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Healthcare

Health Information Technician

Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and followup information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases.

Annual openings

45

Median wage

$78,470

Typical education

One to two years post-secondary training

Growth 2026–2032

+16%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

One to two years post-secondary training

Credential requirement

A certification is expected for this job.

Credential detail

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has a Registered Health Information Technician certification.

Work experience

Entry-level

Experience detail

This can be an entry-level role; however, it is common for a person to work as a Medical Coder/Biller/Transcriptionist, or Medical Secretary before they become a Health Information Technician.

Training

Before testing for the AHIMA certifications, it is required to pass an accredited Associate's degree program.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Healthcare
  • Healthcare Technicians

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
  2. Compile medical care and census data for statistical reports on diseases treated, surgery performed, or use of hospital beds.
  3. Design databases to support healthcare applications, ensuring security, performance and reliability.
  4. Develop in-service educational materials.
  5. Evaluate and recommend upgrades or improvements to existing computerized healthcare systems.
  6. Facilitate and promote activities, such as lunches, seminars, or tours, to foster healthcare information privacy or security awareness within the organization.
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