Health Information Management Degree Programs Online

Educating the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

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.

Two Options Designed to Fit Your Needs

Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Information Management

Program features include:

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)

Rankings & Accreditations

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).

Ranked #18 out of the world’s top 100 universities under 50 years of age and #4 among U.S. institutions by Times Higher Education.

Ranked #62 Top Public School, #129 National Universities, #47 Best Medical Schools — Research, and #4 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report (2016).

Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

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. Gainful Employment Disclosure for Post-Bacc Certificate in Health Information Management.

Students walking on UIC campus

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 20% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

The Numbers Behind UIC’s Health Information Management Graduates:

94% of students who responded to a survey are satisfied with their academic experience in the program.

100% of employers who responded to a survey are satisfied with job performance of our graduates.

88% of graduates were employed in their field of choice within the first year of graduation.

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.

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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.

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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.

Karen Patena, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMA

Find out what the ideal candidate for a Post-Baccelaureate Certificate in Health Information Management looks like.

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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, FAHIMA

The curriculum is continuously reviewed by faculty members to reflect current and future industry trends.

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Karen Patena, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMA

By 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.

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BS HIM Courses

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:

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IDS 200	Introduction to Management Information Systems	4 Hours
Introduction to concepts and application of information technology for solving business problems and supporting organizational functions. Includes hands-on instruction on use of computer-based productivity tools.
KN 253	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4 Hours
The structure and function of mammalian cells and tissues and human skeletal, muscular and nervous systems are discussed. Integrating the functions of the various systems is emphasized. Credit is not given for KN 253 if the student has credit for KN 251. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BIOS 100 or consent of the instructor.

KN 254	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4 Hours
The structure and function of the human endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, sensory and reproductive systems. Emphasis on integrating the functions of the various systems. Credit is not given for KN 254 if the student has credit for KN 252. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): KN 253; or KN 251.
PSCH 242	Introduction to Research in Psychology	3 Hours
Techniques and problems associated with the study of behavior. Emphasis on measurement, descriptive statistics and the principles of experimental design. Exercises involving data collection. Participation in research.

BS in Health Information Management Required Courses (63 total hours)

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BHIS 405	Medical Sciences and Human Pathophysiology	3 Hours
Introduction of fundamental concepts in pathophysiology. Specific disorders of major organ systems, including etiology, manifestations, diagnostic tests, treatment modalities, pharmacotherapy and complications. Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Students who require a medical terminology component register for 4 hours and participate in both laboratory and lecture-discussion; all others register for 3 hours and attend lecture-discussion only.
BHIS 406	Medical Terminology for Health Information Management	2 Hours
An introduction to the medical terminology and pharmacology necessary to understanding the use of clinical vocabularies and classification systems in health information systems. Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester.
BHIS 410	Health Data Structures and Management	3 Hours
Data structures in clinical information systems, including database design and management, networking and security. Emphasis on entrepreneurial skills required to solve organizational information management problems.
BHIS 460	Introduction to Health Informatics	1 Hour
Introduction to information technology and systems in a healthcare setting. Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent registration in HIM 410 or equivalent experience.
BHIS 461	Information Systems for Health Information Management	2 Hours
Advanced topics in information technology and systems in a healthcare setting; collection, analysis and management of healthcare data; special issues related to the role of health information administrators. Extensive computer use required.
BHIS 480	Management and Business Practices	3 Hours
Principles of management with emphasis on business functions, procedures and organizational structure as applied to various healthcare settings, including private and institutional practice.
HIM 317	Principles of Health Information Management	4 Hours
Introduction to the data elements that comprise the patient’s health record. Includes data collection, processing and records management. Lab practice.
HIM 319	Alternative Health Records	4 Hours
Health information systems in alternative care settings, including records management, quality assessment, and special registries for diagnoses and other patient care classifications. Directed Practice. Meets eight weeks of the semester.
HIM 320	Technical Affiliation	2 Hours
Orientation to health information management practice via assignments in affiliated institution’s medical records department.
HIM 329	Legal Aspects of Health Information Management	3 Hours
Principles of law, confidentiality, and ethics, and their application in the healthcare field with particular reference to health records
HIM 337	Analysis of Healthcare Data	4 Hours
Healthcare and research statistics, including data display. Collection, evaluation and interpretation of healthcare data will be covered. Includes a laboratory section.

