BEST ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH INFORMATICS
Earning a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management (HIM) through an online degree program is a flexible option that is sure to open doors in this growing field. With the expanding requirements for privacy and management of digital healthcare records, many healthcare employers are in pursuit of knowledgeable employees that have a solid understanding of the technology skills needed in today’s climate. Designing, implementing, and maintaining health information systems are key skills in this field. An understanding of health care systems, patient needs, and patient confidentiality are some of the skills students gain from an online bachelor’s degree in HIM that will make them ready for a successful career in this field.
Graduates of an online bachelor’s in HIM will be ready to make the leap into a variety of work settings and job titles. A healthy job market with options is what a graduate of one of these programs can expect. Read on to find the best online bachelor’s degree programs in Health Information Management and Health Informatics to find a program that will get you on your way in this exciting field in healthcare!
Featured Programs
Methodology
This ranking of online bachelor’s degrees in Health Information Management (HIM) is a list of the Top 20 online bachelor’s degree programs in HIM or Health Informatics. The initial pool of 27 programs consisted of programs from accredited schools. Out of the initial pool, 20 programs are listed below. Programs were ranked according to in-state tuition cost, ranking of school’s online programs nationally, and unique program traits. All programs can be completed online. Tuition costs listed were derived from College Navigator. Profile information was gathered from individual school websites, highlighting program traits and requirements.
1. University of Illinois: Chicago,IL
2. CUNY School of Professional Studies: New York, NY
3. University of Central Florida: Orlando, FL
4. Indiana University: Bloomington, IN
5. University of Wisconsin: Green Bay, WI
6. East Carolina University: Greenville, NC
7. Dakota State University: Madison, SD
8. Louisiana Tech University: Ruston, LA
9. Missouri Western State University: Saint Joseph, MO
10. Western Governors University: Salt Lake City, UT
11. Weber State University: Ogden, UT
12. Liberty University: Lynchburg, VA
13. Stephens College: Columbia, MO
14. Rasmussen University: multiple sites and online
15. Grand Canyon University: Phoenix, AZ
16. University of Cincinnati: Cincinnati, OH
17. Rutgers University: New Brunswick, NJ
18. Peirce College: Philadelphia, PA
19. Davenport University: Grand Rapids, MI
20. Southern New Hampshire University: Manchester, NH
Ranking the Top 20 Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Information Management and Health Informatics
20. Southern New Hampshire University: Manchester, NH
Tuition $18,810
WEBSITE
Southern New Hampshire University’s online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management degree program promises to give you the skill set, professional practice, and hands-on experience needed to set you up for a successful career in HIM. Through classroom studies and a professional practice experience (PPE), students learn the technology, terminology, and professional skills needed for a career in health information management. With valuable exposure in a healthcare setting, students are positioned for a successful career in this competitive field. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), graduates of this program are prepared to take the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.
19. Davenport University: Grand Rapids, MI
Tuition $15,696
WEBSITE
Davenport University’s CAHIIM-accredited bachelor’s in Health Information Management combines information technology, business, management, and problem-solving skills in a robust, 100% online program. DU’s expert faculty teach the information management technology skills needed to help graduates succeed in the field of healthcare. Students can choose from three concentrations: cancer tumor registry, global project management, or revenue management. Students build on core courses in medical terminology, healthcare management, and healthcare law and ethics, and they learn skills in medical coding. Expect to be well prepared to fill the need for healthcare administration roles through courses such as health information technology, healthcare finance, and human resource management. Graduates are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.
18. Peirce College: Philadelphia, PA
Tuition $13,896
WEBSITE
Peirce College’s online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Administration promises to prepare graduates to advance in this exciting field. Students can save time and money by applying up to 90 transfer credits towards their degree. Graduates gain the skills and knowledge needed for career advancement and graduate-level study. Students in this program can earn up to 12 graduate-level credits to apply to the MS in Organizational Leadership and Management. This CAHIIM-accredited program boasts a 100% student satisfaction rate for 2019-2020.
