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Frequently Asked Questions
Back to Main MenuHealth Information TechnologyHealthcare Management TechnologyAdmission RequirementsFAQsCareer InformationProgram Policies and Student HandbookPPE (Clinical) RequirementsProgram Costs
Judy Butner

Judy Butner


828-652-0620

Health Information TechnologyHealthcare Management TechnologyAdmission RequirementsFAQsCareer InformationProgram Policies and Student HandbookPPE (Clinical) RequirementsProgram Costs
Judy Butner

Judy Butner

Director of Health Information Technology
828-652-0620

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree or credentials are available and what type of salary will you earn?

The Health Information Technology Program offers multiple pathways once basic admission requirements are met.

Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology

  • Eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
  • A credentialed graduate typically earns $30,000–$45,000 per year, depending on employer and credentials.

Health Information Technology Medical Coding Diploma

  • May be eligible for AHIMA’s Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exams.
  • May also be eligible for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder – Hospital (CPC-H) exam.
  • Certified Coding Specialists typically earn $15.00–$35.00 per hour.

Health Information Technology Certificate in Release of Information

  • Release of Information Clerks / Health Information Specialists typically earn $10.00–$14.00 per hour.

Health Information Technology Certificate in Medical Billing & Coding

  • May be eligible for AHIMA’s CCA or CCS-P (Physician-based) exams.
  • May also be eligible for AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam.
  • Certified Coding Specialists typically earn $15.00–$35.00 per hour.

Health Information Technology Certificate in Healthcare Informatics

  • May be eligible for the National Certification exam to earn the Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) credential (AHIMA) in the role of Practice Workflow & Information Management Redesign (CHTS-PW).
  • Graduates typically earn $12.00–$20.00 per hour.

What will you learn in the HIT Curriculum?

HIT graduates must demonstrate competencies across a wide range of subjects aligned with CAHIIM and AHIMA expectations to succeed on the national certification exams and on the job.

Students should review the CAHIIM curricular competencies to ensure the required subject matter aligns with their educational goals and career plans.

Courses you’ll take

Coursework includes supervising departmental functions; classifying, coding, and indexing diagnoses and procedures; coordinating information for cost control, quality management, statistics, marketing, and planning; monitoring standards; facilitating research; and designing system controls to protect patient information security.

When may I apply to the HIT Program?

Applications are accepted continually. Visit MTCC Admissions for specific instructions.

How many students are accepted to the HIT Program?

The program intends to enroll a maximum of 20 students per term (approximately 40 per year). There is no selective admissions policy at this time.

Is there a clinical component required?

Yes. All students in the Associate Degree, Diploma, and Certificate in Medical Billing programs complete a Professional Practice Experience (PPE), the HIT program’s clinical component. Sites vary and, if feasible, a site may be arranged near the student’s home location (availability and site criteria apply).

Is this a full-time or part-time program?

The Associate Degree can be completed full-time or part-time; all degree students must finish within 11 consecutive semesters. Diploma and Certificate programs are designed for working students and can be completed part-time within 7 consecutive semesters.

How do I know which courses to take and when?

Each program has a published curriculum plan. Follow the recommended semester sequence. Degree students should complete within 11 consecutive semesters; diploma/certificate students within 7 consecutive semesters.

Must I travel to campus?

Yes. The HIT Program is hybrid. Expect to come to campus 1–2 times per week, depending on your schedule. Science/general-education courses may be taken at other colleges and transferred to MTCC. Professional Practice sites are typically arranged within a 40–60 mile commute of the student’s home.

Must I take the RHIT credentialing examination at the end of my curriculum?

No, it isn’t mandatory. However, passing the RHIT exam verifies program knowledge and is required by many employers.

I was in this program before and had to leave. May I reapply?

Please review the HIT Program Readmission policy to determine eligibility for readmission.