Health Information Management Degree Online

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WHAT IS A HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE?

Health information management (HIM) degree studies digital patient data. It looks at the tools and methods used to manage regulatory, privacy, and tech issues. Some courses look at the practices used to gain medical info. Others touch on the ways we analyze, store, and protect it. Along the way, you may build critical thinking skills and an ability to handle projects.

If the balance of business, health care and hi tech appeals to you, an HIM degree may ready you to launch a career. In many roles, one needs a bachelor’s degree to get started. Stats show a strong rate of employment growth in the industry so perhaps you’ll want to prepare.

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TYPES OF ONLINE HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAMS

Associate in Health Sciences/Healthcare Technology & Systems

May ready you with technical skills and know how. Usually, a study plan features computer classes. For instance, you may learn to set up and trouble shoot health care software. Other topics may help you learn how to keep health records secure, operate a help desk and more.

Course Examples

  • Medical Terminology
  • Introduction to Health Information Technology (HIT)
  • ICD Coding and Application

Bachelor’s of Science in Health Information Management

For students who want to pursue a leadership role in health care and medical facilities. The study plan is business focused. You can enroll in the MHA program at the same time.

Course Examples

  • Advanced Quality Management in Healthcare
  • Healthcare Stats and Reporting
  • Applied Research in HIM

BA in Health and Human Services – Health Care Informatics Systems Specializations

For students who want to pursue careers in health and human services. The study plan draws from many topics and may help you learn to use data to improve the quality of health care.

Course Examples

  • Healthcare Administration
  • Intro to Health Informatics
  • Health and Human Services

HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE ONLINE PROGRAMS

HIM degree programs feature classes to help you learn to use data to improve the quality of health care. Health information is the data related to a person’s medical history. This includes symptoms, diagnoses, procedures, and outcomes. To manage this data, you will need to ensure it is complete, accurate and secure.

Some HIM programs meld topics in business with science and info tech. Others may have a narrower focus such as management in health care. As such, you may gain a deeper knowledge of the work flow of health care providers.

You’ll also find programs that serve as study guides. These may get you ready to take an industry exam once you graduate. The Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam is an example. If this is your goal, you may need to complete some on site work. These provide hands on practice using electronic health records (EHRs).

Because there are a range of programs, we’ll outline a few common ones. This may help you get a feel for where your interests lie.

HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (HIM)

BS in Health Information Management – May ready you to plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. You’ll often study current health care laws, regulations, and technology. Some classes also include studies of human anatomy and health policy. Others explore coding, EHRs, and statistics. As such, they may help you make informed decisions about quality and health systems.

If you want to pursue a data driven degree grad degree, there are many options, even career specific. Many schools offer online Master of HIM programs as well. These often focus on strategic and operational topics.

HEALTH INFORMATICS

BS in Health and Human Services – May focus on the helping side of health care. With an informatics focus, you might come to know how technology plays a key role in serving the public. Some of these courses might touch on health care reimbursement methods. Others may look at statistics, reporting and data mining.

HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

BS in Healthcare Administration and Management – May focus more on the managerial side of health care. You’ll often study to pick up operational skills. These may help you to understand the workflow in hospitals and medical centers. As such, you may find courses that ready you to deal with staff, projects, and insurance companies.

Taking this degree further you may study to earn a Master’s in Healthcare Administration, MBA or even Ph.D. At this level, the courses often revolve around research and strategy. This may help fine tune a business mindset. Other courses at this stage may also delve into human resource skills and money matters.

WHAT DO HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE COURSES LOOK LIKE?

HIM studies big data and how to harness it. Some classes are technical and touch on programming and analytics. While others focus on the clinical, financial, and legal uses of patient data in health care. You may also take a series of business classes. These tend to cover administrative issues, concepts and practices. And, may help you understand how to budget, direct staff and set policy.

Many accredited HIM degree programs follow a set of standards set by AHIMA. Or, the American Health Information Management Association. These programs cover the skills and concepts that health IT managers need to thrive in the work force.

Some common courses include:

Big Data: This type of class studies big data and its many uses. You tend to learn about EHRs. Plus the codes and systems to classify that are used to sort info into a data base. Side topics might also cover the medical areas that use digital info. From patient history and lab tests to billing procedures.

Info Protection: Keeping digital data safe and private is a key task of health IT managers. As such, you are likely to study ethics and laws about disclosure. Side topics might cover actual methods and ways to assess risks.

Analytics and Informatics: A class about analytics tends to hone your ability to use software tools and statistics. You may also learn how to collect, manage, and interpret big data. Then format it into accurate, compliant and organized systems. Side topics often discuss the ways to assess info systems to ensure they are effective.

Health Law and Compliance: In this type of class you study US health care law and ethics. So, things like liability and patient consent. It may also cover corporate compliance and rules that apply to data privacy. Side topics are likely to discuss HIPAA, reporting, and disclosure laws.

Management: This type of class focuses on ways to lead and manage within many settings. So some topics may cover managerial theory and how to apply it. Things like how to direct staff, form policies and make decisions. Side topics tend to also discuss ways to improve quality of care and reduce costs.

Health Care Finance: HIM managers make budget decisions using a performance improvement model. So this class may set you up with the tools to plan, direct and control resources. Side topics may also cover billing and payments, and cost / benefits analysis.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE A HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM?

As a full time student, it may take four years to earn an HIM degree online. If you enroll part time or take any time off from school this can be stretched out. It’s another story if you need to complete fewer credits. The usual is 120 credits for a bachelor’s in Health Information Management. But many online colleges offer transfer policies for past credits. Fewer credits shortens the time to completion. Keep in mind, you’ll have to check school policy.

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THE AVERAGE COST OF AN ONLINE HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM

Per recent data, in state cost of an online HIM degree program averages at $7,182. This is growing by 4.09%. Out of state tuition is higher. On average that cost is $30,806 and rising by 11.9%. Since these are averages, you’ll find programs that are easier or harder on the wallet.

You also need to factor in other costs. One of these is books and supplies. The chart below shows the tuition at several schools where you might pursue a bachelor’s level HIM degree online.

TOP SCHOOLS FOR ONLINE HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAMS

Last check, there were 225 schools that offer HIM degrees or programs. From those schools there were 2,889 health info and medical records admin degrees awarded to students. The majority of these programs were bachelor’s degrees.

The table below shows the tuition costs for some of these schools.

School2021 Degrees awarded2023/24 Tuition (out of state unless *)
Ivy Tech Community College408$9,465
University of Phoenix Arizona39$9,552*
The College of Saint Scholastica79$40,454*
University of Illinois Chicago145$29,360
Western Governors University292$8,300*
Institute of Technology95$30,956*
University of Cincinnati Main Campus61$30,582
Texas State University53$23,210
University of Central Florida94$22,467
University of Washington Seattle Campus69$41,997

Estimated for full time, beginning undergrad students

Top 25 Colleges that Offer Health Information Management Degree Programs

You could find Health Information Management programs at many colleges and universities. Some programs go by slightly different names. Like, Health Information Administration. To help jumpstart your search, we’ve listed the top 25 schools with Health Information Management programs. We ranked the schools by the number of students who graduated with a degree or certificate in this field for the 2022 / 2023 school year with 2022 data from the NCES. And, we took note of any related programs in the health management field.

1University of Phoenix-Arizona


B.S. Health Management

This program covers many aspects of health management. It goes beyond information management to explore business communication, staff management, and more. The degree calls for 120 credits.

Courses Include:

  • Data Analytics for Health Care Managers
  • Regulatory and Compliance Within The Health Care Industry
  • Organizational Behavior

Key Skills:

  • Project management
  • Communication
  • Using health care technology

More Programs:

  • Health Administration
  • Master of Health Administration – Informatics
  • Master of Health Administration – Health Care Compliance and Privacy

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 83% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,716
  • 86% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $6,685

2Purdue University Global


B.S. Health Information Management

This HIM program brings together medicine, management, finance, IT, and a lot more. It calls for 180 credits. You’ll also pursue a 120 hour externship at a local health care facility.

Courses Include:

  • Human Resources for Health Care Organizations
  • Information Technology and Systems for Health Care
  • Health Care Administration

Key Skills:

  • Managing electronic health information systems
  • Decision making
  • Critical thinking

More Programs:

  • Health Care Administration
  • Medical Billing and Coding (Cert)
  • Medical Office Administration (Cert)
  • Master of Health Informatics
  • Master of Health Information Management

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 50% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $8,815
  • 51% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $7,810

3Davenport University


B.S. Health Information Management

This is a CAHIIM accredited program. It could help you prep to take the RHIA exam. It’s also 100% online and features a 3D virtual platform. You must earn a minimum of 120 credits.

