Health Information Management Degree Online
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WHAT IS A HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE?
An HIM degree program focuses on the management of digital patient data, covering a range of topics such as regulatory compliance, privacy concerns, and technology issues. The curriculum includes courses that explore various practices for obtaining medical information, as well as techniques for analyzing, storing, and safeguarding such data. Through this program, students can develop valuable critical thinking skills and gain experience in project management.
An HIM degree could be the ideal starting point for a career if you’re interested in the intersection of business, healthcare, and technology. Many positions in this field require a bachelor’s degree, and with the industry experiencing significant growth, pursuing this degree could be a smart move towards preparing for a fulfilling career.
TYPES OF ONLINE HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAMS
Associate in Health Sciences/Healthcare Technology & Systems
An HIM degree program can equip you with essential technical skills and knowledge. The curriculum typically includes computer courses that cover various topics, such as setting up and troubleshooting healthcare software. Additionally, you can learn about maintaining the security of health records, operating a help desk, and other related topics to prepare for the practical demands of the field.
Course Examples:
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to Health Information Technology (HIT)
- ICD Coding and Application
Bachelor’s of Science in Health Information Management
If you aspire to take on a leadership position in healthcare or medical facilities, pursuing a degree that is business-focused could be an excellent choice. With this in mind, you may want to consider enrolling in a Master of Health Administration (MHA) program alongside your primary degree program to gain specialized knowledge and skills in healthcare management.
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
If you are interested in pursuing a career in health and human services, an HIM degree program could provide you with a well-rounded education that draws from many different topics. Through this program, you can learn how to use data to improve the quality of healthcare, among other important skills and knowledge that are relevant to this field.
Course Examples:
- Healthcare Administration
- Intro to Health Informatics
- Health and Human Services
HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE ONLINE PROGRAMS
One of the key focuses of HIM degree programs is to teach students how to use health information data to improve the quality of healthcare. Health information data pertains to a person’s medical history, which encompasses symptoms, diagnoses, procedures, and outcomes. To effectively manage this data, HIM professionals need to ensure that it is complete, accurate, and secure to protect patient confidentiality and maintain regulatory compliance.
HIM degree programs can vary in their scope, with some offering a broader education that melds topics in business, science, and information technology, while others may have a more focused approach on management in healthcare. Through these programs, students can gain deeper insights into the workflow of healthcare providers, which can be invaluable for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Additionally, some HIM programs serve as study guides to prepare students for industry exams, such as the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam. To achieve this goal, students may need to complete some on-site work that provides hands-on experience using electronic health records (EHRs). This practical experience can be beneficial in preparing students for a career in the HIM field.
A Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (HIM) degree program can prepare you for a career in planning, directing, and coordinating medical and health services. In this program, you will likely study current healthcare laws, regulations, and technology, as well as take classes on human anatomy and health policy. You will also learn about coding, electronic health records (EHRs), and statistics, which will enable you to make informed decisions about quality and health systems. Upon completion of this program, you will have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of HIM roles in healthcare settings.
If you’re interested in pursuing a data-driven graduate degree, there are many options available, including those that are career-specific. Many schools offer online Master of Health Information Management (HIM) programs that focus on strategic and operational topics, which can provide you with a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry and the skills needed to succeed in an HIM leadership role.
A Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services degree program may have a focus on the helping side of healthcare, with an informatics concentration that explores how technology plays a key role in serving the public. In these programs, you may study healthcare reimbursement methods, statistics, reporting, and data mining, among other relevant topics.
A Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Management degree program typically focuses more on the managerial side of healthcare. In this program, you will likely study to develop operational skills, which can help you understand the workflow in hospitals and medical centers. You may find courses that prepare you to deal with staff, projects, and insurance companies, among other relevant topics.
Taking a healthcare administration and management degree further, you may study to earn a Master’s in Healthcare Administration, MBA, or even a Ph.D. At this level, courses often focus on research and strategy, helping you fine-tune your business mindset. Other courses at this stage may delve into human resource skills, financial management, and other related topics.
