What Can You Do With a Health Information Management Degree?
Employment opportunities for medical and health services managers are likely to grow by a major 29% by the end of 2033, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is almost seven times higher than the average growth expected across all major U.S. professions. This growth is undoubtedly backed by the ever-increasing reliance of healthcare systems on data-driven insights, digital records and airtight compliance.
That is exactly where a health information management degree makes its way, not just as a credential but as a launchpad for roles that can shape the future of healthcare delivery. By securing this degree, you will not only be able to keep the data but enhance and elevate: ensuring patient privacy, designing secure EHR systems (Electronic Health Records), extracting actionable insights from complicated health data, and optimizing billing processes.
If you’re not sure about whether a career in healthcare information management is still relevant in the AI-powered healthcare landscape, the answer is an absolute yes. Instead of replacing HIM professionals, AI and related technologies are further enhancing their value, making them more essential for healthcare innovation.
This article explores what you can do with a healthcare information management degree in detail – from compliance leadership to data analytics to IT project management – across government agencies, hospitals, insurance, and remote-first startups. Let’s look deep into why this unusually hybrid field is turning into the most versatile career choices today.
What Is Health Information Management?
Health information management is an intersection of three most trending fields of today i.e. healthcare, technology and compliance. To be exact, it’s about the collection, protection and usage of healthcare data for the improvement of patient care and operational efficiency.
Think of HIM as the data center for healthcare. Every time a patient would see a doctor, undergo lab tests or get admitted to a hospital, a digital information trail is generated. It includes electronic health records (EHR), imaging files, lab results, billing codes and more. The core job of an HIM professional is to make sure the information is accurate, secure, and accessible to the right people at the right time.
Health information management is not limited to storing health records. Instead, it revolves around transforming raw data points into useful insights that can help determine health trends, reduce wait times, and even forecast outbreaks. With regulations of HIPPA (Health Insurance Profitability and Accountability Act) implemented in the healthcare industry, HIM experts are also responsible for privacy, ensuring sensitive patient data is never stolen or breached.
The best part about HIM? It’s not restricted to a single setting, you’ll find healthcare information management roles almost everywhere ranging from insurance companies, hospitals, public health agencies, tech firms, and even remote positions in global healthcare organizations. You can also pursue a healthcare information management degree online with many notable institutions offering both fully remote and hybrid programs.
Core Skills You Gain with a Health Information Management Degree Program
Getting a degree in HIM won’t just secure you a piece of paper, it can prove to be your career toolkit. You can graduate with a handful of knowledge in the areas of technology, business and healthcare alongside which is a rare combination. Here’s a detailed description what core skills you gain with a healthcare information management degree in general:
Data Management & Analysis – It will help you learn collecting, storing, and organizing patient data in an accurate yet ready-to-use manner. But the skill won’t be limited to filing records only, it’ll also train you to spot patterns in the data that can help cut-down costs, improve care, and predict patient needs.
Health IT and EHR Systems – HIM graduates come out with hands-on experience in power healthcare platforms such as Epic and Cerner. You’ll know how to troubleshoot, implement, and optimize these systems in a manner they can run efficiently for doctors, nurses, and administration staff.
Medical Coding and Classification – It’s basically a healthcare billing language. HIM degrees make you a pro at translating treatments and diagnoses into standard codes, critical for hospital revenue and insurance claims.
Regulatory Compliance and Privacy – HIPPA is not just a set of rules and standards, it’s a career staple for healthcare professionals. As an HIM graduate, you’ll know how to keep the patients’ data secure, conduct thorough audits and make sure every process is aligned with the healthcare laws and regulations.
Leadership and Communication – HIM roles often clear the gap between healthcare providers, IT teams, and executives. So, you’ll learn how to present data insights, lead projects, and bring everyone on the same page.
The degree truly makes you bilingual, fluent in both healthcare and technology. This is one of the reasons why healthcare information management graduates are popular across multiple industries.
Types of HIM Degrees and Certifications
Healthcare information management is a unique field of education, blending healthcare, compliance, data management and technology all together. If you’re starting out and aiming for a leadership role in HIM, the right education path can help you reach there in no time. Here’s a down of what degree options and certifications are available in the field of HIM, so you can pick what suits your goals the best.