17. Rutgers University: New Brunswick, NJ
In-State Tuition $13,799
Out-of-State Tuition $23,714
WEBSITE
Rutger University’s online bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM). This online program promises to prepare students for the business end of healthcare through courses in informatics, quality assurance, medical coding, compliance, and management. Graduates of this robust program are eligible to take the national credentialing exam to become a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). Graduates holding this credential qualify for positions in data management, finance, compliance, and health record management, among other areas. Students may obtain certification in medical coding, a post-bachelor certificate in Health Information Management, or a B.S. joint degree with an affiliated college. Rutgers’ mission is to improve the use and management of information in the healthcare industry. With experienced faculty to provide support and mentoring, this program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
16. University of Cincinnati: Cincinnati, OH
In-State Tuition $13,224
Out-of-State Tuition $24,996
WEBSITE
This online bachelor’s degree program in Health Information Management from the University of Cincinnati promises to prepare students for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification exam and leadership positions in the healthcare industry. HIM classes are scheduled in two seven-week sessions per semester. UC Online promises a high level of faculty-to-student interaction, with experienced faculty providing meaningful and individualized guidance to students. UC offers an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s degree program that allows qualified students to earn graduate credits and undergraduate rates, and allows motivated students to advance their education at a faster pace and lower cost so that graduates can get into their career more quickly.
15. Grand Canyon University: Phoenix, AZ
Tuition $10,527
WEBSITE
Grand Canyon University’s online bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management is a flexible program with seven-week courses. Students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and resources to be successful and make a difference in this important field. Students gain an understanding of information accuracy, information confidentiality, and analytics. This Health Information Management online degree program focuses on five areas: information governance; information protection; compliance; health care business and leadership; and informatics, analytics, and data use. Graduates can expect to be well prepared for positions in health data management, data analytics information policy, information systems integration, quality improvement, and operations management, as well as in medical record processing, reimbursement and coding, and documentation improvement.
14. Rasmussen College: multiple sites and online
Tuition $8,703
This CAHIIM-accredited HIM program offers the flexibility of online study. What sets this program apart is the fact that 67% of program requirements may be completed in credit for prior learning, through taking assessments and transferring credits. Students may graduate in as little as 18 months, with Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification exam prep from day one. Students can study while getting practice in a professional health information setting close to home during the HIM program, as well as through virtual labs. This challenging and flexible HIM degree program gives graduates the skills and confidence to utilize health information knowledge, as well as the ability to lead across collaborative health systems.
13. Stephens College: Columbia, MO
Tuition $8,460
WEBSITE
Stephens College offers their bachelor’s degree in Health Information Administration in a 100% online format, and it is a great way to brighten your future career prospects. This online CAHIIM-accredited program focuses on meaningful courses and real-world experience through internship opportunities. This program is ideal for the working professional and requires 69 credits of HIA courses, 30 credits of general education courses, and 21 credits of electives, for a total of 120 credits required to graduate. With a rolling admission, classes begin in January, June, and August. Students experience committed support from faculty, which helps lead to excellent exam pass rates for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.
12. Liberty University: Lynchburg, VA
Tuition $7,935
WEBSITE
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Informatics is an online degree program that offers students the opportunity to earn a respected medical informatics degree from any location with access to the internet. Students can expect to get real-world experience from professionals in clinical and leadership roles in the healthcare setting. Graduating from LU’s online degree in Healthcare Informatics ensures that students will have the knowledge and training needed to impact the healthcare system of the future. With this flexible degree program, you can continue to take care of responsibilities without having to travel or move to be able to work towards a better future. This degree will help graduates serve others and improve healthcare efficiency in a variety of settings.
11. Weber State University: Ogden, UT
In-State Tuition $7,935
Out-of-State Tuition $18,217
WEBSITE
This flexible online bachelor’s in Health Information Management (HIM) promises to prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare with up-to-date knowledge of the technology used to manage, secure, and protect health information and data in the healthcare industry. For the first two years of study, students focus on technical functions, including coding, statistical measures, medical information release utilizing computer application software, and employee supervision. The second two years are spent in the application of information systems technologies, advanced data analytics and statistical procedures, and project management and human resources applications. Graduates earning their bachelor’s degree in HIM are qualified to take the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.
10. Western Governors University: Salt Lake City, UT
Tuition $7,500
WEBSITE
This online Health Information Management (HIM) degree from WGU promises to make its graduates valuable assets in this demanding field of healthcare information technology and management. Students learn to use data to help make decisions, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to improved healthcare. Up-to-date standards and regulations are taught, preparing graduates to be valuable members of the healthcare community. Graduates of the accredited program are eligible to take the RHIA exam, with WGU having a 92% pass rate. The average number of transfer credits that students bring to this program is 33, contributing to the fact that 60% of students in this program graduate within 36 months.
9. Missouri Western State University: Saint Joseph, MO
In-State Tuition $6,534
Out-of-State Tuition $11,700
WEBSITE
This B.S. in Health Information Management (HIM) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Informatics Management Education (CAHIIM), and it leads to sitting for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam. This HIM program promises to prepare confident and innovative professionals who are ready to apply information resources and technologies in a variety of healthcare settings. HIM graduates from MWSU are set to be a meaningful part of the healthcare team, and they are ready to plan, design, implement, manage, use, and evaluate electronic health records (EHR) and other electronic information systems in the healthcare environment.
