Health Information Management
Bachelors Degree in Health Information Management
Available at these Campuses: NC Online
-
THE NC ADVANTAGE
The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management is an online program designed to be an extension of the curriculum required for the Health Information Technology AAS degree.
What is a Health Information Management Career?
People often associate careers in healthcare with those that provide direct patient care. As such, the area of information management is sometimes overlooked despite its increasing importance in the digital era. Health information management (HIM) professionals have skills and competencies in health data management, information policy, information systems, and administrative and clinical workflow.Our program focuses on the skills and knowledge essential to managing employees and departments responsible for ensuring an accurate and complete medical record with cost-effective methods. The Health Information Management program prepares students for entry-level management positions in which they’ll be armed to competently perform a wide variety of roles from patient and physician interaction to the analysis, security, and integration of health information and its use in healthcare facilities, third-party organizations, and government agencies.
Certification
Students completing the HIM baccalaureate degree program will be eligible to sit for the RHIA exam during the timeframe of July 1, 2017 through 2021 under the following conditions:
- Have at least a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Received the RHIT credential on or before August 31, 2018
- Have complied with Standards for Maintenance of the RHIT credential
Program Goals
Upon completion of the program, it is expected that students will be able to:
- Acquire the requisite professional knowledge, skills and competencies fundamental to the health information management profession
- Gain self-directed learning skills using a variety of resources and technologies
- Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to solve problems
- Learn effective communication skills
- Demonstrate the personal attitudes and attributes critical to professional leadership
Career & Earning Opportunities
Health information management professionals are employed in data management roles throughout hospitals, nursing homes, medical group practices, clinics, home health agencies, ambulatory care practices, insurance companies, and public health organizations.
Once completing the program in Health Information Management, students must first complete a national certification exam before beginning work. Upon the successful completion of this exam, new graduates routinely begin employment as a health information technician or a registered health information administrator, reports the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). And with a few years of industry experience, new career and earning opportunities become readily available.
While the AHIMA reported entry-level professionals with a Bachelor’s degree earning salaries of $30,000-$50,000 annually, pay varies based on education and experience. And with room to grow, professionals with a Bachelor’s degree and just a few years of experience have the opportunity to fill management roles that pay $50,000-$75,000 annually.
Industry Outlook
Between 2014-2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees 15% growth in this area of healthcare. This is an accelerated growth rate compared to industry and national averages.
Start Your HIM Career Today
Most industry professionals start their careers with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. But every Northwestern College graduate starts their burgeoning career with a degree and an education that prepares them for real-life experiences in this rapidly evolving industry.
-
Making College Affordable
At Northwestern College, we help our students understand their college costs and how to pay for them. We also, understand that applying for financial aid can seem a little confusing and overwhelming, and want to make the process of applying for financial aid as easy as possible. That’s why our Financial Assistance Representatives are available to meet with you to help you understand financial aid and help you navigate through the application process.
Northwestern College participates in several different types of financial aid programs to enable our Financial Assistant Department to offer you the best possible combination of aid awards. We participate in both the Federal Student Aid Programs and Illinois State MAP Program, along with other miscellaneous financial aid programs from various sources (including Veterans Programs).
Most of our students receive some form of financial assistance. We work hard to help you find the money you need to finance your education, guiding you through the financial aid process and helping you explore different financial aid options. Grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study will assist you in paying for a college education. Read on to learn more about these opportunities.
Remember, you can always contact the Financial Assistant Department at any time and speak with one of our Financial Assistance Representatives if you have any questions regarding the financial aid process. We look forward to helping you!
Grants
Grants are need-based awards funded by the federal or state government. Grants are funds that do not require repayment. Learn More
Loans
For many students and parents, loans represents an important resource to help finance educational expenses. Northwestern College participates in the federal student loan program which allows students and their parents to borrow money to help meet their educational costs. A loan is a borrowed money that is expected to be paid back with interest. When you take out a student loan, you are making a legal obligation to repay the loan, so carefully consider the amount you borrow. Be a responsible borrower and borrow only what you need. Learn More
Scholarships/Tuition Discounts
Northwestern College offers a variety of scholarships to students. The internal scholarships and tuition discounts that we offer are sums of money that do not require repayment. See which ones you qualify for.
-
Get Started Now
Ready to learn more about the possibilities that an NC education can provide? Click or call – we are here to help you begin your journey.
Call us at: