Associate Degree
Health Information Management (HIM)
Online Associate Degree Program
CLASSES START
Jan 6th
20 Mo. Program Length | 63 Credits |
Online Format | $515 Cost Per Credit |
Associate Degree
Health Information Management (HIM)
Online Associate Degree Program
Start your HIM career fast with an associate degree
| Accreditation | CAHIIM accredited,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
|---|---|
| Transfer credit | Up to 47 approved credits |
| Format | 100% online coursework you can take right at home |
| Benefits | 90-hour internship completed in-person within an approved facility; preparation for RHIT certification |
| QuickPaths | Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University |
Satisfaction rate
Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.
Satisfaction rate
Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.
Overview: Associate Degree in HIM
The Associate of Science in Health Information Management degree is a 63-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for a career in health information management and technology. The CAHIIM-accredited1 program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in federal and industry-standard guidelines, the healthcare reimbursement revenue cycle, diagnostic & procedural coding, IT and data management and much more.
Career-focused curriculum
Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.
Flexible schedule
You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We strive to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.
Virtual services
Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.
Lifelong support
We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.
Rolling admissions
No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.
Classes Start January 6th
Learn More Today
Curriculum
Health Information Management associate degree classes & curriculum details
Our associate degree curriculum aligns with standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of health information management and health informatics educational programs. The Herzing program now includes additional training specified by CAHIIM to be key areas of focus for students to excel in the health information career path:
Data Management
Learn to manage data within a database system and identify standards for the exchange of healthcare information.
Revenue Management
Develop competencies in diagnosis and procedure codes, regulatory compliance, reimbursement and the revenue cycle.
All classes are delivered online. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the AHIMA’s Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam.
| Program | Monthsi | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management | 20 | 63 |
i. Average number of months for students to complete program. Program availability varies by location.
Required Health Information Management Courses
All courses, 30.00 semester credit hours, are required.
Required Anatomy and Physiology Courses
All courses, ◊8.00 semester credit hours, are required. (3.00 of these credit hours satisfies Science General Education Requirement).
Required Internship Experience
2.00 semester credit hours are required.
* Enrollment in a student readiness training is required two terms prior to internship course. Successful completion of training is required prior to internship course enrollment.
Required General Education Courses
Students enrolled in this associate degree must complete a minimum of 24.00 semester credit hours in general education (◊ includes 3.00 credit hours from Anatomy and Physiology listed in above required) distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for specific information about courses within each discipline. 9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities (must include 3 semester credit hours of cultural diversity) 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social and Behavioral Sciences ◊ Science Semester Credit Hours are satisfied through Anatomy and Physiology requirement listed above.
Personal and Professional Development Courses
2.00 semester credit hours are required.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition & Cost
The cost of tuition for the Associate of Science in Health Information Management program is $515 per credit.
You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.
Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.
You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.
Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.
Requirements
HIM associate degree program enrollment requirements
Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University Health Information Management associate degree program include:
- Completed high school diploma, GED or equivalent
- Meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor
- Complete an enrollment application
With Herzing University starting your new career in health information management IS possible. We are here to help you take the first step.
Classes Start January 6th
Waived Enrollment FeeWhat can I do with an associate degree in HIM?
Earning an associate degree in health information can help you qualify for many different types of jobs in the field of health information.
Potential jobs in health information management include:
- Health Information Technician
- Health Information Clerk
- Patient Care Coordinator
- Patient Registrar
- Insurance Claims Clerk
- Medical Coder
- Data Analyst
- Auditor
How can I advance my career in HIM? You may consider a bachelor’s degree in health information management to qualify for the next level of administrative or HIM management roles in your department. You can use you prior associate-level education and transfer up to 93 credits into a bachelor’s degree program with Herzing.
Job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health information technicians is expected to rise 17% from 2022-2032, faster than the average across all U.S. occupations.*
Now is a great time to get the education you need to enter the rapidly growing field of healthcare information and technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Given the increased demand in the industry, wide range of jobs you can pursue and the average salary you can earn, going back to school and earning your degree in HIM is definitely worth it. It’s a field with high growth potential and excellent career mobility.
