Health Information Technology Degree

Manage patient care data with our 100% online HIT program

Associate of Applied Science - Health Information Technology (69 Credits)

Learn to analyze, manage and use patient data and health information resources as a health care information technologist with the health information technology associate degree at Davenport University. Take this two-year health information technology degree 100% online through our Online+ Livestream classes (formerly known as real-time virtual) or in-person on our W.A. Lettinga Campus. This in-person or online health information technology degree is led by faculty who have real-world experience and hold industry-recognized credentials, including Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS).

Enrich your online learning experience and make valuable connections through Davenport’s faculty mentoring program, online tutors and Allied Health/Health Information Student and Alumni Association. Hands-on clinicals at a health care site near you will also help put you on a path to earning the health information technologist salary you deserve.

Davenport University's health information technology and health information management programs are designed as building blocks for our certificate, associate, bachelor and master-level degree offerings. Learn how to stack your HIT and HIM degrees here.

To learn more information about Davenport's health information technology and health information management career pathways: Click here

What is a health information technology degree?

A health information technology degree focuses on analyzing, managing and using patient care data and health information resources to manage medical records, understand reimbursement and research, coding, and uphold the highest health information standards.

Accredited by the CAHIIM, Davenport’s fully online health information technology associate degree program will prepare you to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam so you can earn the credential you need to become a health care information technologist.

Explore classes for Davenport’s health information technology degree

Get on track to earn the health information technologist’s salary you deserve through HIT program courses, such as medical terminology, advanced procedural coding, health care ethics and presentation techniques. Complete Davenport’s associates degree in information technology and continue on to our bachelor’s in health information management (HIM degree). All classes are aligned with Quality Matters (QM) and are evaluated through Instructional Design to ensure the quality of instruction.

See Full Course List

Foundations of Excellence		29 Credits
ACES100	AchieveCareer/EducationSuccess This course presents the skills needed for university success and initiates students to career planning and development. Students evaluate their abilities and interests in order to develop career goals and align these goals with an appropriate course of study. Through a career investigation project, students are introduced to research techniques. Students also improve on academic skills necessary to successfully complete university work, such as critical thinking, study techniques, and test taking strategies. In addition, students are introduced to important dynamics of interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. The course also orients students to the University, to the Davenport University Excellence System, and to other elements of the Davenport curriculum. (This course is required for all new business, health, and technology students, except those transferring with 30 or more semester credits.) Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/h	3
BIOL115	A & P w/Human Disease I This course is the first of a two semester sequence that provides a foundation in human anatomy, physiology and the disease process for students in the Health Information Management and Allied Health programs. Students will learn anatomical and physiological terminology, homeostatic mechanisms, and other fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology. Students will study the structure, function, common disease processes, characteristics, and treatments related to the following body systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, senses, and endocrine. Each organ system will be studied with emphasis on the relation-ship between systems. Note: A grade of C or better is required to take the next course in the sequence. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	4
BIOL116	A & P w/Human Disease II This course is the second of a two-semester sequence that provides a foundation in human anatomy, physiology and the disease process for students in the Health Information Management and Allied Health programs. This course expands on previously gained knowledge in the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Students will continue to learn anatomical and physiological terminology, homeostatic mechanisms, and other fundamental principles of anatomy and physi-ology. Students will study the structure, function, common disease processes, characteristics, and treatments related to the following body systems: blood and circulation, cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive. Each organ system will be studied with emphasis on the relationship between systems. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Completion of BIOL115 with a C grade or above.	4
BIOL131	Introduction to Human Disease This course introduces concepts of pathophysiology in a systemic manner by comparing the functioning of the human body in normal and diseased states. Students will integrate information relating to the etiology, presentation, evaluation, treatment, and prevention of common human diseases. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): BIOL116 if required in degree choice Prerequisite(s): BIOL115 or BIOL120	3
COMM120	Presentation Techniques This course introduces and applies the theories and principles of effective communication. Students learn to organize and present clear, logical messages to specific audiences. They develop confidence in public speaking and increase their ability to inform and persuade listeners. They also implement critical thinking and listening skills. Finally, students exhibit the skills and tools necessary to construct, organize, and deliver effective speeches. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
ENGL109	Composition This course introduces students to expository and persuasive writing. Employing critical thinking and the writing process, students will compose academic essays utilizing a variety of modes. They will also analyze and respond to a variety of academic and professional readings. Students will evaluate information and audience to improve form and content. Students are also introduced to the research process, including finding, evaluating, and documenting sources, to complete a short research project using the American Psychological Association Style. Note: ENGL109L is a 0 credit hour lab utilized in the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores or successful completion of ENGL021. Student must also complete a diagnostic writing sample.	3
ENGL110	Advanced Composition This course further develops the skills in expository and persuasive writing that were introduced in ENGL109, English Composition. Students develop critical thinking through the creation of essays and documents that use argumentation and persuasion. As a team, students collaborate to present a required assignment to the class. Students learn to research, evaluate, and incorporate information from both primary and secondary sources, to document secondary sources using APA format, and to analyze information and audiences to improve form and content. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109	3
MATH120	College Mathematics Students in this course will explore and apply college-level mathematical concepts so as to enhance their critical and creative thinking skills. This course aims to increase students' appreciation of the utility and application of mathematics. Topics will include i) problem solving, ii) set theory and real numbers, iii) linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and iv) probability. Other topics of interest will be selected from graph theory, prime numbers, logic, number representation, and voting theory. Fees: Additional course fees apply. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores, placement criteria, or successful completion of MATH 030	3
SOSC201	Diversity in Society This course introduces students to the complex issues surrounding diversity in U.S. society and to the need for understanding difference in an increasingly globalized world. Students will explore the social-historical context of multiple experiences on individual, cultural and institutional levels. They will analyze the complex interactions regarding diversity in organizations. Students will also evaluate their own thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors in order to understand their roles in a diverse society. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3

