HIT Additional Information | GCTC

Education & Training

HIT Additional Information

Why choose Health Information Technology at Gateway?

The Health Information Technology program provides the knowledge and skills that you will need to successfully perform HIT duties in a healthcare workforce. The two tracks – Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology and the Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding prepare you to pursue your interest in roles that span against a range of healthcare delivery systems. The program is aimed at working adults and nontraditional learners who are seeking to complete their degrees or earn a certificate. The associate of applied science offers students the ability to attend remote classes in a virtual classroom setting. Our medical billing and coding program is delivered exclusively online. Except for the onsite, unpaid nonclinical practicum required for each program. General education courses can either be done online or on campus. The online courses are not self-paced. They are set to open with a new lecture and material each week with assignments being due weekly as indicated on your syllabus.

What are the Practicum Requirements?

Both programs require students to work a set number of hours in an unpaid, site-approved, site-supervised healthcare setting. You will collaborate with your instructor to find a practicum site during your final term. The associate program requires you to do 120 hours while the certificate program requires 60 hours. You will need to collaborate with your current employer to ensure you have the time off to complete your required practicum. Please note you will not be able to use your current employer as a substitution for practicum hours.

What are the Program Costs?

  • Tuition, lab, and fees
    • Subject to change based on the academic year and financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
  • Books
    • Approximately $800-$1,000 per year
  • Criminal background check and drug screen
    • $67
  • Professional yearly association dues (student)
    • $49
  • Credentialing exam fee
    • $299-$399
  • Immunizations
    • Varies

What Employability skills do I need to work in the Health Information profession?

Professionalism and Teamwork Skills:

  • You must be a team player and willing to work within groups
  • Interact professionally and appropriately with others
  • Dependable Well-organized
  • Time management/meeting deadlines
  • Appears professional in dress and demeanor

Critical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning Skills:

  • Able to integrate theory and correlate data
  • Must be able to recognize and solve problems
  • Requires excellent attention to detail
  • Solve real-world problems
  • Analysis of graphical or numerical data
  • Decision Making

Communication Skills:

  • Must be able to verbally communicate effectively with patients and co-workers including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff
  • Ability to comprehend and accurately follow verbal and written directions
  • Must be able to professionally communicate in writing electronic mail messages
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Are there specific enrollment/start dates?

You may enter the program at the beginning of any term (fall or spring). Courses are offered in the fall (starting early August) and spring (starting mid- January).