Registered Health Information Technician coding patient data on a medical computer

Health Information Technology

A Health Information Technician—often referred to as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)—manages and analyzes patient health records in healthcare settings. These professionals organize, code, evaluate, and maintain medical data while working closely with administrative and financial departments to support accurate billing, compliance, and quality patient care.

Career Path
Health Sciences
Health Information Technology student Desmar Negei

Meet Desmar Negei

Health Information Technology
Class of 2024
Prepared for Success in Healthcare
"I now have the knowledge and training to succeed in the healthcare field."
Education Tracks

Programs

Health Information Technology, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Education track: Workforce Training

The Health Information Technology program offers students three levels of completion: a two-year Health Information Technology AAS, a one-year Health Information Coding certificate, and a nine-month Health Information Analysis certificate.

This program at Houston City College use a selective admissions process and requires an additional application beyond applying. Enrollment is limited, and not all qualified applicants may be offered placement. Please review the admission dates below carefully to ensure you complete all required steps by the required deadlines.

Term Applications Accepted Application Review Application Status Notification
Spring:  January 2026 September 15, 2025 -  December 1, 2025 September 15, 2025 - December 15, 2025 From October 2025   
Fall: August 2026 January 13, 2026 - June 1, 2026 January 27, 2026 - June 15, 2026 By July 15, 2026

The fall admission class is set up for students to complete in a two-year time frame. The spring admission class is set up for students to complete in a three-year time frame. Nevertheless, students who enroll in the fall are allowed to take the program on a part-time basis.

Program Admissions Statistics

On average, approximately 120 students apply for admission each application period (spring and fall enrollment). Of these, approximately 30 are typically accepted.

Selective criteria are awarded based on the following:

  • 100% awarded based on the health program academic criteria (grades earned from pre-entry form, required and recommended courses, and general education requirements.
  • All application requirements must be satisfied by the close of the application window.

Cumulative GPA: Minimum 2.3 or above

Prerequisite Courses

Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of ‘C’, no later than the semester before you start your program courses.

Course Description Credit Hours
ENGL 1301 - English Composition I 3
3 credits – Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective, Please visit catalog.hccs.edu 3

Academic Courses

Completion of the following courses is not required at the time of application, but is strongly recommended prior to the admission deadline to receive additional points on your rubric.

Course Description Credit Hours

HITT 1301 - Health Data Content and Structure, must be taken at HCC within two years of the application deadline.

3

BIOL 2301 and BIOL 2101 (formerly BIOL 2401) - Anatomy & Physiology I (LEC & LAB)

    4

BIOL 2302 and BIOL 2102 (formerly BIOL 2402) - Anatomy & Physiology II (LEC & LAB)

    4

3 credits – Humanities/Fine Art selective, Please visit catalog.hccs.edu

    3

MATH 1342 - Elementary Statistical Methods

 

If You Are Offered Admission

You will need to complete the following pre-enrollment requirements by a specific due date to maintain eligible status.

  • Complete the letter of Intent form by the deadline stated in the Admission Acceptance Offer email that will be sent to your preferred email address submitted with the application form.
  • Complete the mandatory Student Services orientation and Health Information Technology program orientation on the date provided in your admission email. (If you are offered admission, please clear your calendar so you are available to attend the mandatory orientation as follows: Fall Term – plan to attend orientation between July to August, and Spring Term – plan to attend orientation between December to January).

AAS applicants will be provided with detailed information concerning these steps during program orientation registration:

  • Proof of personal health insurance
  • Passing drug screen
  • Physical examination
  • Immunization record showing completion of: Hepatitis B immunization series (may take up to 6 months) and should be valid within, MMR – 2 shots or titer, Tdap – every 10 years, TB Skin Test – every year, Varicella – 2 shots or titer, Meningitis (required for students 22 years or younger), Influenza – after September 1st
  • Cleared Criminal Background

HCC Coleman College Grading Scale

To best prepare students for success in their chosen fields, Health Sciences Programs have high standards for progression. Unlike other HCC programs, the Health Information Technology program requires a C (70%) or better to progress to the next course or semester in the program. For specific questions about grades, grading, and progression within Health Science programs, please contact Coleman College at healthscience.info@hccs.edu

Health Information Technology Program Grading Scale

  • A = 100 – 90%
  • B = 89 – 80%
  • C = 79 – 70%*
  • D = 69 – 60%
  • F = 59 – 0%

*A grade of C (70%) or better must be achieved to progress to the next course or semester. 

Clinical Requirements for Program Progression & Completion

To provide students with the most robust clinical educational experience and to ensure that students’ progress and graduate as scheduled, applicants are strongly encouraged to weigh all options before accepting a conditional acceptance into their desired health science program. To facilitate this decision-making, students should understand all the requirements of their program, including clinical education.

To be placed in a clinical educational experience, students must comply with the guidelines and requirements of HCC clinical sites, including health and wellness directives. Most clinical sites require background checks, health testing, drug screens, and immunizations.

Students are required to provide proof to HCC that they meet all immunization, testing, and other health requirements necessary for clinical placement. These requirements are determined by the healthcare facilities with which HCC partners for clinical education.

Many healthcare facilities require specific immunizations as a condition of employment, volunteering, or student clinical placement. If a student chooses not to receive or provide proof of required immunizations, HCC may be unable to place the student in clinical rotations. HCC will make reasonable efforts to place such students in a clinical site that does not require immunization(s), provided an appropriate site is available, and HCC has an active affiliation agreement that meets the necessary conditions to support the student’s learning outcomes. Though HCC cannot guarantee that such sites will be available at the time clinical placement is needed.

If a student cannot be placed in a qualifying clinical site due to unmet immunization requirements, the student’s progression in the program and ability to graduate may be delayed or prevented. Our affiliate partners’ expectations for student trainees reflect the same standards applied to individuals employed in their respective professional settings.

Students with questions about clinical requirements or placement should contact the program director of their program of interest.

HB 1508 requires the following information be given to students:

This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible. For more information please visit:  HB 1508 Licensing Requirements.

CAHIIM Accredited Program

The Health Information Technology accreditor of Houston City College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2027. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM,.

Name: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Address: 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601
Email address: info@cahiim.org
Phone: (312) 235-3255

 

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Validate assignment of diagnostic and procedural codes and groupings in accordance with official guidelines. (ICD-10-CM / ICD-10-PCS Coding)

  • Apply privacy strategies to health information. (Release of Information)

  • Examine behaviors that embrace cultural diversity. (Teamwork)

  • Demonstrate fundamental leadership skills. (Planning)

The Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) credential which is the Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician program graduates licensure/certification is issued by the nationally recognized Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

2023-2024 Third-Party Licensure/Certification Exam Results 

Occupational licensure and/or certification pass rates reported by academic calendar year (August 1 – July 31). Results for the 2020-2021, 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, 2023-2024  academic years are provided for comparison. 

Program/ Aligned Award Agency  Standard HCC Standard

2020-2021
Pass Rate
(#Passed)

2021-2022
Pass Rate
(#Passed)

2022–2023
PassRate
(#Passed)

2023-2024
Pass Rate
(#Passed)

Health Information Technology AAS* n/a 75% 100%(3) 44%(4) 50%(5)  71%(17)

 

Psychomotor Skills

Functional Capacity Standards (Tasks)
Gross Motor

Move within confined spaces.

Sit and maintain balance; stand and maintain balance. Reach above shoulders (e.g., put away supplies).

Reach below waist (e.g., plug electrical appliance into wall outlet).

Fine Motor

Grasp, pick up, and move small objects (e.g., office supplies). 
Utilize writing instruments.

Key/type and otherwise operate common desktop computer accessories.

Pinch, pick, or otherwise manipulate paper charts. Twist (e.g., turn objects/knobs/handles).

Squeeze (e.g., possess or transport several paper charts simultaneously).

Record numbers and/or notes in records.

Physical Strength & Endurance

Push and pull up to 25 pounds (e.g., push and pull carts of charts). 

Lift up to 5 pounds (e.g., pick up a stack of charts).

Move light object weighing up to 10 pounds.

Move heavy objects weighing from 11 to 50 pounds.

Squeeze (e.g., operate a fire extinguisher).

Stand or sit; maintain physical tolerance (e.g., work entire shift).

Sustain repetitive movements (e.g., computer work, filing).

Twist, bend, stoop, squat.

Mobility

Move quickly (e.g., respond to emergency).

Climb (e.g., use ladder or stool to reach and return filed charts).

Cognitive Skills

Functional Capacity Standards (Tasks)
Critical & Analytical Thinking

Transfer and apply knowledge from one situation to another.

Process information and evaluate outcomes.

Problem solve and prioritize tasks. Identify cause-and-effect relationships.

Plan/control and direct activities for others (e.g., determine tasks for completion and monitor results for quality control).

Sequence information. Synthesize knowledge and skills.

Use both long-term and short-term memory. Convert numbers to and/or from the Metric System.

Add, subtract, multiply, and/or divide whole numbers.

Use a calculator and compute fractions (e.g., medication dosages).

Tell time (e.g., to document minutes/hours spent on tasks).

Safety

Abide by safety policies and procedures in classroom, laboratory, and clinical facility settings.

