Health Information Management (BS)

About the Health Information Management Bachelor Degree Concentration 

The Bachelor of Science in Management Degree with a concentration in Health Information Management develops functional management knowledge and skills combined with a broad overview of issues and challenges specific to the complex field of information management.  Graduates will have a solid foundation of knowledge in data content and structure, legal issues, healthcare reimbursement systems, and performance improvement methods required to meet the needs of the industry. 

The program focuses on the active involvement of the student in the learning process and the effective application of management theory through a proactive program of experiential opportunities. Such tasks as simulations, library research, team presentations and computer projects in a variety of healthcare management topics allow the students to combine theoretical “classroom” knowledge with practical real-world experience.

Program Requirements

After completion of Associate in Science in Health Information Technology

 

 
Learning Outcomes
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM), Health Information Management concentration will have the opportunity to achieve the learning objectives of the BSM, in addition to the following concentration-specific learning objectives:
  • Collect, analyze, monitor, maintain, retrieve, and report healthcare data in accordance with quality assurance principles
  • Use critical thinking as a framework for decision making in information systems issues in a variety of settings
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively with clients, and members of the health care team
  • Practice in a legal and ethical manner exhibiting accountability for all actions
  • Synthesize knowledge from health information management and other disciplines to promote optimal information system function.
Outcome Data

  • The program had a 100% graduation rate for 2022.
  • The program had a 100% employment rate for 2022.
  • The program had a 100% retention rate for 2022.
  • The RHIA Exam had a 100% pass rate for reporting period August 1, 2021- July 31, 2022.

Health Information Management Career Track

The demand for credentialed health information management (HIM) professionals is increasing on account of the constantly evolving healthcare regulations and medical technologies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of health service managers is projected to grow 20 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. 
 
On top of strong job prospects, competitive salaries also await graduates. More than half of new health information graduates with bachelor's degrees start with salaries in the $30,000 to $50,000 range. By five years out, one can earn upwards of $50,000 to $75,000 annually.
 
Health information management (HIM) professionals work in a variety of different settings and job titles. They often serve in bridge roles, connecting clinical, operational, and administrative functions.  Some career opportunities will include titles such as HIM Project Manager, Data Quality Manager, Revenue Cycle Manager, Privacy or Compliance Officer, HIM Department Director, Health Information System (HIS) Application Designee, or Coding Manager.
 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook Medical and Health Services Managers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm (visited December 29, 2018).
-American Health Information Management Association at http://www.ahima.org/careers/healthinfo (visited January, 11, 2019)

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Program Snapshot

Credits: 131 (total credits may vary slightly based on associate degree program completed)
Learning Format: Online
Term Length: 8-weeks 
Typical Time to Completion*:  10 terms; 20 months
Grade Requirement: Students must earn a C or higher in all courses taken for this degree

Degree Pathways

Students with National Certification through AHIMA, AAPC, or AAMA may be eligible for credits through Prior Learning Assessment.

The Health Information Management accreditor of Fisher College is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the Baccalaureate degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2027. 

Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

Graduates of the Health Information Management program are eligible to apply for the RHIA credential with successful completion of the credentialing exam.  Exam information and resources are provided through the AHIMA website. Students are encouraged to keep all textbooks and study materials, and participate in the RHIA Exam Prep course to help prepare for the exam.

RHIA Exam Prep Course

To help students prepare for the certification exam, Fisher College offers an RHIA Exam Prep Course.

This online, 8-week RHIA exam preparation course is designed as a comprehensive review of health information administration, regulations and standards in preparation for the RHIA national credentialing examination through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Additional topics covered include test-taking tips, preparing quality resumes and cover letters, and honing job interview skills to secure employment in the healthcare industry.

*After completion of Associate in Science in Health Information Technology, and based on continuous enrollment of two courses every term. Time to completion may be shorter based on eligible transfer credit or longer if course enrollment varies.