8. Louisiana Tech University: Ruston, LA
In-State Tuition $6,416
Out-of-State Tuition $10,147
WEBSITE
This CAHIIM-accredited online bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management from Louisiana Tech University promises to prepare students for their critical role in maintaining, collecting, protecting, and analyzing data to help ensure quality patient care. Students who complete this program are able to take the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam during their final quarter of study. The online HIM degree program at LTU, a top heath information management school online, enjoys a 100% graduate satisfaction rate. This program incorporates a unique combination of knowledge and skills from across the disciplines of finance, information technology, law, medicine, and management into one curriculum. HIM graduates are able to work in a variety of healthcare settings.
7. Dakota State University: Madison, SD
In-State Tuition $5,939
Out-of-State Tuition $11,088
WEBSITE
This online and on-campus bachelor’s degree in Health Information Administration (HIA) is a selective program. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), graduates are prepared to take their Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam. Graduates of DSU’s program will be equipped to develop and implement policies and procedures for handling medical information, and they will know how to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of health information. Financial planning and budget controls, purchasing, systems analyses, and evaluation of services are just a few of the skills you can expect to develop while in this program. Students complete supervised professional practices, providing hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
6. East Carolina University: Greenville, NC
In-State Tuition $4,749
Out-of-State Tuition $17,898
WEBSITE
East Carolina University boasts the only bachelor’s degree program in North Carolina that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). This robust online or on-campus bachelor’s in Health Information Management (HIM) promises to develop the skills needed to manage health information and the systems required to collect, store, retrieve, disseminate, and communicate this important information to help support organizational decision making. Students develop the tools needed to be effective leaders in HIM. Graduates of this 120-credit program are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.
5. University of Wisconsin: Green Bay, WI
In-State Tuition $7,996
Out-of-State Tuition $17,551
WEBSITE
This collaborative online Health Information Management and Technology (HIMT) degree from the University of Wisconsin is in partnership with UW Extended Campus and four UW campuses, including Green Bay, Parkside, Stevens Point, and LaCrosse. This 61-credit online degree program teaches the essential skills for health information management (HIM) and health information technology (HIT), providing graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare them to deal with the ever-increasing focus on technology in healthcare. This accredited online degree program is led by faculty from across the quality UW system, and graduates can enjoy the distinction of graduating from a world-class school.
4. Indiana University: Bloomington, IN
In-State Tuition $9,786
Out-of-State Tuition $31,932
WEBSITE
Indiana University’s online bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management incorporates management, finance, information technology, law, and medicine to prepare students with the skills and knowledge necessary for them to succeed as health information professionals ready to interact with financial, clinical, legal, and administrative professionals to improve patient outcomes. Students learn to improve patient experience, deal with healthcare systems, help patients navigate their healthcare choice, and keep patient information secure. This program includes a mentored practicum in a variety of settings, allowing for integration of book and classroom knowledge with solving problems in the real world of healthcare, and it is one of the best available HIM programs online. Graduates can expect to be prepared for work as health information directors, patient advocates, health data analysts, coding specialists, and more.
3. University of Central Florida: Orlando, FL 
In-State Tuition $6,916
Out-of-State Tuition $25,759
WEBSITE
This B.S. in Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) promises students a focus on the business of healthcare through the use of medical information. Graduates of this online or on-campus program have the knowledge and skills to ensure that medical data is high quality and is protected. Students learn about medicine, healthcare finances, law, information technology, coding, and data analytics. Also, they have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and gain hands-on experience through internships, use of practice management software, and a virtual hospital tour. Graduates may work in a variety of healthcare environments, utilizing their skills and knowledge in management, compliance, data analysis, electronic health records (EHR), and more. Graduates of this robust HIIM program can expect to be ready for the challenges in the ever-changing healthcare field.
2. CUNY School of Professional Studies: New York, NY
In-State Tuition $9,930
Out-of-State Tuition $23,160
WEBSITE
This B.S. in Health Information Management (HIM) is offered in an online format, and it promised relevant courses to help graduates succeed in the healthcare field. Students have the skills and knowledge needed to develop, implement, and manage private health information and data systems to ensure quality patient care. Students learn to manage reimbursements, research, planning, and evaluations. Graduates of this robust program will demonstrate competency in the five knowledge domains of HIM, including health data management; health statistics, biomedical research, and quality management; health services organization and delivery; information technology and systems; and organization and management. Graduates of this program will be prepared to work in a variety of settings in roles such as privacy officer, health information analyst, information auditor, clinical data analyst, compliance specialist, and health information systems trainer, to name a few.
