Health Information Technology (HIT)
Electronic health records (EHR) have changed the way we use and store medical information. In these two training tracks, you’ll learn the skills necessary to work in the emerging field of health information technology (HIT).
HIT Technical/Software Support Specialist
Workers in this role support the technology deployed in clinical and public health settings. As a HIT technical/software support staff, you will maintain systems in clinical and public health settings, including patching and upgrading software. You also will provide one-on-one support in a traditional “help desk” model to individual users with questions or problems.
Course Curriculum/Competencies Learned
After completing this training track, you will know how to interact with end users to diagnose IT problems and implement solutions. You will be able to assist end users with the execution of audits and related privacy and security functions as well as incorporate usability principles into ongoing software configuration and implementation.
This six-month program is entirely online with an approximately 20-25 hour per week commitment to complete the reading/comprehension/assignments/quizzes. Course topics include working with health IT systems, installing and maintaining health IT systems, and configuring EHRs.
Potential Job Titles
- Help desk support specialist/technician
- HIT programmer/analyst
- HIT technical consultant
- HIT second-level support
- HIT lead desktop support technician
Suggested Background
- General background in information technology or health information management
Full course curriculum for the HIT Technical/Software Support Specialist track (pdf)
Apply for the HIT Technical/Software Support Specialist track. The next class begins in January 2014; we will begin accepting applications in October 2013.
HIT Trainer
Workers in this role design and deliver training programs using adult learning principles to employees in clinical and public health settings.
Course Curriculum
After completing this training track, you will be able to use a range of health IT applications. You will be able to communicate clearly both health and IT concepts and apply a user-oriented approach to training. You will have the skills to design lesson plans, structuring active learning experiences for end-users.
This six-month program is entirely online with an approximately 20-25 hour per week commitment to complete the reading/comprehension/assignments/quizzes. Course topics include health management information systems, professionalism and customer service in the health environment, and training and instructional design.
Potential Job Titles
- HIT trainer
- Electronic Health Record (EHR) implementation trainer
Suggested Background
- Experience as a health professional, health information management specialist or medical librarian
- Experience as a trainer in the classroom is also desired
Full course curriculum for the HIT Trainer track (pdf)
Apply for the HIT Trainer track. The next class begins in January 2014; we will begin accepting applications in October 2013.
Resources
To be eligible for the REACH IT program, applicants must:
- be unemployed or underemployed (definition of underemployed: has not found a job that provides comparable responsibility and pay to previous position or is working part-time when full-time employment is desired).
- be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
- have a minimum of a two-year college/technical degree (appropriate IT and/or HIT certifications may be required for specific training tracks).
- have a minimum of two years of experience (more experience may be required for specific training tracks).
- Seeking applicants with a wide range of backgrounds
- IT and/or health care experience required for HIT programs
- possess basic computer skills including Microsoft Office and using the Internet.
- have no outstanding balance at CPCC.
