What is the RHIT Exam?

If you are interested in becoming a health information technician, you need to learn about the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) Exam and why it is important. The RHIT exam is a national exam that individuals in the field of health information can elect to take to earn their credential. Not everyone studying health information or working in the field is eligible to sit for this National Commission of Certifying Agencies credential. Before you decide that earning your credential by taking the RHIT Exam is the right route for you, learn more about who qualifies to sit for testing and how earning your credential can benefit you.

What Does It Mean When You Hold the RHIT Credential?

Many professions include credentials that people who are committed to the field can earn. For health information technicians (HIT), this is the credential that will help them advance their career and demonstrate their commitment. The entire purpose of taking the RHIT Exam is to show that you are competent and trained to maintain quality medical records. By passing the test, employers will have peace of mind in knowing that you have solid knowledge and that you are familiar with the healthcare setting and what being a HIT entails. This gives you much more leverage when you are applying to work with:

  • a hospital
  • a medical office
  • another healthcare facility

Professionals who possess their credential are able to ensure the quality of all medical records along with their accuracy and entry into computer databases. In addition to ensuring accuracy, a credentialed professional will be familiar with computer applications so that all patient data and costs can easily be analyzed. Most RHIT credentialed professionals also specialize in areas of coding that are high in demand so they have a great chance of advancing into a management role.

Who Is Eligible to Sit for the RHIT Examination?

Now that you understand why being credentialed in health information is so important, it is time to determine if your meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the exam. If you are a Health Information student or you already work in the field, there is a good chance that you will be able to test. According to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), applicants must meet one of two eligibility requirements to test. Candidates can successfully complete an Associate’s program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Or they can graduate from a foreign program that has a reciprocity agreement with the AHIMA. You will need to submit an official transcript when applying to test for the RHIT credential.

If you are currently attending school and you are taking a program that’s accredited by the CAHIIM, you can apply to test for your RHIT early. Early testing is available to students who are currently in their final term or those who are done with coursework but have not yet received their diploma. If you fall into this category, it’s time to fill out your application so you can pass your exam. Then you can put your credential on your resume before you start applying for jobs. With more and more supply to choose from, employers are looking for health informatics who have demonstrated their commitment to the field by taking their RHIT exam.