WHAT DO HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE COURSES LOOK LIKE?
HIM degree programs explore big data and how to effectively harness it. Some classes focus on technical skills, such as programming and analytics, while others delve into the clinical, financial, and legal uses of patient data in healthcare. Additionally, students may take a series of business classes that cover administrative issues, concepts, and practices. These courses can help students develop skills in budgeting, staff management, and policy-making. By gaining a well-rounded understanding of both technical and business aspects of HIM, graduates can pursue a variety of career paths in the healthcare industry.
AHIMA sets standards for accredited HIM degree programs to ensure that graduates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field. These standards cover a range of topics including health data management, health informatics, healthcare delivery systems, and more. By following these standards, HIM programs can help prepare students for careers in health information management and related fields.
Some common courses include:
Big Data:In a Big Data class within an HIM program, you will explore the vast potential of data and how it can be utilized in healthcare. The curriculum often covers electronic health records (EHRs) and the coding and classification systems used to organize patient information. Additionally, you may study various medical applications of digital data, including patient history, laboratory results, and billing processes.
Info Protection: In addition to learning about the legal and ethical aspects of data privacy and security, HIM degree programs also teach students about the technical aspects of securing and protecting health information. This includes methods for assessing and managing risks, implementing security protocols, and responding to breaches or incidents. Students may also study industry standards and regulations related to data privacy and security, such as HIPAA
Analytics and Informatics: A class in analytics and informatics is designed to enhance your skills in using software tools and statistical techniques. You will learn how to collect, manage, and interpret large sets of data, and organize them in an accurate and compliant manner. Side topics may include discussions on how to evaluate information systems to ensure their effectiveness.
Health Law and Compliance:Health Law and Compliance classes typically cover US healthcare laws and ethical principles, such as patient consent and liability. Students may also learn about corporate compliance and regulations that apply to data privacy, with side topics that delve into HIPAA, reporting requirements, and laws related to disclosure.
Management: This type of class provides instruction on leadership and management in various healthcare settings. Topics may cover managerial theory and its practical application, such as directing staff, forming policies, and making decisions. Additionally, side topics often include strategies for improving quality of care and reducing costs.
Health Care Finance: In this class, you'll learn about financial management in health care organizations. HIM managers need to be able to make budget decisions using a performance improvement model, and this class will provide you with the tools to plan, direct, and control resources. Side topics may include billing and payments, cost-benefit analysis, and financial decision-making related to healthcare operations..
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE A HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM?
Earning an HIM degree online typically takes four years as a full-time student, but it can be extended if you enroll part-time or take breaks from school. However, if you have previously completed college credits, you may be able to transfer them and reduce the number of required credits. The standard number of credits required for a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management is 120, but this may vary depending on the institution’s policies. Therefore, it’s important to check with the school to determine their specific requirements and transfer policies.
THE AVERAGE COST OF AN ONLINE HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM
Based on recent data, the average in-state cost of an online HIM degree program is $6,999, which is growing by 3.03%. However, out-of-state tuition is higher, with an average cost of $24,664, which is rising by 3.96%. It’s important to note that these are just averages, and actual costs may vary depending on the school and program. In addition to tuition, students should also factor in other costs such as books and supplies. It’s recommended to research the tuition and fees of various schools before deciding on a program.
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.
NEXT STEPS AFTER EARNING A DATA SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM ONLINE
Data analytics certifications are voluntary certs. These are often show peers and employers that you have expertise. They may also serve to:
- Help you master specific in demand skills
- Build credibility
- Keep you current with trends
- Refresh a resume so that it can stand out
It may be something to think about, so we’ve outlined a few cert. Earn these certs through the AICPA. Successful students receive a digital badge to share with their online professional network.
- Data Analysis Basics Certificate
- Application of Data Analysis Essentials Certificate
- Data Analytics Modeling Certificate
- Forecasting and Predictive Analytics Certificate
- Visualization Certificate
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 2018 / 2019 school year with 2018 data from the NCES. And, we took note of any related programs in the health management field.
