A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional credential in the Health Information Management (HIM) field. This certification is administered and overseen by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the leading professional organization for HIM specialists. Earning the RHIT designation signifies proficiency in managing patient health information and medical records, administering computer information systems, and ensuring data integrity within the complex healthcare environment. The credential validates the skills needed to maintain quality information for clinical, financial, and legal purposes.
Defining the Registered Health Information Technician
The RHIT professional functions as a mid-level specialist focused on the technical and operational aspects of health data. They ensure the quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security of patient health information (PHI) throughout its lifecycle. This role requires technological proficiency and a deep understanding of healthcare processes to manage sensitive data.
They organize and maintain the patient health record, whether paper or, more commonly, an Electronic Health Record (EHR). This involves applying knowledge of medical terminology, data management principles, and healthcare privacy laws to safeguard patient data. The RHIT’s work establishes the foundation for effective patient care and financial stability, as information drives decision-making and reimbursement in modern healthcare.
Key Responsibilities of an RHIT Professional
Ensuring Data Quality and Integrity
RHITs validate the completeness and accuracy of patient data entered into computer systems. This involves reviewing medical documentation to confirm that all required fields and reports are present and correctly abstracted from the clinical record. Technicians use this data for analysis, identifying trends and patterns that can inform decisions about patient care or cost control efforts.
Managing Electronic Health Records
RHIT professionals administer and maintain Electronic Health Record systems. They manage patient access permissions and security protocols to ensure authorized users can efficiently retrieve and utilize patient information while preventing unauthorized access. Their work ensures the smooth functioning of these information systems, which are foundational to contemporary healthcare delivery.
Maintaining Regulatory Compliance
Adherence to federal and state regulations is central to the RHIT role, particularly concerning patient data privacy. They implement and monitor policies that align with standards like the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. This includes managing the secure release of information to authorized parties while upholding strict confidentiality requirements.
Supporting Clinical Coding and Reimbursement
RHITs support the revenue cycle by managing clinical documentation and classification. They review patient records to ensure physician documentation is complete and accurate, which is necessary for medical coders to assign the correct diagnosis and procedure codes. While they may specialize in basic coding, their primary role is ensuring the quality of the underlying documentation needed for accurate reimbursement and research purposes.
Educational and Experience Requirements for Certification
The path to achieving the RHIT credential requires specific education recognized by the certifying body. Candidates must successfully complete an Associate’s Degree in Health Information Management (HIM) or Health Information Technology (HIT). This degree must be obtained from a college or university program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Graduating from a CAHIIM-accredited program is the prerequisite that qualifies an individual to sit for the RHIT certification examination, ensuring they possess foundational knowledge in data management, healthcare structure, and regulatory compliance.
The RHIT Certification Examination Process
Once educational requirements are met, candidates apply to take the RHIT certification examination through AHIMA. The exam is administered in a computer-based format, typically scheduled with a third-party testing vendor such as Pearson VUE. Candidates receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter after approval, granting them a specific window of eligibility to schedule their appointment.
The examination assesses competency across six major domains of health information management knowledge. These content areas include data analysis, compliance, revenue cycle management, and information governance. The test consists of approximately 150 questions, and candidates are allotted three and a half hours to complete the assessment. To earn the credential, a passing score of 300 or higher is required.
Career Opportunities and Work Settings
RHIT professionals are employed in environments that require the secure and effective management of health data. The most common settings are hospitals, including both inpatient and outpatient facilities, where they manage large volumes of patient records. Opportunities also exist in smaller settings such as physician offices, ambulatory care centers, and long-term care facilities.
Beyond direct patient care settings, RHITs work in organizations that rely on health data for business or research. This includes insurance companies, government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs, and vendor firms that develop and manage health information technology. Common job titles held by RHITs include:
- Health Information Technician
- Medical Records Auditor
- Cancer Registrar
- Health Data Analyst
Salary Expectations and Career Outlook
The RHIT credential generally leads to higher compensation than for non-certified health information technicians. In May 2024, the median annual wage for health information technologists and medical registrars was reported to be $67,310, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The career outlook for this profession is strong due to the increasing complexity of health data and the ongoing need for regulatory compliance. Employment of health information technologists and medical registrars is projected to grow 15 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the widespread adoption of Electronic Health Records and the continuous focus on data integrity within the healthcare industry.
Maintaining Your RHIT Credential
Maintaining the Registered Health Information Technician credential requires a recertification process every two years. RHIT holders must complete a minimum of 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during each two-year cycle. At least 80% of these CEUs must be earned within the Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) domains to ensure ongoing professional relevance and currency with evolving regulations and technologies. Once the required CEUs are completed and the recertification fee is paid, the credential holder submits the application to AHIMA to keep their certification active.