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Best CAHIIM-Accredited Schools for RHIT Online Programs in 2026

Kayleigh Gilbert
June 11, 2026

Health information professional reviewing patient charts at a desktop workstation in a modern records office.

Key Takeaways:

  • AHIMA requires graduates to complete a CAHIIM-accredited associate HIM program to sit for the RHIT exam — every school on this list meets that requirement.
  • Online CAHIIM-accredited RHIT programs are widely available, with some costing under $11,000 total out of state.
  • The BLS projects 15% job growth for health information technologists through 2034, well above the national average.

If you want to work in healthcare without working directly with patients, a career as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is worth exploring. RHITs manage patient records, apply medical coding systems, and keep health data secure and accurate. To earn the RHIT credential, you must first complete an associate degree from a program accredited by CAHIIM, the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.

GetEducated makes it easier to compare CAHIIM-accredited programs side by side. Every program below holds CAHIIM accreditation, meaning graduates are eligible to sit for the RHIT exam. Programs are sorted by estimated out-of-state cost.

Top CAHIIM Accredited Online Programs for RHIT Candidates in 2026

From budget-friendly community colleges to regional universities, these programs combine CAHIIM accreditation with fully online delivery to put the RHIT credential within reach.

1. Central Community College: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology

Central Community College in Nebraska offers one of the most affordable CAHIIM-accredited HIT programs online. The curriculum covers health records management, medical coding, and data quality — the core competencies tested on the RHIT exam.

  • Estimated Cost: $7,169 (in state) / $10,251 (out of state)
  • Credits: 67
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED
  • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM

Graduates are eligible to sit for the RHIT exam. Visit Central Community College's cost page for tuition details.

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2. St. Philip’s College: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology

St. Philip’s College, part of the Alamo Colleges District in Texas, is a historically Black college offering a CAHIIM-accredited HIT program at a flat rate for all students. Completing this program makes graduates eligible to sit for the RHIT exam.

  • Estimated Cost: $10,484
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED
  • School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM

See St. Philip's College tuition and fees for current pricing.

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3. Hutchinson Community College: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management

Hutchinson Community College in Kansas delivers a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program fully online. In-state students benefit from costs under $9,000, making this one of the most budget-friendly paths to RHIT eligibility on the list.

  • Estimated Cost: $8,910 (in state) / $10,956 (out of state)
  • Credits: 66
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED; minimum 2.0 GPA
  • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM

Graduates qualify to sit for the RHIT exam upon program completion. Check the Hutchinson Community College cost and fees page for rates.

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4. Community Colleges of Spokane: Associate in Applied Science in Health Information Management

Community Colleges of Spokane offers a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program with a comprehensive 90-credit curriculum, one of the more thorough on this list. Graduates are eligible to sit for the RHIT exam.

  • Estimated Cost: $9,287 (in state) / $11,310 (out of state)
  • Credits: 90
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED
  • School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM

GetEducated lets you compare verified details across programs like this one. Visit the Community Colleges of Spokane tuition schedule for pricing.

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5. San Juan College: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology

San Juan College in New Mexico offers the lowest in-state cost on this list at just $4,549. Its CAHIIM-accredited HIT program covers health data management, coding, and legal aspects of health records, preparing graduates to sit for the RHIT exam.

  • Estimated Cost: $4,549 (in state) / $12,205 (out of state)
  • Credits: 63
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED; minimum 2.75 GPA
  • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM
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6. Richland Community College: Associate in Applied Science in Health Information Technology

Richland Community College in Illinois offers a CAHIIM-accredited HIT program at a single flat rate. Coursework covers electronic health records, classification systems, and healthcare law, with graduates eligible to sit for the RHIT exam.

  • Estimated Cost: $12,474
  • Credits: 66
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED
  • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM
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7. Minnesota State Community and Technical College: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology/Coding

M State’s CAHIIM-accredited program combines HIM fundamentals with a dedicated coding track, giving RHIT-bound students dual preparation in health information management and medical coding.

  • Estimated Cost: $13,617
  • Credits: 64
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED
  • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM

Graduates qualify for the RHIT exam. See the M State cost page for pricing details.

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8. Shoreline Community College: Associate in Applied Arts & Sciences in Health Information Technician

Shoreline Community College in Washington offers a CAHIIM-accredited program with 96 credits, one of the most thorough on this list. The depth of the curriculum builds strong readiness for the RHIT exam.

  • Estimated Cost: $12,220 (in state) / $13,681 (out of state)
  • Credits: 96
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED
  • School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM

Graduates are eligible to sit for the RHIT exam. Check the Shoreline Community College tuition fees page for current rates.

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9. Northwest Iowa Community College: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology

Northwest Iowa Community College offers a CAHIIM-accredited HIT program at a flat rate for all students. The 69-credit curriculum covers the core HIM competencies needed to qualify for and pass the RHIT exam.

  • Estimated Cost: $13,800
  • Credits: 69
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED
  • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM

Visit the NWICC tuition and fees page for current tuition.

