There are three levels of degree earning health information programs offered.

Associate Degree

The two-year program is the Health Information Technician (HIT) program. Briefly, this program produces graduates who are able to perform the essential functions of maintaining health data and records in acute, long-term, and ambulatory health care settings at a technical level. These functions include, but are not limited to the following: coding of diseases and operations, maintaining statistics; transcribing medical reports; performing DRG and utilization review procedures and supervising employees. Upon completion of this program, the student is eligible to sit for the national Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam to earn the RHIT credentials.

Baccalaureate Degree

The four-year level is the Health Information Administrator program. This program focuses on analysis and delivery of health care data and the management of health care information resources. The profession addresses the nature and structure of health data and the translation of that data into usable forms of information, which support the health care of individuals and populations.

Masters Degree

The Masters Degree program is the graduate level with an emphasis in health information systems. This degree prepares professionals responsible for the development and management of health information systems consistent with the clinical, fiscal, administrative, ethical, and legal requirements of health care institutions.

Weber State University has proposed a Masters of Health Administration degree that should begin fall of 2006. Upon completion, students will receive a MHA.

Certificate Programs

There is an AHIMA approved Coding Certificate course. Upon completion of required courses, the student is eligible to sit for the CCA. The coding specialist will review and perform analysis of healthcare records, identifying pertinent diagnoses and procedures during each patient visit. Although this program is non-degree earning, upon completion of this program, the student is eligible to sit for the national certified coding associate (CCA) exam. This is an entry level coding position. For more information about the CCA program available in Utah, contact, Pat Shaw, M.Ed, RHIA at 801-626-7989 or E-mail: pshaw@weber.edu.

There are numerous other credentials that AHIMA offers, for more information visit the www.ahima.org Colleges that offer the Associate and Bachelor HIM degrees are as follows:

Weber State University, College of Health Professions, 3911 University Circle, Ogden, UT 84408-3911. Director Pat Shaw, MS, RHIA, telephone 801-626-7298 This program is available on campus and on line. E-mail: pshaw@weber.edu. These programs are offerred on-line. The HIA program accommodates progressions for RHITs to RHIA-level credentials.

Idaho HIT Programs

Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725, director Patti Ellison, MA, RHIA, telephone 208-385-1130

Idaho State University, Campus Box 8380, Pocatello, ID 88209. Director Suzanne Griffin-Lawson, MEd, RHIA Telephone 208-236-4169

Colorado HIT and HIA Programs

HIT--Arapahoe Community College, 2500 W. College Drive, Box 9002, Littleton, CO 80160-9002, director Annette Bigalk, RHIA, telephone 303-797-5795

HIA-Regis University, 3333 Regis Boulevard, Hlth Serv Adm & Mgt Mail Stop G-10, Denver, CO 80221-1099, director Debra L. Bennett-Woods, ART, telephone 303-458-4157

Montana HIT and HIA Programs

HIT-Montana State University College of Technology, 2100 16th Ave. S., Allied Health Dept., Great Falls, MT 59405, director Irene L. Mueller, MLS, RHIA, telephone 406-771-4350