Online Health Information Management Degrees: Finding the Right Program
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Editorial Senior Care Dementia CareExplore CAHIIM accredited online programs in health information management. Learn how to find the right school, understand degree levels and types, and see how online learning works in this fast-growing healthcare field.
Health Information Management Student FAQs
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)
For more information on paying for your college education, check out our 50 Top Scholarships for Medical & Health Students and Pay Less for Education: How to Take Charge of Your Financial Aid guides.
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:
Health Information Management Clerk
Health information management clerks perform a range of clerical functions required for collecting, filing, storing, retaining, and retrieving medical records (both digital and physical) for organizations and facilities across the entire healthcare services industry. HIM clerks also assist IT professionals in updating and maintaining medical records systems and software.
- Typical Education Required: Associate Degree or Undergraduate Certificate
- Career Level: Entry-level
Health Information Management Coder
Another popular entry-level position in HIM, the health information management coder is responsible for translating physician reports and patient medical records from other healthcare team members and converting them into medical codes used by healthcare services facilities and their billing departments as well as healthcare-related organizations and companies, such as insurance providers.
- Typical Education Required: Associate Degree or Undergraduate Certificate
- Career Level: Entry-level
Health Information Manager
Health information managers plan and coordinate all services provided by an organization’s or facility’s HIM department. Specific duties include maintaining large and complex patient information and treatment databases and ensuring that the information contained in those databases is accurate and secure. HIM managers also compile and analyze patient information and data for use by physicians, nurses, and other health services providers.
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree
- Career Level: Mid-Level
Health Information Management Director
Health information directors oversee entire HIM departments and their information systems, typically at large, complex healthcare facilities and with major health services organizations, like hospitals, long-term care centers, private physician groups, and health insurance providers. HIM directors manage health information department teams, develop organizational goals, and ensure compliance with all applicable privacy and security laws and regulations.
- Typical Education Required: Master’s Degree (preferred)
- Career Level: Senior-Level
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 | Median National Annual Salary | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
Career | Median National Annual Salary $50,250 | 10th Percentile $35,780 | 90th Percentile $66,260 |
Career | Median National Annual Salary $117,960 | 10th Percentile $69,680 | 90th Percentile $219,080 |
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 specialists is expected to grow 7%, a net gain of over 14,200 jobs each year, between 2024 and 2034.
- The total number of medical and health services management jobs is expected to increase by 62,800 annually, a rate of 23%, during that same period.
- In comparison, the BLS estimates job growth of only 3% for all occupations from 2024 to 2034.
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
What to Look for in a 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 every online HIM degree program 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.
HIM Associate Degrees (Online/Hybrid)
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
Bachelor’s Degrees in HIM (Online/Hybrid)
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
Learn more about the curriculum in an online health information bachelor’s program.
Master’s Degrees in HIM (Online/Hybrid)
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
HIM Certificates (Online)
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 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:
- Documentation guidelines
- Database & network design and architecture
- Data warehousing and batch processing
- Data integration tools and techniques
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:
- National health information infrastructure
- Health information standards
- Communication and internet technologies
- Computer systems development
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 decision-making
- Ethical issues associated with healthcare practices
- Reasoning and judgment
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.
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.
Programs that might interest you:
