Level I and II Certificates & AAS, Health Information Technology

Additional information: Reference the SHSU Polytechnic College page for additional information.

Program Description

The Health Information Technology (HIT) Program is designed to equip students with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to manage and protect healthcare data in a rapidly evolving medical environment. The curriculum aligns with national certification standards and emphasizes medical records management, diagnostic and procedural coding, data integrity and healthcare data analytics.

Through a combination of coursework and structured clinical experiences, students gain hands-on training in real-world healthcare settings. The program integrates strong partnerships with regional healthcare providers to ensure students develop applied skills in electronic health record systems, compliance standards and regulatory requirements.

Upon completion of the program, students are well-prepared to pursue national certification and enter the growing field of health information management with the credentials and experience employers seek.

Statewide Industry Insights

  • Current Workforce: 39,631
  • Average Salary: $50,500
  • Open Positions: 4,030

      Data provided by Lightcast, 2025

As of Fall 2026

Level I Certificate, Medical Records
HITT 1211Health Information Systems2
HITT 1253Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Information2
HITT 1301Health Data Content and Structure3
HITT 1305Medical Terminology I3
HPRS 1201Introduction to Health Profess2
ITSC 1309Integrated Software Applicatio3
Total Hours15

Notes: The Level I Certificate, Medical Records is a prerequisite for the Level II Certificate, Medical Coding. 

The Level I certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum.  

As of Spring 2027

Level II Certificate, Medical Coding
Core Curriculum
MATH 1342Elementary Statistics 13
Required Courses
HITT 1341Coding and Classification Systems3
HITT 1342Ambulatory Coding3
HITT 1345Health Care Delivery Systems3
SCIT 1307Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I3
SCIT 1308Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II3
Total Hours18
Cumulative Total 33

Notes: The Level I Certificate, Medical Records is a prerequisite for the Level II Certificate, Medical Coding. 

The Level II certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum.  

AAS, Health Information Technology (HIT)
Level I Certificate, Medical Records15
Level II Certificate, Medical Coding18
Core Curriculum
ENGL 1301Composition I 23
PHIL 2303Critical Thinking 33
SPCH 1321Business & Professional Communication 43
Required Courses
HITT 2160Clinical - Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician1
HITT 2249RHIT Competency Review2
HITT 2335Coding and Reimbursement Methodologies3
HITT 2339Health Information Organization and Supervision3
HITT 2343Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement3
HITT 2346Advanced Medical Coding3
HLTH 2383Multicultural Health Issues3
Total Hours60
1

MATH 1342 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area II (Mathematics).

2

ENGL 1301 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area I (Communications).

3

PHIL 2303 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences).

4

SPCH 1321 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IX (Component Area Option).

Additional information: Reference the SHSU Polytechnic College page for additional information.

As of Fall 2026

Level I Certificate, Medical Records

First Year
FallHours
HITT 12112
HITT 12532
HITT 13013
HITT 13053
HPRS 12012
ITSC 13093
 15
Total Hours: 15

Notes: The Level I Certificate, Medical Records is a prerequisite for the Level II Certificate, Medical Coding. 

The Level I certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum.

As of Spring 2027

Level II Certificate, Medical Coding 

First Year
SpringHoursSummerHours
HITT 13413MATH 134213
HITT 13423SCIT 13083
HITT 13453 
SCIT 13073 
 12 6
Total Hours: 18

Notes: The Level I Certificate, Medical Records is a prerequisite for the Level II Certificate, Medical Coding. 

The Level II certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum. 

AAS, Health Information Technology (HIT)

Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ENGL 130123HITT 21601
HITT 23353HITT 22493
HITT 23393HITT 23463
HITT 23433HLTH 23833
PHIL 230333SPCH 132143
 15 13
Total Hours: 28
1

MATH 1342 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area II (Mathematics).

2

ENGL 1301 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area I (Communications).

3

PHIL 2303 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences).

4

SPCH 1321 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IX (Component Area Option).

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The Level I Certificate, Level II Certificate, and AAS Program in Health Information Technology (HIT) are designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Accurately assign medical codes and classifications using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) to support billing, reimbursement, and healthcare reporting.
  • Manage and analyze electronic health records (EHRs) while maintaining patient privacy and compliance with HIPAA and other regulatory standards.
  • Utilize health information systems and data analytics tools to support clinical decision-making, quality improvement, and healthcare operations.
  • Interpret and apply healthcare laws, regulations, and ethical standards in the handling and dissemination of patient information.
  • Communicate effectively with healthcare professionals and insurance providers to support revenue cycle management and administrative workflows.