Finding high-quality health informatics programs in Ohio isn’t difficult since the “Buckeye State” has numerous higher learning options.
Lying in the Great Lakes region of the Midwest, Ohio is America’s seventh most populous state. Ohio has been ranked the 23rd best state for business by CNBC. Over 15% of Ohioans are employed in healthcare and education, thus making it the state’s second largest sector.
Health informatics students benefit from being near 12 nationally ranked hospitals, including:
- Cleveland Clinic
- Christ Hospital
- Good Samaritan Hospital
- Akron General Medical Center
It’s no surprise that Ohio has the fourth highest employment level of health information technicians nationwide. HIT graduates earn an average yearly salary of $38,230. Start clicking your way to a rewarding health informatics career by checking out our first list (A-M) of accredited Ohio degrees.
American National University- Columbus
Healthcare Division
Established in 1886 as a business school, American National University is a private for-profit higher learning institution headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia. It has satellite campuses scattered across 30 cities, including Columbus. It’s nationally accredited by the ACICS. ANU offers more than 45 degree programs either 100% online or in blended formats. In 2012, ANU was given the Association for Private Sector Colleges & Universities TOPS Award. In the Healthcare Division, Columbus students can earn degrees in:
- health information management
- medical assisting
- pharmacy technician
- medical office professional
Health Information Management Associate’s Degree
The Health Information Management Associate’s Degree at ANU is available at the Columbus location or fully online from anywhere. It equips non-traditional students with the latest knowledge for effectively managing patient record data. Students benefit from:
- small class sizes
- flexible evening courses
- industry experienced faculty
- peer tutoring
- stimulating computer lab projects
The two-year program includes coursework in five major areas:
- Health Data Management
- Health Statistics Biomedical Research
- Health Services Organization
- Human Resources
- Information Technology Systems
All students take the RHIT Exam Success Class to prepare for certification. In a recent survey, 100% of graduates were satisfied with their CAHIIM-accredited learning experience.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
Contact
5665 Forest Hills Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43231
(614) 212-2800
admissions@an.edu
Program Link
American National University- Youngstown
Healthcare Division
American National University – Youngstown serves northeastern Ohio’s Mahoning Valley. It’s one of 30 campuses across the Mid-Atlantic of the private proprietary educational institution. It offers more than 45 online and blended degrees. It won the Lifetime Achievement Award from Imagine America Foundation in 2012. ANU ranked in GI Jobs magazine’s “Military Friendly” schools for five straight years. It has a student.faculty ratio of 15:1. Students receive small, personalized classes accredited by the ACICS. The Healthcare Division focuses on unlocking high-paying medical careers in everything from nursing to medical billing.
Health Information Management Associate’s Degree
The Health Information Management Associate’s Degree program features flexible start dates every other month. It’s offered at ANU’s Youngstown campus as well as online from the comfort of home. It’s a 60-credit curriculum. Students engage in relevant coursework in:
- medical coding
- reimbursement
- medical terminology
- HIPAA law
- statistics
- information technology
- clinical office systems
- data security
Students can also complete an externship under the supervision of a health information technician. There’s also hands-on training with real patient record databases in modern computer labs. Following CAHIIM standards, the associate degree certifies graduates for pursuing RHIT credentials and managing electronic health records.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
Contact
3487 Belmont Avenue
Youngstown, OH 44505
(330) 759-0205
admissions@an.edu
Program Link
Bowling Green State University- Firelands College
College of Health and Human Services
Bowling Green State University- Firelands College is one of eight regional divisions of the premier public state-supported research institution located in the Ohio community of Huron. Programs include:
- 15 associate
- nine bachelor’s
- two master’s
Firelands enrolls nearly 2.400 students. US News & World Report ranks BGSU:
- 185th best university
- 103rd top public school
- 147th best college for veterans in America
In the College of Health and Human Services, programs provide rigorous practical education for producing tomorrow’s ethical healthcare leaders.
A.A.S. Health Information Management Technology
The A.A.S. Health Information Management Technology at BGSU Firelands aims to provide undergraduate students with the technological ability to make critical patient data more:
- accessible
- useful
- accurate
Rooted in medical science, the 62-credit program offers classes in:
- physiology
- pharmacology
- clinical terminology
- coding/billing
- health reimbursement
- bookkeeping, etc.
Online distance education is available for most of the required courses. In addition to small class sizes, the university offers free tutoring for A.A.S. students via the Teaching and Learning Center. Qualifications for becoming a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) are fulfilled. HIT graduates are at 100% exceeding current CAHIIM thresholds.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
1 University Drive
Huron, OH 44839
(419) 433-5560
burkem@bgsu.edu
Program Link
Cincinnati State Technical Community College
Health and Public Safety Division
Cincinnati State Technical Community College is located at the crossroads of Interstate 74 and 75 in the Clifton neighborhood of Ohio’s third largest city. It’s an accredited public state-supported technical institution. It provides career training to over 12,500 students. Satellite locations are also operated in:
- Middletown
- Harrison
- Evendale
Since being founded in 1969, CSTCC has developed one of America’s 10 largest co-op programs. The Health and Public Safety Division offers associate degrees in:
- fitness training
- biotechnology
- emergency medicine
- fire service
- nursing, and more
Health Information Management Technology (A.A.S.)
The Clifton campus offers the Health Information Management Technology (A.A.S.) program. It’s for undergraduate Cincinnati State students interested in the in-demand field of designing and managing electronic health record systems. There are specializations available in:
- Healthcare Informatics (HI)
- Programming and Analysis (PA)
Though both fulfill RHIT requirements, the latter is ideal for future computer programmers in the healthcare profession. All students complete a First Year Experience. The program requires 69 credit hours, including 10 lab credits. In the fifth semester, students complete a professional practicum in health information management for applied learning. There’s also a Coding Specialist Certificate offered.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
3520 Central Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45223
(513) 569-1670
enroll@cincinnatistate.edu
Program Link
Columbus State Community College
Department of Health Information Management Technology
It began in 1963 as the Columbus Area Technician School with 67 pupils. Today, Columbus State Community College has evolved into a large public two-year community college enrolling over 25,900 students annually. It’s headquartered on a 70-acre main campus in downtown Columbus. CSCC has nine regional centers from Dublin to Westerville. Another 11,000 learners attend online classes, making it the state’s largest distance learning provider. The Department of Health Information Management Technology uses the latest ICD-10-PM/PCS coding to give aspiring technicians a competitive edge.
Associate’s in Health Information Management Technology
The Associate’s in Health Information Management Technology program at CSCC has a 100% employer satisfaction rate. It’s designed for undergrads who are fascinated by:
- medicine
- business
- computer technology
Students are taught the skills to maintain effective, accurate components of patient record systems in diverse healthcare settings. It’s fully accredited by the CAHIIM. The program can be tailored with a Medical Coding Certificate or Health Data Analyst Certificate. Most classes are web-based, but students must visit campus for occasional sessions and proctored exams. Graduating with the 64-credit degree satisfies RHIT requirements and allows for transfer into bachelor’s programs. There’s also a Health Information Management Technician Certificate.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
550 East Spring Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 287-5353
information@cscc.edu
Program Link
Cuyahoga Community College
Division of Health Careers
Affectionately called Tri-C, Cuyahoga Community College is the state’s largest public two-year junior college. It enrolls more than 31,000 students annually from its main metro campus in downtown Cleveland. Other locations are in:
- Parma
- Brunswick
- Highland Hills
- Warrensville Heights
- Westlake
Over 1,000 courses in Tri-C associate programs are available live via Cable College for distance learning too. The Division of Health Careers has over 30 professionally accredited programs for in-demand specialties like:
- respiratory care
- surgical technology
- nursing
- occupational therapy
- radiography
A.A.S. in Health Information Management
The A.A.S. in Health Information Management programn is designed for Tri-C students pursuing RHIT certification. The program gives a broad introduction to the essential knowledge requisite in patient data for:
- analysis
- validation
- organization
- security
- retrieval
The program requires the completion of 73 credits. The final spring semester is devoted to acquiring experience in a supervised practicum. All classes are conveniently offered during the daytime or weekday evenings at the Metro campus. Courses will explore such topics as:
- medical terminology
- general psychology
- health informatics
- clinical classification systems
There’s a Medical Billing Specialist Certificate offered. Transfer programs also exist for universities like Ohio State and Pittsburgh.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
2900 Community College Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 987-4247
healthcareers@tri-c.edu
Program Link
Eastern Gateway Community College
Health and Public Services Department
Eastern Gateway Community College embraces open door admissions. It’s an accredited public state-supported technical institute. It serves more than 2,900 students, mainly from the Ohio counties of:
- Jefferson
- Columbiana
- Mahoning
- Trumbull
Based in Steubenville, EGCC offers over 60 majors mostly in:
- business
- technology
- healthcare
In 2015, EGCC was lauded for becoming the 10th fastest-growing community college in the United States. In the Health and Public Services Department, students can study:
- phlebotomy
- practical nursing
- radiologic technology
- respiratory therapy
- law enforcement
- dental assisting
- medical transcription, etc.
Health Information Management (A.A.S.)
The Health Information Management (A.A.S.) program achieved a 100% job placement rate for two straight years. It’s accredited by the CAHIIM. It’s for Eastern Gateway students seeking the knowledge to design and implement computer applications in the medical industry. The program automatically incorporates a Medical Coding Specialist Certificate during the first year. Students gather the qualifications to pursue RHIT and CCA certification. While the program is headquartered at the Jefferson County campus, many courses are available online. Requiring 61 credits, the intensive curriculum includes two HIM practicum experiences at health-related organizations across northeastern Ohio.
If desired, students can pursue the Medical Office Management Certificate too.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
4000 Sunset Blvd.
Steubenville, OH 43952
(330) 480-0726 ext. 2116
gaugustine@egcc.edu
Program Link
Fortis College- Ravenna
Healthcare/Medical Training Division
With 42 campuses branching out across the United States, Fortis College is an independent for-profit higher learning institution. It was founded in 1969 to provide two-year technical training. Just a short drive from Cuyahoga Falls, the Ravenna campus caters to non-traditional students living in northeastern Ohio’s Portage County. Ravenna is one of just six Fortis campuses accredited by the CAHIIM for cutting-edge HIT training. In the Healthcare/Medical Training Division, programs are offered in:
- health information technology
- medical assisting
- practical nursing
The American Heart Association also sponsors basic life support education here.
Health Information Technology Program
The Health Information Technology Program at Fortis College’s Ravenna campus leads to an A.A.S. It prepares students for gaining entry-level employment as:
- health information technicians
- medical coders
- medical insurance specialists
Students are trained to use physician-based coding systems for classifying patient data and organized electronic health records. Compliance with HIPAA confidentiality is strongly emphasized. Over approximately 84 weeks, the program ensures students acquire the knowledge for passing the RHIT certification exam. All students can access their academic and account records 24/7 from myCampusLink. Students may also pursue the Medical Billing and Coding diploma online from anywhere with Internet.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
Contact
653 Enterprise Parkway
Ravenna, OH 44266
(855) 436-7747
Program Link
Hocking College
School of Allied Health
Enrolling around 2,300 students, Hocking College is a small public state technical institution. It’s located on a 250-acre suburban campus in Nelsonville in the Appalachian region just 60 miles south of Columbus. Regionally accredited to grant over 55 associate degrees, Hocking also has satellite locations in New Lexington and Logan. The U.S. Green Building Council has given Hocking the LEED Platinum certification for environmental sustainability. In the School of Allied Health, students can select from in-demand programs in:
- fitness management
- massage therapy
- medical assisting
- health information management
- opticianry
- physical therapy assisting
A.A.S. in Medical Records/Health Information Management
The A.A.S. in Medical Records/Health Information Management meets CAHIIM criteria. It educates undergraduates on the basic fundamentals of organizing, analyzing, and securing abstract patient health records for correct diagnoses. Students are prepared for an exciting career as RHITs at:
- hospitals
- mental health centers
- nursing homes
- hospices
- ambulatory care facilities
- physician offices
- insurance carriers, etc.
Students gain hands-on learning using Microsoft Access to classify real-life medical records. Estimated to cost less than $2,500 total, the program spans over four full-time semesters for 62 credits. Students can enter the program every:
- January
- May
- August
Graduates can join the Ohio Health Information Management Association (OHIMA) for networking.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
3301 Hocking Parkway
Nelsonville, OH 45764
(740) 753-6419
allen-smithb@hocking.edu
Program Link
Lakeland Community College
Health Information Management Technology Department
Successfully petitioned in 1965 by the League of Women Voters, Lakeland Community College is a comprehensive public two-year junior college. It serves over 12,000 students predominantly from Lake County. Although LCC is based in Kirtland, classes for its more than 130 associate degrees can also be pursued in Madison or online via distance learning. LCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter is famous for winning the Five Star Program Award and Service Hallmark Award. The Health Information Management Technology Department pursued CAHIIM accreditation to prepare future health informaticians for RHIT certification.
A.A.S. Health Information Management Technology
The A.A.S. Health Information Management Technology program at LCC is offered in convenient daytime, evening, or weekend class times. It gives specialized training for students to effectively function in the management of medical information resources. The program supplements coursework with two clinical practicum. Partnering organizations include:
- the Ashtabula County Medical Center
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation
- University Hospitals Case Medical Center
The 65-credit curriculum is delivered in small class sizes for personalized learning. There’s also a Coding Certificate and Administrative Medical Office Assistant Certificate. For admissions, applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 and score at least 21 on the ACT or 1400 on the SAT.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
7700 Clocktower Drive
Kirtland, OH 44094
(440) 525-7490
cjerson@lakelandcc.edu
Program Link
Marion Technical College
Health Technologies Department
Marion Technical College was founded in 1970 It’s a comprehensive public junior technical institution partnered with Ohio State University- Marion. It enrolls over 2,700 students annually in around 50 associate programs. MTC is headquartered on a 180-acre urban campus in downtown Marion. It’s just 50 miles down U.S. Route 23 from Ohio’s capital. MTC won the William Over College Access Collaboration Award from the OCAN in 2009. In the Health Technologies Department, students can choose programs including:
- radiography
- diagnostic medical sonography
- bioscience technology
- health information technology
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
Qualifying students for over 125 different job titles, the Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program lays the foundation for:
- managing patient data
- administering medical record systems
- coding diagnosis information
- supervising record retrieval
MTC students can select from the Clinical Health Informatics track or Coding and Reimbursement track. Both fulfill RHIT requirements, but the latter also leads to Certified Coding Associate (CCA) designation. Students actively work with the field’s latest technological innovations using the AHIMA virtual lab. Most students complete the 62-credit curriculum within five semesters full-time, including two HIT professional practice experiences. In 2015, one MTC student won the OHIMA’s New Graduate Award.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
1467 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Marion, OH 43302
(740) 389-4636
enroll@mtc.edu
Program Link
Mercy College of Ohio
Allied Health Department
Mercy College of Ohio is affiliated with the Sisters of Mercy. It’s a comprehensive senior private non-profit Roman Catholic institution founded in 1917 to specialize in the health sciences. It enrolls around 1,200 students. Mercy is located on a main urban campus in Toledo with a satellite branch at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. Nearly 87 percent of Mercy’s students are female. In the Allied Health Department, students can select from six programs in:
- Healthcare Administration
- Medical Imaging
- Cardiovascular Technology
- Health Information Technology
- Radiologic Technology
- Medical Coding
Associate of Science in Health Information Technology
The Associate of Science in Health Information Technology program is available fully online from Mercy College. Traditional and non-traditional students can build the high-tech skills for directing patient health records. Courses are accessible 24/7 through the college’s learning management system called Desire2Learn (D2L). The CAHIIM-accredited curriculum consists of five semesters for 66 total credits. In the final semester, a Professional Practice Experience is arranged in each student’s local community. For the past three years, the program has achieved an RHIT exam pass rate of 100%.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
2221 Madison Avenue
Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 251-1557
jessica.coombs@mercycollege.edu
Program Link
Health information technicians are administrative workers who focus on managing patient care data for the utmost:
- quality
- accuracy
- accessibility
Being an RHIT requires strong analytical, interpersonal, technical, and problem-solving skills with a key attention to detail. That’s why technicians typically need at least an associate degree. Investing in healthcare informatics training is smart because the BLS predicts that jobs will grow by 15% from 2014 through 2024. Nearly 29,000 new health information technicians will be hired. Position yourself for this in-demand career by considering one of these accredited health informatics programs in Ohio.