Health Information Technician

The healthcare industry produces some of the most highly regarded jobs available, such as health information technician. While this position does not require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, it does necessitate the applicant to have specialized training.

At Pennco Tech, we offer the Medical Assistant Program at the Blackwood, NJ, and Bristol, PA, campuses. This coursework gives students the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career as a health information technician and seek related roles. Learn more about what a health information technician does and its various career paths.

What Is a Health Information Technician?

Health information technicians connect the moving parts of healthcare, creating a stronger, more cost-effective, and higher-quality health system. They accomplish this goal through a distinct set of skills and technology. The duties health information technicians perform empower better communication and decision-making among patients, providers, hospitals, and insurance companies. They also augment the healthcare system by helping providers and insurers avoid errors, allowing them to provide a better quality of care overall.

Health information technicians work in several different environments, such as hospitals, doctor’s offices, and clinical facilities. Their general responsibilities generally include:

• Using computer applications and software to analyze patient data to ensure its accuracy and completion
• Maintaining confidentiality of patient data per the law
• Recording patient data for collection, analysis, storage, retrieval, and reporting
• Maintaining information systems
• Assigning the correct clinical codes using classification systems
• Organizing and updating information when necessary

Education Requirements

In the medical assistant school at Pennco Tech, students receive a career-focused education that permits them to seek various health information technician jobs. The well-rounded curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills they need to thrive in this role and potentially obtain higher-level positions with enough experience. Ensuring we offer the best possible education for our students, all our courses are led by knowledgeable and dedicated instructors with expertise in the field. Additionally, the program covers a range of essential topics, such as:

• Building a professional vocabulary of medical terminology
• Basic knowledge of anatomy
• Clinical office procedures and best practices
• Safety and mitigating risks
• Physiology

Different Career Paths for Health Information Technicians  

After completing the Medical Assistant Program at Pennco Tech, graduates will have the required knowledge and skills to pursue a variety of positions in the medical field. Other roles health information technicians can pursue include:

Release of Information Specialist

This position is tasked with playing a particular role in the management of patients’ data. Release of information specialists often have the same qualifications as health information technicians but have a more specialized role. They collect information on patients from various departments, preparing medical records for release to other physicians, medical offices, or the patients themselves.

Health Information Manager

The competencies you gain as a health information technician transfer seamlessly to the health information manager position. In this occupation, you will coordinate and organize all activities of the department. As a managerial role, this job requires you to set goals for your team, supervise finances, establish department policies, and assure quality processes.

Insurance Claims Specialist

Working for the insurance company, insurance claim specialists determine the appropriate amount of coverage for submitted claims. They prepare forms and related documents as well as flag claims that may require further investigation.

Patient Registrar

In a more visible role that involves handling patient information, patient registrars serve as liaisons between patients and the medical staff. They are responsible for accurately recording patients’ financial and clinical information. They also may need to prepare new patient medical charts and release medical records to other doctor’s offices with the patient’s consent.

Begin Your Pursuit of a Health Information Career  

Students throughout the Tri-State area and Pennsylvania interested in pursuing a meaningful career as a health information technician can begin their journey by enrolling in the Medical Assistant Program at Pennco Tech.

At our vocational training center, students gain an innovative education that gives them the skills and experience needed for the real world. Our award-winning programs are affordable, convenient, and feature small class sizes to ensure each student receives the attention they need to succeed. High job placement rates prove that our graduates are ready to pursue their dreams with an education from Pennco Tech. To learn more about our programs and how we can help you achieve a meaningful career, please contact us today.