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UIC’s Health Information Management programs equip students with an in-depth understanding of cutting-edge practices and methodologies, while applying real-world experiences to make a seamless transition from degree to profession.
- 100% online to fit your busy schedule
- Graduate from a university with the nation’s largest medical school
- Learn advanced skills in a growing industry
- Allows you to sit for the RHIA exam (upon completion)
Two Options Designed to Fit Your Needs
- Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Information Management
Rankings & Accreditations
CAHIIM Accreditation
The Master of Science in Health Informatics and Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Times Higher Education, 2014 - 100 under 50 rankings*
#13 out of the world's top 100 universities under 50 years of age #3 among U.S. Institutions
U.S. News and World Report, 2016 Rankings*
#62 Top Public School; #129, National Universities; #47 Best Medical Schools — Research; #4 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
Overview of the Programs
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
UIC’s online HIM program was designed to prepare graduates to take the prestigious Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam. This dynamic degree program provides skilled instruction in the management and use of information and information systems for healthcare planning and provision, resource allocation, and executive decision making. As you work your way through the curriculum presented 100 percent online, you will also explore essential topics, such as coding, systems analysis, data quality management and health information research.
Post-Bacc Certificate in Health Information Management
The online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Information Management is specifically designed to expand on your bachelor’s degree education and develop your expertise in the field of health information management. The thought-provoking coursework imparts a solid foundation of knowledge in the methods for using technology to collect, record and analyze healthcare data and prepares you to become an influential leader in today’s healthcare system. This 13-course certificate program, offered completely online, also allows experienced professionals to become eligible for the highly valued Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) Certification.
Health Information Management at UIC
UIC’s HIM programs were designed to prepare graduates to take the prestigious Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam. The HIM programs provide skilled instruction in the management and use of information and information systems for healthcare planning and provision, resource allocation, and executive decision-making.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is expected to grow by 17% from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Medical and Health Services Managers, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
Bonnie Siegel
Hear from an industry expert on how having a degree or advanced degree will put you ahead in the race to find a job, especially in the healthcare field.
Karen Patena, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMA
The Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential signifies that a person has competency in the skill sets of coding, management, technology, privacy, security and data integrity. Our program allows students to sit for the RHIA exam.
Valerie Prater, MBA, RHIT
Having the RHIA credential is important for individuals looking to advance in the field and to allow them to seek the better job opportunities. It allows an individual to gain respect among colleagues from other areas of practice so that your voice is heard.
Faculty
The HIM curriculum is taught by esteemed faculty who have held prestigious roles within the healthcare industry. UIC’s award-winning faculty members bring an unprecedented level of expertise and real-world experience into our online classrooms.
Lawrence (Larry) Pawola, PharmD, MBAOur highly experienced and well-known faculty is intimately involved in their students’ research.
Karen Patena, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMAFind out what the ideal candidate for a Post-Baccelaureate Certificate in Health Information Management looks like.
Valerie S. Prater, MBA, RHITUIC offers a variety of courses in privacy and security.
Curriculum
The Health Information Management programs offered by UIC are designed to impart the knowledge and critical skills important for helping organizations develop and implement effective health information management strategies, advance the quality of patient care and safeguard the integrity of electronic health records. Many areas of study are covered in this CAHIIM-accredited, 100 percent online program to help prepare students for the various roles defined by health information management.
Karen Patena, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMAThe curriculum is continuously reviewed by faculty members to reflect current and future industry trends.
Karen Patena, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMABy the time a student graduates from the program, they will have received the skill sets to prepare them for the field. The skill sets include competency in various levels of management, data and technology.
Modeled after the successful on-campus program, our 100 percent online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management program explores relevant topics, such as data coding and reimbursement systems, quality management and health information systems. The cutting-edge curriculum provides skilled instruction in the management and use of information and information systems for healthcare planning and provision, resource allocation and executive decision making.
Prerequisite Courses (60 total hours of Pre-Health Information Management courses) Completion of the Illinois Articulation Initiative General Education Core Curriculum plus the following specific courses or equivalent:
IDS 200 Introduction to Management Information Systems 4 Hours
KN 253 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 Hours
KN 254 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 Hours
PSCH 242 Introduction to Research in Psychology, or STAT 101 Introduction to Statistics 3 Hours
BS in Health Information Management Required Courses (63 total hours)
BHIS 405 Medical Sciences and Human Pathophysiology 3 hours
BHIS 406 Medical Terminology for Health Information Management 2 hours
BHIS 410 Health Data Structures and Management 3 hours
BHIS 460 Introduction to Health Informatics 1 hour
BHIS 461 Information Systems for Health Information Management 2 hours
BHIS 480 Management and Business Practices 3 hours
HIM 317 Principles of Health Information Management 4 hours
HIM 319 Alternative Health Records 4 hours
HIM 320 Technical Affiliation 2 hours
HIM 329 Legal Aspects of Health Information Management 3 hours
HIM 337 Analysis of Healthcare Data 4 hours
HIM 343 Quality Evaluation and Management 3 hours
HIM 361 Human Resources Management 4 hours
HIM 367 Systems Analysis 3 hours
HIM 374 Health Information Research 3 hours
HIM 377 Current Issues in Health Information Management 2 hours
HIM 384 Clinical Practicum 5 hours
HIM 410 Introduction to the Healthcare System 3 hours
HIM 432 Coding and Classification Systems 3 hours
HIM 433 Coding and Reimbursement Systems 4 hours
HIM 481 Healthcare Financial Management 2 hours
Proficiency Credit* (24 hours)
BHIS 405 Medical Sciences and Human Pathophysiology 3 hours
BHIS 406 Medical Terminology for Health Information Management 2 hours
HIM 317 Principles of Health Information Management 4 hours
HIM 319 Alternative Health Records 4 hours
HIM 320 Technical Affiliation 2 hours
HIM 329 Legal Aspects of Health Information Management 3 hours
HIM 386 Independent Study 3 hours
HIM 410 Introduction to the Healthcare System 3 hours
In addition, the following credit may be granted by proficiency exam** (7 hours)
HIM 432 Coding and Classification Systems 3 hours
HIM 433 Coding and Reimbursement Systems 4 hours
* Proficiency Credit – Graduates of an associate degree program in Health Information Technology accredited by the Commission on Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), who also hold current Registered Health Information Technical Certification or who provide a transcript of equivalent coursework and demonstrate proficiency by exam, may receive up to 24 hours of proficiency credit.
