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.
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.
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 $7,536. This is growing by 4.93%. Out of state tuition is higher. On average that cost is $31,058 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 2,942 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.
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.
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
2022 / 23 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
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
2022 / 23 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
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)
2022 / 23 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
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)
2022/ 23 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
2022 / 23 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
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)
2022 / 23 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
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
2022 / 23 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
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.)
2022 / 23 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
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
2022 / 23 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
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
2022 / 23 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
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)
2022 / 23 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
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
2022 / 23 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
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)
2022 / 23 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
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
2022 / 23 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
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)
2022 / 23 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
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
2022 / 23 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
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
2022 / 23 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
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)
2022 / 23 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
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
2022 / 23 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
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
2022 / 23 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
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)
2022 / 23 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
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)
2022/ 23 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
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)
2022 / 23 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
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)
2022 / 23 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
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.)
2022 / 23 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.
State
Employment
Annual Mean Wage
District of Columbia
1,790
$156,870
New York
25,430
$171,620
Massachusetts
20,300
$152,450
Delaware
1,270
$150,840
New Jersey
16,490
$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.
Job Growth Through 2033: 21% (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.
