Health information management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. HIM professionals are highly trained in the latest information management technology applications and understand the workflow in any healthcare provider organization from large hospital systems to the private physician practice. They are vital to the daily operations management of health information and electronic health records.

HIM professionals work in a variety of different settings and job titles. They often serve in bridge roles, connecting clinical, operational, and administrative functions. These professionals affect the quality of patient information and patient care at every touch point​ in the healthcare delivery cycle. Having skilled HIM professionals on staff ensures an organization has the right information on hand when and where it is needed while maintaining the highest standards of data integrity, confidentiality, and security. (Health Information Careers, 2015)

The BS in Health Information Management online degree program provides students with the most relevant coursework needed and required by today’s health care industry. Students are equipped to develop, implement, and manage health information and data systems for quality care, reimbursement, research, planning, and evaluation.

Students in the program focus on six areas of study:

• Information Governance
• Information Protection
• Informatics, Analytics, and Data Use
• Revenue Management
• Compliance
• Leadership

Career and Academic Prospects

Health information professionals at all levels of education and credentialing can expect to be in high demand as the health sector continues to expand. There are approximately 26,000 new jobs anticipated by 2026, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites medical records and health information technicians as one of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the U.S. 

On top of strong job prospects, competitive salaries also await graduates. On average, 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 Career information, 2015)

Graduates of the BS in Health Information Management degree are prepared for a variety of health information professions in traditional and non-traditional settings, including (but not limited to) Health Information Analyst, Information Auditor, Clinical Data Analyst, Privacy Officer, Compliance Specialist, Health Information Systems Trainer, and Information Systems Director. The program also prepares students for graduate education at the master's level in health information management, health informatics, and healthcare administration.

Careers in Health Information and Planning your Career in Health Information are two detailed looks at career potential in the health information sector.  Additionally, the AHIMA Career Map has job data, salary information, promotional pathways, titles of positions, and the emerging roles most likely to be found in the field of Health Information Management. 

Accreditation

The HIM bachelor's degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

The following metrics are reported for the period of August 1, 2016 through July 31, 2017:

• 80% of the first time test takers passed the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam compared to the national pass rate of 69%.
• 88% of the students surveyed indicated that they strongly or generally agree that the program met their expectations.
• 95% of the students are employed in HIM or a health-related field.

Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements are formal agreements between CUNY SPS and two-year colleges and universities, allowing students to transfer the maximum number of credits with ease to our BS in Health Information Management program from institutions with which we have an established transfer process in place.

Borough of Manhattan Community College - A.A.S. in Health Information Technology (PDF)
Raritan Valley Community College - A.A.S. in Health Information Technology (PDF)

Admissions Criteria

Applicants must possess at least 24 transferrable credits from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants need to demonstrate basic proficiency in reading, writing, and math.

Application Deadlines

Applications for Spring 2019 are due by December 3, 2018