Online Health Information Management Degrees: Top Schools
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HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing NursingNursing Ed.Explore CAHIIM accredited online programs and begin your degree and career path in health information management.
Achieving your education and career goals in health information management starts by finding the right degree program for you. This can take some real time and effort, but we’re here to help in your search. EduMed has surveyed online health information management (HIM) degrees currently being offered in the U.S., vetting each program based on a number of important factors, including accreditation, affordability, study format and flexibility, and curriculum quality. The result is our list of the top online HIM programs.
How to Choose a Quality Online Health Information Management Program
Once you’ve decided that pursuing a career in health information management is what you want to do, it’s time to find the right degree program to get you there. Before diving into the details of online HIM degree programs themselves, it’s important to know what qualities to be on the lookout for in those programs.
Here are the essential program features the online HIM degree program you ultimately choose should have:
- Is accredited by Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). See our dedicated accreditation section below for detailed information on the importance of proper institutional and programmatic accreditation.
- Fits your busy work and life schedules. Coursework for most online HIM programs is presented in an asynchronous format, allowing you to access and complete your studies at times most convenient to you. However, some programs may also include classes or other activities that require your attendance at specific dates and times. Be sure you understand all such requirements and confirm your ability to meet them.
- Prepares you for RHIA, RHIT, or other professional certifications. See our dedicated professional certification section below for more details about the value of professional certifications available to HIM professionals.
- Provides strong online student support. Not all online programs offer the same range and quality of student support services. Be sure to confirm the availability of important support services, like instructor access, tutoring, and academic, financial, and career counseling.
- Comes in under budget. Earning a college degree or certificate is an expensive proposition. Be sure you have a complete grasp of the total cost of any program you consider and that you can afford your chosen program before you enroll.
Types of HIM Degrees You Can Earn Online
The bachelor’s degree is the most popular option for those seeking careers in health information management, but it’s not the only one. Take a look below at all of the HIM degree and certificate types currently available online.
Online Health Information Management Associate Degrees
The associate degree in health information management, typically titled AS or AAS in Health Information Technology, offers an affordable alternative to the HIM bachelor’s degree for students seeking entry-level positions in the field.
Students complete both general education and foundational major-related courses that prepare them for employment as:
- Health information clerks and technicians
- Insurance claims clerks
- Medical billers and coders
Online HIM associate degree programs are plentiful and available primarily from public community and state colleges throughout the U.S. as well as private online institutions. Graduates typically qualify to sit for the RHIT certification examination.
Best for … students interested in entry-level job positions or who want to earn general education and foundational HIM course credits at a low cost before transferring on to a HIM bachelor’s program.
Program Requirements
Part-Time Program: 3 years or more
Full-Time Program: 2 years
Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Information Management
The bachelor’s degree in health information management is designed for individuals intent on careers in HIM management and administration at:
- Hospitals
- Physicians’ offices
- Government agencies
- Insurance carriers
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Medical manufacturers
Features:
- Curriculum consists of general education coursework along with major-specific classes.
- Most programs require four years of full-time study.
- Some schools feature flexible credit transfer and competency-based credit policies that substantially reduce program lengths.
- Some programs for current RHIT certified professionals can be completed in as little as one year.
Online HIM bachelor degree programs are plentiful and available from public and private colleges and universities throughout the nation. Most programs qualify graduates to sit for the RHIA certification exam.
Best for … students seeking to start professional careers in health information management and administration beyond entry-level technician and coding positions.
Program Requirements
Part-Time Program: 5 years or more
Full-Time Program: 4 years
Online Master’s Degrees in Health Information Management
The HIM master’s degree is designed primarily for professionals currently employed in the HIM field who are interested in advancing their careers into top-tier positions in administration and management.
Features:
- Curriculums typically consist of 30 to 48 credit hours of coursework
- Completion of either a thesis or capstone project is required
Coursework focuses on the development of advanced practice and leadership skills that can be applied within healthcare organizations and in representing those organizations in their communities, with government agencies, and throughout the healthcare industry.
