Students are prepared to manage computer network systems in the healthcare field through a combination of classroom theory and practical application. They develop the knowledge and skills to troubleshoot and repair computer systems and design, install, and maintain Local Area Network (LANs).

In addition, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment, health information management systems, information security and trends in healthcare. This Program prepares students for obtaining industry standard certifications: Certified Associate in Healthcare Information & Management Systems, CompTIA Network+ Certification, and CompTIA A+ Certification.

Bellingham Technical College is a Microsoft IT Academy member and is a member of CompTIA.

Data are provided on a program (not credential) level

80% BTC graduate placement rate¹

$52,257 starting annual wage²
$65,948 average annual wage²
$83,096 potential annual wage²

Estimated Books, Tools and Supplies Costs

Tuition Fees and Rates

Students should check with a general or faculty advisor to determine when the classes required for this Certificate are available.

Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning. 

Note: Employment in the healthcare field will require passing a national criminal history background check. For more information, contact Admissions & Advising at 360.752.8345.

• Graduates will be able to work with a wide range of healthcare employers (direct care providers, labs, vendors, insurance billing, etc.): a. Computer Support Technician/Specialist b. Help Desk Support c. Network Technician d. Health Information Technologist e. Health Information Management
• Graduates will be able to eligible to take the certification exam for the industry credential - Certified Associate in Healthcare Information & Management Systems.
• Graduates will be able to eligible to return to BTC for approximately one (1) year to complete an Associate in Applied Science in Computer Network Technology.

The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages. An aging population will need more medical tests, treatments, and procedures. This will also mean more claims for reimbursement from private and public insurance companies.

Additional records, coupled with widespread use of electronic health records by all types of healthcare providers, will lead to an increased need for Health Information Technicians to organize and manage the associated information in all areas of the healthcare industry.

As the healthcare sector continues to expand, Health Information Technicians can expect to be in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites Health Information Technician as one of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the US, with a growth rate of 21% anticipated through 2020.

The average annual wage in this field is $55,973, with an earning potential of about $69,680 per year.*.

Students completing the Health IT Certificate at BTC will be prepared to work with a wide range of healthcare employers (direct care providers, labs, vendors, insurance billing, etc.) in various roles, including Computer Support Technician/Specialist, Help Desk Support Staff, Network Technician, and Health Information Technician.

In addition to roles in clinical settings, Health Information Technicians are in high demand among academic institutions, consulting agencies, government agencies, and healthcare software companies. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Health IT will grow as a field to encompass new support positions, including mobile support adoption positions, public health informatics, implementation support specialists, and information management redesign specialists.