** Students with a current RHIT, CPC, CCA, CCS, CCS-P coding credential and demonstrate proficiency via an exam may receive proficiency credit for HIM 432 and HIM 433.
Required Courses after Proficiency Credit (32 hours)
BHIS 410 Health Data Structures and Management 3 hours
BHIS 460 Introduction to Health Informatics 1 hour
BHIS 461 Information Systems for Health Information Management 2 hours
BHIS 480 Management and Business Practices 3 hours
HIM 361 Human Resources Management 4 hours
HIM 367 Systems Analysis 3 hours
HIM 374 Health Information Research 3 hours
HIM 377 Current Issues in Health Information Management 2 hours
HIM 384 Clinical Practicum 5 hours
HIM 452 Quality Management and Data Analysis 4 hours
HIM 481 Healthcare Financial Management 2 hours
Plus, if not receiving proficiency credit by exam (7 hours)
HIM 432 Coding and Classification Systems 3 hours
HIM 433 Coding and Reimbursement Systems 4 hours
The program’s advanced curriculum presented 100 percent online offers a solid foundation in health information theory and practice. As a student, you will have the opportunity to expand upon your bachelor’s degree education and gain the coveted leadership and management skills that can help you thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare industry.
Prerequisite Courses (may be waived in some instances or may be completed at another college/university)
IDS 200 Introduction to Management Information Systems 4 Hours
KN 253 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 Hours
KN 254 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 Hours
PSCH 242 Introduction to Research in Psychology, or STAT 101 Introduction to Statistics 3 Hours
Required Courses
BHIS 405 Medical Sciences and Human Pathophysiology 3 hours
BHIS 406 Medical Terminology for Health Information Management 2 hours
BHIS 460 Introduction to Health Informatics 1 hour
BHIS 580 Practicum in Health Informatics 3 hours
HIM 410 Introduction to the Healthcare System 3 hours
HIM 432 Coding and Classification Systems 3 hours
HIM 433 Coding and Reimbursement Systems
HIM 451 Health Information Management Theory and Practice 4 hours
HIM 452 Quality Management and Data Analysis 4 hours
HIM 453 Principles of Management and Human Resources 4 hours
HIM 454 Legal Aspects, Risk Management and Security of Health Information 3 hours
HIM 455 Health Information Systems Analysis and Design 4 hours
HIM 481 Healthcare Financial Management 2 hours
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers about UIC's health informatics programs.
1. What is the length of time it takes to complete the PBCert HIM program at UIC and how does it prepare the student upon graduation?
A student can complete the program in as few as two years. The 13-course program prepares students to sit for the RHIA exam upon graduation.
2. What does the health information industry look like today?
With changes in the coding systems, moving from ICD9 to the ICD10, the industry is becoming more focused on data and technology.
3. What does a successful online student in the HIM program look like?
A successful online student is someone who is organized and has good time management skills.
4. What are the program requirements?
A completed bachelor’s degree (or higher) with a minimum 2.75 GPA in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework. The bachelor’s degree can be in any discipline, but healthcare, IT and business tend to be better fits.
5. Can I take the RHIA exam without this program (for example, if I take just a master’s program?)
No, unless the master’s program also requires completion of the certificate classes (this is in addition, not instead). Even if you take a master’s program, you must also complete the RHIA coursework. The RHIA credential is an academic-based certification, and reflects that the individual is a graduate of a CAHIIM-accredited health information management (HIM) program. It requires an academic foundation prior to taking the credential exam.
6. Is this program 100 percent online?
Yes. There is a practicum toward the end of the program that is completed at a facility in your area, but all the coursework is online. Both programs have an initial class which requires an “observational visit/interview” which will require the student to go to an approved HIM department for a half-day (4 hours) to complete this assignment. For PBC HIM, it is in HIM 451 and in BS HIM it is HIM 317.
7. Do I have to be an RHIT to qualify for HIM programs?
No, as long as you meet the other requirements. However, if you are an RHIT, you will require fewer credit hours to graduate in the BS HIM program (63 for non-RHITs; 39 for RHITs; 32 for an RHIT who is also a CPC, CCS, CCS-P).
8. Why can’t I just go study on my own for the RHIA?
AHIMA will only allow someone to sit for the RHIA if they have completed a bachelor’s degree in HIM or a post-baccalaureate program in HIM. No matter how many degrees or how much experience someone has, he or she cannot self-study.
9. Why does it take 2 years to be eligible? If so, why is it a graduate program and why does it take so long?
This is the approved alternative to completing another 4-year degree, which means this is actually the shorter option. It is a graduate program because it is post-baccalaureate (after bachelor’s). Also, because it is a graduate program, you can use graduate student loans to fund the program. If you have an extensive background in related topics, you may be eligible to test out of a few classes and bring the program length down to about a year and a half.
