The first step in your career planning process is to discover your interests and then match them to careers. If you have an interest in healthcare and information technology, health information management (HIM) may be the right career choice for you. As one of the fastest growing occupations in one of the fastest growing industries, a HIM career places you right where the expanding arena of healthcare meets the cutting edge of technology.
High school students considering a HIM career can begin a foundation with the following courses: business, computer science, English, math, biology and chemistry.
After completing your formal education, the next step is to successfully complete an AHIMA certification exam. A credential validates your competence as a HIM professional to employers and the public. There are two key credentials for professionals in the HIM field:
Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA): This credential requires a bachelor’s degree and successful performance on the RHIA certification exam.
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT): A RHIT credential requires an associate’s degree and successful performance on the RHIT certification exam.
Job Opportunities
HIM professionals enjoy a broad selection of job opportunities and options for professional growth. Based on skills, education and interests, some of the positions available are:
With a bachelor’s degree:
- Research Data Analyst
- HIM Department Director
- HIM System Manager
- Data Quality Manager
- Information Security Officer
- HIM College Instructor
- Consultant
The RHIT progression program is offered by several universities as an online 2 + 2 program. For a listing of accredited 4-year programs, see www.CAHIIM.org
With an associate’s degree
- Health Data Analyst
- Insurance Claims Analyst
- Records Technician Specialist
- Clinical Coding Specialist
- Physician Practice Manager
- Patient Information Coordinator
- and many more opportunities
HIT Degree/Certificate Information
HIT Courses
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Melinda Teel, BS, RHIA, CCS
mteel@midland.edu
432-685-5573
or
233 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2150,
Chicago, IL 60601-5519
312-233-1100
www.himcareers.com
or
www.ahima.org
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