Bakersfield College's Health Information Technology program is designed to provide
students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in health management.
Students will learn about medical coding, medical terminology, electronic health records,
healthcare reimbursement systems, and healthcare data analysis. Graduates will be
prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics,
insurance companies, and government agencies. This program emphasizes the importance
of accuracy, privacy, and security of health information, and prepares students to
take the national certification exam to become a Registered Health Information Technician
(RHIT).
What is Health Information Technology?
Health Information Technology (HIT) is the management of health information using
technology to improve healthcare delivery. It involves the collection, processing,
storage, and exchange of health information in electronic format. HIT includes electronic
health records (EHRs), health information exchange (HIE), telehealth, personal health
records (PHRs), and other digital tools that help healthcare professionals manage
patient information more efficiently and effectively. HIT plays a critical role in
improving patient care, reducing medical errors, enhancing patient safety, and increasing
efficiency in the healthcare system.
Is Health Information Technology right for Me?
A Health Information Technology associate of science degree would benefit individuals
who are interested in working in the healthcare field but prefer a non-clinical role.
The program is ideal for individuals who have strong computer skills, attention to
detail, critical thinking skills, and an interest in healthcare data management. Additionally,
individuals who are looking to start a new career, switch to a different healthcare
profession or enhance their existing skills would benefit from the program. The program
is suitable for individuals who are interested in working in a variety of healthcare
settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies,
and government agencies, and more.
Some key traits and skills that would make someone a good fit for studying Health
Information Technology include:
The Associate of Science in Health Information Technology program prepares students
for a career working with health information in a variety of healthcare settings in
diverse roles.
More About the HIT Program
The Bakersfield College HIT Program's mission is to provide students from diverse
economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds the lower division course requirements
needed for students to obtain an Associate of Science degree in Health Information
Technology while providing progressive, comprehensive, and high-quality courses to
prepare students for an impactful future in the health information profession, assure
both academic and personal growth, and promote life-long learning and the pursuit
of advanced learning opportunities.
Apply the knowledge and skills needed to perform Health Information Technology Associate
Degree entry-level competencies as defined by the American Health Information Management
Association’s (AHIMA) Council for Excellence in Education (CEE).
Apply the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass the national Registered
Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam.
Compete in the job market in the field of health information technology or enroll
in an advanced degree program.
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as an individual and collaboratively in
a group to resolve health information challenges in a changing healthcare environment.
2021/2022 Outcomes
RHIT Certification Exam Pass Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 100% of students graduated within 150% of the advertised time to
graduate from the HIT program
Employment Rate: 87% of graduates from the HIT program were employed in healthcare
within one year of graduation
Graduate Program Satisfaction Rate: 100%
2020/2021 Outcomes
RHIT Exam Pass Rate: N/A
Graduate Satisfaction Rate 90%
Employment Rate: 100%
Student Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 100% of students graduated within 150% of the advertised time to
graduate from the HIT program.
Health information professionals play a critical role in health care—even though they
rarely interact with patients. Every time you hear a health statistic on the news,
read a doctor’s diagnosis in your medical record or use your health insurance card,
you can be sure a Health information technician has played a part. Health information
technicians are specialists in preparing, analyzing and managing medical records.
They play a key role in coding and reimbursement and are considered experts in assuring
the privacy and security of health data. In Bakersfield College’s HIT program, students
learn how to collect, analyze, monitor and report health data, using the latest technology.
As more doctors and hospitals move toward electronic health records, trained technicians
in this field will become more in demand than ever.
Health Information Technology graduates are employed in hospitals, clinics, physician’s
offices, ambulatory care facilities, long term care facilities, home health agencies,
consulting firms, and any organization that uses patient data or health information,
such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors.
Upon program accreditation, graduates will be eligible to apply for writing the national
examination for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
In accordance with the requirements of the Civil Rights Act, Bakersfield College provides
services and benefits to students regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry,
gender, age, religion, marital status, medical condition or disability. The lack of
English language skills will not be a barrier to administration and participation
in vocational education programs. (Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972; and Section 503 and 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; as amended.)
