New Degree, and Career, Offered by CASC

Carl Albert State College (CASC) in Sallisaw and Poteau will offer a new two-year degree, for a new career, beginning in the fall.

The Associate Degree of Applied Science in Health Information Technology is dedicated to training medical records and health information technicians. Technicians are responsible for organizing and maintaining the digital health records. Work includes the examining, coding, and the completion of diagnostic reports, and the completion of treatment procedure documentation to ensure correct coding and billing practices for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare related agencies.

CASC is responding to this need by preparing to provide an accredited Health Information Technology degree, both on-campus and online, for adult and working students' convenience.

Information on this career is listed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as "Medical Records and Health Information Technicians," and provides the following information on this career:

-2012 Median Pay is $34,160 per year or $16.42

-Job outlook is much better than average; a 22 percent increase is expected from 2012-2022.

-Health Information professionals' salaries rose 11 percent from 2006 to 2010.

-About 41,400 more health information technologists will be needed from 2012-2022.

-In Oklahoma the 2013 Median Pay is $30,500 per year or $14.65 per hour; the job outlook is faster than average; and a 19 percent increase is expected from 2012-2022.

For information contact the CASC Enrollment Center at 918-647-1393.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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