1. What is HIT?
Health Information Technology, or Health IT, makes it possible for health care providers to better manage patient care through secure use and sharing of health information. Health IT includes the use of electronic health records (EHRs) instead of paper medical records to maintain patient's health information. (source: US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology).

4. For whom is this program appropriate?
Due to the level of detail required in this type of position, experience and/or a degree in allied health or information technology is strongly encouraged. The curriculum targets those with previous college experience and the ability for self-directed study via an online course.  

5.  Are there any requirements for application?
There are no other requirements for the program itself although employers may require criminal background screening, drug testing or other testing prior to an offer of hire.

7. What type of work would I be doing?
Those who complete the program will be prepared to join a team of professionals who are working to transition from paper or existing records systems to an electronic health record (EHR) system, in hospital or physician office settings. Requirements gathering, system design, system build, interfaces, testing and data conversion may be some of the activities you will experience.

7. Do HIT certificate credits transfer to the associate’s degree program?
No. This is a non-credit program that is intended to teach skills that are a complement to existing college level work.

8. Is the program entirely online?
This program is offered online. You are encouraged to make contact with a local hospital or health care employer to arrange for a shadowing experience so that you can see the context of the training you are receiving. This is not a requirement of the course, but it is recommended that you make these arrangements early and follow through on them as they may be the best vehicle for gaining information on potential employment.

9. How is it noted on my transcript?
This is a non-credit program, and as such will not appear on your CCAC academic transcript. However, you will receive a certificate of completion  from the Workforce Development/Training Division. It will state your name, program name and be signed by a college administrator. You will have the opportunity to sit for a competency examination upon completion of the grant. Successful completion of the competency exam will grant you a certificate of competency that is deemed or authorized by the government.

10. What jobs are available?
There is an estimated nationwide need for 38,000 additional health IT workers in next five years (source: Bureau of Labor Stats, DOE and independent studies). This training is best paired with existing work experience and education, in that it adds timely and relevant knowledge and skills to your existing health care and IT professional resume. Most graduates will find that their skills are best used to augment existing work duties and provide them the opportunity to participate in this important phase in health care as patient records in hospitals, physician offices and clinics are being transitioned to EHRs.