Foundations of Health Professions		12 Credits
CISP111	Requirements Planning/Develop This course surveys the main components of the business systems cycle. The five phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) (systems planning, system analysis, systems design, systems implementation, and system operation and support) will be investigated. Students will look at how many of the typical business needs are incorporated into a business system. These may include invoicing, accounts receivable, order entry, inventory, accounts payable, payroll, manufacturing, and sales/marketing. Participation in a group project, site visit, or case study will give students a sense of group dynamics in real-world systems development projects. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): CISP100	3
HLTH101	Introduction to Health Careers This course is required in the first semester of declaring any College of Health Professions (CoHP) major. As part of orienting the student to the College of Health Professions programs, this course is also a primer regarding the importance of professionalism in healthcare and patient privacy, the use of universal precautions and safety requirements for healthcare settings and introduces students to the skills needed for University success, including research techniques and career planning and development strategies. A review of the CoHP Student Handbook is included, as well as an introduction to the CoHP practicums and/or clinical professional practice experiences. Students in this course must register and complete the required Criminal Background Check (CBC) and Drug Screen (DS). HLTH101R is a 0 credit seminar which can be used to repeat the criminal background (CBC) and drug screen (DS) testing if required by the practicum/clinical site or other reasons. Note: If the CBC/DS portion	3
HLTH101M	Intro to Health Careers This course is required for any College of Health Professions (CoHP) major. As part of orienting the student to the College of Health Professions programs, this course is also a primer regarding the importance of professionalism in healthcare and patient privacy, and the use of universal precautions and safety requirements for healthcare settings. Students are required to complete the criminal background check (CBC) and drug screen (DS) testing as part of this course. A review of the CoHP Student Handbook is included, as well as an introduction to the CoHP practicums and/or clinical professional practice experiences. Note: Grading is Pass/Fail. Additional course fee(s) apply. Co-requisite(s): ACES100	0
HLTH110	Medical Terminology This course introduces the concept of a system-based approach to learning the professional language of those who are directly or indirectly engaged in health care. Word building through knowledge, use of prefixes, suffixes, root words, and combining forms is a central theme of this course. Spelling, pronunciation, abbreviations, medical symbols, and use of a medical dictionary are also emphasized. Note: A grade of C or better is required to pass this course successfully. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
HLTH211	Healthcare Management This course provides a foundation in management principles with special application and focus on the health care industry. The course will focus on organizational resource management in the health care industry including strategic planning, governance, leadership, change management, communication, human resource management, training and development, organizational development, financial management, ethics, project management and contract management. Case analysis will be applied through the discussion of various health care management-related situations. Note: A grade of C or better is required to pass this course successfully. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL110 Prerequisite(s): ENGL109	3
HLTH230	Health Care Law and Ethics This course will provide the opportunity to explore basic law as it is applied to health related issues and the health care community. The student will be introduced to the concepts of medical ethics and will explore the major ethical issues currently facing health care professionals, with an emphasis on maintaining the highest legal, moral, and ethical standards in their profession. Note: A grade of C or better is required to pass this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. successfully.	3