HIM 343	Quality Evaluation and Management	3 Hours
Examination of processes, internal and external to an organization, used to measure, evaluate and improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare.
HIM 361	Human Resources Management	4 Hours
Fundamentals and tools of systems analysis. Students participate in a systems analysis project for directed practice experience. Focus is on healthcare computer applications and facilities design and layout.
HIM 367	Systems Analysis	3 Hours
Fundamentals and tools of systems analysis. Students participate in a systems analysis project for directed practice experience. Focus is on healthcare computer applications and facilities design and layout.
HIM 374	Health Information Research	3 Hours
Student research project applying research principles and methodology to clinical data. Use of statistical software in laboratory section. Presentation of findings in written articles and oral presentation.
HIM 377	Current Issues in Health Information Management	2 Hours
Discussion of current issues relevant to the health information management profession.
HIM 384	Clinical Practicum	5 Hours
Supervised management activities in an affiliated healthcare facility allowing the student to develop insight, understanding and skill in medical record/health information practices, procedures and administration.
HIM 410	Introduction to the Healthcare System	3 Hours
Overview of the U.S. Health Services System, including its organization and management, economic support system, healthcare workforce and delivery system. Extensive computer use required.
HIM 432	Coding and Classification Systems	3 Hours
Introduction to nomenclatures and classification systems with an emphasis on the ICD-9-CM coding system. Other selected systems also discussed. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 405 and HIM 451.
HIM 433	Coding and Reimbursement Systems	4 Hours
ICD-9-CM coding for reimbursement, CPT-4/HCPCS coding, data quality management and management reporting. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 405 and HIM 432.
HIM 481	Healthcare Financial Management	2 Hours
An introduction to the principles of healthcare finance, sources of healthcare revenue, expenses and budgeting. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 480 or HIM 453 or equivalent experience.

Proficiency Credit* (24 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.

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BHIS 405	Medical Sciences and Human Pathophysiology	3 Hours
Introduction of fundamental concepts in pathophysiology. Specific disorders of major organ systems, including etiology, manifestations, diagnostic tests, treatment modalities, pharmacotherapy and complications. Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Students who require a medical terminology component register for 4 hours and participate in both laboratory and lecture-discussion; all others register for 3 hours and attend lecture-discussion only.
BHIS 406	Medical Terminology for Health Information Management	2 Hours
An introduction to the medical terminology and pharmacology necessary to understanding the use of clinical vocabularies and classification systems in health information systems. Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester.
HIM 317	Principles of Health Information Management	4 Hours
Introduction to the data elements that comprise the patient’s health record. Includes data collection, processing and records management. Lab practice.
HIM 319	Alternative Health Records	4 Hours
Health information systems in alternative care settings, including records management, quality assessment, and special registries for diagnoses and other patient care classifications. Directed Practice. Meets eight weeks of the semester.

HIM 320	Technical Affiliation	2 Hours
Orientation to health information management practice via assignments in affiliated institution’s medical records department.
HIM 329	Legal Aspects of Health Information Management	3 Hours
Principles of law, confidentiality, and ethics, and their application in the healthcare field with particular reference to health records
HIM 386	Independent Study	3 Hours
An optional course where students perform lab work, field work, and/or in-depth descriptive studies regarding topics related to health information management. May be repeated to a maximum of 5 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor and enrollment in health information management or health informatics program.
HIM 410	Introduction to the Healthcare System	3 Hours
Overview of the U.S. Health Services System, including its organization and management, economic support system, healthcare workforce and delivery system. Extensive computer use required.

