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
BLS median wage
$78,470
Typical education
One to two years post-secondary training
10-year growth
+16%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
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
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
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
- Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
- Compile medical care and census data for statistical reports on diseases treated, surgery performed, or use of hospital beds.
- Design databases to support healthcare applications, ensuring security, performance and reliability.
- Develop in-service educational materials.
- Evaluate and recommend upgrades or improvements to existing computerized healthcare systems.
- Facilitate and promote activities, such as lunches, seminars, or tours, to foster healthcare information privacy or security awareness within the organization.