HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, ASSOCIATE DEGREE
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Department of Allied Health
South Campus Academic Wing 130
Phone: (270) 745-4256
Fax: (270) 7809419
Webpage: http://www.wku.edu/healthinformationmanagement/
Program Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information
Management Education (www.cahiim.org)
Degree Offering: Associate of Science
Program Description:
The associate degree curriculum (reference number 243) is designed to prepare the health
information technician to maintain components of health information systems consistent with the
medical, administrative, ethical, legal, accreditation, and regulatory requirement of the health care
delivery system. In all types of facilities, and in various locations within a facility, the health
information technician possesses the technical knowledge and skills necessary to process, maintain,
compile, and report health information data for reimbursement, facility planning, marketing, risk
management, utilization management, quality management and research; abstract and code clinical
data using appropriate classification systems, and analyze health records according to standards. The
health information technician may be responsible for functional supervision of the various
components of the health information system.
Career Opportunities in Health Information Management
The majority of Registered Health Information Technicians (RHITs) are employed in health
information departments in a variety of settings. With expanding uses of healthcare information,
RHITs are finding opportunities for employment in hospitals, industrial clinics, state and federal health
agencies, private industry, long term and mental health care facilities.
College of Health and Human Services Resources
The CHHS Academic Center for Excellence offers personal student advising, professional publications,
academic enrichment activities, assistance with degree program completion and career
exploration/planning, and a state-of-the-art computer lab with latest software for CHHS majors.
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11038, Bowling Green, KY 42101-1038 • 270-745-2425 • Fax: 270-745-7073 • www.wku.edu/chhs
© 2013 Western Kentucky University. Printing paid from state funds, KRS 57.375
Western Kentucky University is an equal opportunity institution of higher education and upon request provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. www.wku.edu/eoo