Online Bachelor’s in Health Information Management (HIM)
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As healthcare technology evolves, professionals with specialized skills and knowledge to manage information systems in health organizations are increasingly in high demand. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare information management are well-equipped to handle different features of the healthcare world, including informatics and records management systems. Various universities offer online programs in healthcare management, taught by the same experienced faculty that manages the on-campus programs.
A bachelor’s program in health information management (HIM) generally can be completed in four years. These programs train students to manage patient data, collaborate with team members, and implement the latest laws and regulations within healthcare facilities. Some of the courses included in this type of program include reimbursement methodologies, the management of health information, the legal aspects of health issues, and health information technology.
After completing a bachelor’s degree, students can take the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Graduates can also take up roles as clinical data analysts, HIM directors, information data specialists, and information security analysts, depending on their background and specialized coursework.
The following guide profiles seven online bachelor’s programs in health information management and three notable faculty members who teach classes in these programs.
List of Online Bachelor’s in Health Information Management Programs
SNHU offers an online bachelor of science (BS) degree in health information management. The fully online program focuses on utilizing hardware and software and analyzing information systems and applications. The coursework is ideal for both those who have just ventured into health informatics as well as experienced professionals looking for more expertise.
The 120-credit program provides students with real-world experience and theoretical knowledge about health information management. The program includes courses in medical terminology, healthcare reimbursement, healthcare delivery systems, healthcare data management, coding and classification systems, and communication and technologies.
Students gain an understanding of clinical classification systems and regulations, healthcare applications of data structure, and the policies that govern healthcare systems. They also learn how to analyze and manage health statistics.
Admission requirements include an online application form and transcripts from all schools attended. GRE or GMAT scores are not required. Those with higher GPAs may be eligible for scholarship options.
- Location: Manchester, NH
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Tuition: $320 per credit
- Program length: Three to four years
Purdue University Global offers an online bachelor of science in health information management where students gain on-the-job experience by working in a local hospital or healthcare facility as part of the program’s externship feature. Faculty members with years of practical experience and knowledge teach the program.
The 180-credit program prepares students for a fulfilling career in health information management with coursework in the legal aspects of healthcare, medical coding, reimbursement methods, pharmacology, advanced health informatics, and human resources for healthcare management. The curriculum is frequently reviewed and revised to keep up with the latest developments in the field.
The program helps students develop fundamental skills such as decision making, problem-solving, critical thinking, as well as a host of other technical skills. Students learn how to solve healthcare issues using research, take sound decisions regarding healthcare management, and critically analyze the healthcare information systems methods of delivery implemented in their organization.
Applicants must be high school graduates (or the equivalent) and should be fluent in English.
- Location: Davenport, IA
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $371 per credit
- Program length: Two to four years
Saint Joseph’s College offers a completely online bachelor of science in health information management that provides students with skills and tools to help organizations manage their health information systems effectively. Some of these skills include analyzing patient data, maintaining patients’ records, and managing team members.
The 128-credit program prepares students for a career as health information administrators or managers. Students delve into pharmacology, reimbursement technologies, healthcare statistics and research, and health data management, among other subjects.
Applicants must submit an online application form, college credit course transcripts, official high school transcript, and a letter of recommendation. Upon completion of the program, students can also sit for the exams to obtain their RHIA credential. The program opens up various roles for graduates as coders, billers, and health services managers.
- Location: Standish, ME
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Tuition: $1,050 per credit
- Program length: Four years
The University of Cincinnati offers an online bachelor of science in health information management designed for RHIA-credentialed professionals or those who wish to take the RHIA exam. The program promotes ethical professionalism, critical thinking, and communication.
The 52-credit curriculum can be completed in a few as six semesters. Courses cover the reimbursement system, health data management, health information technology, health information systems, human resources in healthcare, healthcare statistics and research methods, the management of healthcare data, and legal issues in healthcare.
Applicants to the program must be graduates of (or working towards) a CAHIIM-accredited health information technology associate’s degree program with a minimum GPA of 2.6. They must also submit official transcripts for all schools/universities attended, as well as a copy of one’s current AHIMA membership card or proof of maintenance of RHIT certification, if applicable.
Graduates have gone on to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, mental health organizations, educational organizations, public health agencies, consulting services, and government organizations.
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Tuition: $481 per credit
- Program length: Two years, part-time
The CUNY School of Professional Studies offers a 100 percent online bachelor of science in health information management program that trains students to take up leadership roles in the ever-evolving healthcare field.
