Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management

Degree Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (HIM) educates students in the practice of acquiring, organizing, and analyzing health information. Obtaining an HIM degree will enhance communication and leadership skills and prepare students for careers in hospitals, doctors offices, insurance companies, government agencies, and other private workplaces. Depending on the credit hour requirements, programs range from 16 months to 4 years. Online programs allow the flexibility of continuing to work while taking courses.

Benefits

Why should you pursue a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management? Consider these benefits:

• Health Information Management is one of the fastest growing disciplines today. As companies transition from paper records to digital records, health information managers are in high demand.
• Careers in Health Information Management are diverse and offer the possibility of specialization in computer systems, finance, or administration.
• The field has high entry level salaries ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 annually depending on experience, location, and employer.
• The degree can be a stepping stone to a Master’s degree and the possibility of further career advancement.
• You will gain valuable knowledge about quality management and about health care. The courses in the program prepare you for leadership positions.

Areas of Study

Each Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management program will offer differing areas of study. The subjects listed below are provided as an example of typical courses offered. Check your school’s program of study for a more complete list of courses and credit hours.

• Medical terminology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Pathology
• Medical Law and Ethics
• Medical Insurance and Billing
• Healthcare Information Technologies
• Quality Analysis and Management
• Diagnostic Coding
• Health Statistics and Data Analysis
• Health Care Leadership & Management
• Finances in Health Care

Career Opportunities

The following is a list of possible career opportunities for graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management. This is only a sampling of positions in the field and not a comprehensive list of occupations.

• Medical Records Department Manager
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Compliance Officer
• Data Quality Manager
• Clinical Researcher
• Clinical Data Analyst
• Health Information Specialist
• Consultant

What You Need to Know

Most employers require potential employees to have passed the written exam for certification as either a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). This exam is offered by the American Health Information Management Association and is taken upon completion of an accredited program.
Many of the online programs will be technology intensive requiring extensive use of a computer for classroom assignments. Ensure that you will have access to an adequate computer before beginning an online program.

Requirements

Most Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management programs will require you to supply your high school or previous college transcripts before admissions. Additional requirements may include letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses, a minimum GPA, and minimum scores on standardized college admissions exams such as ACT or SAT. Some programs may also require applicants to take an assessment exam to verify ability to succeed in the program.

You should research each school’s individual requirements before applying to a program. More information can be obtained from admission counselors or program representatives. Credit may be offered for previous experience or courses taken as determined by each institution.

Accreditation

There are two recognized accrediting agencies for Health Information Management. Make sure that the program you select is accredited before beginning.
CAAHEP – Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
www.caahep.org

CAHIIM – Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
www.cahiim.org

Professional Organizations

Along with the recognized accrediting agencies, there are professional organizations that can be a resource for those in the field of Health Information Management.
AHIMA – American Health Information Management Association
www.ahima.org

CHIMA – Canadian Health Information Management Association
www.echima.ca

HIMSS – Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society
www.himss.org

IFHRO – The International Federation of Health Records
www.ifhro.org