River Parishes Community College (RPCC) is proud to announce the launch of its new Health Information Technology (HIT) program, beginning Fall 2025. This innovative program prepares students for in-demand careers in Medical Coding, Health Information Management, and Healthcare Access. As part of this new program, students will learn the foundational skills needed to succeed as Medical Coders and Healthcare Access Specialists—two high-demand roles in today’s healthcare landscape.
In a major milestone, the new HIT program has been selected as a Future Education Model demonstration program by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Health Information Management (CAHIIM), RPCC’s programmatic accreditor. This prestigious designation places RPCC among a select group of institutions pioneering the next generation of Health Information Management (HIM) education.
"The medical field has vast opportunities and not all of them are in nursing. We believe this degree fills a gap between clinicians and revenue cycle,” said RPCC Dean of Heath Sciences Gretchen Schmidt. “Health Information Technology is the lifeblood of the financial payor system. Qualified HIT professionals keep our industry thriving."
The Future Education Model designation supports RPCC’s commitment to delivering an advanced, real-world-focused educational experience. Through project-based learning and hands-on, experiential instruction, students will not only build knowledge but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential in modern healthcare environments.
One of the key benefits of accreditation is that it allows students to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam, accelerating their path to professional certification and employment.
This accreditation is a direct result of the dedication and vision of RPCC’s Health Sciences Division. Melissa Norris, HEIT Program Coordinator and Department Chair, says the division has worked tirelessly to design a curriculum that reflects national standards and local workforce needs.
"I'm excited to move our Certificate programs forward,” said Norris. “This degree can also be transferred to the other CAHIIM accredited 4-year universities, allowing our students to learn and grow in a financially stable career."
Throughout the program, students’ progress is measured through competency-based assessments that ensure mastery of knowledge, skills, and judgment. CAHIIM will gather outcome data and feedback from students, faculty, and industry partners to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and impact.
RPCC’s Health Information Technology program is now accepting applications for Fall 2025. Interested individuals can visit www.rpcc.edu to learn more about program details, enrollment information, and scholarship opportunities. Please email [email protected] with any questions about this new program.