The 120-credit program teaches students to utilize the latest technological advances to manage health information. Students delve into healthcare delivery systems, health information management, healthcare data analysis, medical terminology, health statistics and research, and health information management applications, among other topics. The program trains students in various aspects of healthcare management, such as research, planning, implementation, and delivery.
Admission requirements include at least 24 transferable credits from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, as well as proficiency in reading, writing, and math. The program can open up lucrative opportunities for students as clinical data analysts, health information analysts, compliance specialists, information auditors, health information systems trainers, and privacy officers.
- Location: New York City, NY
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Tuition: $295 per credit
- Program length: Three to four years
Franklin University offers an online bachelor of science in health information management that is 100 percent online. The program is taught by real-world healthcare professionals who bring valuable experience to the classroom.
The 120-credit program gives students a primer on organizational leadership, information technology, and healthcare management in general. Other coursework focuses on healthcare outcomes and quality management, healthcare financial management, health informatics, health data, and applications in health information systems. Students learn how to improve healthcare delivery, put information systems in place, and manage the delivery of health services. They will also gain on-the-ground experience when developing a plan for a healthcare-related organization of their choice.
Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or equivalent or completed an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited university. They must submit official transcripts and certificates. The program prepares students to take up varied roles as privacy officers, patient information managers, data quality managers, HIM directors, clinical data analysts, and patient records auditors.
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Tuition: $526 per credit
- Program length: Four years
The College of Health and Public Affairs at the University Of Central Florida offers an online bachelor of science in health informatics and information management focused on real-world applications as opposed to theory. The same faculty that teaches the on-campus program teaches the online courses.
The 120-credit program provides an overview of the various domains in healthcare such as healthcare finance, health law, business organization, medical coding, and computer applications in healthcare. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of health information technology, health sciences research methods, medical terminology, health data management, health record organization and management, and health information department management.
Admission requirements include submitting an online application form, official transcripts from all previously attended institutions with a minimum 2.0 GPA from the last school attended, and SAT or ACT plus writing scores. Graduates can take the RHIA exam and explore careers as database administrators, medical records technicians, data analysts, health information specialists, and data integrity specialists.
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $383.86 per credit
- Program length: Three to four years
Professors to Know in Online Health Information Management Programs
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Betty Harrison - Purdue University
Betty Harrison serves as the academic department chair for the bachelor's programs in health sciences, nutrition, and health and wellness at Purdue University Global. She teaches courses on stress management, meditation, and integrative medicine. Before joining Purdue University, she taught at Southwest Acupuncture College.
Her current research focuses on meditation, health, and mindfulness-based stress reduction and has been published in prominent journals such as the Child Development Journal. She is a member of the National Wellness Institute and the American Society on Aging and has won numerous awards such as the 2016 School of Health Sciences Leadership Award.
Betty Harrison completed a master of arts in psychology from the New School University, a master of science in acupuncture and oriental medicine from the Tri-State College of Acupuncture, and a bachelor of arts in psychology and South Asian studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. -
JoAnn Jordan, PhD - Franklin University
Dr. JoAnn Jordan is program chair for the health information management and health sciences program at Franklin University. She has been instrumental in designing the curriculum for many schools.
Presently, her research work focuses on employee satisfaction, the improvement of health outcomes, and collaboration and teamwork. She is a member of the Ohio Health Information Management Association, Health Information Management and Systems Society, and the American Health Information Management Association.
Dr. Jordan has presented her work in several renowned conferences. She is also a Certified Coding Professional - Physician (CCS-P), an American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA) Certified Professional in Health Informatics (CPHI), a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
Dr. Jordan completed her doctorate in biomedical informatics from Rutgers University, as well as her master of public health (MPH) and bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. -
Ellen Karl - The City University of New York
Ellen S. Karl is the academic director for the health information management programs at the CUNY School of Professional Studies. A veteran in HIM, she has worked in the field for more than 35 years.
Apart from academic experience, Karl also has real-world expertise in health information management, having served as a director and consultant in hospitals in New Jersey, Florida, and New York. A panel reviewer for the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM), she is also a recipient of the AHIMA fellowship.
Ellen Karl completed her master of business administration (MBA) in health administration from the University of Miami and her bachelor's degree in medical record administration from the University of Central Florida. She also completed doctorate coursework in medical informatics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.