Courses Include:

  • Healthcare Management
  • Health Care Law and Ethics
  • Intro to HIM

Key Skills:

  • IT knowledge
  • Management
  • Problem solving

More Programs:

  • Health Services Administration
  • Health Information Technology (A.A.S.)
  • M.S. Health Informatics and Information Management
  • Healthcare Management (Grad Cert)

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 100% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $17,124
  • 57% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $8,123

4Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis


B.S. Health Information Management

Explore clinical, operational, and administrative functions of health care practices. This program covers how to improve health care systems, protect patient privacy, and more. It is CAHIIM accredited and AHIMA approved.

Courses Include:

  • Intro to Informatics
  • Computer Concepts for Health Information
  • Anatomy for Healthcare Management

Key Skills:

  • Information technology
  • Management
  • Financial management

More Programs:

  • Health Data Science
  • Health Information Management & Exchange (Cert)
  • M.S. Health Informatics
  • Health Information Architecture (Cert)

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 83% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $12,201
  • 35% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,638

5Weber State University


B.S. Health Information Management

This 120 credit program covers the basics of the HIM field. That includes the latest health care technology. It could help you prep for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.

Courses Include:

  • Health Data Management
  • Healthcare Financial Administration
  • Diagnosis and Procedure Coding

Key Skills:

  • Applying technology
  • Data analytics
  • Management

More Programs:

  • Health Promotion
  • Health Administration
  • Master of Health Administration

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 100% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,831
  • 15% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,947

6Indiana University-Northwest


B.S. Health Information Management

This HIM program covers how to work with clinical data. You’ll study medicine, information management, and computer technology. And, you’ll discover how to use this knowledge to improve health services.

Courses Include:

  • Coding & Classification Systems
  • Reimbursement Principles in Healthcare
  • Computer Systems in Healthcare

Key Skills:

  • Managing medical records
  • Summarizing data
  • Coding health info

More Programs:

  • Applied Health Science
  • Health Information Administration (Minor)

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 80% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $8,754
  • 27% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,917

7Rasmussen College-Florida


Bachelor of Health Information Management

This HIM program is fully online. It features virtual labs for an experience that’s flexible and immersive. The program could help you prep for the AHIMA Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA®) exam.

Courses Include:

  • Electronic Health Record Application
  • Advanced Health Information Leadership
  • Advanced Data Analytics

Key Skills:

  • Leadership and management
  • Health law and compliance
  • Data and information governance

More Programs:

  • A.S. Health Information Technician
  • Medical Billing and Coding (Cert)
  • Master of Healthcare Administration

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 84% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $6,092
  • 84% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $8,575

8Ferris State University


B.S. Health Information Management

The HIM program at Ferris State brings together the study of computers, health care and business. It is CAHIIM accredited. After earning the degree, students are eligible to pursue the RHIA exam.

Courses Include:

  • Statistics in Health Care
  • Health Information Concepts
  • Health Care Supervisory Practices

Key Skills:

  • Interpreting health data
  • Health information management
  • Quality management

More Programs:

  • Healthcare Marketing
  • Health Care Systems Administration
  • Master of Health Administration
  • Health Information Technology (A.A.S.)

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 94% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $11,128
  • 51% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,246

9Rasmussen College-Minnesota


Bachelor of Health Information Management

This online HIM program is designed to be earned in as few as 18 months. (With an Associate degree.) It is CAHIIM accredited and could help you prep for the RHIA® certification exam.

Courses Include:

  • Electronic Health Record Application
  • Health Data Management
  • Project Management

Key Skills:

  • Info protection and security
  • Financial management
  • Health law and compliance

More Programs:

  • A.S. Health Information Technician
  • Medical Billing and Coding (Cert)
  • Master of Healthcare Administration

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 77% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $6,286
  • 84% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $8,028

10Peirce College


B.S. Health Information Administration

This 121 credit program is accredited by CAHIIM. It is designed to help you prep for career enhancement in health admin roles or further education. Choose to study 100% online or in a hybrid format.

