The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification represents a gateway to a rewarding career in healthcare information management. RHITs play a crucial role in ensuring the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into healthcare information systems. This certification opens doors to diverse employment opportunities across the healthcare spectrum and related industries.
Understanding the RHIT Certification
The RHIT certification is administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), a nationwide organization dedicated to maintaining and improving health information management practices and standards. This credential validates professionals who manage patient health information and medical records, administering computer information systems, and coding diagnoses and procedures for healthcare services.
Role and Responsibilities
RHITs are certified healthcare specialists who manage the access and protection of confidential patient information. They handle various types of data including:
- Insurance coverage
- Medical diagnoses
- Billing statuses
- Medication prescriptions
- Patient symptoms
These professionals ensure the quality of medical records, often specializing in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research purposes.
Did You Know?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health information technician careers are expected to grow 8% between now and 2029, which is much faster than average growth for all occupations.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the RHIT examination, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:
Educational Prerequisites
- Successfully complete the academic requirements at an associate degree level from a Health Information Management (HIM) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
- OR
- Graduate from an HIM program approved by a foreign association with which AHIMA has a reciprocity agreement.
Early Testing Option
If you are enrolled in your final term in a CAHIIM-accredited program, you may be eligible for early testing if you:
- Have graduated but are waiting for official transcripts
- Have completed coursework but have not yet graduated
- Are currently enrolled in your last term?
The RHIT Examination Structure
The RHIT exam is comprehensive and designed to test both knowledge and application of health information management concepts.
Exam Format
- Format: Computer-based test
- Questions: 150 multiple-choice questions (only 130 are scored)
- Time limit: 3.5 hours
- Passing score: 300 out of 400 (scaled score)
- Cost: $229 for AHIMA members, $299 for non-members
It’s important to note that of the 150 questions, 20 are pretest questions that don’t count toward your final score.
Content Domains
The exam covers six major domains, each representing a percentage of the total exam:
- Data Content, Structure, and Information Governance (19-25%)
- Health information guidelines
- Healthcare standards
- Legal health record maintenance
- Access, Disclosure, Privacy, and Security (14-18%)
- PHI disclosure
- Access control
- Customer education
- Health record disposition
- Data Analytics and Use (12-18%)
- Revenue Cycle Management (19-25%)
- Compliance (13-17%)
- Leadership (9-12%)
Question Types
The exam features three levels of question complexity:
- Recall (RE): Tests memory of terms, facts, and procedures
- Application (AP): Requires comprehension and application of knowledge to new situations (majority of questions)
- Analysis (AN): Measures depth of knowledge and ability to apply to various scenarios
Exam Results
Upon submitting the exam, candidates receive their results immediately. The score report breaks down performance by domain, providing valuable feedback, especially for those who need to retake the exam.
Career Opportunities with RHIT Certification
RHIT certification opens doors to diverse career opportunities across multiple healthcare settings.
Work Settings
RHITs can find employment in various healthcare environments:
- Hospitals
- Office-based physician practices
- Nursing homes
- Home health agencies
- Mental health facilities
- Public health agencies
- Insurance companies
- Law firms
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Rehabilitation facilities
Career Paths
The field of health information technology offers several career paths:
| Career Path | Description |
| Medical Records Technician | Manages and organizes patient records |
| Health Information Technician | Ensures data accuracy and security |
| Certified Coding Associate | Specializes in medical coding |
| Medical Records Coder | Assigns codes for diagnoses and procedures |
| Cancer Registrar | Maintains cancer patient databases |
| Coding Auditor | Reviews coding accuracy and compliance |
Certification Maintenance
Validity and Renewal
- The RHIT certification is valid for two years
- Renewal requires proof of completing 20 continuing education credits every two years
- Certification can be revoked for failing to meet recertification requirements or ethics violations
RHIT vs. Other Healthcare Information Certifications
The RHIT is part of a family of certifications offered by AHIMA. It’s most closely related to the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification.