Major		28 Credits
HINT110	Introduction to HIM 4 contact hours This course introduces the student to the contents of the health record. The student will analyze, synthesize and evaluate the contents of the health record gaining a detailed understanding of documentation requirements, data governance, health law, health information technologies, analytics and decision support, health information exchange, revenue management. The student will comprehend the difference between data and information, classification systems and nomenclatures, and primary and secondary data sources. The student is introduced to HIPAA (the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act); legal and ethical issues pertaining to the contents of the health record, privacy, confidentiality and security, and professional ethics. The student gains comprehension of health care information systems acquisition and evaluation, data integrity, data security, and work process design. Through hands-on experiences the student will gain a detailed understanding of h	3
HINT201	Health Information Technology 4 contact hours This course provides a detailed understanding of health information systems (administrative, patient, registration, ADT, EHR, PHR, lab, radiology, pharmacy and others) commonly available and in use in the U.S. health care delivery. An emphasis is placed on confidentiality, security and privacy policies and procedures. Students will work with an EHR to complete HIM processes within this course. Students are provided an overview of the technology selections process including negotiation and evaluation of a HIM technology. Students are introduced to Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED-CT) including a brief overview of its role in the health care delivery system as the basis for an electronic health record. This course also provides an introduction to data collection, warehousing and system architecture. This course requires two hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week (4 contact hours). Note: A grade of C or better is required to pass this course successful	3
HINT209	Quality/Perf Improve Hlth Care This course is an introduction of the methods used to define, describe, recognize and apply total quality management in health care. The principles of the quality assessment process and risk management will be emphasized. The course will provide an opportunity for the student to gain skills in collecting and analyzing data through a team approach. Note: A grade of C or better is required to pass this course successfully. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): HINT215 for HIT/HIM majors; HLTH210 for HSAD majors	3
HINT215	Applied Statistics for Health Information Management 2 contact hours This course provides the student with the knowledge and application of statistics and use of spreadsheets to compile data and present information. In this course students gain understanding and apply knowledge of health care statistics and research through the study of indices, databases, and registries, vital statistics, health care and descriptive statistics, data selection, interpretation and presentation of data and information research techniques. The course requires that the student compute health care statistics. Note: A grade of C or better is required to pass this course successfully. Co-requisite(s): HINT110 Prerequisite(s): MATH125	1
HINT221	ICD Coding This course introduces students to the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) volumes I and II, and International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision, Procedural Classification System (ICD-10-PCS). The focus of this course is diagnostic coding and inpatient procedural coding. Students gain a detailed understanding of the Official ICD-10-CM/PCS Guidelines for coding and reporting and apply these guidelines in a structured context for accurate code assignment. Emphasis is also placed on coding compliance and adherence to official guidelines. Students gain an understanding to the importance of data quality and data integrity. Students compare and contrast the new ICD-10-CM/PCS to ICD-9-CM (the previous classification system). Students are introduced to other classification systems such as, DSM-IV and ICD-O. Students will learn how to maneuver in different computerized encoding systems by assigning codes and using various references a	4
HINT222	Procedural CPT/HCPCS Coding This course introduces students to procedural coding utilizing the current editions of the Current Procedural Terminology, Health Care Common Procedural Coding System Level II code books and computer assisted coding software. The course will focus on utilizing these coding systems along with the application of current coding guidelines to determine accurate outpatient procedural codes based on documented clinical data. Students will develop appropriate physician queries to resolve clinical data discrepancies and analyze computer generated codes for accuracy. Chargemaster maintenance in regards to procedural coding and the development and application of coding procedures will also be discussed. Note: A grade of C or better is required to pass this course successfully. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): HINT221 Prerequisite(s): BIOL116	3