Courses Include:

  • Statistical Applications in Healthcare
  • Medical Terminology
  • Information Systems for HIT

Key Skills:

  • Management
  • Research
  • Information security

More Programs:

  • Healthcare Administration
  • Health Information Technology (A.S.)
  • Master of Healthcare Administration

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 84% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,886
  • 69% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $8,351

11Dakota State University


B.S. Health Information Administration

This program strives to help you become an expert in managing medical records. You will explore how to design health info systems, analyze patient data, and more. CAHIIM accredits this degree program.

Courses Include:

  • Healthcare Data Analytics
  • Legal Aspects of Health Information
  • Advanced Health Data Systems

Key Skills:

  • Managing records
  • Administering computer systems
  • Using classification systems

More Programs:

  • Health Information Technology (A.S.)
  • Health Care Data Analytics (Grad Cert)

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 92% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,467
  • 63% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,029

12Rasmussen College-Illinois


Bachelor of Health Information Management

This program is accredited by CAHIIM. It may be earned fully online and features engaging virtual labs. And, it could help you prep for the RHIA® certification exam.

Courses Include:

  • Project Management
  • Advanced Health Information Leadership
  • Advanced Data Analytics

Key Skills:

  • Information security
  • Health law and compliance
  • Financial management

More Programs:

  • A.S. Health Information Technician
  • Medical Billing and Coding (Cert)
  • Master of Healthcare Administration

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 87% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,825
  • 95% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $8,225

13Missouri Western State University


B.S. Health Information Management

Learn how to design, implement, and manage health records in this HIM program. You must complete a minimum of 120 credits to earn the degree. The program is accredited by CAHIIM.

Courses Include:

  • Quality Management
  • Clinical Classification Systems
  • Applied Health Informatics

Key Skills:

  • Applying technology
  • Evaluating health records
  • Classifying data

More Programs:

  • Population Health Management
  • Health Data Analytics (Minor)

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 100% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $10,531
  • 45% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,331

14Remington College-Heathrow Campus


Bachelor of Health Information Management (Completion)

Already started earning your HIM degree? This online program may be the perfect next step. It focuses on health information integrity, security, and more.

Courses Include:

  • Health Data Management
  • Database Design and Management
  • Clinical Classification Systems and Applications

Key Skills:

  • Collecting and analyzing patient data
  • Using classification systems
  • Managing health information

More Programs:

  • Medical Billing and Coding (Diploma)
  • Medical Office Administration (Diploma)
  • Master of Health Information Management

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 85% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $3,535
  • 69% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $7,465

15Bellevue College


B.A.S. Health Care Informatics

The Bachelor of Applied Science program is aimed at those with IT and / or health care experience. It teaches how to use technology to manage knowledge in health care orgs. The goal: to improve the quality of health services.

Courses Include:

  • Electronic Health Records
  • Healthcare Analytics and Quality
  • Project Management for Healthcare

Key Skills:

  • Leadership
  • Managing health care data
  • Ensuring data privacy

More Programs:

  • Health Care Management and Leadership
  • Healthcare Data Analytics (Cert)
  • Medical Billing and Coding (Cert)
  • Healthcare Informatics (Cert)

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 23% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $6,823
  • 3% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,192

16DeVry University-Illinois


B.S. Health Information Management

This program is built to prep you for new health care technology. You’ll study how to manage data, keep health care info safe, and lead a team. The program is 100% online.

Courses Include:

  • Healthcare Data Security and Privacy
  • Health Information Financial Management
  • Healthcare Total Quality Management

Key Skills:

  • Leadership
  • Research
  • Data analysis

More Programs:

  • Business – Health Services Management
  • Healthcare Administration – Healthcare Management
  • MBA Health Services

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 98% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $6,962
  • 87% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $7,618

17Baker College


A.A.P. Health Information Technology

This 60 credit program focuses on managing electronic health records. It also covers many areas of operations management in health care. Like leadership. And legal / ethical issues.

Courses Include:

  • Health Data Content and Structure
  • Healthcare Delivery Systems
  • Healthcare Data Analytics and Statistics

Key Skills:

  • Health information management
  • Organizing medical information
  • Ensuring privacy and compliance

More Programs:

  • A.S. Health Information Technician
  • Healthcare Administration
  • MBA Healthcare Management

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 95% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $9,110
  • 50% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,406

18St Petersburg College


A.S. Health Information Technology

Learn how to manage the accuracy and security of medical records. You can build on this A.S. degree to also earn your B.S. in Health Services Admin, also at SPC. The program is offered online.

