The Benefits of Earning an Associate’s Degree in Health Information Technology
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry is projected to add more new jobs than any other field between 2019 and 2029. This highlights the increasing importance of healthcare in our society. Health information technology (HIT) is a vital component of the industry. HIT is responsible for managing patients’ medical records, ensuring the accuracy and security of these records, and providing healthcare facilities with important data analytics insights. To help individuals pursue a career in HIT, earning an associate’s degree in this field comes with numerous benefits.
Benefit 1: Higher Employment Opportunities
The demand for health information technicians is on the rise, with a projected growth rate of 8% between 2019 and 2029. Many healthcare organizations are seeking professionals with an associate’s degree in HIT to fill the role of health information technician. This degree showcases an individual’s knowledge of the principles of HIT, making them an attractive candidate for employment.
Benefit 2: Job Security
In addition to the demand for HIT professionals, job security in this field is high. With the increase in healthcare facilities and the need for medical records to be accurately maintained and secured, the need for HIT professionals is essential. As technology continues to play a more significant role in healthcare, the demand for HIT professionals will only increase, leading to job security and stability.
Benefit 3: Competitive Salary
Due to the importance of their role, health information technicians are paid competitive salaries. The median annual salary for health information technicians in the US was $42,630 in May 2020. Salaries will vary depending on factors such as experience, education level, and location. Nevertheless, an associate’s degree in HIT positions individuals to receive a salary at the higher end of the scale.
Benefit 4: Versatility
Earning an associate’s degree in HIT does not limit you to being a health information technician. The degree prepares individuals for a wide range of positions within the healthcare industry. These positions include medical billing and coding, clinical documentation improvement specialist, medical scribe, and health data analyst. With an ever-increasing demand for healthcare professionals, an associate’s degree in HIT positions individuals for a myriad of job opportunities.
Benefit 5: Further Educational Opportunities
An associate’s degree in HIT is an excellent foundation for individuals who wish to pursue further educational opportunities. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degree programs in health information management (HIM). An associate’s degree in HIT provides a great introduction to the field, and graduates can move on to more advanced studies to enhance their skills and pursue leadership positions.
Conclusion
An associate’s degree in HIT offers many benefits to individuals who wish to pursue a career in the healthcare industry. It provides higher employment opportunities, job security, competitive salaries, versatility, and the opportunity for further educational opportunities. With the rising importance of HIT, there is no better time to earn an associate’s degree in this field and become part of an essential and growing profession.
