Kansas Health Informatics
Health Informatics is one of the most rapid-growing sectors of health care in America today. Kentucky health Informatics technicians and managers secure, analyze, and implement medical and administrative data. They are the guardians of patient confidentiality. Ideal candidates have strong communication skills and knowledge of biology. Programs for Registered Health Information Technicians, or RHIT, require only an Associate’s Degree. These programs can often be completed primarily through online coursework. This is an excellent career program for adults and non-traditional students who wish to improve their earning potential in a field with a strong job outlook. Aside from traditional settings, such as emergency clinics, hospitals, and retirement homes, the career prepares professionals for a wide variety of jobs in education, research, insurance agencies, and government. From 2008-2018, this field has a projected increase of 20% in the number of jobs available.
Kansas Health Informatics Links
Kansas Health Informatics Jobs
In Kansas, these jobs are available at major hospitals, such as the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, which implements some of the latest technology, such as iTriage technology for obtaining medical information. As with many employers, certification as RHIT or RHIA is required for their Medical Coder and Medical Coding Coordinator positions. Via Christi Regional Medical Center serves the communities of Wichita, Pittsburg, and Manhattan, and employs dozens of workers as Concurrent Coder/Document Specialists and HIM Coders, which require RHIT certification. They also offer entry-level jobs that only require a high school diploma as Medical Transcriptionists and HIM clerks.
Health Informatics Degree Options – Kansas
To obtain RHIT certification, students must earn an Associate’s Degree program from a school accredited by CAHIIM, the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics & Information Management. These programs introduce students to all aspects of the field, including coding, medical terminology, data analysis, legal aspects of health care information, reimbursement procedures, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Upon completion of program courses and an internship, students must pass the CAHIIM exam to become RHIT. In Kansas, approved programs are offered by Hutchinson Community College, Neosho County Community College (Chanute), and Washburn University (Topeka). In Kansas, the only Bachelor’s program accredited by CAHIIM is offered by the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City. This program accepts transfer students with Associate’s Degrees as well as students who complete their general requirements at the University’s Lawrence campus. The program focuses on the more advanced aspects of the field, such as the development of data modeling algorithms, business expertise, and human resource management. The program prepares students for a variety of careers with insurance companies, information technology vendors, and pharmaceutical companies, among others. Graduates of the program pass the CAHIIM examination to become certified Registered Health Information Administrators, or RHIA. For more information, see the program’s website at http://www.him.kumc.edu/. Other online and campus based informatics programs are available as well and can be found below.
Health Informatics (RHIT & RHIA) Salary – Kansas
Kansas RHIT can expect to earn an average $15.07 per hour, or $31,000 a year. Professionals with years of experience in the top 10% of the field earn up to $22.42 hourly, or $46,600 annually. At the Bachelor’s Degree level, professionals can expect a much higher earning potential. RHIA in Kansas earn an average of $37.232 hourly, or $77,400 annually. The experienced professionals in the top 10% of the field earn up to $53.32 an hour, or $110,00 a year.
*Salary Data: Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Earnings Statistics