University of Phoenix-Arizona
B.S. Health Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Data Analytics for Health Care Managers
- Regulatory and Compliance Within The Health Care Industry
- Organizational Behavior
- 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
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 75% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,697
- 71% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,884
Purdue University Global
B.S. Health Information Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Human Resources for Health Care Organizations
- Information Technology and Systems for Health Care
- Health Care Administration
- 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
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 71% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,596
- 24% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,639
Davenport University
B.S. Health Information Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Healthcare Management
- Health Care Law and Ethics
- Intro to HIM
- 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)
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 98% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $12,978
- 45% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,018
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
B.S. Health Information Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Intro to Informatics
- Computer Concepts for Health Information
- Anatomy for Healthcare Management
- Information technology
- Management
- Financial management
More Programs:
- Health Data Science
- Health Information Management & Exchange (Cert)
- M.S. Health Informatics
- Health Information Architecture (Cert)
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 71% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $11,849
- 42% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,251
Weber State University
B.S. Health Information Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Health Data Management
- Healthcare Financial Administration
- Diagnosis and Procedure Coding
- Applying technology
- Data analytics
- Management
More Programs:
- Health Promotion
- Health Administration
- Master of Health Administration
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 83% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,079
- 35% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,793
Indiana University-Northwest
B.S. Health Information Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Coding & Classification Systems
- Reimbursement Principles in Healthcare
- Computer Systems in Healthcare
- Managing medical records
- Summarizing data
- Coding health info
More Programs:
- Applied Health Science
- Health Information Administration (Minor)
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 62% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $7,889
- 47% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,131
Rasmussen College-Florida
Bachelor of Health Information Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Electronic Health Record Application
- Advanced Health Information Leadership
- Advanced Data Analytics
- 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
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 81% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $4,472
- 79% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,401
Ferris State University
B.S. Health Information Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Statistics in Health Care
- Health Information Concepts
- Health Care Supervisory Practices
- 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.)
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 90% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $9,769
- 45% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,399
Rasmussen College-Minnesota
Bachelor of Health Information Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Electronic Health Record Application
- Health Data Management
- Project Management
- 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
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 72% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $4,589
- 58% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,282
Peirce College
B.S. Health Information Administration
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Statistical Applications in Healthcare
- Medical Terminology
- Information Systems for HIT
- Management
- Research
- Information security
More Programs:
- Healthcare Administration
- Health Information Technology (A.S.)
- Master of Healthcare Administration
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 80% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $9,549
- 70% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,947
Dakota State University
B.S. Health Information Administration
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Healthcare Data Analytics
- Legal Aspects of Health Information
- Advanced Health Data Systems
- Managing records
- Administering computer systems
- Using classification systems
More Programs:
- A.S. Health Information Technician
- Medical Billing and Coding (Cert)
- Master of Healthcare Administration
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 76% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $4,667
- 69% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,806
Missouri Western State University
B.S. Health Information Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Quality Management
- Clinical Classification Systems
- Applied Health Informatics
- Applying technology
- Evaluating health records
- Classifying data
More Programs:
- Population Health Management
- Health Data Analytics (Minor)
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 94% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $8,039
- 51% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,062
Remington College-Heathrow Campus
Bachelor of Health Information Management (Completion)
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Health Data Management
- Database Design and Management
- Clinical Classification Systems and Applications
- Collecting and analyzing patient data
- Using classification systems
- Managing health information
More Programs:
- Computer Science
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (Cert)
- Data Science (Grad Cert)
- M.S. Business Analytics
- M.S. Data Science
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 100% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $22,456
- 35% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,995
Bellevue College
B.A.S. Health Care Informatics
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Electronic Health Records