Credential Progression
RHIT holders with a bachelor’s degree can qualify to take the RHIA examination, creating a clear pathway for career advancement.
Related AHIMA Certifications
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
- Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-Based (CCS-P)
- Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)
- Certified Health Privacy and Security (CHPS)
- Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP)
Steps to Become an RHIT
1. Earn an Associate Degree
Complete a CAHIIM-accredited Health Information Management program. Coursework typically includes:
- Health information and ethics
- Computer science
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Medical terminology
2. Prepare for the Exam
Effective Study Strategies:
- Take practice exams, aiming for scores above 75%
- Focus on understanding application and analysis concepts
- Use approved study materials and prep courses
- Join study groups or forums with other candidates
3. Apply and Schedule the Exam
- Submit application with required documentation
- Pay examination fee
- Schedule your exam at an approved testing center
4. Maintain Your Certification
After passing the exam, you’re considered a credentialed professional from that date. Remember to:
- Track continuing education credits
- Submit renewal documentation before expiration
- Stay current with industry developments and best practices
The Value of Technology in Healthcare
Health information technology sits at the intersection of patient care and technology. While doctors and nurses provide direct patient care, HIT professionals ensure that medical data is accurate, up-to-date, and secure.
This behind-the-scenes work is crucial because:
- Electronic medical records (EMRs) enable caregivers to access patient history and current medical information
- Technology helps health organizations comply with regulations requiring digitization of patient records
- Proper information management improves patient care outcomes and operational efficiency
FAQs about RHIT Certifications
What are the key responsibilities of an RHIT in different healthcare settings?
RHITs maintain accurate medical records across hospitals (managing complex datasets), clinics (coordinating patient updates), and insurance firms (auditing claims). They ensure coding accuracy, protect patient privacy under HIPAA, analyze health data trends, and support billing processes. Roles adapt to setting size—larger facilities emphasize specialization; smaller practices require multifaceted data management.
How does the RHIT certification benefit professionals in coding and data analytics?
RHIT certification validates expertise in medical coding (ICD-10-CM/PCS) and data analytics, enhancing employability. Certified professionals command higher salaries and qualify for roles like clinical data analyst or coding supervisor. The credential bridges technical skills with regulatory compliance, critical for optimizing reimbursement and healthcare research.
What are the eligibility requirements to sit for the RHIT examination?
Candidates need an associate degree from a CAHIIM-accredited Health Information Management program. Early testing allows final-semester students to apply. Foreign graduates must hold degrees from AHIMA-recognized institutions. Transcript verification is mandatory before scheduling the exam.
How can one prepare effectively for the RHIT certification exam?
Utilize AHIMA’s study guides, take timed practice tests (target >75% scores), and join peer study groups. Focus on application-based scenarios (65% of exam questions). Master domains like revenue cycle management through case studies. Schedule exams post-course completion for fresh knowledge retention.
What are the main domains and tasks covered in the RHIT exam?
The exam covers six areas: Data Governance (19-25%), Privacy/Security (14-18%), Data Analytics (12-18%), Revenue Cycle (19-25%), Compliance (13-17%), and Leadership (9-12%). Tasks include auditing records, managing disclosures, interpreting analytics, ensuring billing accuracy, and implementing compliance programs.
Conclusion
The RHIT certification represents a valuable credential for those interested in healthcare information management. With strong job growth projected, diverse employment settings, and clear pathways for advancement, becoming an RHIT offers a promising career trajectory in the ever-evolving healthcare industry.
By following the educational requirements, preparing thoroughly for the examination, and maintaining your certification through continuing education, you can build a rewarding career that contributes significantly to healthcare quality and efficiency—all without direct patient care responsibilities.
Reference:
https://www.cambridgehealth.edu/health-information-technology/health-information-technology-career/career-paths-in-health-information-technology/
https://www.devry.edu/blog/pursue-an-rhit-certification.html
