Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
BSHIM At-A-Glance
Curriculum
UIC’s 100% online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (BSHIM) completion 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 online, you will also explore essential topics, such as coding, systems analysis, data quality management and health information research.
The 63-credit hour program is housed within University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Applied Health Sciences and can be completed in 24 months.
Learning Outcomes
- Learn how HIM professionals acquire, analyze, and protect digital and traditional medical information critical to providing quality patient care.
- Learn how to manage vital workflow processes in health care provider organizations—from large hospital systems to private physician practices.
- Expand your knowledge to pass the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.
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#3 Best Online Bachelor Programs (BSHIM) by US News & World Report
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24 months Full-time students can complete the BSHIM in 24 months
Courses
The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management course work offers an exciting introduction into the rapidly developing world of healthcare IT and provides expert instruction in the management and use of information and information systems for healthcare planning and provision, resource allocation, and executive decision making.
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Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (BSHIM) Completion Program Courses
The following path of specific prerequisite coursework will need to be completed prior to entering the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management, as well as the Illinois Articulation Initiative General Education core Curriculum (60 total hours of general education/prerequisite credits).
BSHIM Prerequisite Courses
| Course # | Course Title | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. Course Information: Previously listed as IDS 100. Class Schedule Information: During the fall and spring terms, combined section final exam will be held on Thursday of finals week from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Laboratory-Discussion and one Lecture. |
| KN 230 | Anatomy and Physiology Lecture I | 3 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. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Credit for KN 230 is not given if the student has credit in KN 251 or KN 253. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in BIOS 110 and cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 (A=4.0). |
| KN 231 | Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II | 3 hours | The structure and function of the human endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, sensory, and reproductive systems are discussed. Integrating the functions of the various systems is emphasized. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): KN 230. Credit for KN 231 is not given if the student has credit in KN 252 or KN 254. |
| 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. Course Information: Consult the class schedule for details on method of instruction for this course. Course taught in an online or hybrid format involves heavy computer usage; computer and internet access are required. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in PSCH 100. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Discussion/Recitation and one Lecture. *Either PSCH 242 or STAT 101 is required. |
| STAT 101 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 hours | Applications of statistics in the real world, displaying and describing data, normal curve, regression, probability, statistical inference, confidence intervals and hypothesis tests. Course Information: Credit is not given for STAT 101 if the student has credit for STAT 130. Credit is not given for STAT 101 to students in any major in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science. Extensive computer use required. This course is offered in both a blended and traditional format. If the section is marked "Blended-Online and Classroom," use of a computer and internet access is required. Blended sections require students to do some of their coursework online. A high-speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): Grade S in MATH 090 or appropriate score on the department placement test. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Laboratory-Discussion and one Lecture. *Either STAT 101 or PSCH 242 is required. |
| BIOS 110 | Biology of Cells and Organisms | 4 hours | Introductory biology at the molecular, cellular, and organismal level. Topics include: Scientific skills, biological chemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism, cell division, molecular genetics, diversity, anatomy and physiology. Course Information: Previously listed as BIOS 100. Animals used in instruction. THIS COURSE IS INTENDED FOR SCIENCE MAJORS. BIOS 110 and BIOS 120 may be taken in any order. Credit is not given for BIOS 110 if the student has credit in BIOS 100. Credit is not given for BIOS 104 if the student has credit in BIOS 100, BIOS 101, BIOS 110 or BIOS 120. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture and one Laboratory-Discussion. Natural World - With Lab course. |
| PSCH 100 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 hours | Survey of basic concepts of contemporary psychology. Introduction to the nervous system, perception, motivation, learning and memory, social behavior, personality, developmental and clinical psychology. Course Information: Students under 18 years of age need parental consent to participate in research experiments that are part of the course. Instructions for obtaining parental consent will be provided during class early in the semester. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Discussion/Recitation and one Lecture. Individual and Society course. |
| MATH 110 | College Algebra | 4 hours | Functions, composition and inverses; graphs and transformations, polynomial and rational functions, exponential functions, logarithms and applications; circles and introduction to trigonometry. Course Information: Credit is not given for MATH 110 if the student has credit in MATH 121 or MATH 165 or MATH 170 or MATH 180. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): MATH 090; credit or concurrent registration in MATH 109; or an appropriate score on the department placement test. To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture and one Laboratory-Discussion. |
BSHIM Required Courses
| Course # | Course Title | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIM 410 | Introduction to the Health Care System | 3 | Explores the U.S. healthcare system, including its evolution, structure, regulations, and professional roles. Students examine cost, access, quality, reimbursement, and apply statistics for decision-making and performance improvement. Course Information: Previously listed as HIM 310. Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. |
| HIM 322 | Fundamentals of Health Record and Data Management | 4 | Covers foundational health record management, including EHR workflows, accreditation, compliance, and documentation quality, reinforced through case studies and real-world EHR simulations. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent registration in HIM 410. |
| BHIS 460 | Introduction to Health Informatics | 1 | Introduces information technology and systems in healthcare, including EHRs, privacy and security, informatics foundations, consumer health tools, and data analytics to support quality, safety, and population. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught fully online. Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent registration in HIM 410; or consent of the instructor. Recommended background: IDS 200 or the equivalent. |
| BHIS 461 | Information Systems for Health Information Management | 3 | Advanced topics in information technology and systems in health care settings; collection, analysis, and management of healthcare data; special issues for health information administrators. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. Prerequisite(s): IDS 200 and credit or concurrent registration in BHIS 460. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Laboratory and one Lecture-Discussion. |
| HIM 365 | Human Resource Management and Leadership in Health Information | 4 | Explores leadership and HR management in health information. Focuses on workforce planning, ethics, employee relations, interdisciplinary teamwork, strategic alignment, and policy development to support organizational goals and performance. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. Prerequisite(s): HIM 410 and HIM 322. |
| HIM 329 | Legal Aspects of Health Information Management | 3 | Covers U.S. legal system, healthcare laws, and regulations affecting HIM. Examines privacy, security, licensure, accreditation, fraud, and abuse. Applies compliance strategies to protect health information and resolve regulatory discrepancies. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. Prerequisite(s): HIM 322 and HIM 410. |
| BHIS 406 | Medical Terminology for Health Information Management | 2 | An Introduction to medical terminology and pharmacology, necessary to understanding the use of clinical vocabularies and classification systems in health information systems. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught fully online. Students must have an active UIC NetID with valid password and access to a computer and the Internet. Restricted to students in the Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences or consent of the Instructor. |
| HIM 337 | Analysis of Health Care Data | 4 | Analyze, interpret, and visualize healthcare data using statistical methods, software tools, and databases to support decision-making through real-world case studies and analytic reports. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 406 and HIM 410 and BHIS 460 and HIM 322. |
| HIM 390 | Health Information Management Capstone | 2 | Plan, develop, and deliver professional HIM presentations using digital tools, adult learning principles, and communication strategies. Presentation planning includes logistics, budgeting, marketing, and evaluation to educate and advocate for HIM. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Delivered in a 16-week format with instruction provided partially or fully online. Corequisites: Requires concurrent registration in HIM 337 and HIM 374. |
| HIM 374 | Health Information Research | 4 | Explore healthcare data analytics using statistical methods, database tools, and research practices to inform decision-making and reporting. Create and present a research poster to demonstrate data visualization and applied analysis. Course Information: May be repeated for credit. Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. Prerequisite(s): HIM 337. |
| BHIS 405 | Medical Sciences and Human Pathophysiology | 3 | Introduction of fundamental concepts in pathophysiology. Specific disorders of major organ systems including etiology, manifestations, diagnostic tests, treatment modalities, pharmacotherapy and complications. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught fully online. Students must have an active UIC NetID with valid password and access to a computer and the Internet. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in KN 251 and Grade of C or better in KN 252; or Grade of C or better in KN 253 and Grade of C or better in KN 254; or consent of the instructor. |