Upon enrollment in HEIT B30, a physical examination will be required to demonstrate
that the student meets the technical standards necessary to meet the physical requirements
required of health information professional practice experience.
As a condition of enrollment to HEIT B30, all students are required to submit to and
pass a designated drug and alcohol screen.
As a condition of enrollment in any Allied Health Program with a clinical component,
students are required to submit to and pass a designated background screen. Every
student offered space in the Program will be required to submit to a background screening
as part of his or her clinical requirement for admission. Please note the following:
A history of felony conviction(s) or any bar, exclusion, or other ineligibility for
federal program participation could render a student ineligible for clinical placement,
as determined by the clinical agencies.
If a student cannot obtain background clearance from the clinical agencies, it will
not be possible to place the student in the clinical areas, which is a required component
of the Program.
In the event that a student cannot obtain a background clearance due to background
restrictions, the space will be forfeited.
Students who are found to be ineligible for clinical placement by the clinical agency
after admission to the radiography program shall be subject to dismissal from the
Program, as they will be unable to complete mandatory clinical rotations.
Immunizations and health tests are needed for acceptance in a clinical education center,
and to protect the health and welfare of the student and the community. Immunizations
may include but are not limited to rubella, varicella, hepatitis B and seasonal influenza.
A tuberculosis screening is also required.
The medical exam, drug and alcohol screen, background screen, immunizations, and health
tests are performed at the expense of the student.
The student must possess a current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers
(CPR & AED) card. This card must be provided at the start of the HEIT B30 course and
be kept valid during the entire course.
American Health Information Association (AHIMA)
AHIMA Foundation offers scholarships annually to student members in pursuit of degrees
in Health information Management or Health Informatics.
For more information on student scholarships through membership, please visit the
AHIMA Foundation website.
California Health Information Association (CHIA)
The CHIA Awards and Scholarship Fund offers a variety of scholarships, awards and
grant monies to CHIA professional and Emerging Professional (Student) members, and
to California’s CAHIIM-accredited programs.
Financial aid is money awarded to help you meet your educational expenses. There are
many types of aid offered at Bakersfield College, funded by federal and state agencies
and private organizations and are either need-based or non-need based. The major types
are grants, scholarships, work study, and loans.
Purpose: Develop Health Information professionals and advocate for practice excellence.
Paying For Education
You CAN Afford BC
Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs
like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options
to help you reach your educational and career goals.
With a Health Information Technology associate degree, there are various career paths
available in the healthcare industry. Some possible careers include:
Health Information Technician: Health Information Technicians organize and manage
patient health information data. They are responsible for ensuring that all medical
records are accurate, complete, and secure.
Medical Coder: Medical Coders assign medical codes to patient diagnoses and treatments
for insurance billing purposes. They ensure that all codes are accurate and follow
industry standards.
Health Information Analyst: Health Information Analysts collect and analyze patient
data to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. They use data analysis tools
to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for improvement.
Medical Records Technician: Medical Records Technicians manage and maintain patient
health records. They are responsible for ensuring that all records are accurate, complete,
and secure.
Electronic Health Records Specialist: Electronic Health Records (EHR) Specialists
manage and maintain electronic health records systems. They ensure that all records
are accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to authorized healthcare providers.
Compliance Officer: Compliance Officers ensure that healthcare providers comply with
industry regulations and standards. They ensure that all patient data is handled ethically,
securely, and in compliance with legal and industry requirements.
Beyond BC
Transfer to a University
Graduates with an Associate Degree from Bakersfield College may choose to continue
their education at a university to earn a 4-year degree. See your Counselor and/or
a Transfer Specialist for specific questions, options, and opportunities.
Accreditation: The Health Information Management accreditor of Bakersfield College 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 2028-2029. 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.
Certification: As a Bakersfield College HIT program graduate, students are eligible to apply for
writing the national examination for certification as a Registered Health Information
Technician (RHIT).
Take the right classes to meet your education and career goals. Create your Comprehensive
Student Education Plan (CSEP) with your Counselor or Ed. Advisor. Call (661) 395-4421.
