Workforce Review of Health Information Technology Associate-Degree Graduates: 2017-2024

The career path of associate-degree health information technology (HIT) graduates continues to change quickly as quality and payment regulations, technology requirements, and workforce expectations evolve to meet the demands of the changing health care environment. Although HIT professionals play an essential role in accuracy, regulatory compliance, and the overall function of health information systems, there is limited research describing HIT workforce trends.

A mixed-methods approach was used with 587 survey responses. Quantitative data were standardized by job category, including a newly developed "health information management (HIM) operations" group, and career movement was visualized using a Sankey diagram. Qualitative comments were analyzed using inductive thematic coding, intercoder reliability checks, and a reconciled codebook. Both data sources were combined to provide a clearer picture of workforce patterns and graduate experiences.

Graduates reported a wide range of initial positions after graduation, most commonly in medical coding, HIM operations, billing, and patient registration. Many described strong upward mobility, moving into supervisory HIM roles, revenue cycle leadership, and growing opportunities in data analytics. Internships were frequently linked to job placement, and remote or hybrid work remained common. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (1) degree outcomes-graduates found the degree practical and career-building; (2) credential value-the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) continues to hold value but is not consistently recognized by all employers; and (3) employment issues-experience requirements and wages remain ongoing challenges.

Overall, HIT graduates see clear value in their education and report meaningful career growth. At the same time, familiar challenges persist in work experience requirements that limit job availability for HIT graduates. Strengthening experiential learning, improving communication with employers about HIT competencies, and creating more intentional academic-employer partnerships may help close these gaps. These insights are intended to support educators, employers, and the broader HIM community in developing more effective workforce strategies.