The Austin Community College District’s Health Information Technology Program is now recognized by the accrediting body for health information education.

The two-year accreditation process began shortly after the college launched the credit program and applies to the college’s two-year Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology.

Health information technologists and medical coders are in increasing demand as doctors’ offices and hospitals convert to electronic health records. Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) fosters national recognition for ACC’s program. It also benefits graduates, who are able to participate in a national certification test and work for healthcare providers who require completion of a certified program.

“Accreditation is a reflection of the high quality of education provided by the Health Information Technology Program,” says Dr. Eileen Klein, dean of health sciences. “This is wonderful news for the college and our students.”

As part of the accreditation process, the Health Information Technology Program created a new electronic health record course.

“Our program connects students to the latest technology and best practices in this growing field,” says Norma Mercado, department chair.

The program’s accreditation gives faculty and students access to additional resources.

“When electronic health records are fully implemented nationally, this will create newer kinds of jobs in the health information profession,” says Dr. Klein. “Graduates from the ACC program will be well positioned for career advancement.”

Health Information Technology is among many high-demand workforce education options offered by the college. For information on this and other workforce programs, visit austincc.edu/info.