Health Information Technology Frequently Asked Questions

The Delgado HEIT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIM).  Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply to write the national qualifying examination for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).  The successful completion of the examination will entitle an individual to use the credentials of a Registered Health Information Technician, RHIT.  The credentials, RHIT, are recognized throughout the United States and will not require an additional examination if an individual moves to another state.

What is A Registered Health Information Technician?

The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) performs technical health information management  functions such as managing both paper and electronic health data, applying medical codes to diagnosis and procedures, utilizing and maintaining electronic health records, participating in the management of the revenue cycle, protecting the privacy and security of health information, and collecting health data for quality improvements initiatives in various types of health care settings.  Health information is the profession that focuses on health care data and the management of health care information resources.   The profession addresses the nature, structure, and translation of data into usable forms of information for the advancement of health and health care of individuals and populations.  Health Information professionals collect, integrate, and analyze primary and secondary health care data, disseminate information and manage information resources relative to the research, planning, provision, and evaluation of health care services.  

What is the HEIT Program like at Delgado?

The HEIT Program is a part-time, hybrid (both distance learning and face to face courses) program that includes general education courses,  required related science and business courses and the professional HEIT courses.  The HEIT component begins in August of each year consists of two years of combined didactic and clinical education.

How do you apply for admission to the HEIT Program?

Delgado Community College is an open admissions college; however acceptance into the HEIT Program is by selection.  The Admissions Committee for the HEIT Program reviews and evaluates each application on an impartial basis.  Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.  Students wishing to apply for admission to the HEIT Program must submit a completed HEIT application to the Division of Allied Health no later than April 30.

Persons accepted into the HEIT Program will be required to meet the technical standards of the RHIT profession which are available for review in the Allied Admissions Office.

When should you apply for admission to the HEIT Program?

To be eligible for admission to the HEIT program students must:

1.  Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

2. Score on the ACT, SAT or Delgado College Placement Test sufficient to place the student at college level courses: (Math 120 is the program entry level MATH) and possess a strong educational background in Biology/Science.  Any high school graduate who is under 25 years is required by state law to submit ACT scores to the Delgado Office of Admissions in order to enroll in the college level courses.

3. Possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in all college courses.

NOTE:  Science courses over 10 years old may require repetition.  Check with the Allied Health Admissions Advisor.