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

People pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Management Degree Program will learn how to manage both employees and resources to contribute to a successful business. Typically a four-year degree, the Bachelor of Science in Business and Management is the precursor degree to the coveted Master of Business Administration. Graduates who earn a B.S. in Business and Management embark upon careers in accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, sales, and more. They may even choose to open their own businesses as entrepreneurs. Online degree programs are also available.

Online Business Management Degrees

Students choosing the Bachelor of Science in Business and Management should expect individual coursework as well as courses requiring team or group projects. Many schools believe that future business leaders must be able to work as part of a team, and assign projects (and grades) on teamwork. Strong quantitative skills are essential. While it may seem obvious that a course such as accounting needs strong mathematical skills, other classes include financial management, macro and microeconomics, and marketing also requires both statistics and calculus. Many students choose a business internship in their senior year of the degree to earn work experience as well as display their talents to prospective employers. Schools with a good counseling and career office may be helpful to students seeking internships.

Many students who earn this degree immediately enter a Online MBA Program once they graduate.

Why a Business Management Degree

Why should you earn a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management? There are many benefit graduates receive from earning this degree. These include:

• Preparation for specific careers in accounting, financial management, economics, marketing and more
• Access to entry-level positions at Fortune 500 firms and global companies who seek graduates with business degrees
• Solid preparation for entry into many business-related fields such as banking, insurance, retail, entrepreneurship, and much more
• Required academic coursework to prepare to enter an MBA program

Business Management Courses & Areas of Study

While each school may offer different courses, the basic program of study for the Bachelor of Science in Business and Management degree will include courses in the following subjects:

• General courses in English, mathematics, science, history, and other subjects
• Accounting Principals
• Financial Management
• Micro and macroeconomics
• Management and Human Resources
• Basic Business Law
• Computer Technology
• Principles of Marketing
• Production Management
• Business Planning
• Entrepreneurship
• International or Global Business

Many courses in this degree program are sequenced so that students take Accounting Principles I, Accounting Principles II, etc. Students may be required to take multiple courses in topics such as marketing, accounting, financial management, human resources and leadership skills.

Career Opportunities

Students who earn this degree find themselves with a wide range of career opportunities. Most people choose one area to specialize in, such as accounting or marketing, and as part of the degree program, take electives or courses centered on these topics to prepare for a career in their chosen field. The following list should serve only as a glimpse into the window of opportunity; many other possible careers exist. Whether students choose domestic or international opportunities, they may begin careers in the following areas once they obtain this degree:

• Accounting
• Financial Management
• Banking
• Insurance
• Retail
• Marketing
• Sales
• Advertising

Admissions & Educational Requirements

Most universities offering this degree require a high school transcript. SAT test scores, ACT scores, or a combination of these two tests and SAT Subject Tests may be required. Students considering this degree program should be relatively confident in their math skills, but writing clear, grammatically correct prose is also essential.

Admission requirements vary from school to school, so consult the admissions information for the school of your choice. Other information may be required as part of your application to the school.

Accreditation

Look for accreditation from one of the major accrediting bodies in the United States for any higher education institution. The college or university you are applying to should list its accreditation on its website or in its program materials. The U.S. Department of Education also provides a free database of accredited programs in the United States. You can begin your search here
http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/

Professional Organizations

Both general and specialized business organizations provide more information about careers, networking opportunities, and internships. Most have state and local chapters. There are many more associations for marketing, sales, accounting, finances and various industries such as insurance, retail and more.

BPA – Business Professionals of America
www.bpa.org

American Accounting Association
www.aaahq.org

Financial Management Association
www.fma.org

United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship
www.usasbe.org

Popular Online Degrees

The Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Studies prepares both students with an associates degree and real estate professionals for a successful career as a real estate agent. Real estate agents facilitate the transfer and sale of residential and commercial properties, including new constructions and existing structures. A Bachelors of Science in Real Estate provides the foundation necessary for rapid advancement within the field by educating students about the legal and practical components involved in the transfer of real estate. Programs range in length from 24-36 months depending on credit hours and educational background.

