# Health Information Technology (Associate in Science)

Shasta College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Health Sciences

Source: https://scmainweb.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/resources/catalog-2026-2027-compressed.pdf#page=84

### Program description

The Associate of Science in Health Information Technology prepares students for a career working with health information in a variety of healthcare settings in diverse roles. Health Information Technology professionals perform the essential function of acquiring, analyzing, maintaining, and securing health information vital to providing quality patient care. Health Information Technology graduates are employed in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, ambulatory care facilities, long term care facilities, home health agencies, consulting firms, and any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors. Upon program accreditation, graduates will be eligible to apply for the national examination for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

The Health Information Technology Program is designed to prepare students to achieve an Associates of Science going directly into the healthcare industry, or opt to proceed to the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. Students who plan to pursue the BS in Health Information Management should take the 34-unit Cal-GETC GE Pattern. See a counselor.

This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

### Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

1. Apply the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass the national Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam.
2. Apply the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass the national Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam.
3. Compete in the job market in the field of health information technology or enroll in an advanced degree program.
4. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as an individual and collaboratively in a group to resolve health information challenges in a changing healthcare environment.
5. Apply the knowledge and skills needed to perform HIM Associate Degree entry-level competencies as defined by the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) Council for Excellence in Education (CEE).

### Health and safety clinical clearance

All students participating in clinical experiences must submit proof of immunity through immunizations or serum titers, cleared criminal background check, negative drug screen, current physical examination and negative TB screening. Students are financially responsible for meeting these requirements according to the established program process. Specific information is available on the Health and Safety Requirements tab on the website or students may call the Division Office (530-339-3600). In addition to the 21 unit local GE pattern, students must complete the Core Courses listed below for the Associate of Science in Health Information Technology Degree. Students must also obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 with a grade of C or higher in all courses required for the major. A "P" (Pass) grade is not an acceptable grade for courses in this major.

**Degree requirements**

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Core courses** | |  |
| HEOC-11 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| BIOL-5 | Introduction to Human Biology | 3 |
| HIT-7 | Introduction to Human Disease Process | 3 |
| HIT-10 | Introduction to Health Information | 3 |
| HIT-11 | Computer Info Systems for Health Info Tech | 2 |
| HIT-15 | Legal Aspects of Healthcare | 3 |
| HIT-20 | Hospital and Health Statistics | 3 |
| HIT-25 | Health Information in Alternative Setting | 2 |
| HIT-30 | Basic Pharmacology | 1 |
| HIT-35 | CPT Coding | 3 |
| HIT-40 | ICD Diagnostic Coding | 3 |
| HIT-42 | Principles of Leadership | 2 |
| HIT-45 | ICD Procedure Coding | 2 |
| HIT-50 | Healthcare Reimbursement | 2 |
| HIT-55 | Healthcare Quality Management | 3 |
| HIT-60 | Professional Practice Experience | 3 |
| ***May be used to fulfill General Education requirements. See a counselor.** | |  |

**Associate in Science Degree Requirements**

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Major** | | 41 |
| **General Education (SCGE)** | | 15 |
| **Additional Electives** | | 4 |
| **Degree Total** | | **60** |
| **Number will vary depending on units that double count.** | |  |