HINT294	Advanced Coding Lecture This course is part of the first professional practice experience (PPE) for the health information technology and the health information management degree programs. This lecture portion of the practicum will cover how coding interfaces with reimbursement methodologies. This course provides professional practice experience in medical coding with respect to and review of the revenue cycle. Students successfully completing this course along with HINT294L are academically prepared for the CCA (Certified Coding Associate) certification exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Note: This course along with HINT294L requires lecture with use of computerized encoding systems. Note: A grade of C or better is required to pass this course successfully. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): HINT294 and HINT294L must be taken concurrently Prerequisite(s): HINT221, HIN	2
HINT294L	Advanced Coding Lab This course is part of the first professional practice experience (PPE) for the health information technology and the health information management degree programs. This laboratory portion of the practicum will provide extensive experience with various computerized encoding systems and practice coding with real world charts following official coding guidelines along with experience in chargemaster development and case mix analysis. Students successfully completing this course along with HINT294 are academically prepared for the CCA (Certified Coding Associate) certification exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Note: This course along with HINT294 requires lecture and laboratory with use of computerized encoding systems. Note: A grade of C or better is required to pass this course successfully. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): HINT294 and HINT294L	2
HINT297	HIT Prof Pract Exp (Lecture) Contact Regional Practicum Manager at least two semesters prior to enrolling. This course is part of the second professional practice experience (PPE) for the health information technology and the health information management degree programs. This lecture portion of the PPE will enforce principles of health information technology through extensive analysis of case studies and completion of other assignments. This course will provide a review session for the Registered Health Information Technology (RHIT) national certification examination through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Note: A grade of C or better is required to successfully complete this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): HINT297 and HINT297C must be taken concurrently; HINT294 and HINT294L may be taken concurrently with HINT297 and HINT297C. Prerequisite(s): Last semester of associate’s	2
HINT297C	HIT Prof Pract Exp (Clinic) Registration Internship/Practicum Note: Contact the Practicum Coordinator two semesters in advance of taking this course to begin the approval process. Approval for enrollment in the course is required by the Program Director. This course is part of the second professional practice experience (PPE) for the health information technology and the health information management degree programs. This experiential portion of the PPE will provide supervised professional practice projects structured to allow students learning experiences with the health information services department of a hospital or other health care organization (requiring at least 80 hours of experience per semester coupled with simulation activities). Principles of health information technology will be applied through observation and/or mentorship, and participation in a variety of health information management functions and simulations. The major emphasis is on the acquisition of knowledge, analysis of technical procedure	2
HLTH250	Healthcare Reimbursement Mgmt This course is an introduction to health care reimbursement systems used throughout the United States. Students will gain a detailed understanding of various payment methodologies currently used (i.e. managed care, third party payers, federal programs, etc.), and apply this understanding to the monitoring and management of the revenue cycle. Students will verify completeness of clinical documentation, manage the use of clinical data systems used in claims management and utilize the principles of health care finance to monitor healthcare facility revenue. Current HIPAA guidelines will be covered along with financial ethics and the identification and eliminations of financial fraud and abuse. Note: A grade of C or better is required to pass this course successfully. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3