Maintain awareness of alarms and emergency signals, and respond appropriately (e.g., monitors, fire alarms, etc.).

Sensory Skills

Functional Capacity Standards (Tasks)
Observation

Observe and recognize objects up to 20 inches away (e.g., information on a computer screen).

Distinguish color (e.g., color codes on charts, supplies). Perceive verbal communication by others.

Perception

Perceive verbal communication by others.

Perceive and appropriately respond to alarms and emergency signals (e.g., monitors, fire alarms).

Perceive depth in surrounding environment. Maintain awareness of peripheral space.

Detect gases or noxious smells (e.g., identify potential danger and take appropriate action).

Process understanding of content contained in written documents (e.g., patient/client charts).

Interpretation

Process understanding of columns of writing (e.g., flow sheet, charts).

Process understanding of digital displays, graphs (e.g., vital sign sheets), and graphic printouts (e.g., EKG).

Social-Behavioral Skills

Functional Capacity Standards (Tasks)
Communication

Teach/instruct (e.g., co-workers).

Explain procedures (e.g., to a coworker or subordinate). Provide reports (e.g., about completed work to supervisor).

Correspond via telephone using proper technique and etiquette. Demonstrate assertiveness in expressing ideas.

Convey information through writing (e.g., projects).

Adaptability

Adapt effectively to changing environments and increasing tension levels in a variety of situations.

Perform multiple responsibilities at the same time.

Demonstrate flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties and ambiguities inherent in the clinical problems of many patients/clients.

Emotional Stability

Monitor and appropriately regulate own emotions to maintain composure, without prompting from others (e.g., control anger and avoid aggressive behavior, even in very stressful or demanding situations).

Tolerate taxing workloads and function effectively under stress. Focus sustained attention on tasks.

Recognize constructive criticism and performance feedback as avenues for improvement.

Interpersonal Skills

Interact with others (e.g., co-workers, vendors, physicians, patients/clients).

Negotiate interpersonal conflict.

Acknowledge and respect differences in colleagues and patients/clients.

Establish rapport with peers, co-workers, and patients/clients.

Develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with health care team members and patients/clients.

Ethics & Professionalism

Uphold the ethical obligations of the Health Information Management profession.

Protect patients’/clients’ privacy and confidential information (e.g., adhere to restrictions of HIPAA, HITECH and the Privacy Act).

Respect the inherent dignity and worth of every person.

 

 

Have Questions?

We are here to help.

Carla Tyson-Howard

Duration
2 years (full time)
Program Format
  • Hybrid
  • Online
Campus Location
Total Minimum Credits: 60

View the Health Information Technology, A.A.S. (full time) degree plan or Health Information Technology, A.A.S. (Part-Time) degree plan to see the total credit hours required.

Cost

Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition. 

Health Information Technology - Analysis, C1

Certificate 1
Education track: Workforce Training

The entry level health information analyst certificate leading to the Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology will prepare the completer for an entry level clerical position in a medical record or health information department.

This program at Houston City College use a selective admissions process and requires an additional application beyond applying. Enrollment is limited, and not all qualified applicants may be offered placement. Please review the admission dates below carefully to ensure you complete all required steps by the required deadlines.

Term Applications Accepted Application Review Application Status Notification
Spring:  January 2026 September 15, 2025 -  December 1, 2025 September 15, 2025 - December 15, 2025 From October 2025   
Fall: August 2026 January 13, 2026 - June 1, 2026 January 27, 2026 - June 15, 2026 By July 15, 2026

The fall admission class is set up for students to complete in a two-year time frame. The spring admission class is set up for students to complete in a three-year time frame. Nevertheless, students who enroll in the fall are allowed to take the program on a part-time basis.

Cumulative GPA:  N/A

Prerequisite Courses

Course Description Credit Hours

HPRS 1201 - Introduction to Health Professions

Course substitution is allowed with the program director's approval.

     2

Academic Courses

Completion of the following courses is not required at the time of the application, but is strongly recommended prior to the admission deadline to receive additional points on your rubric.

Course Description Credit Hours

HITT 1301 - Health Data Content and Structure, must be taken at HCC within two years of the application deadline.

     3

Recommended Courses: N/A

Placement Test: N/A

Testing: N/A

If You Are Offered Admission

You will need to complete the following pre-enrollment requirements by a specific due date to maintain eligible status.

  • Complete the letter of Intent form by the deadline stated in the Admission Acceptance Offer email that will be sent to your preferred email address submitted with the application form.
  • Complete the mandatory Student Services orientation and Health Information Technology program orientation on the date provided in your admission email. (If you are offered admission, please clear your calendar so you are available to attend the mandatory orientation as follows: Fall Term – plan to attend orientation between July to August, and Spring Term – plan to attend orientation between December to January).