- Healthcare Analytics and Quality
- Project Management for Healthcare
- 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)
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 33% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,810
- 22% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,575
DeVry University-Illinois
B.S. Health Information Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Healthcare Data Security and Privacy
- Health Information Financial Management
- Healthcare Total Quality Management
- Leadership
- Research
- Data analysis
More Programs:
- Business – Health Services Management
- Healthcare Administration – Healthcare Management
- MBA Health Services
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 97% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,829
- 86% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,138
Baker College
A.A.P. Health Information Technology
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Health Data Content and Structure
- Healthcare Delivery Systems
- Healthcare Data Analytics and Statistics
- Health information management
- Organizing medical information
- Ensuring privacy and compliance
More Programs:
- A.S. Health Information Technician
- Healthcare Administration
- MBA Healthcare Management
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 80% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $6,103
- 54% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,700
St Petersburg College
A.S. Health Information Technology
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Medical Terminology
- Computer Applications
- HIM Standards and Practice
- Managing patient records
- Quality improvement
- Supervising
More Programs:
- Health Services Administration
- Health Sciences
- Management and Organizational Leadership
- Healthcare Informatics (Cert)
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 67% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $8,615
- 53% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $7,763
Franklin University
B.S. Health Information Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Health Data
- Health Information Systems
- Medical Reimbursement
- Quality improvement
- Information governance
- Leadership
More Programs:
- Health Care Management
- Information Systems
- Human Resources Management
- Financial Management
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 95% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $15,202
- 54% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $3,061
South Texas College
B.A.T. Medical and Health Services Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Health Care Statistics
- Health Care Information Technology
- Medical Insurance
- Management
- Finance
- Health information processing
More Programs:
- Technology Management
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 84% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $5,627
- 79% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,260
National American University-Rapid City
Bachelor of Health Care Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Health Information Systems
- Regulatory Environment in Health Care
- Healthcare Financial Management
- 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)
2018 / 19 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
Berkeley College-Woodland Park
B.B.A. Health Services Management
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Computer Applications
- Ethical and Legal Aspects of Health Services
- Health Services Finance
- 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)
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 98% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $17,080
- 81% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,622
Miami Dade College
A.S. Health Information Technology
Courses Include:
Key Skills:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Legal Aspects of Health Care
- ICD Coding Systems
- 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)
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 83% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $6,027
- 71% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,851
Metropolitan 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:
Key Skills:
- Data Warehousing and Mining
- Electronic Medical Record Applications and Support
- Financial Management in Health Care
- 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)
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 55% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $6,228
- 39% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $4,349
Washburn 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:
Key Skills:
- Health Information Systems
- Health Care Policy
- Principles of Health Information Technology
- Supervising
- Risk management
- Quality improvement
More Programs:
- Health and Fitness Promotion
- Health Information Technology (A.S.)
2018 / 19 Undergrad Financial Aid:
- 82% of students are awarded grants or scholarships. On average $6,875
- 40% of students are awarded federal loans in the average amount of $5,016
NEXT STEPS AFTER EARNING A DATA SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM ONLINE
Data analytics certifications are voluntary certs. These are often show peers and employers that you have expertise. They may also serve to:
- Help you master specific in demand skills
- Build credibility
- Keep you current with trends
- Refresh a resume so that it can stand out
It may be something to think about, so we’ve outlined a few cert. Earn these certs through the AICPA. Successful students receive a digital badge to share with their online professional network.
- Data Analysis Basics Certificate
- Application of Data Analysis Essentials Certificate
- Data Analytics Modeling Certificate
- Forecasting and Predictive Analytics Certificate
- Visualization Certificate
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR DATA ANALYTICS DEGREE GRADS
Today, there are 2.06 million data processing grads in the work force. Any one of these people may need to use data analysis on a daily basis. With an average age of 40.7. Over half (56.9%) are male.
TOP SALARIES BY STATE FOR DATA ANALYSIS DEGREE HOLDERS
The
BLS found states with the highest mean wage for Operations Research Analysts. Virginia is the only state that is in the top 5 for both highest wage and employment level.
| State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
| District of Columbia | 910 | $115,000 |
| Virginia | 7,930 | $106,490 |
| New York | 5,710 | $106,260 |
| Alabama | 720 | $97,080 |
| New Jersey | 1,640 | $95,200 |
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
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.