Benefits

Why should you obtain a Bachelors Degree in Real Estate Studies?

• Obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Real Estate Studies may make students eligible to sit for the tests necessary to obtain a state Real Estate License (depending on state requirements).
• A Bachelors of Science in Real Estate is a prerequisite to obtaining an advanced degree specializing in a particular area of real estate.
• Obtaining this degree can help you to develop the leadership and communication skills vital to success in the real estate industry
• Market trending awareness skills learned while obtaining the degree are valuable for both novice real estate agents and seasoned professionals alike.
• Successful real estate agents have flexible hours and, depending on the commission structure of the particular agency, the income potential is limitless.

Areas of Study

The specific requirements to obtain a Bachelors in Real Estate Studies differ depending on the specialty and the program you select. The courses listed below are classes you can expect to encounter in earning this degree. Please consult your specific course curriculum for a detailed listing of course requirements and credit hours.

• Real Estate Ethics
• Foundations of Leadership
• Economics
• Finance for Business
• Internet Marketing
• Leveraging Real Estate
• Real Estate Laws and Regulations
• Real Estate Investment
• Real Estate Development

Career Opportunities

Below is a list of some career opportunities available to those holding a Bachelors of Real Estate Studies. This list is not comprehensive, and should serve only as a guide to possible opportunities:

• Real Estate Agent
• Appraiser
• Real Estate Law Paralegal
• Real Estate Marketing
• Investment Managing

What You Need to Know

This degree can be earned online through distance learning. Students with Associates Degrees and/or coursework in English, math and science from accredited institutions may obtain transfer credit towards the Bachelors in Real Estate Studies degree. State law may require you to pass a state examination to obtain a real estate license prior to selling or transferring real estate.

Requirements

While some programs will accept students with a high school diploma or GED, an Associates Degree may be required to obtain a Bachelors in Real Estate Studies. Some programs require prior real estate experience, while for other programs such experience is preferred but not required. Specific admissions requirements vary depending on the institution and you should consult an admissions representative or the application requirements of your program of choice for specific details.

Accreditation

There are several recognized accrediting agencies for Real Estate studies programs. This list is only a guide. Each state may have its own accreditation requirements and those requirements may differ from the educational requirements necessary to sit for the exam required to obtain a real estate license. You should check with your program and review relevant state laws regarding real estate licensing.

The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
www.iacbe.org

The Distance Education and Training Council
www.detc.org

Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
www.acbsp.org

Professional Organizations

There are a large number of professional real estate organizations that are a great resource and a wealth of information.

The Association of Commercial Real Estate Professionals (ACRP)
www.acrp.org

The Institute of Real Estate Management
www.irem.org

The Women’s Council of Realtors
www.wcr.org

Students completing this program will have mastered their understanding of real estate fundamentals and will be able to:

• Offer differentiating benefits to clients by expanding your knowledge of property values, insurance, and real estate law
• Complete your degree in 24 months and enhance your entrepreneurial career as a broker, appraiser, or investor
• Increase your career options in an unpredictable market
• Take your associates degree or previous college credit to the next level
• Immediately apply what you learn to your career on a daily basis

About Marylhurst University

Marylhurst University is currently one of the few higher learning institutions offering online degree programs in real estate studies.

Founded in 1893, Marylhurst is one of Oregon’s oldest private universities, offering working professionals a time-honored tradition of accredited academic excellence. Marylhurst is devoted to providing its students the utmost personal attention. Small, intimate classes of 15 to 20 students allow you to build lasting relationships with fellow peers and faculty.

Get Started Today

• 100% online – Attend class from the comfort of your home
• Graduate in 24 months and attach another credential to your resume
• Receive personalized support from a dedicated advisor

What Our Students are Saying

“Enrolling in the Real Estate program at Marylhurst University is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. This comprehensive work environment is perfect for adults who wish to catapult themselves into today’s competitive work environment. The flexibility of the online degree completion program is also great for busy adults trying to maintain a family. I highly recommend this program.”

Antoinette D. Green
Online Real Estate Student

Regional and Specialized Accreditation

Marylhurst University holds regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and specialized accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).