HCC Coleman College Grading Scale

To best prepare students for success in their chosen fields, Health Sciences Programs have high standards for progression. Unlike other HCC programs, the Health Information Technology program requires a C (70%) or better to progress to the next course or semester in the program. For specific questions about grades, grading, and progression within Health Science programs, please contact Coleman College at healthscience.info@hccs.edu

Health Information Technology Program Grading Scale

  • A = 100 – 90%
  • B = 89 – 80%
  • C = 79 – 70%*
  • D = 69 – 60%
  • F = 59 – 0%

*A grade of C (70%) or better must be achieved to progress to the next course or semester.

 

Clinical Requirements for Program Progression & Completion

To provide students with the most robust clinical educational experience and to ensure that students’ progress and graduate as scheduled, applicants are strongly encouraged to weigh all options before accepting a conditional acceptance into their desired health science program. To facilitate this decision-making, students should understand all the requirements of their program, including clinical education.

To be placed in a clinical educational experience, students must comply with the guidelines and requirements of HCC clinical sites, including health and wellness directives. Most clinical sites require background checks, health testing, drug screens, and immunizations.

Students are required to provide proof to HCC that they meet all immunization, testing, and other health requirements necessary for clinical placement. These requirements are determined by the healthcare facilities with which HCC partners for clinical education.

Many healthcare facilities require specific immunizations as a condition of employment, volunteering, or student clinical placement. If a student chooses not to receive or provide proof of required immunizations, HCC may be unable to place the student in clinical rotations. HCC will make reasonable efforts to place such students in a clinical site that does not require immunization(s), provided an appropriate site is available, and HCC has an active affiliation agreement that meets the necessary conditions to support the student’s learning outcomes. Though HCC cannot guarantee that such sites will be available at the time clinical placement is needed.

If a student cannot be placed in a qualifying clinical site due to unmet immunization requirements, the student’s progression in the program and ability to graduate may be delayed or prevented. Our affiliate partners’ expectations for student trainees reflect the same standards applied to individuals employed in their respective professional settings.

Students with questions about clinical requirements or placement should contact the program director of their program of interest.

HB 1508 requires the following information be given to students:

This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible. For more information please visit:  HB 1508 Licensing Requirements.

CAHIIM Accredited Program

The Health Information Technology accreditor of Houston City College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2027. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM,.

Name: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Address: 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601
Email address: info@cahiim.org
Phone: (312) 235-3255

 

Have Questions?

We are here to help.

Carla Tyson-Howard

Duration
2 semesters (full time)
Program Format
  • Hybrid
  • Online
Campus Location
Total Minimum Credits: 18

View the Health Information Technology - Analysis, C1 (full time) degree plan or Health Information Technology - Analysis, C1 (Part-Time) degree plan to see the total credit hours required.

Cost

Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition. 

Health Information Technology - Coding, C2

Certificate 2
Education track: Workforce Training

The Health Information Technology program trains students to perform technical health information and medical record functions in various health care facilities. These functions include: maintaining, collecting, analyzing, and coding health information. Upon completion of the coding certificate, students may sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam sponsored by AHIMA and the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Admissions

This program at Houston City College use a selective admissions process and requires an additional application beyond applying. Enrollment is limited, and not all qualified applicants may be offered placement. Please review the admission dates below carefully to ensure you complete all required steps by the required deadlines.

Term Applications Accepted Application Review Application Status Notification
Spring:  January 2026 September 15, 2025 -  December 1, 2025 September 15, 2025 - December 15, 2025 From October 2025   
Fall: August 2026 January 13, 2026 - June 1, 2026 January 27, 2026 - June 15, 2026 By July 15, 2026

The fall admission class is set up for students to complete in a two-year time frame. The spring admission class is set up for students to complete in a three-year time frame. Nevertheless, students who enroll in the fall are allowed to take the program on a part-time basis.

Program Admissions Statistics

On average, approximately 120 students apply for admission each application period (spring and fall enrollment). Of these, approximately 30 are typically accepted.

Selective criteria are awarded based on the following:

  • 100% awarded based on the health program academic criteria (grades earned from pre-entry form, required and recommended courses, and general education requirements.
  • All application requirements must be satisfied by the close of the application window.

Cumulative GPA: Minimum 2.0 or above

Prerequisite Courses

N/A

Academic Courses

Completion of the following courses is not required at the time of the application, but is strongly recommended prior to the admission deadline to receive additional points on your rubric.