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10. University of Cincinnati: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Systems

The University of Cincinnati offers a CAHIIM-accredited HIT program online, blending health information management with technology systems. Graduates meet the RHIT exam eligibility requirements set by AHIMA.

  • Estimated Cost: $13,200 (in state) / $13,920 (out of state)
  • Credits: 63
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED; minimum 2.0 GPA
  • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM

GetEducated helps you compare accreditation status and costs across programs like this one. See the University of Cincinnati online program fees page for details.

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11. Indian Hills Community College: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology

Indian Hills Community College in Iowa delivers a CAHIIM-accredited HIT program at a flat rate, covering medical coding, EHR systems, and health data management. Completing this program qualifies graduates to sit for the RHIT exam.

  • Estimated Cost: $13,930
  • Credits: 67
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED; minimum 2.0 GPA
  • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM

Check Indian Hills Community College tuition and fees for pricing.

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12. Northwood Technical College: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology

Northwood Technical College in Wisconsin offers a CAHIIM-accredited HIT program with an in-state cost under $10,000. Graduates are eligible to sit for the RHIT exam and pursue entry-level roles in health records and data integrity.

  • Estimated Cost: $9,774 (in state) / $14,222 (out of state)
  • Credits: 62
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED
  • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM

Visit Northwood Technical College tuition and fees for rates.

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13. Rochester Community and Technical College: Associate in Applied Science in Health Information Technology

Rochester Community and Technical College in Minnesota offers a CAHIIM-accredited HIT program at a flat rate. Graduates are eligible to sit for the RHIT exam. Note that this program is mostly online, so some limited in-person attendance may be required.

  • Estimated Cost: $14,984
  • Credits: 64
  • Format: Mostly Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED
  • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM

See Rochester Community and Technical College tuition rates for current pricing.

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14. North Dakota State College of Science: Associate in Applied Science in Health Information / Health Information Technician

North Dakota State College of Science offers a CAHIIM-accredited dual-track program covering both health information management and technician competencies, preparing graduates for the RHIT exam and entry-level HIM roles.

  • Estimated Cost: $13,968 (in state) / $16,040 (out of state)
  • Credits: 69
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED
  • School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM
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15. Great Falls College Montana State University: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology

Great Falls College MSU offers a CAHIIM-accredited HIT program with an in-state rate under $10,000. Graduates are eligible to sit for the RHIT exam, with studies covering health data management, coding, and privacy compliance.

  • Estimated Cost: $9,639 (in state) / $17,208 (out of state)
  • Credits: 71
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED
  • School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM
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16. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred: Associate in Applied Science in Health Information Technology

Alfred State College, part of the SUNY system in New York, offers a CAHIIM-accredited HIT associate degree fully online. Graduates qualify to sit for the RHIT exam, and New York residents benefit from in-state SUNY pricing.

  • Estimated Cost: $15,284 (in state) / $18,104 (out of state)
  • Credits: 60
  • Format: 100% Online
  • Admission: High School Diploma or GED
  • School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Program Accreditation: CAHIIM

See Alfred State College's tuition page for details.

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CAHIIM-Accredited Schools for RHIT Online Programs FAQ

Here are answers to the most common questions about CAHIIM accreditation, RHIT eligibility, and what to expect from these programs.

What is CAHIIM accreditation, and why does it matter for the RHIT exam?

CAHIIM stands for Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. According to AHIMA, completing a CAHIIM-accredited associate HIM program is the primary academic requirement to sit for the RHIT exam. Regional accreditation alone does not qualify you. Every program on this list holds CAHIIM accreditation, meaning graduates are RHIT exam-eligible.

What does an RHIT do?

RHITs manage patient health records, ensure data accuracy, apply medical coding systems, and maintain compliance with regulations like HIPAA. They work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, insurance companies, and government agencies. Most roles are office-based or remote since health records are managed digitally.

What is the job outlook for RHIT-certified professionals?

Very strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health information technologists and medical registrars is projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage was $67,310 in May 2024.

Can I complete a CAHIIM-accredited RHIT program fully online?

Yes. Nearly all programs on this list are 100% online. Rochester Community and Technical College is listed as mostly online, meaning some limited in-person components may apply. Always confirm the delivery format directly with the school before enrolling.

How much do CAHIIM-accredited RHIT programs cost online?

Costs vary by school and residency. In-state costs on this list range from around $4,549 at San Juan College to about $18,104 at SUNY Alfred. Out-of-state costs run from roughly $10,251 at Central Community College to $18,104 at SUNY Alfred. Several schools charge a flat rate regardless of where you live, which can be a meaningful advantage for out-of-state students.

Find Your CAHIIM-Accredited RHIT Program Today

Every program on this list holds CAHIIM accreditation, which means every graduate is eligible to sit for the RHIT exam. Whether you are looking for the lowest cost or the most comprehensive curriculum, there is an option here for you.

Browse the full directory at GetEducated to compare programs and take the next step toward your health information career.

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