Courses Include:

  • Medical Terminology
  • Computer Applications
  • HIM Standards and Practice

Key Skills:

  • Managing patient records
  • Quality improvement
  • Supervising

More Programs:

  • Health Services Administration
  • Health Sciences
  • Management and Organizational Leadership
  • Healthcare Informatics (Cert)

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 78% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $8,827
  • 15% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,810

19Franklin University


B.S. Health Information Management

This Bachelor of Science program could prep you for the challenges of data driven health care. It is a transfer friendly HIM program. So, you can pursue credit for qualifying past education. The program calls for 120 credits of coursework.

Courses Include:

  • Health Data
  • Health Information Systems
  • Medical Reimbursement

Key Skills:

  • Quality improvement
  • Information governance
  • Leadership

More Programs:

  • Health Care Management
  • Information Systems
  • Human Resources Management
  • Financial Management

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 56% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,198
  • 47% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,855

20South Texas College


B.A.T. Medical and Health Services Management

This is a 120 credit Bachelor of Applied Technology program. It covers healthcare systems management, electronic health records, and a lot more. Courses are competency based.

Courses Include:

  • Health Care Statistics
  • Health Care Information Technology
  • Medical Insurance

Key Skills:

  • Management
  • Finance
  • Health information processing

More Programs:

  • Technology Management

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 99% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $7,799
  • N/A of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $N/A

21National American University-Rapid City


Bachelor of Health Care Management

This online bachelor’s program covers many areas of health care management. Part of that includes health information and technology. You’ll also learn health care leadership principles that could serve you in many settings.

Courses Include:

  • Health Information Systems
  • Regulatory Environment in Health Care
  • Healthcare Financial Management

Key Skills:

  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Decision making

More Programs:

  • Medical Office Management (Associate)
  • Health Information Technology (Associate)
  • Medical Staff Services Management (Associate)
  • Medical Billing and Coding (Diploma)

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 100% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,825
  • 100% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,838

22Berkeley College-Woodland Park


B.B.A. Health Services Management

Earn your degree either on campus or online. This Bachelor of Business Administration program covers the business of health care. That includes information management systems.

Courses Include:

  • Computer Applications
  • Ethical and Legal Aspects of Health Services
  • Health Services Finance

Key Skills:

  • Critical analysis and reasoning
  • Written and oral communication
  • Management

More Programs:

  • Health Services Administration – Medical Insurance, Billing, and Coding (A.A.S.)
  • Medical Insurance, Billing, and Coding (Cert)

2021/ 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 97% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $19,263
  • 65% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,063

23Miami Dade College


A.S. Health Information Technology

Explore where healthcare, business, and technology meet. You’ll also study how to interpret and process health information. This A.S. program is 70 credits and may be earned in as few as two years.

Courses Include:

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Legal Aspects of Health Care
  • ICD Coding Systems

Key Skills:

  • Health data collection and analysis
  • Knowledge of computers and software
  • Management of computerized health information

More Programs:

  • Health Services Administration (A.A.)
  • Medical Coder / Biller (Cert)

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 83% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $6,647
  • 1% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,082

24Metropolitan State University of Denver


B.S. Health Care Information Systems

This unique program combines Health Care Management and Computer Information Systems. So, you’ll explore the skills needed to manage info systems for health care organizations. The program focuses on hands on learning.

Courses Include:

  • Data Warehousing and Mining
  • Electronic Medical Record Applications and Support
  • Financial Management in Health Care

Key Skills:

  • Data querying and analysis
  • Managing electronic health records
  • Network and database administration

More Programs:

  • Health Care Management
  • Health Care Professional Services
  • Master of Health Administration
  • Health Data Science (Cert)

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 100% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,930
  • 32% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,042

25Washburn University


H.I.T. to B.H.S. in Health Services Administration

Earn your Associate’s in Health Information Technology first. Then, earn your Bachelor’s in Health Services Administration. This unique bridge program offers online courses for extra flexibility.

Courses Include:

  • Health Information Systems
  • Health Care Policy
  • Principles of Health Information Technology

Key Skills:

  • Supervising
  • Risk management
  • Quality improvement

More Programs:

  • Health and Fitness Promotion
  • Health Information Technology (A.S.)