Associate Degree In Health Information Management
An associate degree in HIM is an entry-level program designed for students who wish to start quickly in the field of data management, compliance and coding. The core courses usually include –
- Medical Terminology
- ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding
- CPT/HCPCS Coding
- Health Data Management
- Introduction to EHR Systems
- Privacy and Security Regulations (HIPAA)
Associate programs usually span across 2 years and are available both on-campus and online.
Bachelor’s Degree In Healthcare Information Management
A bachelor’s degree in HIM is usually designed to offer students with an in-depth knowledge around data management, analytics, compliance and IT management. Securing a bachelor’s degree from a renowned healthcare management school can help you land mid-level career opportunities. The core courses usually include:
- Advanced Health Data Analytic
- Healthcare Project Management
- Healthcare Quality and Performance Improvement
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Information
- Health Informatics Systems
- Research Methods in Health Information
Program duration is typically 4 years and that too full-time.
Master’s Degree In Healthcare Information Management/Healthcare Informatics
MS in HIM or health informatics is meant for working professionals who wish to advance in their roles and secure positions as of a consulting agency, research analyst, etc. The core courses usually include:
- Healthcare Strategic Leadership
- Data Governance and Enterprise Information Management
- Predictive Analytics in Healthcare
- Advanced Health IT Systems Integration
- Population Health Informatics
- Regulatory and Policy Analysis
MS degree programs span across 2 years, with the flexibility of extension up to 3 or 4 years of part-time students.
Professional Certifications In Health Information Management
In addition to the degrees, certifications are a great means of adding to the skillset for HIM professionals and can significantly help navigating through the career path quickly. Some of the top-tier certifications in HIM include:
- Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) – It requires you to have an associate degree in HIM from a CAHIM-accredited university, focusing on data management, compliance, coding, and quality assurance. The exams are conducted by AHIMA and the certificate requires renewal every 2 years.
- Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) – It has a minimum requirement for bachelor’s degree from a CAHIM-accredited university and focuses primarily on leadership, compliance and health informatics systems. The exams are conducted by AHIMA and require a renewal every two years.
- Certified Coding Assistant (CCA) – Although it has no degree requirement, a basic coding training is recommended. It trains you for coding around healthcare settings and can help secure entry-level positions.
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS/CCS-P) – This requires RHIT/RHIA or an equal experience for eligibility. It focuses on advanced coding for hospitals (CCS) or physician-based settings (CCS-P).
- Certified in Healthcare Security and Privacy (CHPS) – It requires a bachelor’s degree and some experience with handling security and privacy. Focuses mainly on data security protocols, HIPAA compliance, and privacy program management.
- Certified Professional In Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHMS) – It requires a bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience. The core focus is around system integration, IT leadership and healthcare operations management.
Related: Comprehensive Healthcare Management Degree Guide
Top Career Paths with a Healthcare Information Management Degree
A degree in healthcare information management won’t restrict you with a one-dimension employment opportunity, it opens multiple doors for you across many industries and career levels.
Entry-Level Careers
- Clinical Data Analyst – A clinical data analyst is typically responsible for turning complex data into useful insights which can be used for enhanced care and decision-making at hospitals. As an analyst, you’re often required to work as a link between raw data and actionable strategy.
- Medical Coding Specialist – This role requires specialization in patient care into billing codes. A billing specialist with high accuracy rates is often worth the gold for even the minor errors can cost millions to the organizations.
- EHR Implementation Specialist – The role requires working on setting-up and optimizing Electronic Health Record systems such as Cerner and Epic. You might have to train the staff, customize workflows and troubleshoot problems to meet the clinical requirements.
Mid-Level Careers
- Compliance Officer – The core job of a compliance officer is to make sure the healthcare organizations have processes fully compliant to the law. From billing practices to the patients’ privacy, everything is aligned with HIPPA regulations. You basically have to work as a watchdog preventing any legal trouble.
- Research and Policy Analyst – The role requires conducting clinical research and influencing healthcare policies. It is an ideal career-path if you’re interested in reshaping the future of public health.
Senior-Level Careers
- Health Information Manager – This role involves overseeing how the health records of a patient are collected, sorted, and utilized across healthcare systems or hospitals. You’ll get the opportunity to set policies, lead teams, and make sure every process is HIPPA-compliant.
- Medical and Health Services Manager – This role is a fine blend of healthcare and business-related responsibilities. You might have to run an entire department, implement technology advancements and manage budgets to enhance the operational efficiency.
The good part is – these roles are limited to the hospitals only. Instead, you can always get an opportunity at health insurance companies, tech companies, research institutions and government agencies with a degree in healthcare information management.
Advancement Opportunities and Career Growth Paths
A major benefit you can get after securing a degree in health information management is that your career trajectory can almost never hit a ceiling. There’s growth in multiple directions with a guarantee of quick promotions and high-paying leadership roles.
Some of the common advancement paths include:
From Specialist to Manager – many HIM graduates who’ve started as technicians, coders or data analysts move into management roles within a quick span of 3-5 years.
From Manager to Director – managers with specialized experience can easily progress to roles like HIM director, director of health systems, etc. – getting the opportunity to oversee massive teams and departments.
Transition into C-Suite Roles – by acquiring some additional certifications such as, RHIA or CHDA in combination with years of expertise, you can also transition into roles such as Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) or Chief Information Officer (CIO) within healthcare organizations.
Consulting & Entrepreneurship – with major years of experience and skillset, HIM professionals often branch out into entrepreneurship or independent consultation around compliance, data management, etc.
Industry Demand and Job Outlook
With a growing digital dependency of healthcare systems, demand for HIM professionals is also increasing, faster than any other healthcare management professions. This surge is mainly fueled by the following trends:
Digital Transformation of Healthcare – hospitals, clinics and healthcare organizations are significantly investing in Electronic Health Records (EHR), data analytics, and telehealth, maximizing the need for skilled professionals who can manage and protect patient data.
Ageing Population – with an increasing number of population ageing, more patients are entering the healthcare system. Therefore, the need for accessible, accurate health information is growing every day.
Stricter Compliance Requirements – privacy laws such as state-level regulations and HIPPA are becoming more complex, meaning organizations require experts who understand both data management and legal compliance from the core.
Salary Expectations by Role and Experience Level
If you are not sure if pursuing a degree in healthcare information management pays off or not, the numbers speak for themselves. The average salary for medical and health service managers was $117,960 in 2024, reported by BLS. It also stated that individuals in top-tier roles were making up to $170,000. The exact figure mainly depends on your experience, designation and location.
The following shows the industries which offer the top highest average annual wage. :
| Industry | Employment (1) | Percent of industry employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage (2) |
| Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing | 40 | 0.01 | $ 91.31 | $ 189,930 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | 470 | 0.05 | $ 63.18 | $ 131,410 |
| Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities | 120 | 0.01 | $ 47.07 | $ 97,910 |
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 690 | 0.03 | $ 39.80 | $ 82,790 |
| Grantmaking and Giving Services | (8) | (8) | $ 39.79 | $ 82,770 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Here’s what you can expect to earn after securing a degree in healthcare information management:
Healthcare Information Manager –the average pay ranges in between $60,000 to $75,000 for entry-level positions while experienced managers can make up to $90,000+.
Clinical Data Analyst – their average salaries lie in between $65,000 to $95,000, with a slightly higher pay in health tech firms and research institutions.
Compliance Officer – You can typically earn between $75,000 – $100,000 while working as a compliance officer at government agencies or large hospital networks.
Director of HIM/ Health Systems – Senior-level executives in this field can make around $150,000+, based on your designations and the size of organization you’re working for.
Salaries Comparisons in the U.S.
According to the BLS the following states have the highest employment rates for health information management specialists.
| State | Employment (1) | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient (9) | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage (2) |
| Texas | 3,200 | 0.24 | 1.04 | $ 37.15 | $ 77,270 |
| Florida | 3,060 | 0.32 | 1.41 | $ 33.98 | $ 70,680 |
| California | 2,780 | 0.16 | 0.68 | $ 48.57 | $ 101,030 |
| Maryland | 1,610 | 0.60 | 2.65 | $ 38.55 | $ 80,170 |
| New York | 1,440 | 0.15 | 0.68 | $ 35.91 | $ 74,690 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
While these states have the highest paying rates to HIM professionals.
