Get the Skills to Become a Health Information Management Professional – Online

Online Health Information Management Program

Beal’s Health Information Management (HIM) Bachelor’s degree program combines knowledge and skills in healthcare, technology and business.  As new and emerging technologies continue to grow along with evolving healthcare delivery models, the HIM profession is continuing to lead the industry in ensuring the protection, quality and integrity of health information. Our degree programs prepare students for careers as professionals who collect, maintain, analyze and secure patient health data.

Your Future in Health Information Management

With a Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, you could be prepared to advance into professional leadership roles as a medical records manager, risk management officer, clinical data analyst, corporate compliance officer and more.  Work in hospitals, nursing homes, mental health facilities, and other medical institutions. As regulations and technologies evolve, Health Information Managers can expect to be in high demand as the medical sector continues to grow due to an aging population. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that there will be a 13% growth rate for Health Information professionals, with approximately 27,800 new jobs anticipated by 2026.

The best way to see if Beal University is the right fit for you is to contact an admissions representative. Get more information on the Health Information Management Bachelor’s Degree program, class schedules, and financial aid options so that you can make an informed decision about your future. Get more info or Book a Tour.

Become Qualified in Health Information Management Professional

The HIM program includes some of today’s most in-demand training for the health field, including courses in Reimbursement Systems, Health Data Management, Quality Management & Performance Improvement, Project and Financial Management plus many others.

With flexible online and on-campus schedules, smaller class sizes, and accelerated programs, you will feel prepared and supported to pursue your career goals upon graduation.

As a student in the Health Information Management Bachelor’s Degree program, you’ll take courses such as:

• Introduction to Health Information Technology
• Fundamentals of Law for Health Information Management
• Health Information Management and Supervision
• Pharmacology & Pathophysiology
• Advanced Coding
• Health Data Management
• Quality Management & Performance Improvement
• Healthcare Statistics and Research Methods
• Health Information Systems
• Human Resources in Healthcare
• Health Information Technology
• Financial Management
• Project Management
• General Education Courses

Transfer Credits Accepted

Already have an associate’s degree? You could get credit for your previous coursework and graduate even sooner! Get info today to learn if you qualify.

Get Real-World Experience

As a student of this program, you’ll complete a 160-hour externship before graduation. The externship provides valuable career-related experience in a hands-on setting. Some of our current Health Information Management approved externship sites are: Northern Light (Health Information Department), Penobscot Community Health Center, and St. Joseph Hospital.

Certifications

The Health Information Management Bachelor’s Degree program prepares you to take three industry certification exams through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA):

• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

Obtaining these certifications is the key for you to pursue employment in the Health Information Technology industry.

Download AHIMA’s Salary Survey Here >

About Health Information Management

Health Information Managers acquire, analyze, and protect digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. HIM professionals are trained in the latest information management technology and understand the workflow systems in a healthcare provider organization from a large hospital to a private physician’s practice. They are critical to the daily operations management of health information and electronic health records.  Organizations are looking for employees who are able to discern the technological principles and can navigate the potential technological challenges they face.

With the growing movement towards digital record keeping, many health care organizations are looking for employees who understand the technological principles and can navigate the technological challenges that organizations face as they move to design, implement, and maintain a health information system.  Health Information Management requires a blend of information technology skills and an understanding of health care systems, patient needs and ethical procedures related to patient confidentiality.  The Health Information Management field of study requires a student ready to take on this multi-disciplined career.

As the HIM job market continues to expand and the demand for health information systems increases within health care organizations, graduates of Beal’s Health Information Management Bachelor’s Degree program can look forward to a robust job market with room for advancement.

HIM Managers

HIM managers plan, organize, oversee, and coordinate day-to-day activities related to medical documentation within Health Information departments. It’s their job to verify/confirm medical data is current, accurate, and in compliance with institutional ethical standards and patient privacy laws. They may direct, supervise and train staff, develop department budget, and assess daily operations so that medical records are documented and completed accurately and on time. If HIM Managers work for a larger health system, managers may report to an HIM director. According to the latest AHIMA Salary Study, the average manager-level HIM professional earns $78,020.

Diverse Career Prospects

Industries with an increased demand for Health Information Management professionals include government agencies, academic institutions, consulting firms, and healthcare software companies. As Health Information Management grows, Health Information practitioners will continue to be critical members of the electronic health record workforce.

After completing the Health Information Management Bachelor’s Degree program, you’ll be eligible for positions such as:

• Medical Records Manager
• Risk Management Officer
• Clinical Data Analyst
• Corporate Compliance Officer
• Data Quality Manager
• Chief Privacy Officer
• Department Director
• Medical Coding Compliance Auditor
• Health Information Manager
• Healthcare Data Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Health Information Specialist
• Clinical Documentation Specialist
• Medical Research Analyst
• Medical Records Abstractor
• Risk Manager
• Systems Manager
• Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
• Revenue Cycle Manager
• HIM Review Cycle Auditor
• Data Integrity Analyst
• Patient Access Associate
• More

A career in Health Information Management is right for you if you have an aptitude for science, but also like management, law, and computers; enjoy working with professionals such as physicians, nurses, lawyers, administrators and executives; and want a career where you can choose to work on your own, with others, or some of both.

An On-Campus Experience, From Home

Beal University designed the Business Administration programs with a student-centric approach to allow the freedom of remote learning. Students will not feel alone, though. Beal’s support system is there to help students succeed within the program, and into their professional careers.

Students will not have to worry about missing out on a traditional learning experience. Group projects, discussion questions, and integrative assignments create an interactive curriculum. Subsequently, this provides a hands-on experience. In addition to this, students can still access campus services such as the writing center, library services, technical support, and career services.

Health Information Management Professionals Are Needed to Fill Many Roles

Health Information Management is the process of maintaining, storing and retrieving patient health information in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and accrediting agencies’ requirements.  A HIM professional oversees the planning, organizing, and following up on all activities related to the HIM department and the integrity of clinical and financial data. They ensure that healthcare providers can access accurate and complete patient health information when and where they need it.

As a Health Information Management professional, you may:

• Protect the security of medical records to ensure that confidentiality is maintained
• Implement processes and systems to support accurate and complete medical record documentation
• Work with physicians to improve the quality of documentation
• Work with coding staff to ensure accurate coding for reimbursement and clinical care
• Comply with state and federal laws and standards related to privacy, security, and record completion
• Track and trend audits and denials from third-party payers and auditors
• Prepare and analyze clinical data for research purposes, process improvement, utilization management, mandatory reporting, and more
• Compile and maintain patients’ medical records to document conditions and treatments and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts

Health Information Management Student Group

A dedicated student-run study group to help you succeed!

The mission of the Beal University Health Information Management Student Group is to effectively and inclusively discuss and communicate issues regarding curriculum, student activities, and professional development. The Health Information Management Student Group serves as a liaison between students, alumni, faculty and professional organizations. Get involved to get the most from your HIM education. In addition to deepening your learning, you’ll develop team building abilities, enhance your effective communication skills, and advocate for your future. Interested in joining? This group is available online. Contact Liz Wilson for more information.

Is a Rewarding Career in Health Information Management Right for You? Get More Info…

If you’re interested in learning more about a career in Health Information Management, fill out the form on this page to receive more information. A friendly Beal University Career Advisor can answer career questions, guide you to our virtual tour, and get you helpful financial aid information. Get the answers you need to discover the perfect career path for you.

For immediate questions, call 207-307-3900