Frequently Asked Questions


Frequently Asked Questions

What's the first step to apply?

First, you must be enrolled at ACC. Please see this page for information about how to get started.

What skills do I need?

Health Information Technologists must be able to:

  • Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail
  • Understand technical reading material
  • Work at computer monitors for prolonged periods
  • Communicate effectively in English

What are the requirements for admission into the Health Information Technology programs?

  • Complete the testing requirement
  • Present documentation of program required immunizations

What are the prerequisites before I can sign up for the Health Information Technology degree classes?

  • There are no prerequisites required to apply to this program. Effective Fall 2023, you must schedule an appointment with the Department Chair to discuss previously completed course work. To schedule your appointment, please email [email protected].

What assessments do I have to take for Health Information Technology programs?

Students must have one of the following:

  • Passing scores on a placement test for Reading, Writing, and Math
  • Complete or Exempt status on the Reading, Writing, and Math portions of the TSI requirement

Visit a campus advisor to determine status.

How many classes are in the program?

There are 25 classes in the Health Information Technology Associate Degree program.

How many hours are required in the clinical?

The clinical is 96 hours in the final semester. The clinical is one to two days per week at a clinical site during the second Spring semester.

Can I find my own clinical site?

No. The ACC faculty schedules the clinicals and there are various rules and regulations that we must follow. ACC faculty must have an affiliation agreement with the facility prior to going to the clinical affiliation.

Is the clinical during the day?

Yes. Clinicals are held during daytime hours, Monday through Friday for 8 hours a day. They are not held on weekends, evenings, or holidays. The AAS has one clinical course.

I have taken classes under continuing education, how long do I have to convert these classes to credit?

You have two years from the time you finish your class.

Where do I go to convert my CE credit?

Instructions and the form to have your courses converted is here.

What are challenge exams?

  • Challenge exams afford students the opportunity to take the final exam for a course without having to attend class; an A or B is required to pass. There is a $10 per credit-hour fee for challenge exams.
  • There is one HITT class you may challenge: HITT 1301 Health Data Content & Structure

Are there any challenge exams for any of the courses?

Yes, you may challenge HITT 1301 Health Data Content & Structure.

Why are class sizes so small for Health Information Technology?

Due to limited clinical sites.

What can I expect to earn?

Salaries for graduates of ACC’s Health Information Technology program may earn between $22,000 and $35,000 a year depending on education and/or experience.

What is credentialing?

A process by which a non-governmental agency or association recognizes the competence of individuals who have met certain qualifications as determined by agency or association. To achieve certification from the American Health Information Management Association, individuals must meet the eligibility requirements for certification and successfully complete the credentialing examination.

Why become credentialed?

Credentialing is important because it:

  • demonstrates to colleagues and superiors a dedication to the healthcare field.
  • sets a person apart from non-credentialed job candidates.
  • sets the individual as a professional that strives to achieve excellence.
  • adds recognition to a candidate’s capability while ensuring expertise.

Where do I become credentialed?

The following organizations provide credentialing for Health Information Technicians. There are other organizations as well that offer specialty credentials.

What are the credentials?

The following certifications are currently offered by AHIMA. If you are interested in taking a certification exam, please visit this website for more information on the following:

  • CCA Certified Coding Associate
  • CCS Certified Coding Specialist
  • CCS-P Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based
  • CHP Certified in Healthcare Privacy
  • CHS Certified in Healthcare Security
  • CHPS Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security
  • RHIA Registered Health Information Administrator
  • RHIT Registered Health Information Technician

When do I need to apply for Graduation?

Please refer to this page for all graduation information.

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