In addition, the following credit may be granted by proficiency exam** (7 hours)

**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.

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HIM 432	Coding and Classification Systems	3 Hours
Introduction to nomenclatures and classification systems with an emphasis on the ICD-9-CM coding system. Other selected systems also discussed. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 405 and HIM 451.

HIM 433	Coding and Reimbursement Systems	4 Hours
ICD-9-CM coding for reimbursement, CPT-4/HCPCS coding, data quality management and management reporting. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 405 and HIM 432.

Required Courses after Proficiency Credit (32 hours)

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BHIS 410	Health Data Structures and Management	3 Hours
Data structures in clinical information systems, including database design and management, networking and security. Emphasis on entrepreneurial skills required to solve organizational information management problems.
BHIS 460	Introduction to Health Informatics	1 Hour
Introduction to information technology and systems in a healthcare setting. Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent registration in HIM 410 or equivalent experience.
BHIS 461	Information Systems for Health Information Management	2 Hours
Advanced topics in information technology and systems in a healthcare setting; collection, analysis and management of healthcare data; special issues related to the role of health information administrators. Extensive computer use required.
BHIS 480	Management and Business Practices	3 Hours
Principles of management with emphasis on business functions, procedures and organizational structure as applied to various healthcare settings, including private and institutional practice.
HIM 361	Human Resources Management	4 Hours
Fundamentals and tools of systems analysis. Students participate in a systems analysis project for directed practice experience. Focus is on healthcare computer applications and facilities design and layout.
HIM 367	Systems Analysis	3 Hours
Fundamentals and tools of systems analysis. Students participate in a systems analysis project for directed practice experience. Focus is on healthcare computer applications and facilities design and layout.

HIM 374	Health Information Research	3 Hours
Student research project applying research principles and methodology to clinical data. Use of statistical software in laboratory section. Presentation of findings in written articles and oral presentation.
HIM 377	Current Issues in Health Information Management	2 Hours
Discussion of current issues relevant to the health information management profession.
HIM 384	Clinical Practicum	5 Hours
Supervised management activities in an affiliated healthcare facility allowing the student to develop insight, understanding and skill in medical record/health information practices, procedures and administration.
HIM 452	Quality Management and Data Analysis	4 Hours
Examination of processes used to measure and improve the quality and effectiveness of healthcare, including healthcare and research statistics and data display. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): HIM 410, HIM 451 and HIM 454.
HIM 481	Healthcare Financial Management	2 Hours
An introduction to the principles of healthcare finance, sources of healthcare revenue, expenses and budgeting. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 480 or HIM 453 or equivalent experience.

Plus, if not receiving proficiency credit by exam (7 hours)

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HIM 432	Coding and Classification Systems	3 Hours
Introduction to nomenclatures and classification systems with an emphasis on the ICD-9-CM coding system. Other selected systems also discussed. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 405 and HIM 451.

HIM 433	Coding and Reimbursement Systems	4 Hours
ICD-9-CM coding for reimbursement, CPT-4/HCPCS coding, data quality management and management reporting. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 405 and HIM 432.

Post-Bacc Certificate in Health Information Management

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.

Gainful Employment Disclosure for Post-Bacc Certificate in Health Information Management.

Prerequisite Courses (may be waived in some instances or may be completed at another college/university)

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IDS 200	Introduction to Management Information Systems	4 Hours
Introduction to concepts and application of information technology for solving business problems and supporting organizational functions. Includes hands-on instruction on use of computer-based productivity tools.
KN 253	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4 Hours
The structure and function of mammalian cells and tissues and human skeletal, muscular and nervous systems are discussed. Integrating the functions of the various systems is emphasized. Credit is not given for KN 253 if the student has credit for KN 251. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BIOS 100 or consent of the instructor.