Finding your place and succeeding in your career depends on your strengths in relation to the skills needed in health information management, including:
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication and teamwork
- Technical skills
- Leadership skills
Because of the increased need for data-driven decision making and growth of information technology in healthcare, health information managers must be adept on the execution or managerial side of day-do-day tasks. Those strong on both sides can find great career success in HIM.
There are a few primary differences between medical billing and coding and health information management.
Those who work in medical billing and coding, who may be referred to as medical records specialists, play a key role in the healthcare revenue cycle, ensuring Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are assembled accurately and entered into health information systems properly. They communicate with healthcare staff, insurance companies, and patients to best represent services provided (coding) and secure payment for those services (billers).
Health Information Management professionals (sometimes referred to as Health Information Technology – HIT) are responsible for maintaining, analyzing, and optimizing these systems. Their role is more on the backend, emphasizing informatics and Information Technology (IT). These professionals create, manage, and analyze the systems billers and coders rely on to maintain the Electronic Health Record (EHR). They can also play a wider role in data analysis, management, protection, and administration of patient health information.
The most important steps to become a medical records technician are getting the proper education in billing and coding or HIM and becoming certified.
You’ll be in a great position to qualify for entry-level positions and begin your new career path.
You can make more than $190,000 at the highest positions in HIM medical and health services, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical and health service managers reportedly earn an average salary of $134,440 per year ($64.64 per hour).*
It all depends on your level of degree attained, certifications and experience in HIM. The ladder is tall and educated prospects are in high demand. Read more about the average salary for health information management jobs typically requiring an associate's or bachelor's degree in HIM.
Registered Health Information Administration (RHIA)
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Administration (RHIA) exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
Graduates of the Associate of Science in Health Information Management are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Eligibility:
Only those who successfully:
- Complete a bachelor's degree in a HIM program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) or are enrolled in their last term of study
OR - Graduate from a HIM program that is approved by a foreign association with which AHIMA has a reciprocity agreement.
Certification is not a requirement for all health information management professionals, but it will give you an advantage in finding the job of your choice.
Two credentials in particular – RHIA and RHIT – can help you get your first job or push your career in health information management to the next level. Read more about what health information management certification is right for you.
Yes! You can earn your degree in health information management online with Herzing University. Studying health information management online is a great way to learn new skills on your own schedule.
The primary difference is:
- Healthcare management refers to the practices and procedures involved with operating and supervising hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
- Health information management involves the collection, analysis, maintenance and security of a healthcare facility’s billing, research, quality improvement and credentialing.
Both fields combine high-level business and day-to-day functions of a healthcare environment to support the delivery of excellent patient care.
Discover more details about the difference between healthcare management vs. health information management.
With Herzing University you are never alone. It’s our goal to provide all students an affordable, career-driven education. Financial aid options include:
- Loan options – Federal & private
- Scholarships & grants
- VA / military benefits
- Other sources of financial aid
You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University tuition wizard.
Program Finder
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management Degree Programs
Showing 1 program for the Online campus
This CAHIIM-accredited program prepares students with the necessary skills and knowledge in the health information management field for entry level technical positions in a variety of health-related settings including hospitals, clinics, long-term care settings, consulting firms, government agencies, insurance companies, and software vendors. HIM professionals plan, collect, aggregate, analyze, and disseminate individual patient and aggregate clinical data. Students in this program will learn entry-level skills related to those areas of the HIM profession.
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Disclosures
Accreditation & Disclosures
1. The Health Information Management accreditor of Herzing University is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The University’s accreditation for the Associate of Science degree and the Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2030-2031. 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.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
CAHIIM Program Outcomes
| Program | Graduation Rate | Employment Rate* | Student Satisfaction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate of Science in Health Information Management | 33% | 92% | 100% |
Note (1): Program Graduation Rate is the number of students who complete the program in no more than 150% of the stated program length. The graduation rate percentage represents cohorts who started in 2018-2019 and were scheduled to graduate within 150% of the stated program length in 2021-2022.
Note (2): Overall Program Employment Rate is based on students who graduated the program August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022.
Note (3): Student Satisfaction Rate is based on students who completed the Herzing University Student Satisfaction Survey during August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
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