The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology prepares students for careers as Health Information Technicians.  Health Information Technicians are responsible for maintaining components of health information systems consistent with the medical administrative, ethical, and legal, accreditation, and
regulatory requirements of the health care delivery system. In all types of facilities, and in various locations within a facility, the health information technician possesses the technical knowledge and skills necessary to process, maintain, complete and report health information data for reimbursement, facility planning, marketing,
risk management, utilization management, quality assessment and research; abstract and code clinical data using appropriate classification systems; and analyze health records according to standards. As part of the degree plan, students will complete an internship that enables them to gain real-world experience. In addition, students are prepared for a national exam that measures proficiency and competency in the standards set by the American Health Information Management.

*The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Informatics and Information Management Educational Programs (CAHIIM) has accredited the program in cooperation with the Council on Accreditation of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Students are eligible to participate for the national examination that qualifies them for a certificate as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

Program Entry Requirements

A. All applicants must meet general admission requirements to South Texas College .
B. Degree option: Demonstrate proficiency in state-mandated general knowledge content through approved means; i.e., Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) with program specific exemptions accepted.
C. Certificate options: Complete college placement test with minimum scores or complete developmental classes with a grade of "C" or better for course placement as follows:
    Completion of READ 0080 or equivalent.
    Completion of ENGL 0081 or equivalent.
    Completion of MATH 0085 or equivalent .
D. Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all the courses completed at STC.
E. Satisfy program specific requirements for clinical practice.
F. Submit a completed Health and Medical Administrative Services program application.
G. Participate in individual student advisement with Health and Medical Administrative Services faculty prior to registration.

NOTE: See department for additional information regarding above requirements.

Program Application

Program applications are available from HMAS faculty and will be discussed and completed during advisement prior to registration.  If you have questions, please call for an appointment (956) 872-3116.

NOTE: Please see program WEB page for up-to-date information regarding admission requirements, curriculum changes, selection criteria and procedures, and application revisions at www.southtexascollege.edu/nah.

Graduation Criteria

To earn the Medical Information/Transcription Specialist Certificate, the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate, or an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology, a student must meet all college graduation requirements and complete all coursework as prescribed in the specific degree plan with a minimum grade of “C.”