Health Informatics Programs in Arizona

Are you interested in exploring health informatics programs in Arizona?

With the surging demand for healthcare, there’s a growing need for professionals capable of securely managing computerized health care information systems. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than 40,000 new health information technician jobs will be created in the next decade. Major health care companies already established in the state include:

  • Banner Health
  • the Mayo Foundation
  • Cigna Healthcare of Arizona
  • Scottsdale Healthcare
  • Carondelet Health Network
  • Abrazo Healthcare
  • TMC Healthcare

So it’s not surprising that Arizona’s colleges are offering accredited health informatics programs to train students for careers in this in-demand field.

Central Arizona College

Health Careers Program

Central Arizona College has nine campuses and centers throughout Arizona’s Pinal County. The college is committed to fostering learning by providing opportunities for:

  • education
  • economic improvement
  • cultural exploration
  • personal growth

In response to the rapid expansion of the health care industry, the college established a Health Careers Program to train students for entry-level positions in various health specialties. Today, it offers programs for people interested in launching careers as:

  • health information management professionals
  • clinical lab assistants
  • pharmacy technicians
  • medical assistants
  • massage therapists
  • nursing assistants
  • coding specialists
  • radiologic technicians

Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology

The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology degree program at Central Arizona College offers the knowledge and skills needed to:

  • administer computer information systems
  • manage medical records and health information
  • maintain data quality

There is coursework in clinical:

  • health care
  • coding
  • medical records management
  • computer technology

These prepare students to collect, maintain, and analyze health care data. In order to receive their associate degrees, students must complete a total of 71 credits. This includes:

  • 44 credits from the core health informatics curriculum
  • 23 general education credits
  • four additional credits that fulfill the college’s requirements

Graduates are prepared to take the American Health Information Management Association’s exam for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician. They’re also prepared to seek entry-level positions in the health information management field at:

  • hospitals
  • clinics
  • private practices
  • nursing homes
  • other health care institutions

Accreditations

  • The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

Contact
8470 North Overfield Road
Coolidge, AZ 85128
Phone: 480-677-7798
sandra.brightwell@centralaz.edu
Program Website

Phoenix College

Health Professions, Fitness and Wellness Department

Dedicated to providing affordable access to quality educational programs, Phoenix College offers students roughly 150 programs that lead to certificates or associate degrees. It’s comprehensive, learner-centered community college. It serves a diverse student body that includes students who speak more than 50 languages and come from over 100 countries.

The college’s Health Professions, Fitness and Wellness Department strives to convey to students:

  • the importance of personal responsibility
  • career goals
  • lifelong learning

It offers programs in:

  • health information management
  • fitness and wellness
  • histologic technology
  • laboratory assisting
  • medical assisting
  • medical billing and coding
  • phlebotomy
  • therapeutic massage

Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology

There’s instruction in theory and practice as well as experiential learning opportunities at local health care institutions. The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology degree program at Phoenix College provides students with the knowledge base and technical skills necessary for a career in health information management.

Topics covered include:

  • human sciences
  • computer technology
  • information management
  • medical billing
  • coding
  • the legal concerns involved in working with health information

This prepares students to maintain, process, and retrieve health records for various uses, including:

  • compliance
  • billing
  • analytical

To earn their associate degrees, students must complete a minimum of 68 credits. This is comprised of 53 credits from the core health informatics curriculum and at least 15 credits from general education classes. All coursework must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions as health information management professionals. They are also eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician exam to become certified by the American Health Information Management Association.

Accreditations

  • The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

Contact
1202 West Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Phone: 602-285-7800
pc-info@phoenixcollege.edu
Program Website

The need for health care is growing. The industry is shifting towards greater reliance on electronic health records. The opportunities are skyrocketing for people who can securely maintain and manage the computerized systems that store medical records. College students curious about accredited health informatics programs in Arizona will find plenty of exciting programs to explore in the Copper State.

Related resource: How Much Does a Health Information Manager Earn?