.

HIT Vision Statement

The Wallace State Community College Department of Health Information Technology will be a nationally recognized program for excellence in HIT education. The Wallace State Community College Department of Health Information Technology will produce empowered HIM (Health Information Management)/HI (Health Informatics) professionals who are dedicated to caring for patients by caring for their medical data by ensuring the quality, integrity, and security of patient health information.

Admission Requirements and Curriculum

Background Check Policy

AAS - Database Management

AAS - Health Informatics

AAS - Revenue Cycle Management

Medical Coding Certificate

Medical Scribe Certificate

Health Informatics Short-Term Certificiate

Health Information Short-Term Certificate

Licensure Disclosure Statement