Students can take classes at DeVry University campuses located across the country, online or a mix of the two. The curriculum, taught over four full semesters, covers medical terminology, legal issues and coding. Two practicums are also included in the course to add professional experience. Credits from the associate's degree can count toward a bachelor's degree in technical management, and the associate program can also serve as a springboard for further training in more technical and computer-oriented fields.
DeVry University
Highland Landmark V
3005 Highland Parkway
Downers Grove, IL 60515-5683
866-338-7934
devry.edu
Community colleges generally offer training in medical recordkeeping, and can be more affordable than private universities. The program at Brevard Community College in Brevard County, Florida, is a one-year college credit certificate program designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in medical coding. A high school diploma or G.E.D. is a prerequisite. Students are introduced to professional associations such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and encouraged to take national certification exams upon completion of the program, which also includes a work experience component.
Brevard Community College
1519 Clearlake Road
Cocoa, FL 32922
321-632-1111
brevard.cc.fl.us
To train in electronic medical record management beyond entry level, Northeastern University's Bouve College of Health Science offers a Master's of Science in Health Informatics. The interdisciplinary program features courses from the College of Computer and Information Science. The degree aims to train professionals who can bridge the gap between IT and physicians, and who can see the bigger picture of databases and health information systems. The program is also available fully online.
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Ave.
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
617-373-2000
healthinformatics.neu.edu
(see reference 4)
AHIMA offers nationwide tests for certification in health information technology. According to the association, certified employees earn more than their counterparts and have better job prospects. A two-year associates degree from an accredited school is required as well as a test to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). Once the certificate is obtained, recertification is necessary at regular intervals. The tests are administered through Pearson VUE, which has test centers located nationwide.
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
233 N. Michigan Avenue, 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
312-233-1100
ahima.org