AAS in Health Information Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Kaplan University's Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program is presented online and offers students the chance to study anatomy, physiology, diseases of the human body, and pharmacology. Students can gain skills in medical terminology, medical coding, reimbursement methods, and the legal elements of health information. Students also learn about software applications related to the health care industry, database management, and the automation of health information. The program is intended to teach students about health information laws and ethics, the fundamentals of health information management, and performance assessment and improvement techniques.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you would like to apply to the Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program you should be interested in information management in health care. Applicants to Kaplan University's programs should have a high school diploma or GED and be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. Since the program is offered online, applicants should have access to a computer.

What Are the Course Requirements?

The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program requires 72 major credits, 15 core credits, and 5 open elective credits for a total of 92 credits. The program also requires a 30-hour practicum at an approved clinical site and a 90-hour externship at a hospital or health care facility. A criminal background check, and sometimes a medical examination, will be required.

Health Information Technology Major Course Requirements

• Academic Strategies for the Health Care Professional
• HIT I - Health Care Delivery and Information Management
• HIT II - Legal Aspects of Health Information and Health Care Statistics
• Automation of Health Information
• Health Information Practicum
• Reimbursement Methodologies
• Leadership and Quality Assessment in Health Information
• Medical Coding II
• Medical Terminology
• Software Applications for Health Care Professionals
• Anatomy and Physiology I
• Anatomy and Physiology II
• Diseases of the Human Body
• Medical Coding I
• Pharmacology and Laboratory Medicine
• Health Information Externship/Capstone

What Are My Post-Graduation Opportunities?

Career Opportunities

After earning your Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology, you could seek entry-level positions at places such as hospitals, doctors' offices, health care facilities, or health insurance companies. Some possible positions you may wish to pursue include:

• Health information technician
• Medical coder
• Medical secretary

Advanced Degrees

Kaplan University's Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program can help prepare you for entry-level positions in the health information field or for continuing your education by pursuing a bachelor's degree. Undergraduate programs in health information technology may include specialized areas such as information management or health services administration. Below are some bachelor's degrees you may wish to pursue:

• Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
• Bachelor of Science in Health Science
• Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration