Residents of the “Keystone State” can choose from 12 CAHIIM-accredited health informatics programs in Pennsylvania to unlock a rewarding medical career.
Ideally positioned in the Mid-Atlantic region, Pennsylvania is America’s 33rd largest state with a population over 12.8 million. It’s diversified economy contributes the nation’s sixth highest GSP at $644 billion.
From Philadelphia in the southeast to Pittsburgh in the southwest, healthcare job opportunities are abundant. Employment data shows that 15 percent of the Pennsylvania labor force works in healthcare. The Commonwealth’s over 250 hospitals, including the nationally ranked UPMC Presbyterian and Lehigh Valley Hospital, have a rising demand for qualified HIM graduates. The BLS reports that Pennsylvania employs 7,250 health information technicians for an average annual salary of $38,120.
Follow your passion for technology by pursuing one of these health informatics degrees for Pennsylvanians.
Community College of Allegheny County
Allied Health Career Programs
The Community College of Allegheny County was established in 1966. It’s an accredited two-year junior college offering associate degree and diploma programs to over 44,500 Pennsylvania residents. Along with its main urban campus in Pittsburgh’s Central Northside district, CCAC operates extension centers in:
- Monroeville
- McCandless Township
- West Mifflin
- Braddock Hills
- North Fayette Township
CCAC is a leader in workforce education with over 150 academic programs and an average class size of 17. The division for Allied Health Career Programs offers training for various diagnostic, therapeutic, and administrative medical professions.
Health Information Technology: Associate of Science
CCAC’s Health Information Technology: Associate of Science is a limited enrollment program. It’s available at the Allegheny campus to students who pass all prerequisites with a minimum “C” average. Following the AHIMA’s guidelines, the curriculum develops the technical proficiency for maintaining the effective use of patient data. Students satisfy the entry-level qualifications to sit for the RHIT exam. The 68-credit program explores everything from office productivity and database administration to clinical quality improvement and medical coding.
In addition to simulation labs, students complete two directed practices in Pittsburgh’s healthcare facilities. Outstanding learners can join the Honors Program, which includes an in-county tuition scholarship. Some of the CAHIIM-accredited curriculum’s courses are also available online via Blackboard.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
808 Ridge Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 237-2525
Admissions@ccac.edu
Program Link
Lehigh Carbon Community College
School of Healthcare Sciences
As the primary provider of career-oriented training in Greater Allentown, Lehigh Carbon Community College serves over 7,100 students from its 153-acre suburban campus in Schnecksville in the Lehigh Valley. The regionally accredited, two-year junior college has expanded since 1966 with off-campus locations in:
- Allentown
- Jim Thorpe
- Tamaqua
With a student/faculty ratio of 17:1, LCCC offers 70 associate programs across seven schools. The School of Healthcare Sciences houses programs for:
- HIT professionals
- medical assistants
- nurses
- occupational therapy assistants
- physical therapy assistants
Health Information Technology A.A.S.
The Health Information Technology A.A.S. has an average RHIT exam pass rate of 92 percent. The program gives students at LCCC the opportunity to develop the competencies for processing, reporting, and retrieving critical medical data. Over four semesters full-time, students engage in a 61-credit curriculum accredited by the CAHIIM.
Coursework gives insights into:
- physiology
- computer science
- health law
- medical terminology
- CPT coding
- ICD-10 classification
- technical writing
- information management
The open enrollment program allows any interested students to enroll in the HIT 110 introductory course. In the final semester, the A.A.S. requires a professional practicum with a licensed healthcare provider. Lehigh Carbon allows transferring credit for lifelong learning experience too.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
4525 Education Park Drive
Schnecksville, PA 18078
(610) 799-2121
gpeters@lccc.edu
Program Link
Peirce College
Healthcare Division
Peirce College is located on a one-acre, urban campus in Philadelphia’s Center City neighborhood. It’s an accredited private, non-profit institution granting career-focused education since 1865. Peirce enrolls more than 1,800 students. It has flexible online, evening, and weekend courses in 23 specialized academic programs. According to the U.S. News & World Report, Peirce hosts America’s 79th best online bachelor’s degrees. In the Healthcare Division, students can pursue real-life training in HIT, health administration, and medical coding as members of the Health Programs Student Association (HPSA).
Health Information Technology Degree Program
Available on-site in Philadelphia or entirely online, the Health Information Technology Degree Program at Peirce leads to an Associate of Science (A.S.). The CAHIIM-accredited program is structured to prepare busy working adults with the foundation for advancing an in-demand healthcare career. The 64 credit, two-year curriculum introduces the latest technology applications used by medical practices for storing and securing patient information. The major consists of coursework in:
- statistics
- medical terminology
- health reimbursement
- physiology
- CPT outpatient coding
- ICD 9/10 CM coding
- quality improvement
All A.S. students must satisfactorily pass an applied HIT professional practice workshop. Peirce College also has a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Administration with CAHIIM candidacy status.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
1420 Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 545-6400
info@peirce.edu
Program Link
Pennsylvania College of Technology
School of Health Sciences
Founded in 1914 for defense training during World War II, the Pennsylvania College of Technology is now an accredited public, technical institution. It enrolls more than 5,500 undergraduates on its 994-acre urban campus in Williamsport. It offers over 100 programs for Northern Tier communities. U.S. News & World Report ranks Penn Tech:
- 37th best college
- 13th top public school
- 28th best university for veterans in the North
The School of Health Sciences aims to produce competent, ethical practitioners with the essential qualifies to address rising medical demands.
Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
For non-credentialed students preparing to pass the RHIT exam, Penn Tech offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Health Information Technology. The 72-credit program develops the entry-level computer skills requisite for using informational technologies to organize quality, accurate patient data.
Admission requires a high school diploma or GED with coursework in:
- biology
- English
- math
- keyboarding
Starting the first year, students receive hands-on laboratory training processing electronic health records and using ICD-10 coding. By the third semester, A.A.S. majors begin a year-long, part-time internship in nearby hospital systems. Students can also complete an international field experience in nations like:
- Austria
- Italy
- Nicaragua
Graduates receive Advanced Standing for the below CAHIIM-accredited program.
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Information Management is delivered online for distance learning. It builds a greater depth of knowledge on planning, collecting, and aggregating clinical data. The 2+2 major makes students eligible for taking the AHIMA exam for Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). Only technicians with current, valid RHIT certification and associate education in health information qualify. Penn Tech utilizes the PLATO platform for 24/7 online access to course materials. Coursework will delve deeper into:
- health informatics
- information security
- data analysis
- healthcare finance
- patient confidentiality
Passing a senior capstone experience is required. Minors in Business, Management, Marketing, and Innovation Leadership can be added.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
1 College Avenue
Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 327-4519
mbudnovi@pct.edu
Program Link
South Hills School of Business and Technology- Altoona
Allied Healthcare Department
With over 45 years of experience in higher education, the South Hills School of Business and Technology is a small, family-operated institution. It’s fully accredited to provide specialized skills training in 11 associate degree programs. Along with campuses in State College and Lewistown, South Hills has an Altoona location located on 58th Street off PA Route 764. Students benefit from lifetime career services support for an average job placement rate of 84 percent. The Allied Healthcare Department has award-winning faculty delivering in-demand career tracks for:
- medical assisting
- diagnostic medical sonography
- health information technology
Associate of Specialized Technology (AST) in Health Information Technology
The two-year Associate of Specialized Technology (AST) program allows South Hills students to declare a Health Information Technology major for training in ICD-10 and CPT coding. The program hones the high-tech skills required for accurately inputting and analyzing patient information in electronic health records. It has CAHIIM accreditation. The curriculum consists of six full-time terms to satisfy RHIT requirements. For applied experience, students complete at least 378 clock hours of professional practicum. Previous HIT majors have interned with:
- Centre Crest
- Tyrone Hospital
- Susquehanna Health System
- Mount Nittany Medical Center, and more
Small class sizes in Altoona ensure graduates have the pertinent preparation for entry-level health informatics jobs.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
Contact
541 58th Street
Altoona, PA 16602
(814) 944-6134
altoona@southhills.edu
Program Link
South Hills School of Business and Technology- State College
Allied Healthcare Department
The South Hills School of Business and Technology was opened in 1970 by Paul and Maralyn Mazza. It’s a small, private, non-profit career-focused institution producing a successful alumni base over 6,000 strong. Following the motto “Teaching People, Changing Lives,” South Hills delivers 11 specialized associate degree programs for Central Pennsylvania. The main campus is located in State College near High Point Park just seven minutes from Penn State. In the Allied Healthcare Department, students prepare for entering today’s rapidly growing medical industry with Pennsylvania licensing.
Associate of Specialized Technology (AST) in Health Information Technology
At the State College main campus, the Associate of Specialized Technology (AST) in Health Information Technology program is also offered to South Hills students interested in managing electronic health records. The six-term program takes two calendar years full-time to satisfy the qualifications for the AHIMA’s RHIT exam. Students learn the high-tech skills required for becoming:
- health data analysts
- medical coders
- abstractors
- medical records technicians
- HIM supervisors
In close partnership with the Penn State Hershey Medical Group, the program includes at least 378 clock hours of HIT internship. Coursework also develops mastery in:
- pharmacology
- Microsoft access
- healthcare statistics
- customer relations
- medical terminology
The CAHIIM-accredited program has an 83 percent job placement rate.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
Contact
480 Waupelani Drive
State College, PA 16801
(814) 234-7755
admissions@southhills.edu
Program Link
Temple University
College of Public Health
Endowed for $386 million, Temple University is a major public, doctoral-granting RU/VH research institution. It enrolls more than 37,700 students on its main 115-acre urban campus in North Philadelphia. It was rated #1 for graduate entrepreneurial mentorship by Princeton Review. Temple was ranked by U.S. News & world Report as:
- 115th best university
- 55th top public school
- 94th best college for veterans
Times Higher Education included Temple in the top 400 global universities. The CEPH-accredited College of Public Health houses 51 programs in 11 areas of study for pioneering improved community well-being.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Information Management
Fully accredited by the CAHIIM, the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management program is designed for Temple undergraduates seeking to use their fascination with technology in in-demand clinical professions. Students build upon the general education core with a 61-credit major. Courses offer glimpses into the U.S. healthcare system, including:
- ICD-10 coding
- pharmacology
- clinical diagnostics
- database design
- statistics
- pathophysiology
- reimbursement
- quality improvement
- health law
BS students complete two internships in the fall and spring semesters of their senior year. Temple University also has agreements with local community colleges for associate transfer. Graduates will be qualified to apply for RHIA positions in medical delivery systems. The 2014 survey showed a 100 percent employer satisfaction rate.
Master of Science (MS) in Health Informatics
The Master of Science in Health Informatics at Temple is one of America’s five CAHIIM-accredited master’s programs devoted to the innovation of secure electronic health records. Students build the advanced technical capacity to maximize resources for the efficient acquisition, storage, and retrieval of clinical data. The 30-credit curriculum is completed part-time with accommodating evening classes at the Main or Center City campuses in Philadelphia. Didactic instruction will entail:
- EHR ethics
- data administration
- public health
- business intelligence
- IT management
- process improvement
- HIM leadership
Rather than a thesis, students complete a work-related applied capstone and seminar. More than half of MS graduates report a 10 percent salary increase.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Ritter Annex Room 524
1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 204-5899
cph@temple.edu
Program Link
University of Pittsburgh
School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
Since its meager beginnings in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh has evolved dramatically into a large public, state-funded research institution. It educates over 28,600 students on its 132-acre urban campus in Pennsylvania’s second largest city. Named Kiplinger’s eighth best value for out-of-state tuition, Pitt is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:
- 66th best national university
- 24th top public school
- 55th best college for veterans
The School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences is also acclaimed for granting America’s 29th best graduate healthcare management programs, including HIM.
B.S. in Health Information Management
Achieving a 100 percent graduation rate, the B.S. in Health Information Management is an upper-division Pitt program for students who complete the pre-health major. Full-time juniors gain entry for completing the bachelor’s degree in four terms and one summer session. The 63-credit curriculum features courses including:
- epidemiology
- cancer registry theory
- organizational behavior
- health reimbursement
B.S. students complete four semesters of HIM clinical education at either in-state or out-of-state placements. The capstone course includes taking and passing the RHIA exam before graduation. This CAHIIM-accredited program requires earning a minimum QPA of 2.5. Majors can also join the Health Information Management Student Association and volunteer across Pittsburgh.
M.S. in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a Concentration in Health Information Systems
Pitt’s M.S. in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program offers a concentration in Health Information Systems that’s approved by the CAHIIM. This 42-credit program is customized for in-depth health informatics study to prepare graduates for developing technological systems that satisfy administrative clinical needs. Career changers can focus their curriculum with the RHIA option to take the AHIMA certification exam. Credentialed students gain extra electives in courses like:
- software engineering
- computer programming
- database management
- IT security
M.S. students can elect to complete master’s thesis with a faculty mentor. Research can study everything from genomics to biomedical modeling and coding quality. This program carries a high job placement rate of 95 percent.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
6051 Forbes Tower
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 383-6650
admissions@shrs.pitt.edu
Program Link
YTI Career Institute- Lancaster
Medical Programs Division
The YTI Career Institute was founded in 1967 by York businessmen. It’s a nationally accredited private, co-educational technical training institution. It prepares about 1,750 students from 21 viable employment fields. Although it’s still headquartered in York, YTI offers satellite campuses in:
- Altoona
- Lancaster
- the Motorcycle Technology Center
With an average job placement rate of 88 percent, YTI is fully authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In the Medical Programs Division, students can build careers in:
- dental assisting
- health information technology
- medical assisting
- medical billing/coding
- pharmacy tech
- respiratory therapy
Health Information Technology Program
The Health Information Technology Program at YTI Lancaster is accredited by the CAHIIM to award an Associate in Specialized Technology (AST) degree. The 21-month program equips students with the administrative skills to code, analyze, manage, and secure electronic health records for improved patient outcomes. Students complete affordable, hands-on training to satisfy the qualifications for the national RHIT exam. Before starting the 99-credit curriculum, students complete a career training readiness quiz and identify their strengths. The program unlocks entry-level opportunities in:
- hospitals
- clinics
- nursing homes
- doctor offices
- home healthcare
- diagnostic laboratories, and more
There’s also a 12-month Medical Coding & Billing Diploma available.
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
Contact
3050 Hempland Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 295-1100
jan.lawson@yti.edu
Program Link
Excelling in health informatics requires having the clinical and computer knowledge to organize the electronic data that keeps healthcare organizations running. Keeping patient information secure against looming threats of data breaches and cyber attacks is a tall order. That’s why employers typically hire candidates with at least an associate degree.
Furthering education to the bachelor’s or master’s level can open leadership opportunities with RHIA designation. The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) is trusted to ensure high-quality industry preparation. Selecting an accredited degree is best to ensure the competencies for entering an informatics field. It’s poised to grow by 15 percent through 2024. Any of these health informatics in Pennsylvania will bolster your resume for success in medical record management.
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