While not as plentiful as undergraduate HIM programs, students will find several fully accredited online master’s programs to choose from, offered by public and private colleges and universities alike.
Best for … HIM professionals seeking to move their careers into higher paying senior administrative and management positions.
Program Requirements
Part-Time Program: 3 years or more
Full-Time Program: 2 years
Online Certificates in Health Information Management
Two distinct types of HIM-related certificates are available: the healthcare coding certificate and the post-baccalaureate HIM certificate.
The Healthcare Coding certificate:
- Is for individuals seeking entry-level medical billing and coding jobs
- Can be completed in six months to one year with full-time study or two years with part-time study, though timelines can vary
- Typically only requires a high school diploma or equivalent for admission
The Post-Baccalaureate HIM certificate:
- Is primarily for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-HIM major and wish to launch careers in the healthcare information management field
- Includes coursework similar to the major-specific courses required for earning a HIM bachelor’s degree
- Typically requires completion of 30 to 50 or more credit hours
Online healthcare coding and post-bachelor’s certificate programs are plentiful and are offered by quality public and private colleges and universities throughout the U.S.
Best for … students who are interested in HIM careers but do not need to complete or are not interested in completing a full undergraduate degree program.
Program Requirements
Part-Time Program: 1 to 2 years for healthcare coding or 3 years or more for post-baccalaureate HIM
Full-Time Program: 6 months to 1 year for healthcare coding or 2 years for post-baccalaureate HIM
Inside Look at the Online Bachelor’s in Health Information Management
It’s important to have a clear understanding of all of the elements involved in online HIM academics so you know what to expect going in. Get a closer look at HIM bachelor’s degree program curriculums, learning outcomes, and admissions requirements.
What do you learn in an online health information program at the bachelor’s degree level?
Every health information management bachelor’s program is different due primarily to the individual school’s education style and philosophy as well as the specific program’s unique learning outcomes and goals. Nevertheless, you can expect to encounter common HIM subjects similar to those covered in the following courses:
Health Data Management
This advanced course describes the methods and techniques employed in the management of healthcare data and information with a particular emphasis on digital records. Specific topics covered include:
- Database & network design and architecture
- Data warehousing and batch processing
- Data integration tools and techniques
- Documentation guidelines
Health Information Systems
This course provides an examination of the design and implementation of information systems used in the processing and storing of healthcare data and filing structures. Students compare and contrast methods of technology, communication, and data security for healthcare organizations. Specific topics include:
- Health information standards
- Communication and internet technologies
- Computer systems development
- National health information infrastructure
Healthcare Reimbursement
This course provides an analysis of traditional and current reimbursement systems and methods employed in healthcare services and the role of healthcare information management in the revenue cycle. Topics discussed include:
- Theories of supply and demand
- Payment systems
- Audit processes
- Budgeting and planning
- Managed care issues
- Insurance
- Government regulations
- Effective decision-making
Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Information Management
Health information management practice involves compliance with a range of federal and state laws and regulations. This course focuses on the political, legal, and regulatory issues relating to information collection and usage and the broader healthcare industry. Students are additionally introduced to:
- Ethical issues associated with healthcare practices
- Reasoning and judgment
- Ethical decision-making
The ultimate goal in earning your health information management bachelor’s degree is to obtain practical knowledge and skills you can apply immediately on the first day of your first HIM job and throughout your professional career.
Here’s a look at several important skills you can expect to acquire during your HIM bachelor’s degree program:
- Manage patient healthcare records in compliance with applicable legal standards.
- Evaluate and manage organizational resources within your organization and the field.
- Evaluate and apply healthcare-related information and data to your organization’s health information practices.
- Apply reasoning and problem-solving techniques to relevant HIM practice issues.
- Demonstrate competency in leadership, communication, and collaboration with team members
What are typical admissions requirements for a health information management bachelor’s degree?
Admission requirements for HIM bachelor’s degree programs vary somewhat depending on the specific program, so be sure to carefully review all requirements for any and all programs you are considering.
Nevertheless, the program you choose will likely come with admission requirements similar to the following:
- High school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED).