| State | Employment (1) | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient (9) | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage (2) |
| Rhode Island | 30 | 0.06 | 0.29 | $ 51.15 | $ 106,400 |
| California | 2,780 | 0.16 | 0.68 | $ 48.57 | $ 101,030 |
| District of Columbia | 80 | 0.11 | 0.49 | $ 41.71 | $ 86,750 |
| Massachusetts | 700 | 0.19 | 0.85 | $ 41.22 | $ 85,740 |
| Minnesota | 1,020 | 0.35 | 1.55 | $ 40.80 | $ 84,870 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Pros and Cons of a Health Information Management Degree
A health information management degree is undoubtedly beneficial for multiple reasons. However, it brings along some negative aspects. Take a look at the pros and cons of an HIM degree to make an informed decision:
Pros
- Quick job placements with RHIA Certification – HIM graduates who’ve managed to acquire Registered Healthcare Information Administrator (RHIA) exam are much likely to land jobs within no time, especially in health systems and hospitals facing the lack of skilled professionals.
- High Job Security In Healthcare – the maintenance of healthcare records, data analysis and compliance remains critical no matter the economic state, making HIM roles highly secure and recession-resistant.
- Remote and Hybrid Availability – Many HIM roles such as compliance, coding, and auditing can be handled from offsite locations, offering flexibility for the professionals in this field.
- Versatility Across IT, Administration and Policy – health information management is a versatile field offering multiple opportunities to the graduates such as, data governance, info tech, and healthcare leadership, etc.
Cons
- Salary Ceiling Below Most Clinical Careers – though the salary brackets are massive for health information management professionals, even the top earners make less than the clinical physicians, Pas, and nurse practitioners.
- Coding Roles Can be Repetitive – entry-level positions in record-maintenance or coding areas often involve repetitive tasks before you can advance into an actual, dynamic HIM role.
- Constant Need to Upskill – technology and regulations keep changing and so, there’s a constant need for learning and upskilling for HIM professionals to survive in the working landscape.
- Certification Maintenance Costs – multiple certifications such as AHIMA, CEUs, etc. require continuation and renewal fees, which can add over time.
While a degree in health information management guarantees stability, flexibility and multiple career options, it calls for continuous learning and professional development alongside.
Who is a Good Fit?
Though it’s related to healthcare, you should not pursue a degree in HIM if you’re only interested in the health part of it. It’s more about the organization, protection and leveraging of data in the enhancement of patient outcomes than anything else. So, if you’re someone who’s good at handling detail-oriented tasks and big-picture problem solving – then HIM is certainly for you.
You can be a strong fit for HIM, if:
- If you’re good at both working with people and technology and can handle collaboration with medical staff as well optimize HER systems.
- If you’re an eye for detail and accuracy and can determine even the smallest of errors in healthcare data to prevent serious consequences.
- If you value confidentiality and can maintain privacy of sensitive patient data.
- If you’re good at adapting change and can keep track of the evolving healthcare regulations and technology.
The ideal HIM professionals know how to blend clear communication with analytical thinking. They’re equally fluent at auditing patient data records for compliance as well as determining and explaining data trends to the hospital managements and administrators. If the idea of bridging the gap between information that can drive decisions and healthcare providers seems interesting to you, a degree in healthcare information management could be your best choice.
How to Maximize Your HIM Career ROI?
Pursuing a degree is not enough, you’ve to follow a clear career path that combines the right education, practical experience and recommended certifications, to maximize the ROI. Here’s what you should typically do:
Choose The Right Degree Program – Most HIM careers require a bachelor’s degree in health informatics or healthcare information management. The best you can do is to get enrolled into accredited programs i.e. the ones approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIM). They can help you study the exact curriculum and gain practical expertise that the employers expect.
Earn Relevant Certifications – gaining relevant credentials can help you stand out in the job market. The well-recognized certifications include:
- Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) – for data coding, quality assurance and analysis
- Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) – for leadership and management roles
- Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) – for top-tier, advanced analytics roles.
Build Practical Experience Early – most HIM programs offer practicums and internships alongside. It’s critical that you take them seriously and gain hands-on experience from such opportunities. It can help you land full-time roles quickly, soon after graduating. You can also volunteer at a hospital’s record management department or work under an HIM professional to gain experience of the daily workflows.
Develop Complimentary Skills – Though technical knowledge is important, employers also look for some other skills when hiring an HIM professional. They include:
- A thorough understanding of HIPPA compliance and regulatory laws
- Command over handling EHR systems
- Data analytics and reporting skills
- Transparent communication to work with administrators and clinicians
Keep Learning Continuously – healthcare technology is evolving every day and so are the rules and regulations. Therefore, you should always continue learning and upskilling if your goal is to land a successful career in the field of healthcare information management.