| BHIS 410 | Health Data Structures and Management | 4 | Explores clinical data structures, EHRs, and governance with emphasis on security, compliance, and intrapreneurial problem-solving through project-based learning and system tools. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 460 and BHIS 461 and HIM 365. |
| HIM 432 | Coding and Classification Systems | 3 | Introduction to medical nomenclatures and classification systems, emphasizing International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding, inpatient application, IPPS, and Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) programs. Course Information: Previously listed as HIM 332. Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 405 and BHIS 406 and HIM 322. |
| HIM 343 | Quality Evaluation and Management | 4 | Explores data-driven methods to assess healthcare quality, evaluate clinical outcomes, reduce risk, and communicate performance insights to support continuous improvement and accreditation readiness. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. Prerequisite(s): HIM 329 and HIM 337. |
| HIM 433 | Coding and Reimbursement Systems | 4 | Introduces ICD-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems with emphasis on coding guidelines, inpatient vs. outpatient distinctions, data quality, and reimbursement methodologies, including DRGs, APCs, IPPS, and OPPS. Course Information: Previously listed as HIM 333. Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 405 and HIM 432. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture-Discussion and one Laboratory. |
| HIM 320 | Technical Affiliation | 2 | Provides an orientation to health information management practice via assignments and field work in affiliated institution’s health information management departments. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Field work required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. Field work consists of six days of supervised experience in a healthcare organization. Prerequisite(s): Completion of 32 credit hours of HIM course work or approval of the BSHIM Program Director. |
| HIM 481 | Healthcare Financial Management | 2 | An introduction to the principles of healthcare finance. Sources of revenue and expenses, financial statement analysis, budget, and tools to analyze financial performance will be covered. Course Information: Previously listed as HIM 381. Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. Students must have an active UIC NetID with valid password and access to a computer and the Internet. Prerequisite(s): BHIS 480 or equivalent experience. |
| HIM 367 | Systems Analysis | 3 | Prepares students to plan and manage health IT projects through strategic planning, project design, risk evaluation, and SDLC application, with hands-on practice in communication, change management, and workflow optimization. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught partially or fully online. Prerequisite(s): Completion of 44 semester hours of health information management coursework. |
| HIM 434 | Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management | 3 | Covers healthcare reimbursement, payment systems, revenue cycle components, documentation integrity, and compliance strategies to support accurate coding, effective revenue management, and fraud prevention. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Taught fully online. Prerequisite(s): HIM 432 and HIM 433. |
| HIM 378 | Senior Seminar | 1 | Explores current HIM issues, expert insights, leadership skills, RHIA review, Interprofessional Education, research forum participation, and career planning for future HIM professionals. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Delivered in a 16-week format with instruction provided partially or fully online. Corequisite(s): Requires concurrent registration in HIM 384. |
| HIM 384 | Clinical Practicum | 4 | Consists of 160 hours of supervised management activities in a healthcare or affiliate organization or with an independent HIM professional, allowing students to practice leadership, professionalism and management skills. Course Information: Extensive computer use required. Field work required. Meets eight weeks of the semester. Clinical practicum hours are completed on-site at a healthcare organization during regular business hours. Prerequisite(s): Enrollment restricted to students in the last semester of the HIM program. |
Career Outcomes
- Revenue/Reimbursement Specialist
- Compliance/Privacy Managers
- EPIC System/Application Analyst
- Quality Specialist
Academic Year 2024-2025
- 95% graduation rate within two years of beginning the professional program (2024-2025)
- 87% employment rate within the first year of graduation (2024-2025)
- 96% of students who responded to a survey indicated satisfaction with their academic experience in the program (2024-2025)
Online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (BSHIM) Faculty
Earning a BSHIM degree is a good stepping stone to discovering your career interests. As a student, you’ll learn how to work with different hospital departments, administration, and vendors, as well as the diverse requirements within each area, such as compliance, coding, and data.
Barbara A. Glondys, MA, RHIA, CHPS | Clinical Assistant Professor
The most important real-world application BSHIM students will experience in the program are their internships, or their PPE (professional practice experience).
Felecia Williams, MPA, RHIA | Clinical Assistant Professor and BSHIM Program Director
CAHIIM Accredited
The Health Information Management accreditor of University of Illinois Chicago is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2027. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.