Health Information Technicians (HITs) play a crucial role in managing patient records, ensuring data accuracy, and safeguarding sensitive medical information. With the healthcare industry's growing reliance on digital records, the demand for skilled professionals in this field continues to rise. This guide explores how to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) in Texas, covering education, certification, salary expectations, and job opportunities.

Key Points

• A Health Information Technician is a specialist responsible for managing, organizing, and securing patient records in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• To become a Health Information Technician in Texas, you need an associate degree in Health Information Technology and must pass the RHIT or CCA certification exam.
• Typically, it takes two years to complete an associate degree, though shorter certification programs exist for those with related degrees.
• In Texas, the average Health Information Technician salary is $77,270 per year.

What is a Health Information Technician?

A Health Information Technician (HIT), also known as a Medical Records Technician, ensures accurate and secure management of patient health records. They work with electronic health record systems to support healthcare providers and improve patient care outcomes.

What Does a Health Information Technician Do

• Organizing and coding patient information for accurate retrieval and analysis.
• Ensuring compliance with privacy laws, including HIPAA regulations.
• Managing electronic health records (EHRs) and implementing updates.
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to maintain accurate records.
• Analyzing medical data to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Where Do Health Information Technicians Work?

Health Information Technicians can find employment opportunities in various healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals & Medical Centers: Handling patient records and coding information.
• Clinics & Physician Offices: Managing smaller-scale medical documentation.
• Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care Facilities: Ensuring accurate records for residents.
• Health Insurance Companies: Reviewing claims and verifying medical data.
• Government Agencies: Assisting with public health records and compliance.
• Research Institutions: Analyzing data for medical advancements and policy-making.

Requirements to Become a Health Information Technician in Texas

To become a Health Information Technician in Texas, you must meet certain education and legal requirements. These include:

• Education: Most employers require candidates to have an associate degree in Health Information Technology (HIT) or a related field. These programs typically cover topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, data management, and legal aspects of healthcare information.
• Certification: While certification is not mandatory, it can enhance job prospects and demonstrate your expertise in the field. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offers the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification, which requires passing an exam.
• Legal Requirements: Health Information Technicians must adhere to strict privacy and security regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure compliance in your role.

How to Become a Health Information Technician in Texas?

To work as a Health Information Technician in Texas, follow these steps:

1. Complete an Accredited HIT Program

1. Complete an Accredited HIT Program Enroll in an Associate Degree in Health Information Technology (HIT) at a college accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Use Dreambound to find HIT programs near you and compare options to start your journey.

2. Gain Practical Experience

Most HIT programs include an internship or practicum, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings.

3. Obtain Professional Certification

Certification enhances job prospects. Common certifications include:

• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT): Offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA): Also from AHIMA, ideal for those focused on medical coding.

4. Apply for Jobs

With your education and certification completed, start applying for Health Information Technology (HIT) roles in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare administration settings. Use MyNextMove to explore job opportunities, understand required skills, and find career paths that align with your qualifications.

5. Stay Updated with Continuing Education

Healthcare data management constantly evolves. Continuing education helps maintain certification and stay competitive in the job market.

Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a Health Information Technician

After obtaining your Health Information Technician (HIT) certification, you will have a variety of career paths and opportunities to explore within the healthcare industry. Here are some potential career options for HIT professionals:

1. Health Information Technician: As an HIT, you can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or other healthcare settings. Your primary responsibilities will include managing and analyzing patient health information, ensuring its accuracy and confidentiality, and using coding systems to classify diagnoses and procedures. You will also play a key role in transitioning healthcare facilities from paper records to electronic health records.

2. Medical Coder: With additional training and certification, you can specialize in medical coding. Medical coders assign codes to diagnoses and procedures using standardized classification systems such as ICD-10 and CPT. Accurate coding is essential for healthcare reimbursement, research, and statistical analysis. Medical coders can work in various healthcare settings or even remotely.

3. Health Information Manager: With further education and experience, you can advance to a managerial role as a Health Information Manager. In this role, you will oversee the operations of the health information department, ensure compliance with regulations and privacy laws, manage electronic health record systems, and supervise a team of HIT professionals. Health Information Managers play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy, accessibility, and security of patient health information.

4. Healthcare IT Specialist: HIT professionals can also pursue careers in healthcare information technology. As a Healthcare IT Specialist, you will work with electronic health record systems, health information exchanges, and other healthcare technology platforms. Your responsibilities may include system implementation, troubleshooting, data analysis, and training healthcare staff on the use of technology.

5. Consultant: Experienced HIT professionals can leverage their knowledge and expertise to work as consultants. As a consultant, you can provide guidance to healthcare organizations on health information management best practices, assist with system implementations and upgrades, and help organizations navigate regulatory requirements such as HIPAA. Consultants often work independently or as part of consulting firms.

6. Education and Research: Some HIT professionals choose to pursue careers in education or research. With advanced degrees, you can teach health information management courses at colleges or universities. You can also conduct research on health information management practices and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a health information technology person make in Texas?

As of May 2023, Health Information Technicians in Texas earned a median annual wage of $77,270, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This salary reflects the competitive pay for this role within the state and may vary based on experience and specific job responsibilities.

How much do health information technicians make in the US?

In the United States, the median annual wage for Health Information Technicians was $62,990, or about $30.28 per hour, as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This national average salary can differ based on location, experience, and the specific industry in which the technician works.

Final Thoughts

Starting a career as a Health Information Technician (HIT) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) can be very rewarding. To get started, complete an accredited HIT program, gain hands-on experience through internships, and pass the AHIMA certification exam. With your certification, you can work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Continuing to learn and grow professionally will help you advance in this growing field.

Are you thinking about a job change or wanting to learn more about different career paths? Feel free to check out these additional articles:

• Healthcare Documentation Specialist Training in Texas
• Medical Billing and Coding Training in Texas
• Home Health Aide Training in Texas
• Medication Aide Training in Texas
• Medical Transcriptionist Training in Texas