Health Information Technology professionals play a critical role in maintaining, collecting and analyzing the data that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers rely on to deliver quality healthcare. They are experts in managing patient health information and health records, administering computer information systems, coding the diagnoses and procedures for healthcare services provided to patients, preparing healthcare statistics, and continuous quality improvement.

Health Information Technology prepares the student for employment in a multitude of settings throughout the healthcare industry including hospitals, physician offices and clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, government agencies and home care providers. Graduates are prepared to serve as entry-level health information technicians.

Lamar Institute of Technology offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Health Information Technology, a Medical Coding Specialist Certificate (HICC) and a Certificate of Completion in Health Informatics (HITC). The AAS degree is an 19 month program, the HICC is completed in 19 months, while the HITC is an 10-month program. Students may complete the programs online and should have excellent computer skills and be disciplined to complete coursework.

Students are accepted into the program in the fall and spring of each year. Admission to the program is based on academic success, ability to meet physical requirements, and past medical experiences. The number of students may be limited to the space available in clinical agencies. Applicants must complete all requirements of the Texas Successive Initiative (THEA/COMPASS or equivalent) prior to admission to the program. In addition, it is strongly recommended Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 2301, 2101, 2302, and 2102) be completed, with a grade of "C" or better, prior to admission to the program. Those students who have not completed the requirements of TSI or the Anatomy and Physiology courses may be limited in the number of classes that can be completed until they have done so.

Applications are available in the Health Information Program office and the LIT webpage (www.lit.edu). Applications are due April 15 or October 15 of each year. Students are encouraged to take supporting courses prior to applying to the program. All courses in the curriculum must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.