5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Pursuing a Health Information Technician Degree
In today’s technologically advanced world, healthcare has become heavily reliant on information technology. The healthcare industry has a wide range of job opportunities for people interested in pursuing a healthcare career. One such career choice is becoming a health information technician (HIT). In this article, we will discuss five reasons why you should consider pursuing a health information technician degree.
1. High Demand for Health Information Technicians
The healthcare industry is the fastest-growing industry in the world. With an ever-increasing aging population, healthcare services are in high demand. With the implementation of electronic health records (EHR), medical offices and hospitals require trained professionals who can manage electronic records. Health information technicians are in high demand, and this trend is expected to continue.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of health information technicians is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will result in the creation of 29,000 new jobs.
2. Lucrative Salary
Health information technicians are paid a lucrative salary for their services. The median annual wage for health information technicians was $42,630 as of May 2019. The highest 10 percent earned more than $71,150, and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,240.
The salary for health information technicians varies depending on the location and work setting. HITs working in hospitals tend to earn more than those working in outpatient care centers or physician offices.
3. Opportunities for Advancement
Health information technicians have opportunities for advancement. They can specialize in coding, cancer registry, or other areas of health information management. With experience and further education, health information technicians may advance to managerial positions, such as a health information manager or electronic health record specialist.
4. Flexibility of Work
Health information technicians have flexible work schedules. They can work full-time, part-time, or even work from home. HITs can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, government agencies, and insurance companies.
The flexible work schedule makes being an HIT a great career choice for individuals who require a good work-life balance.
5. Job Satisfaction
Health information technicians have a high level of job satisfaction. HITs are responsible for maintaining patient medical records, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the records. The records are essential for billing, research, and quality improvement initiatives. HITs contribute to the accuracy of healthcare data, which has a direct impact on patient care.
Additionally, health information technicians work in a fast-paced, exciting environment. HITs need to keep up-to-date with evolving technology and regulations, which creates different challenges and adds excitement to their roles.
Conclusion
Health information technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. They are in high demand, have opportunities for advancement, and are well-compensated for their work. Pursuing a health information technician degree is an excellent choice for individuals interested in a career in healthcare. With a career in HIT, you can make a difference in the healthcare industry and contribute to patients’ well-being while ensuring a stable and satisfying career.