Which class should I take? When should I take it?

See our Recommended Program Sequences:

100%

Complete the HIT program 100% online+ through our Global Campus

80+

Grow your skills with 80+ hours of professional practice experience

6.3

Earn a health information technology degree students rate 6.3/7

Ranked #2 for the best online associate in HIT program in the nation by Intelligent

Your Health Information Technology and Health Information Management stackable degrees

Davenport University's HIT and HIM programs are designed as building blocks for our certificate, associate, bachelor and master-level degree offerings. After finishing the coding and billing certificate, you'll be able to seamlessly apply the credits you earned to the degrees listed below –– all while earning resume-boosting recognition along the way.

Stack 1: Coding and Billing Certificate

Why pursue a Davenport health information technology degree?

Accredited by CAHIIM, Davenport’s health information technology associate degree program was ranked #2 for the best online associate in HIT program in the nation by Intelligent. Davenport’s health-focused associates degree in information technology will prepare you to earn the health information technologist’s salary you deserve with organizations that collect and use health care information, including insurance companies and law firms.

Experience the Davenport difference:

Real-world faculty expertise

Become a health care information technologist with the help of faculty who are leaders in national and regional associations and conduct research in areas such as leadership and public health.

State-of-the-art technology

Use state-of-the-art software and learning platforms like 3M Encoder, GO EHR, and MedTrak Educational Systems in this associates degree in information technology program.

HIT program scholarships

Qualify for Davenport University scholarships specific to the HIT program, including Michigan Health Information Management Association (MHIMA) and the AHIMA Foundation.

Course credit for your certifications

Receive course credits for certifications, including RHIT, Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist — Physician-based (CCS-P).

95% employer satisfaction rate

Stand out among employers with your Davenport HIT degree. Those we surveyed gave a 95% satisfaction rating for Davenport health information graduates.

CAHIIM accreditation

Earn a health information technology degree that’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

HIT/HIM Program Director

Meet Megan Tober, the associate department chair and program director for the health information management programs at Davenport University.

Get started on your health information technology degree

Explore the admissions requirements and then take the next step toward earning your HIT program degree at Davenport.

Talk to an admissions advisor

Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.

Apply now or request more information

Start on the road to a rewarding career in health information technology. Request more information or begin your application now.

CAHIIM Accreditation

The Health Information Management accreditor of Davenport University 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 2030. 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.

CAHIIM Seal

Program impact

Employment Rate: 86% (2021-2022)
Graduate Satisfaction Rate: 100% (2021-2022)
Student Satisfaction: 6.42 (out of 7, 2021-2022)
Program Retention: 75.4% (2021-2022)
Graduation Rate 55% (2022)
RHIT Certification Pass Rate: 73% (Above national average, 8/1/2021-7/31/2022)

National Cancer Registrars Association

The Cancer Registry Management specialty track of the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management is provisionally accredited by the National Cancer Registrars Association and its Formal Education Committee. Once a student has completed the Cancer Registry Management Program specialty track, they meet all requirements to apply for the National Cancer Registrars Association Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR©) exam for the CTR© credential.

National Cancer Registrars Association Logo

Program related to the health information technology degree

Associates in Medical Assisting

Bachelor’s in Health Information Management

Bachelor’s in Health Services Administration

Bachelor’s in Health and Human Services Case Management

Bachelor’s Technology Project Management

Coding and Billing Certificate

About Davenport University

Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.

Offering over 80 degree and certificate programs, we align with top employers to design degree programs that help you gain the skills and real-world experience you need to rise above the rest. With small class sizes and campuses across Michigan or online, you’ll earn a quality education on your schedule at Davenport University.*

Additional resources

Young woman with red headphones looking at laptop

Davenport one of few to offer VirBELA learning platform

For 20 years, Davenport has been offering online classes — and now it’s one of few in the nation to use VirBELA, a 3D virtual learning platform.

5 common questions students ask about online learning

By earning your health-focused associates degree in information technology online at Davenport, you may have questions about online learning. Here are five common questions our students ask.

Faculty and Staff

Department Chair/Interim Associate Dean Allied Health and Health Information Management: Linda Sorensen, EdD, RHIA, CHPS

Associate Department Chair, HIM/Allied Graduate: Joseph C. Brown, DHA

Associate Department Chair/Program Director HIT/HIM: Megan Tober, MBA, RHIA

Mission Statement

The mission of the HIM program is to prepare graduates who can analyze, manage, and utilize patient care data and health information resources. The curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of our accrediting bodies.

Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses

Sources:

Intelligent.com
Davenport University, 2023/2024 Catalog
DU Employer Perception Study, Oct. 2022

Health Information Technology Associate Degree

Manage patient care data with our 100% online HIT program

What is a health information technology degree?

Explore classes for Davenport’s health information technology degree

Foundations of Excellence

Foundations of Health Professions

Major

Which class should I take? When should I take it?