1. University of Illinois: Chicago, IL
In-State Tuition $13,799
Out-of-State Tuition $23,714
WEBSITE
This online Health Information Management (HIM) bachelor’s degree program is developed and modeled after UIC’s successful on-campus program. This robust program delves into topics such as data coding, reimbursement systems, health information systems, quality management, and more. Their leading-edge curriculum promises to produce graduates skilled in management and information systems in healthcare, including resource allocation and decision making. This CAHIIM-accredited online bachelor’s degree in HIM prepares students for a wide variety of roles in health information management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Health Information Management (HIM)?
According to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), Health Information Management is “the practice of gathering, analyzing and securing all forms of important medical information to help provide quality patient care.” If you are interested in working in the healthcare industry but want to improve patient care without caring for patients directly, this may be the career path for you.
Why would I want to get an online bachelor’s degree in health information management?
An online bachelor’s degree in HIM is designed for working professionals or those with responsibilities that need to continue to fulfill while they study. If you are looking to advance your career without sacrificing current responsibilities, whatever they may be, this may be a good way to do just that. Many programs also require relevant real-world experience to solidify your knowledge and skills.
What will a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management get me?
Graduates of a Health Information Management online bachelor’s degree program can expect to be prepared to work in a variety of health-related careers. Job titles may include things like clinical information specialist, database administrator, implementation support specialist, public health information analyst, health information analyst, and privacy officer, among other things.
How do I know if a career in Health Information Management is for me?
A career in HIM may be a great career choice on many fronts. With a focus on improving the quality of patient care, many find it to be a satisfying career. People in this career tend to enjoy detailed work and have good organizational and interpersonal skills. Making an above-average salary, when compared to other healthcare occupations, is also important to many who enter this exciting field.
What is the career outlook in this field?
Healthcare in general is among the fastest-growing fields, and HIM is riding on that wave. With the increased use of data to improve treatment and patient outcomes, strong opportunities for employment in Health Information Management have resulted. With regulations requiring secure electronic health records and private handling of patient information, the job outlook in this field is much faster than average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical records and health information specialists is projected to grow eight percent through 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the large baby-boom population ages and people remain active later in life.
In what healthcare settings can someone in HIM find employment?
Health Information Management degree holders can find work in a variety of settings, including hospitals and healthcare-related organizations, physician offices, long-term care and ambulatory care facilities, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, medical manufacturers, governmental healthcare agencies, and behavioral health organizations.
What is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)?
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Informatics Management Education (CAHIIM) mission is to “provide innovative leadership that drives enhanced workforce competence by ensuring educational excellence.”
This organization accredits associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in health information management, as well as masters’ degree programs in the health informatics and health information management professions in the United States and Puerto Rico. Programs accredited by CAHIIM have undergone a rigorous review process to determine that the program meets or exceeds the standards set by the Board of Directors of CAHIIM.
What is the RHIA exam?
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) follows industry standards and best practices to create and update the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam. Subject matter experts (SMEs) are involved in the development of the exam, which is overseen by AHIMA testing professionals.
Is the RHIA certification really that important?
Professional certifications generally set people apart as having greater expertise, and the RHIA certification is no different. RHIAs are a critical link between care providers, payers, and patients. The RHIA is expected to have comprehensive knowledge of medical, administrative, ethical, and legal requirements and standards in relation to healthcare delivery and privacy of protected patient health information. To qualify to take the RHIA exam, candidates must successfully complete their bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management from a CAHIIM-accredited program. Other qualification requirements include completing a master’s-level, accredited HIM program, completing a post-bachelor’s, accredited HIM certificate program, or completing a HIM program that is approved by a foreign association with a reciprocal AHIMA agreement.
Is there a professional organization for people in the Health Information Management field?
There are a number of professional organizations to serve people working in this growing field, including the American Health Information Management Association, the American Society of Health Informatics Managers, and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. Check these organizations out to see what they have to offer.
Why join a professional organization in this field?
Professional organizations exist to promote their profession and support the people working in their profession. Many professional organizations offer job information, certifications, networking opportunities, and ongoing education, among other things, to help their members advance in their careers.
By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDCES
Carol graduated with her BS in Nutrition from Montclair State University and her BSN in Nursing from Rowan University. She is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) currently working with adults and children living with diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
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