2277 - Health Information Technology (A.S.)

This is a Limited/Selective Access program.

The mission of the Health Information Technology (HIT) program is to provide the opportunity for students to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities that will allow them to become ethical, competent health information professionals with entry-level skills and the resources needed to acquire, analyze, maintain, and report accurate and complete health information. In addition, the program provides an environment of lifelong learning.

The Health Information Technology program offers the perfect mix of business and healthcare with focus on the use, integrity, availability, and privacy of healthcare data. The Health Information Technology program prepares the student to meet data requirements in all areas of the health care delivery system. The online curriculum consists of health records management and administration of information management to enhance the quality of services in accordance with medical, legal, ethical, regulatory, and institutional policies. HIT students gain knowledge and understanding of human anatomy, human physiology, pathophysiology, statistical and research methods, state and federal regulations, legal aspects of health care, medical coding of health care (diagnoses, procedures) services, and the electronic health record and its use to the health care facility. Graduates are then eligible to take the national examination to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

The Health Information Technology accreditor of Florida State College at Jacksonville is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for Associate degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2021. 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.

Admission to the HIT program is limited and is based on completion of specific prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C or higher. Students are required to complete two non-paid professional practice/clinical experiences. Students enrolled in this program may find it difficult to work during the professional phase of the program due to professional practice/clinical demands. Students are required to complete two non-paid professional practice experiences (PPEs) prior to graduation. Students may not take the responsibility of qualified staff in the clinical practice setting. However, after demonstrating proficiency, students may be permitted to undertake certain defined activities with appropriate supervision and direction. Students may be employed in the field of study outside regular educational hours, paid, and subject to standard employer policies.

A minimum grade of C or higher is required in all professional coursework.

Program Outcomes

The Health Information Technology accreditor of Florida State College at Jacksonville is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College's accreditation for Associate degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2024. 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.

To meet the minimum requirements for consideration for acceptance to the Health Information Technology program, students must complete the following by the application deadline:

1. Be currently enrolled or a former Florida State College at Jacksonville student.

2. Complete the required prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or higher:

   • ​ENC1101 - English Composition I Credit Hours: 3

     or ENC1101C - English Composition I Enhanced Credit Hours: 4

     or ENC1102 - Writing About Texts Credit Hours: 3

   • MAC1105 - College Algebra Credit Hours: 3

     or higher-level MAC prefix course

     or STA2023 - Elementary Statistics Credit Hours: 3

   • BSC2085C - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credit Hours: 4

   • Maintain a 2.0 GPA.

3. Complete the Health Information Technology program application.

4. Submit an official college transcript.

5. Submit a reflection essay.

6. Submit verification of health-related work experience (if applicable) typed on employer letterhead including the dates of employment, specific health-related duties performed and the number of hours worked per week.

7. Submit verification of volunteer service (if applicable) typed on the organization’s letterhead.

Applicants will be ranked on the quality points earned in the four courses listed above. Students who verify work experience in health information technology will earn two points per year, up to a maximum of six points.

Note: Admissions preference is given to fully qualified candidates who have met all entrance criteria, including the satisfaction of prerequisite courses. Should seats remain available in the program cohort, applicants who fulfill admissions criteria prior to the start of the program will be considered next.

The application deadline is February 15 of each year with classes starting in the Summer term.

(904) 646-2300 or hcic@fscj.edu.