RHIA for Health Information Management

RHIA for HIMs

Graduates of the UIC Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Information Management are eligible to register for the national Registered Health Information Administrators (RHIA) credential examination offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Because Registered Health Information Administrators (RHIAs) are experts in the field of patient information and medical records, they help develop information systems for:

• Quality patient care
• Facility reimbursement
• Medical research
• Health planning
• Health care evaluation

Besides managing information, RHIAs frequently also manage people, hospital committees, budgets, and major investments. RHIAs enjoy excellent job prospects, not only in hospitals, but also in other health care settings such as home health agencies, hospice programs, nursing homes, and ambulatory care facilities. Employment opportunities also exist in education, research, consulting, sales, insurance companies, and with state and national health care organizations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites health information management as one of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the U.S. In addition to being in high demand, many earn starting salaries between $50,000 and $75,000.

Graduates of our program have obtained a variety of positions, including:

• HIM Director
• Clinical Data Analyst
• Compliance Officer
• Privacy Officer
• Revenue Cycle Manager
• Project Manager
• HIM Faculty
• Utilization Management Director
• Health Data/Information Security Manager
• Risk Manager

Recent employers include the University of Chicago Hospitals, Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation, Deloitte and Touche, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and numerous other hospitals, clinics, and corporations.

Why should you pursue an RHIA credential?

• An RHIA credential demonstrates to co-workers and supervisors a dedication to quality health care and the highest standards of Health Information Management
• An RHIA credential tells employers that you have been trained and tested to implement best practices and apply current technology solutions
• An RHIA credential makes you a more marketable employee and sets you apart from job candidates who do not have the RHIA crendential
• An RHIA credential frequently leads to a management level position requiring plenty of interaction with colleagues on the medical, financial and administrative staff