- Submittal of a score for either the SAT or ACT exam. Minimum scores vary by program.
- Many degree completion programs require an HIM-related associate degree and/or RHIT certification.
- Non-native English speakers are typically required to submit a TOEFL score or similar test score to demonstrate English language proficiency.
FAQs About Online Health Information Management Degree Programs
Are online health information management degree programs accredited?
The answer to this question is yes, and that goes for all degree levels and certificate programs. In fact, you should only consider programs with proper accreditation because it is through the accreditation process that you (and employers) can be sure that your HIM program has met important minimum standards for academic quality.
There are two forms of accreditation to look for:
- Institutional accreditation: refers to accreditation of the entire college or university; institutional accreditation in the U.S. is handled through several independent regional and national agencies approved by the Department of Education
- Programmatic accreditation: validates individual degree and certificate programs; programmatic accreditation of HIM programs in the U.S. is administered by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
You can confirm a program’s current accreditation status by visiting the school’s program or accreditation webpage or by using these CAHIIM and Department of Education search engines.
Can you earn an online health information management degree completely online?
The answer depends on the degree level (associate, bachelor’s, master’s) and specific degree program. In most cases, standard coursework is completed entirely online regardless of degree level. Some online HIM associate degree programs can be completed 100% online.
Others, however, include practicums and/or capstone projects that require in-person participation at an approved healthcare services site. Virtually all online HIM bachelor’s and master’s programs include in-person internships, practicums, and/or capstone projects.
How much does an online health information program cost?
The total cost of your HIM degree or certificate program will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Degree level
- Type of school (public or private)
- Geographic location of the school
- State residency
Below are the current (as of fall 2019) tuition rates for three online HIM degree programs to give you a bit of an idea what your degree might cost. Remember, though, that your total program price tag will also include the cost of additional fees, books, and supplies.
To find out about costs for a specific program you’re interested in, go to the school’s ranking listed above and visit the school’s tuition and fees webpage.
AAS in Health Information Technology
Total Credits: 69
$86/credit (in-state); $172/credit (out-of-state)
Southern New Hampshire University
MS in Health Information Management
Total Credits: 36
$627/credit; $470/credit (U.S. service members and the spouses of active duty service members)
What can you do with a degree in health information management?
You can do many things with a health information management degree. Careers for HIM degree holders are available in a range of practice areas, such as:
- Coding and billing
- Revenue cycle management
- Medical records administration
- Compliance and risk management
- Data analytics
- IT and systems infrastructure
- Education
HIM graduates find employment in a variety of professional settings, including hospitals, community health clinics, physicians’ offices, public health agencies, nursing homes, long-term care and hospice facilities, integrated healthcare systems, and insurance carriers. Other HIM professionals go out on their own as consultants.
Degree level also plays a key role in career success. Here’s how:
- Most professionals will find career advancement requires obtaining a HIM bachelor’s degree.
- Employers are increasingly looking for job candidates with a master’s degree to fill top administrative and management positions.
Here’s a look at a few of the most popular job titles for HIM graduates:
Additional Career Options for HIM Graduates
Other common job titles related to the HIM profession include:
- Benefits Coordinator
- CDI Manager
- Clinical Documentation Specialist
- Clinical Medical Data Coordinator
- Compliance Auditor
- Data Integrity Analyst
- Meaningful Use Specialist
- Patient Registrar
- Revenue Cycle Manager
- Systems Analyst
How much can you make with a degree in health information management?
The job market for HIM professionals is strong and predicted to remain so for many years to come. The same goes for HIM salaries. Check out these salary figures from the AHIMA:
- Over half of all HIM bachelor’s degree graduates start their careers in jobs with annual salaries between $30,000 and $50,000
- Those with five years experience see average salaries in the $50,000 to $75,000 range.
- Associate degree graduates can expect starting annual salaries from $20,000 to $30,000.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offers these salary figures (as of May 2018) for two HIM-related career categories:
| Career | 2018 Median National Annual Salary | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Records and Health Information Technicians | $40,350 | $26,550 | $66,260 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $99,730 | $58,680 | $182,600 |
Below are average salaries for a number of other popular job titles in the HIM field provided by PayScale.com*:
| Career | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Information Management Clerk | $35,732 |
| Health Information Management Coder | $44,782 |
| Health Information Management Supervisor | $51,260 |
| Health Information Manager | $56,323 |
| Health Information Management Director | $70,988 |
* Latest published figures as of Jan. 2020
Are health information management professionals in high demand?
Yes. As with salaries, job growth in health information management and the broader healthcare field is very strong and will continue to be that way moving forward. According to BLS figures:
- Employment positions for medical records and health information technicians is expected to grow 11%, a net gain of over 23,000 jobs, between 2018 and 2028.
- The total number of medical and health services management jobs is expected to increase by 71,600, a rate of 18%, during that same period.
- In comparison, the BLS estimates job growth of only 5% for all occupations from 2018 to 2028.
This predicted robust job growth in the HIM field is due to several factors including:
- Growing healthcare needs of the large and aging baby boomer generation
- Rising use of new technologies
- Steady move toward fully computer-based medical and healthcare records
Next Steps: Earning Your RHIT/RHIA Certification
Obtaining a certification is an important way for health information management professionals to demonstrate competence in a specialized area of HIM practice, setting themselves apart from their peers and increasing their attractiveness to employers.
Two common certifications are the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
The most popular HIM certification is the RHIA certification awarded by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). RHIA-certified professionals possess expertise in:
- Management of patient medical records and health information
- Administration of computer information systems
- Collection and analysis of patient data
Earning the RHIA credential requires graduation from a CAHIIM-accredited bachelor’s or master’s program and passing a 180-question examination.
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
Another popular AHIMA-sponsored credential is the RHIT certification. RHIT-certified professionals specialize in:
- Coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records
- Ensuring medical record quality through verification of accuracy and completeness
Earning the RHIT requires a HIM associate degree from a CAHIIM-accredited program and passing the 150-question RHIT exam.
Other HIM-Related Certifications
Other certifications available from the AHIMA include:
- Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA): Recognizing expertise in health data analysis and validation.
- Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS): Recognizing expertise in health information privacy and security protection.
- Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP): Demonstrating competence in clinical documentation integrity and improvement.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Similar Degree Programs to Consider
Do you have a general interest in the collection and analysis of information and data as well as the healthcare services industry, but you’re not sure that a career specifically in health information management is for you? Below are three alternative career paths you may want to consider along with the degree programs to get you started.
Health Informatics
Health informatics focuses on information systems and database design and programming for enterprise-wide healthcare systems. Health informatics degrees are available in all degree levels and offered online and on campus. Job titles for health informatics professionals include:
- Health informatics director
- Health informatics specialist
- Health informatics consultant
- Chief medical information officer
- Healthcare IT project manager
Medical billing concerns the submission and processing of healthcare services claims with insurance providers. Medical coding refers to converting medical services, healthcare diagnoses and procedures, and related activities into alphanumeric codes for patient records.
Careers in both medical billing and medical coding require earning an associate degree, postsecondary diploma, or certificate. Online programs for all three of these credentials are available, primarily from public community and private nonprofit and for-profit colleges.
The field of nursing informatics focuses on the use of digital information systems and data technologies to improve nursing practice and patient care. Here’s the most common path to a career in nursing informatics:
- Earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN)
- Obtain an RN license
- Earn a post-baccalaureate certificate or MSN degree in nursing informatics
Partially online programs are available for nursing degrees but typically include on-campus coursework as well, and all degree programs will require completion of substantial in-person clinical hours.
Ranking the Best Online Health Information Management Programs
More and more schools have added online health information management to their program lists at all degree levels. But when reviewing these programs, how do you know which are right for you? Which ones have the best combinations of affordability, quality, and flexibility?
Using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and from the schools themselves, EduMed.org has researched, analyzed, and ranked the schools with the best online health information management degree programs. Review the colleges and universities that truly stand out.
