How Earning an MS in Health Information Management at UIC Led to a Career as a Coding Analyst

Today’s healthcare system relies on more than doctors and nurses. It also depends on health information professionals who ensure that data drives better outcomes. UIC’s Online Master of Science in Health Information Management (MSHIM) program prepares students to take on leadership roles in this changing field, combining advanced coursework in healthcare data analytics, informatics, coding, and data security with the flexibility to balance work and life commitments.

One graduate who has seen the program’s direct impact is Jacqueline Ivery, RHIA. After more than a decade working in health information management, Jacqueline returned to school to pursue her master’s degree. Shortly after completing the program, she advanced into a new role as a healthcare coding analyst at the American Medical Association. In this spotlight, Jacqueline shares her journey, how UIC supported her growth, and advice for future students considering the program.

Can you provide an overview of your background in the field of healthcare?

I initially began college studying computer engineering, but after two years, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I started exploring other career options and came across health information management. I knew I didn’t want to work directly with patients but wanted to stay connected to healthcare. HIM was the perfect combination, allowing me to work with data and systems while supporting patient care. As I learned more about the many different career paths within HIM, I became fully committed to building my career in the field.

From there, I pursued an associate degree in Health Information Technology (HIT), and about ten years later, I returned to complete my bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management. I held my RHIT certification from 2011 until 2022, when I sat for and passed the RHIA certification exam.

My career began as a release of information specialist, a role I held for about three years before moving into medical coding. I worked as an inpatient coder at a psychiatric facility for two years, then transitioned into outpatient coding, which I did for eight years. Most recently, I accepted a position at the American Medical Association as a healthcare coding analyst.

What inspired you to pursue a Master of Science in Health Information Management?

My goal in pursuing my master’s degree was tied to teaching. I wanted to make sure I could teach other HIM professionals not only from my professional experience but also from the advanced education I received. I felt the best way to ensure I could share my knowledge was to stay rooted in health information management, so I decided to earn the MSHIM degree.

HIM is also more critical than ever. Over the last decade, technology has reshaped the profession. Today, AI and data analytics are integrated into HIM, creating more opportunities for RHIA and RHIT certified professionals. When I first started, coding was the main career path, and we were often described as the “librarians” of health information, responsible for storing, securing, and maintaining data. Now the field is much broader, touching everything from health informatics to system design. It’s exciting to see how HIM continues to evolve and open new doors for professionals.

How has earning your MS in Health Information Management degree advanced your career?

Immediately after graduating, I had the opportunity to apply for the American Medical Association position, and one of the requirements was a master’s degree. Because I had just completed mine, I met the qualifications and could step into the role.

As a healthcare coding analyst, I no longer actively code charts. Instead, I work behind the scenes with the CPT codebook and code sets. The combination of my RHIA certification and master’s degree was key in helping me transition into this new position.

What are the most valuable skills you gained from the MSHIM program?

I was confident in my skills as a coder, but I had limited exposure to the analytics component of health information management before UIC. The courses in healthcare data analytics expanded my perspective, teaching me how to interpret data, analyze it, and apply it to organizational improvement. That was one of the most valuable skills I learned from the program.

Which project in the MSHIM program was most valuable to you?

One of the most impactful projects was in HIM 455: Health Information Systems Analysis and Design, where we had to design a health information systems project from the ground up. We created a mock organization, researched its needs, and developed reports and proposals to address them. We even simulated sending requests for information to vendors and evaluated proposals to determine the best fit.

The professor played the role of the vendors, providing rebuttals that forced us to rethink our strategies and refine our proposals. The extensive project opened my eyes to how HIM professionals are directly involved in evaluating and implementing information systems.

As someone whose goal in earning my master’s was to teach eventually, this project stood out. It deepened my understanding of systems and data analytics in healthcare and gave me practical knowledge I could pass on to future HIM professionals.

How did the MSHIM program prepare you to navigate trends in healthcare?

The MSHIM program gave me a deeper dive into how health information management continues to change with technology and policy. For my final project, I focused on the evolving world of reproductive health and how policy changes affect healthcare data management. That research required me to examine how reproductive rights are being questioned, which records must be hidden, and how HIM professionals must advocate for patients while maintaining secure, accurate data. Working on this project opened my eyes to how administrative policies directly impact the management and protection of health information. Through that experience, I gained a stronger understanding of the complexities of the field and how HIM professionals must adapt to changes in regulations, technology, and patient needs.

What advice do you have for prospective students considering UIC’s Online MSHIM program?

As someone who is a parent and also worked full time while completing UIC’s Master of Science in Health Information Management, my advice is to make sure you can dedicate focused time to your coursework. The asynchronous format is a significant benefit, allowing you to complete assignments early in the morning, late at night, or on weekends, depending on your schedule. Balancing work, family, and school isn’t always easy, but setting aside specific time blocks for your assignments makes it achievable. The professors and coursework are well-organized and supportive, so as long as you commit the time and stay focused, you can succeed in the program.