Health Information Management vs Health Informatics
| Health Information Management | Health Informatics | |
| Definition | The practice of acquiring, analyzing and securing patient medical information | The use of data and information technology to achieve the goals of improved clinical outcomes, lower cost of care |
| Key Responsibilities | Manage patient health information in hospitals and other health organizations. Process medical records related to billing, patient privacy, data governance and regulatory compliance. Complete tasks related to the business of health care, including coding, reimbursement, transcription and overall records management. | Gather, store, analyze and manage patient data and medical records. Develop and implement clinical documentation systems that improve the quality and efficiency of care. Build, optimize and maintain electronic health record (EHR) systems. Provide analytical and leadership skills in projects related to using data and information systems to solve problems. |
| Common Job Titles | Billing coder Records technician specialist Insurance claims analyst Clinical coding specialist Coding manager Patient information coordinator Medical records coordinator/specialist/manager Patient information coordinator Privacy officer/manager Compliance officer Health information management director Revenue Cycle Manager or Director | Clinical Informatics Health (or clinical) informatics analyst Health (or clinical) informatics technician, specialist or coordinator Health (or clinical) informatics lecturer or professor Electronic medical record trainer Director of clinical informatics Chief medical information officer (CMIO) — requires medical degree Chief nursing information officer (CNIO) — requires nursing degree Health care informatics security and data manager |
| Roles/Duties | Organize and manage patient data Code health information for reimbursement and research Process health data for billing and reporting purposes Ensure patient and organizational data meet regulatory compliance Comply with all relevant standards regarding health information Protect the privacy and security of patient health information (HIPAA) | Develop information systems/processes that improve quality and efficiency of care Build, optimize and maintain electronic health record (EHR) systems Design, develop and evaluate emerging technologies Provide data management, analytical and leadership skills Design and maintain medical databases, computer networks and applications Evaluate impact of IT on clinical workflow and outcomes Develop data analysis and utilization protocols Develop data management, privacy and security policies and systems |
| Potential Employers | Hospitals Clinics Private practices Nursing homes Medical groups HMOs Health insurance organizations Pharmacies, laboratories and other ancillary providers | Hospitals Clinics Medical groups HMOs Health insurance organizations Medical research laboratories Medical technology and software vendors Health information technology suppliers Medical consulting organizations Pharmacies, laboratories and other ancillary providers |
Source: University of San Diego
Related: Kickass Healthcare Management Career Guide
Conclusion
The healthcare industry is bustling with data, more than ever, and only the well-educated healthcare information management professionals can turn that data into actionable insights. Whether you’re aiming to manage patient records, ensure data security and contribute in shaping hospital policies or to attain a leadership role in this field, pursuing an accredited degree in HIM can open your door across administrative, clinical and tech-driven roles.
With a massive job growth rate and competitive salaries, this career path combines stability, purpose and innovation if you’re looking for it all. Ready to explore your career potential in this field? Check-out of HIM Career Path Quiz to see where you fit it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a health information management degree worth it?
Yes, a degree in healthcare information management is absolutely worth it. It’s a high-in-demand profession with the guarantee of competitive pay on average of $117,960 per year in 2024 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job security and versatile career path in multiple sectors. Whether you’re seeking an entry-level position or planning to advance in your career, securing a degree is worth the investment.
What jobs can I get with an HIM degree?
The most popular roles you can get after graduating in healthcare information management typically include, medical records supervisor, health information manager, data analyst, compliance officer, privacy officer and so on.
Other not so common roles that you can explore include coding manager, revenue cycle manager, or insurance claims analyst.
Do I need certification for HIM roles?
While not mandatory, acquiring some certifications such as Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) can really help maximize your career prospects.
Can I work remotely with an HIM degree?
Yes, HIM career paths are flexible enough and allow working remotely in multiple roles such as coding, data analysis, and auditing, etc. Some others include health insurance officers, or AI or machine learning or such predictive programmers.
What’s the average healthcare information management degree salary?
The average salary of an HIM professional often lies in between $50,000 -$100,000 annually, suggests the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This salary can grow up to $189,000 depending on the industry you are working in, seniority and niche.
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