Health Information Technology Program
Cypress College
9200 Valley View St. · Cypress, CA 90630 · 714-484-7283
The Health Information Management Profession
Courses in Health Information Technology prepare individuals to become
health information specialists. The health information technician is a member
of the health care team assuring that documentation is consistent with professional
standards and licensure requirements. To accomplish this, health information technicians
monitor and track information recorded in a patient's medical record which includes
the medical history, physical examination, progress notes reflecting treatment,
and laboratory and radiology reports. Interacting with physicians, administrators,
nurses and other allied health professionals, the health information technician
quantifies, manages, and interprets the health record data that becomes the basis
for crucial medical and financial decisions. The health information technician
functions as the patient advocate in protecting the confidentiality of sensitive
health care information recorded in the medical record.
To fulfill these responsibilities, health information technicians develop a broad range of skills. Their clinical knowledge base is essential for them to read and interpret the medical record. Processing health information involves usage of computers and computer applications. In safeguarding medical information, the health information technician becomes familiar with the legal aspects inherent in the delivery of patient care. Health information technicians develop managerial skills working as supervisors and managers of health information services.
Job Opportunities
Most (70%) health information technicians currently work in health care facilities where they organize analyze and generate health data for treatment, reimbursement, planning, quality assessment and research. Other employers of health information professionals include medical group practices, government agencies, insurance companies, utilization review organizations, health maintenance organizations, cancer centers, and consulting firms. Health information specialists can also work in sales and marketing positions for companies that design and supply information systems and materials for health information/medical record departments. Health Information Technology is one of the fastest-growing careers in the United Sates.
The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics estimate that more than 47,000 additional health information managment professionals will be needed by the year 2005. The aginng of the US population, the growing need for health care, increasing government regulations, and new payment programs are all trends that will spur the growth of this profession.
College Registration Information
Applications to Cypress College can be obtained from Admissions & Records. After you submit the application to the College, you will receive information about the Registration Process as well as your appointment date for registering for classes. If you have never attended Cypress College, you will need to go through Assessment and Orientation. You may register for classes by telephone at any time after your appointment date. A Schedule for Classes can be obtained from the College Bookstore or by accessing our website at cypresscollege.edu
Students may enroll in the Health Information Technology Program in either the Fall or Spring semesters. There is no specific application process to the Program. Submit application to the College. Students are responsible for completing a Personal Data Sheet and furnishing all documents, records, forms, and transcripts indicating minimum standards to the Health Science Counseling Office. Health Information Technology Personal Data Sheets may be obtained from the Health Science Counseling Office.
Interested?
Contact Rosalie Majid, Program Directer at rmajid@cypresscollege.edu or call:
- Health Science Counseling - 714-484-7270
- Health Science Division - 714-484-7283
- Health Information Technology Program - 714-484-7289
Where are we?
The Health Information Technology Program is located in Room 202 on the second floor of the Technical Education III, or the Health Science Building, which is adjacent to Parking Lot #4. Our mailing address is Cypress College, 9200 Valley View, Cypress, CA 90630. A permit to park may be purchased for $2.00 from the Parking Pass Dispenser located at the entrance to Parking Lot #4. A permit is required in all lots and along the circular drive.