Course Description Credit Hours

HITT 1301 - Health Data Content and Structure, must be taken at HCC within two years of the application deadline.

3

BIOL 2301 and BIOL 2101 (formerly BIOL 2401) - Anatomy & Physiology I (LEC & LAB)

    4

BIOL 2302 and BIOL 2102 (formerly BIOL 2402) - Anatomy & Physiology II (LEC & LAB)

    4

Recommended Courses:  N/A

Testing:  N/A

If You Are Offered Admission

You will need to complete the following pre-enrollment requirements by a specific due date to maintain eligible status.

  • Complete the letter of Intent form by the deadline stated in the Admission Acceptance Offer email that will be sent to your preferred email address submitted with the application form.
  • Complete the mandatory Student Services orientation and Health Information Technology program orientation on the date provided in your admission email. (If you are offered admission, please clear your calendar so you are available to attend the mandatory orientation as follows: Fall Term – plan to attend orientation between July to August, and Spring Term – plan to attend orientation between December to January).

HCC Coleman College Grading Scale

To best prepare students for success in their chosen fields, Health Sciences Programs have high standards for progression. Unlike other HCC programs, the Health Information Technology program requires a C (70%) or better to progress to the next course or semester in the program. For specific questions about grades, grading, and progression within Health Science programs, please contact Coleman College at healthscience.info@hccs.edu

Health Information Technology Program Grading Scale

  • A = 100 – 90%
  • B = 89 – 80%
  • C = 79 – 70%*
  • D = 69 – 60%
  • F = 59 – 0%

*A grade of C (70%) or better must be achieved to progress to the next course or semester. 

Clinical Requirements for Program Progression & Completion

To provide students with the most robust clinical educational experience and to ensure that students’ progress and graduate as scheduled, applicants are strongly encouraged to weigh all options before accepting a conditional acceptance into their desired health science program. To facilitate this decision-making, students should understand all the requirements of their program, including clinical education.

To be placed in a clinical educational experience, students must comply with the guidelines and requirements of HCC clinical sites, including health and wellness directives. Most clinical sites require background checks, health testing, drug screens, and immunizations.

Students are required to provide proof to HCC that they meet all immunization, testing, and other health requirements necessary for clinical placement. These requirements are determined by the healthcare facilities with which HCC partners for clinical education.

Many healthcare facilities require specific immunizations as a condition of employment, volunteering, or student clinical placement. If a student chooses not to receive or provide proof of required immunizations, HCC may be unable to place the student in clinical rotations. HCC will make reasonable efforts to place such students in a clinical site that does not require immunization(s), provided an appropriate site is available, and HCC has an active affiliation agreement that meets the necessary conditions to support the student’s learning outcomes. Though HCC cannot guarantee that such sites will be available at the time clinical placement is needed.

If a student cannot be placed in a qualifying clinical site due to unmet immunization requirements, the student’s progression in the program and ability to graduate may be delayed or prevented. Our affiliate partners’ expectations for student trainees reflect the same standards applied to individuals employed in their respective professional settings.

Students with questions about clinical requirements or placement should contact the program director of their program of interest.

HB 1508 requires the following information be given to students:

This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible. For more information please visit:  HB 1508 Licensing Requirements.

CAHIIM Accredited Program

The Health Information Technology accreditor of Houston City College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2027. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM,.

Name: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Address: 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601
Email address: info@cahiim.org
Phone: (312) 235-3255

 

Have Questions?

We are here to help.

Carla Tyson-Howard

Duration
3 semesters (full time)
Program Format
  • Hybrid
  • Online
Campus Location
Total Minimum Credits: 37

View the Health Information Technology - Coding, C2 (full time) degree plan or Health Information Technology - Coding, C2 (Part-Time) degree plan to see the total credit hours required.

Cost

Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition. 

Desmar Negei

This program gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my career.

Desmar Negei

Health Information Technology, Class of 2024

Career Outlook

This overview highlights key labor market indicators for University Transfer and Workforce Training careers in this field in the Houston area, including the number of currently employed, the median annual salary for the occupation, and the job growth.

Average Salary

$63,487

50th percentile (median) salary range in the Houston area.

Currently Employed

4,921

4,921 currently employed in the Greater Houston area.

Projected Growth

6.7%

6.7% projected growth for 2026-2030.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) Policy 5.2

Programs leading to professional licensure SARA has no effect on state professional licensing requirements. Any institution approved to participate in SARA that offers courses or programs designed to lead to professional licensure or certification or advertised as leading to licensure must satisfy all federal requirements for disclosures regarding such professional licensure programs. For SARA purposes, these requirements will also apply to non-Title IV institutions and programs.