Becoming a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a rewarding career choice for those interested in working in healthcare but prefer administrative or technical roles. RHITs play a critical role in managing and organizing patient health information, which is essential for providing quality care to patients.

 

In this blog post, we will discuss the education, training, and certification requirements for becoming an RHIT, as well as the skills and qualities needed to succeed in this profession.

 

Education and Training Requirements

To become an RHIT, the first step is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. After that, aspiring RHITs need to complete a health information technology (HIT) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

 

HIT programs are offered at many community colleges, technical schools, and universities across the United States. These programs typically take two years to complete and include coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, healthcare coding, electronic health records (EHR), data management, and privacy and security of patient health information.

 

While in HIT school, students also receive hands-on training through internships or clinical experiences. This practical experience provides students with the opportunity to apply what they've learned in the classroom to real-world situations and gain valuable experience working in healthcare environments.

 

Certification Requirements

Once a student completes a CAHIIM-accredited HIT program, they are eligible to take the RHIT certification exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Passing this exam is required to become a Registered Health Information Technician.

 

The RHIT exam consists of 130 multiple-choice questions and covers various topics related to health information management, including data analysis and management, privacy and security of patient health information, healthcare reimbursement systems, and healthcare delivery systems.

 

Skills and Qualities of a Successful RHIT

RHITs need to possess various skills and qualities to perform their job effectively. Here are a few of the most important ones:

 

Attention to Detail: RHITs need to have excellent attention to detail since they are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of patient health information. They must also pay close attention to medical codes and terminology to avoid errors that could negatively impact patient care.

 

Analytical Skills: RHITs must be able to analyze and interpret medical records and data to identify patterns and trends that could improve patient care or reduce costs. They must also be able to use various software and systems to manage and organize patient health information.

 

Communication Skills: RHITs need to be effective communicators since they work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and insurance companies. They must be able to explain complex medical terms and procedures in simple language that patients and other healthcare professionals can understand.

 

Ethics and Professionalism: RHITs must adhere to strict ethical standards and maintain confidentiality of patient health information at all times. They must also exhibit professionalism in their interactions with patients and other healthcare professionals.

 

Career Opportunities for RHITs

RHITs can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, insurance companies, and government agencies. They may also work for companies that develop EHR systems or provide other health information management services.

 

RHITs can work in various roles, including medical coding and billing, health information management, data analysis and management, privacy and security of patient health information, and healthcare reimbursement.

 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for health information technicians, including RHITs, was $44,090 in May 2020. The job outlook for health information technicians is also positive, with employment expected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

 

As healthcare becomes more digitized and reliant on technology, the role of health information technicians has become increasingly important. Registered Health Information Technicians (RHITs) are professionals who help maintain and manage the medical records and health information of patients. If you're interested in pursuing a career as an RHIT, here's a step-by-step guide on how to become one.

 

What does an RHIT do?

 

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional in the healthcare industry who manages and maintains patient medical records and health information. The primary responsibilities of an RHIT include collecting, organizing, analyzing, and ensuring the accuracy and completeness of patient health information in electronic health records (EHRs) or other health information management systems.

 

RHITs use their knowledge of medical terminology, healthcare coding systems, data management, and healthcare privacy and security laws to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of patient health information. They work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patient information is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to those who need it.

 

In addition to managing patient health information, RHITs may also be responsible for tasks such as medical coding and billing, analyzing health data to identify trends and patterns, and helping to develop and implement policies and procedures related to health information management.

 

Overall, RHITs play a critical role in ensuring the quality and safety of patient care by managing and organizing patient health information in a way that is accurate, accessible, and secure.

 

How long does it take to get RHIT certified?

 

To become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), individuals must complete the necessary education and pass the RHIT certification exam. The length of time it takes to become certified as an RHIT can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's educational background and the format of their RHIT training program.

 

In general, RHIT certification requires completion of an associate degree program in health information management (HIM) from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). These programs typically take two years to complete and include coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, data management, and healthcare laws and ethics.

 

After completing an accredited associate degree program in HIM, individuals are eligible to take the RHIT certification exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The RHIT exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete.

 

In some cases, individuals may also be eligible to sit for the RHIT exam with a combination of education and work experience. AHIMA provides a list of eligibility requirements for individuals with various educational backgrounds and work experience levels on their website.

 

Overall, the length of time it takes to become certified as an RHIT can vary from two to four years, depending on the individual's educational background and the format of their training program.

 

Is a RHIT a coder?

 

While a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) may be involved in coding and classification of medical data, coding is just one of many tasks that an RHIT may be responsible for.

 

RHITs are trained in health information management (HIM) and are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and managing patient health information, including medical records, clinical data, and other important healthcare information. They also ensure that patient information is accurate, complete, and secure.

 

In addition to coding and classification, RHITs may be involved in tasks such as data analysis, medical billing, release of information, compliance with health information laws and regulations, and quality improvement initiatives.

 

Overall, while coding may be a part of an RHIT's responsibilities, their role is much broader than just coding. RHITs are skilled professionals who manage and maintain critical healthcare information and play an important role in ensuring the quality and safety of patient care.

 

Can you take the RHIT exam without a degree?

 

No, individuals cannot take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam without a degree or equivalent education. The minimum educational requirement for RHIT certification is completion of an associate degree program in health information management (HIM) from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

 

AHIMA, the organization that administers the RHIT certification exam, requires that individuals meet specific eligibility requirements before taking the exam. One of these requirements is the completion of a CAHIIM-accredited associate degree program in HIM, or completion of a foreign HIM program that is deemed equivalent by a credential evaluation service.

 

There are no alternative routes to RHIT certification that do not require an associate degree or equivalent education. However, individuals who have a degree in a related field, such as healthcare or information technology, may be able to apply their education and experience towards eligibility for the RHIT exam. AHIMA provides a list of eligibility requirements for individuals with various educational backgrounds and work experience levels on their website.

 

Learn how you can identify your UCA, The RACA Resume Method, and ICAD-PAL framework to scale in the healthcare industry in my free webinar!

 

Register for my 🌟FREE WEBINAR🌟 happening soon!

👉🏽 Follow @ValeriePage_RHIT on Instagram for career tips, strategies, and motivation.

🏹 Share this with a colleague!