PARIS — An associate degree in allied health with a concentration in health information technology from the University of Maine at Fort Kent is now available through University College at South Paris.

HIT professionals maintain the health records of patients and organize and evaluate these records to ensure accuracy and security. They communicate with health care professionals to clarify diagnoses or to gather additional information. Graduates of the program can work as health data managers, information security managers, quality managers and many other professional roles in the allied health field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health information technicians is projected to grow much faster than the average occupation in coming years, with an expected 20 percent employment increase through 2018. The BLS attributes this employment growth to the increasingly widespread use of electronic health records as organizations transition away from paper-based systems.

Courses in the major are available online. University College provides computer access for students who do not have high-speed online connections at home and offers training for those who may need help navigating the computer and accessing online courses.

UMFK’s allied health program with HIT concentration offers a flexible and convenient way to obtain the technical knowledge employers need. Online students have the opportunity for regular interaction with their faculty and peers and can set their own schedules and participate in classes at the times and places they choose.

Registration for summer and fall courses is open and ongoing. For more information call 207-743-9322 or visit www.learn.maine.edu/southparis.