Health Information Management

Learn how to:

• Apply critical thinking skills and other affective skills to entry-level professional opportunities
• Lead and manage within organizations
• Apply diverse knowledge in data analytics, project management, electronic health record implementation, reimbursement and standards to HIM-related careers across various settings
• Demonstrate knowledge of federal regulations and standards to maintain the privacy and security of patient data
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
• Apply knowledge of Coding Classification Systems to support and achieve maximum coding accuracy and reimbursement for a healthcare organization
• Facilitate communication among practitioners, administrators, information technology professionals, and external standards-setting and accrediting agencies to support alignment between organizational practice and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze research data and provide and operational reports to other health professionals and external agencies
• Develop and formulate policies and procedures to integrate technology and identify processes and systems to monitor and evaluate the accuracy and retrieval of computerized medical information
• Adapt to new methods of capturing, storing, and electronically assessing healthcare information

HIM Mission & Philosophy

Our Mission

The primary purpose of the bachelor's program is to provide the academic foundation necessary to prepare undergraduate students to be competent health information professionals and meet the entry-level competencies that will enable them to apply management and problem-solving skills to every aspect of a medical/health record information system, regardless of the setting or environment. In addition, enhance the visibility of the health information profession by providing continuing education, support, and consultation for health care professionals in our community.

Our Philosophy

We believe that excellence in teaching, research, continuing service to the community, an emphasis on ethical, professional behavior, and a high-quality academic program that offers innovative curricula and the latest technological advances will prepare students for new careers in a global workforce. We educate and empower a diverse student body to lead by the force of their ideas to becoming critical, creative, and compassionate citizens of the community and world leaders with a heart for lifelong learning and dedicated public service.

Our Health Information Management program provides students with the knowledge and skills to become capable health information professionals. Coursework emphasizes applying theory to practice. We focus on preparing undergraduates to meet the demands of entry-level positions where they can apply management and problem-solving principles to every aspect of medical and health information systems, regardless of the environment.

The program's cohort model helped me learn how to work in a team and learn more about various settings in our community. The willingness of my colleagues and faculty to connect and assist each other was extraordinary! It helped me foster a strong network in our profession.

~ Moses Asiedu, First Graduating Class, 2009

Health Information (HI) professionals provide reliable and valid information that drives the healthcare industry. Students graduating from this program are specialists in managing patient data, ensuring access and data integrity for authenticated users, coding and classifying data for reimbursement and research, analyzing information that supports decision-making, protecting patient privacy, providing information security, and enhancing the quality and uses of data within health information computer systems.

More information about major requirements can be found in the Program Requirements section on this page.

Admission Requirements

Any student interested in declaring as a Health Information Management major must have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. The application process has several steps, and requires you to submit application materials to both the Office of Admissions and the College of Health Professions Academic Success Office (formerly the STAR Office). Be sure to pay attention to where you must submit any required documentation.

To be considered for admission to the Health Information Management undergraduate program, submit the following:

• Online application
• Letter of interest/personal statement
• 3 letters of recommendation. Submit to the CHP’s Academic Success Center only.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended. For students who have completed any education in a college or university outside of the U.S or related territory, be sure to submit a course-by-course evaluation by an approved evaluation agency. Submit all official transcripts to the Office of Admissions and the CHP’s Academic Success Center.

Important Dates to Remember

• December 1st is Early Decision deadline
• February 1st is Final Decision deadline

Welcome Pre-Nursing Transfer Students!

Many of the HIM requirements during the first 2 years of this program are like pre-requisite courses for the School of Nursing. If you have started in our undergraduate Nursing program, and are currently exploring other health-related careers, consider how a HIM career positions you for the healthcare industry and beyond.

The Department is very serious about supporting our students. Each new HIM student receives academic counseling to help prepare for admission to the program’s professional coursework.

Program Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management or Bachelor of Professional Studies in HIM, students must complete 120 credit hours. These credit hours are split among General Education Requirements (GERs), course prerequisites, and major courses.

General Education Requirements (GERs)

Students who have selected the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management must complete 40 GER credits. General Education requirements, except for ECON 103, BIOL 201, and BIOL 203, are deemed met for students who select the Bachelor of Professional Studies in HIM. For Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management majors, your program plan should include:

Core Courses (16 credits) required for both degree plans