KN 254	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4 Hours
The structure and function of the human endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, sensory and reproductive systems. Emphasis on integrating the functions of the various systems. Credit is not given for KN 254 if the student has credit for KN 252. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): KN 253; or KN 251.
PSCH 242	Introduction to Research in Psychology	3 Hours
Techniques and problems associated with the study of behavior. Emphasis on measurement, descriptive statistics and the principles of experimental design. Exercises involving data collection. Participation in research.

Required Courses

Show / Hide Course Descriptions

BHIS 405	Medical Sciences and Human Pathophysiology	3 Hours
Introduction of fundamental concepts in pathophysiology. Specific disorders of major organ systems, including etiology, manifestations, diagnostic tests, treatment modalities, pharmacotherapy and complications. Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Students who require a medical terminology component register for 4 hours and participate in both laboratory and lecture-discussion; all others register for 3 hours and attend lecture-discussion only.
BHIS 406	Medical Terminology for Health Information Management	2 Hours
An introduction to the medical terminology and pharmacology necessary to understanding the use of clinical vocabularies and classification systems in health information systems. Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester.
BHIS 460	Introduction to Health Informatics	1 Hour
Introduction to information technology and systems in a healthcare setting. Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent registration in HIM 410 or equivalent experience.
BHIS 580	Practicum in Biomedical and Health Information Sciences	3–12 Hours
Field experience under supervision of a professional expert in a health informatics setting that is consistent with the student’s area of study and career goals. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.
HIM 410	Introduction to the Healthcare System	3 Hours
Overview of the U.S. Health Services System, including its organization and management, economic support system, healthcare workforce and delivery system. Extensive computer use required.
HIM 432	Coding and Classification Systems	3 Hours
Introduction to nomenclatures and classification systems with an emphasis on the ICD-9-CM coding system. Other selected systems also discussed. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 405 and HIM 451.
HIM 433	Coding and Reimbursement Systems	4 Hours
ICD-9-CM coding for reimbursement, CPT-4/HCPCS coding, data quality management and management reporting. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 405 and HIM 432.

HIM 451	Health Information Management Theory and Practice	4 Hours
Introduction to the data elements and health information systems that comprise the patient’s health record in acute and alternative settings, including records management and registries. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent registration in HIM 410 or equivalent experience.
HIM 452	Quality Management and Data Analysis	4 Hours
Examination of processes used to measure and improve the quality and effectiveness of healthcare, including healthcare and research statistics and data display. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): HIM 410, HIM 451 and HIM 454.
HIM 453	Principles of Management and Human Resources	4 Hours
Principles of law, confidentiality and ethics, and their application to health records, including risk management and security in clinical information systems. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 460.
HIM 454	Legal Aspects, Risk Management and Security of Health Information	3 Hours
Principles of law, confidentiality and ethics, and their application to health records, including risk management and security in clinical information systems. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 460.
HIM 455	Health Information Systems Analysis and Design	4 Hours
Advanced topics in information technology and systems in healthcare. Collection, analysis and management of healthcare data. Fundamentals and tools of systems analysis and design. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 460 and HIM 454.
HIM 481	Healthcare Financial Management	2 Hours
An introduction to the principles of healthcare finance, sources of healthcare revenue, expenses and budgeting. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 480 or HIM 453 or equivalent experience.

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.

Health Information Management Degrees

Educating the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

Rankings & Accreditations

Overview of the Programs

Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management

Post-Bacc Certificate in Health Information Management

Health Information Management at UIC

The Numbers Behind UIC’s Health Information Management Graduates:

Bonnie Siegel

Karen Patena, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMA

Faculty

Karen Patena, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMA

Curriculum

Karen Patena, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMA

Karen Patena, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMA

BS HIM Courses

Post-Bacc Certificate in Health Information Management

FAQs

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?

2. What does the health information industry look like today?

3. What does a successful online student in the HIM program look like?

4. What are the program requirements?

5. Can I take the RHIA exam without this program (for example, if I take just a master’s program?)

6. Is this program 100 percent online?

7. Do I have to be an RHIT to qualify for HIM programs?

8. Why can’t I just go study on my own for the RHIA?

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?