The fast growing field of Health Information Management is an excellent career choice for individuals who want to work in healthcare but not work directly with patients. Federal legislation has mandated that patient information be entered into computer databases and that patient records be kept electronically. This push for advanced health information technology has created a need for trained and educated professionals.

Heatlh Information Management Career Options:

Health Information Technology Salary
According to The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the median annual salary for entry level medical records and health information management specialists was $48,000 in 2008. With professional experience, the middle 50 percent earned $60,000 to $86,000 in 2008. The lowest 10 percent earned under $32,000 while the top 10 percent earned over $200,000. As in all fields, salaries can differ based on education, experience, location, and employer.

To be eligible for the RHIT exam, candidates must have earned an associate degree in health information management or technology accredited by CAHIIM.

To be eligible for the RHIA exam, candidates must have completed a bachelor degree level health information management program accredited by CAHIIM.

Health Information Technology - AAS
Rasmussen's Health Information Technology AAS Degree program is accredited by CAHIIM and will prepare students to take the American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA) examination to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

The program includes topics such as:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical Terminology
• Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced ICD-9-CM Coding
• Ambulatory Care Coding
• Intro to Health Information Management
• Medical Insurance and Billing
• Quality Analysis and Management
• Pathology
• Medical Law and Ethics
• Medical Coding Practicum
• Healthcare Information Technologies

Health Information Technology - AAS
DeVry's CAHIIM accredited Health Information Technology program prepares graduates to work with applications systems and manage electronic health information databases. Graduates of this program will be prepared to take the RHIT certification exam. The Health Information Technology AAS Degree program is available online and at select DeVry campus locations.

Technical Management / Health Information Management - BS
This online degree program in Technical Management with a technical specialty in Health Information Management (HIM) provides the experience and knowledge students need to progress in their profession. CAHIIM accreditation has been granted only to the online program for this Health Information Management BS Degree.

Health Information Technology - AAS
Kaplan University's Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program blends online coursework with on-ground clinical experiences and is designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge, technical skills, and work habits required to pursue entry-level positions in the competitive and growing health information management field.

Health Information Management - BS
The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management program is designed to act as the next step for individuals who already possess an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology degree. Students matriculating into this program must have successfully completed Kaplan University's Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program or a Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)-approved AAS in Health Information Technology program prior to admission. The objective of the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management is to help prepare graduates to pursue career advancement within the growing field of health information. Students are taught the skills needed to be innovative and adaptable thinkers and problem solvers who can leverage available services and technologies to support operations, management, and strategic initiatives within the health information field.

• Medical Billing - Certificate
• Medical Coding - Certificate
• Medical Office Specialist - Certificate
• Medical Transcription - AAS
• Medical Transcription - Certificate

Health Information Management - MSIT
This Health Information Management master’s specialization offers health care-focused course work on information systems, databases, system security, data analysis, decision support, and strategic management, along with overviews of important IT and business topics. The curriculum follows the model curriculum of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and was developed to align with the criteria of the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information and Information Management (CAHIIM). It is designed to help you use information management and security to support efficient, accurate health care delivery and management. People who choose this specialization are often IT professionals pursuing health information management or consulting positions in hospitals, clinics, and health care systems.

Health Information Management - BS
This CAHIIM accredited Health Information Management Bachelor of Science degree is designed for the busy working professional who wants to advance their career without sacrificing their responsibilities at work and at home. This RHIT progression program builds on the knowledge and skills acquired through prior education and work experience. Graduates of this program are equipped with the knowledge to take the RHIA certification exam.