2021 / 22 Undergrad Financial Aid:

  • 100% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $7,818
  • 41% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,095

BECOMING A REGISTERED HEALTH INFORMATION ADMINISTRATOR (RHIA)

RHIAs work as links between care providers and patients. In fact, it’s key that HIM pros tell a full story with their data. They need to manage, sort, secure, share and store health info so that they get as many codes on a claim as possible.

Done well, both public health pros and others are then able to use that data. They might do so to predict something about a disease. Or, develop a way to help prevent a health crisis. For patients, the right code can mean getting money back from an insurance company.

What is RHIA Certification? AHIMA awards the RHIA credential.

While it is not required, some HIM managers choose to become certified. It is one way to show potential employers you have both skills and know how. And that you understand and follow standards and ethics.

To certify as an RHIA you’ll need to first show you are eligible. One way to do this is to earn a bachelor’s degree in HIM from an accredited program. The agency that approves HIM and HIT programs is the commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIM).

Once you are eligible, you’ll need to pass the RHIA exam. In it, you’ll answer 180 questions.

These cover things like:
  • Health Data Management
  • IT Systems
  • Database Design
  • Human Resource Management
  • Privacy and InfoSec

From there, every two years you’ll need to renew your RHIA status. This means earning 30 continuing education credits. One way to do this is to earn your master’s degree. Experts say this may help you advance to higher levels of management.

What if you choose another program like health administration? You may want to look into any requirements that each state has in order for you to get your license. For example, all states require that you have your license if you’re looking to be a nursing home admin. Or you might check other types of credentials that may be useful for specific positions.

  • The Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM) offers certification as a medical manager
  • The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) offers the Certified Nursing Home Administrator and Certified Assisted Living Administrator credentials

WHAT JOBS CAN YOU GET WITH A HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE?

There are 4.28 million people working in HIM. While the average age is going down from 42.9 years, the work force is growing by 4.06%. Most (82.3%) of these workers are women and have a bachelor’s degree. Another common degree type is a Masters degree.

TOP SALARIES BY STATE FOR HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE HOLDERS

The following information is for Medical and Health Service Managers. Salary and employment numbers will differ for other criminal justice career paths.

StateEmploymentAnnual Mean Wage
District of Columbia1,790$156,870
New York25,430$171,620
Massachusetts20,300$152,450
Delaware1,270$150,840
New Jersey16,490$153,300

HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT CAREER PATHS AND POTENTIAL SALARIES

Job prospects for HIM positions vary depending on the role but they range from growing as fast as any other occupation to growing faster than average according to BLS. Below you’ll find a guide to some of the more popular career paths that many grads pursue. We’ve also listed the education that is needed to enter the field along with salary (2018) and job outlook through 2028.

HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGERS

Health information managers maintain and secure all patient records and data. To do this, they stay up to date with the latest IT. It is also their role to make sure databases are complete and accurate. They’ll also keep private info accessible only to authorized personnel. Some may supervise the work of medical records and health information techs.

According to 2022 BLS Data:

Median Salary: $30,180  per year

Job Growth Through 2032: 22% (Much faster than average)

Typical Entry level Education: Post secondary non degree award

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES MANAGERS

Medical and Health Services Managers have job titles that depend on where they work and what they do. Some work as nursing home admins. They manage the staff, admissions, finances, day to day tasks and residents. Others work as clinical managers and oversee a specific department. They often set policies, goals and procedures and may also assess staff.

According to 2022 BLS Data:

Median Salary: $104,830 per year

Job Growth Through 2032: 28% (Much faster than average)

Typical Entry level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

© Education Connection 2024. All Rights Reserved.

*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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This is an offer for educational opportunities, not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. Students should consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific program curriculum. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. The financial aid information on this site is for informational and research purposes only and is not an assurance of financial aid.

1 You must apply for a new loan each school year. This approval percentage is based on students with a Sallie Mae undergraduate loan in the 2018/19 school year who were approved when they returned in 2019/20. It does not include the denied applications of students who were ultimately approved in 2019/20.

2 This promotional benefit is provided at no cost to borrowers with new loans that disburse between May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022. Borrowers are not eligible to activate the benefit until July 1, 2021. Borrowers who reside in, attend school in, or borrow for a student attending school in Maine are not eligible for this benefit. Chegg Study® offers expert Q&A where students can submit up to 20 questions per month. No cash value. Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit http://www.chegg.com/legal/smtermsandconditions for complete details. This offer expires one year after issuance.

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