Health Information Management Technology

What Will I Learn in the HIMT Program?

The Health Information Management Technology (HIMT) program at WSCO prepares you to manage, secure, and analyze patient data in today’s healthcare system. This five-semester, fully online associate degree builds in-demand skills for careers in health information management, whether you are entering the field or advancing your healthcare experience.

Through a combination of coursework, virtual reality simulations, and 80 hours of professional practice experience, you will gain real-world skills employers expect. The Professional Practice Experience can be completed virtually or on site at a healthcare facility, providing flexibility for busy students.

Small class sizes, typically around 15 students, ensure a supportive learning environment. Faculty meet weekly with students via Zoom, and sessions are recorded to accommodate work and family schedules.

Earn Valuable Credentials Along the Way

The program is structured to allow you to earn national credentials through respected organizations, including:

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)

During your first three semesters, you will earn a Medical Billing Certificate and a Medical Coding Certificate, allowing you to enter the workforce while completing your degree. As you progress, you will be prepared to pursue additional nationally recognized credentials such as:

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR)
IHI Quality Certificate

Is the Program Completely Online?

Yes. All coursework is delivered 100 percent online. The Professional Practice Experience in the final semester may be completed virtually or on site, depending on your location and career goals.

What Skills Will I Gain?

This program prepares you for immediate employment and long-term growth in the healthcare industry. You will learn to:

Assign accurate diagnosis and procedure codes using official coding guidelines
Navigate healthcare compliance and reimbursement systems
Use data to improve performance and support healthcare decision-making
Manage electronic health records and clinical documentation systems
Apply healthcare policies and regulations to patient data
Communicate clearly and professionally in healthcare environments
Adapt to evolving technologies and digital health tools

16%

Growth Rate

$16,962

Estimated Program Tuition Cost

$67,300

Local Average Annual Salary

$67,300

Local Average Annual Salary

Find Career Opportunities with Local Employers Such As:

Hospitals and clinics
Educational institutions
Insurance agencies
Law firms
Government agencies
Physician offices
Healthcare vendors

Program Partnerships

WSCO has established program partnerships with the following local health systems and employers:

Memorial HealthSystems
WVU Medicine
Camden Clark
OHIMA PPE Taskforce
Emergency Billing Services Inc.
Fairfield Medical
Meigs County Health Department
OhioHealth

What Jobs Can I Get with This Degree?

Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

Medical coder
Billing specialist
Health information technician
Records analyst
Insurance claims analyst
Compliance assistant

Many HIMT graduates work in hospitals, private practices, insurance companies, and health technology firms. Because this program leads to nationally recognized credentials, graduates may work anywhere in the United States.

How Does the Professional Practice Experience Work?

Students who live within 20 counties of WSCO or within 50 miles of Marietta are placed at a local clinical site. Students who live outside this region work with the Professional Practice Coordinator three semesters in advance to secure a local placement and establish a site agreement.

Certification Eligibility

Upon successful completion of the Health Information Management Technology degree, students are eligible to sit for the following external certification exam:

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) Exam

Program Accreditation

The Health Information Management Technology program at Washington State College of Ohio is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Accreditation for the Associate Degree in Health Information Management Technology has been reaffirmed through the 2031–2032 academic year.

All inquiries regarding accreditation status should be directed to:

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 235-3255
Email: info@cahiim.org

CAHIIM accreditation confirms that the program undergoes ongoing quality assurance and meets rigorous national standards established by the American Health Information Management Association. Accreditation is required for graduates to be eligible to sit for the RHIT certification exam.

Accreditation does not guarantee passage of the RHIT exam. However, employers widely recognize CAHIIM-accredited programs as providing the education and training necessary for careers in health informatics and information management, and graduates of these programs are often preferred in the job market.

CAHIIM accreditation also assures students that the HIMT program meets industry standards and remains accountable to stakeholders including students, employers, and regulatory bodies, enhancing both program credibility and professional readiness.

While this program is open to all students, it is designed with flexibility in mind for those balancing work, family, or other commitments. If you work full time, are managing a household, pursuing a career change, or need additional credentials to advance professionally, the HIMT program is structured to support your success.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early. To be considered for admission to the HIMT degree program, you must meet the following requirements:

Complete a Washington State College of Ohio application for admission .
Be a high school graduate or possess a GED certificate.
Submit an official high school transcript or GED certificate, along with official transcripts from any college(s) previously attended.
Complete an application for the HIMT program.
Submit three non-family references.
Successfully complete the one-week free online readiness course. The course runs Monday at 8:00 a.m. through Saturday at 5:00 p.m. each week. Sign up here .
Complete high school Algebra II (or higher) or MATH 0106.
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher at the time of application and upon program entry.
Earn a grade of C or higher in all courses.