Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree

The health information technology two-year degree at MSU-Great Falls College of Technology is delivered completely online through WebCT.  This is not a self-paced program; institution deadlines are followed.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP), in cooperation with the Council on Accreditation of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national certification examination for Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) (.pdf file) given through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). 

Health information technicians organize and evaluate health records for completeness and accuracy.  Health information technicians begin to assemble patients’ health information by first making sure their initial medical charts are complete. They ensure all forms are completed and properly identified and signed, and all necessary information is in the computer.   Sometimes, they communicate with physicians or others to clarify diagnoses or get additional information.

Technicians assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure. They perform research and rely on their knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and disease processes to determine the correct codes and sequences.  Technicians then use a software program to assign the patient to one of several hundred “diagnosis-related groups,” or DRG’s or APC’s.  In addition to the DRG system, coders use other coding systems known as encoders.

Technicians also use computer programs to tabulate and analyze data to help improve patient care, control costs, for use in legal actions, in response to surveys, or for use in research studies. Tumor registrars compile and maintain records of patients who have cancer to provide information to physicians and for research studies.

Health information technicians’ duties vary with the size of the facility. In large to medium facilities, technicians may specialize in one aspect of health information, or supervise health information clerks and transcriptionists.

In small facilities, a credentialed health information technician sometimes manages the department.

According to the most recent AHIMA member profile (2000) information, graduates with the two-year degree can expect to be paid (on average) $25,000 to $50,000 (see the graphics below for supervisors, managers, and coders).

Most HIT graduates can expect to work in inpatient facilities, outpatient clinics, and physician offices (see the graphic below).

For more information on the field of Health Information Technology, click on the health information management association links below.

Scholarships may be available through AHIMA and MHIMA ( Montana Health Information Management Association). Please contact them for scholarship information.