Bachelor of Health Information Management Online
Health information management courses online are offered virtually and in hybrid formats through several postsecondary institutions, and they may be more advanced than courses offered in health information technology. Certificates, associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees are available. Introductory courses in these programs teach medical coding, computer skills, data processes and terminology. Graduate programs offer topics such as computer systems development, data network design and security strategies, all customized to fit the healthcare field. Graduates of health information technology programs may choose to work for hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies and more.
A bachelor's degree in health information management is typically a 4-year program, although some universities allow students to complete the necessary coursework in less time than this. Choosing to earn your bachelor's degree online rather than in person can help save money, allow for additional flexibility, and allow you to study more independently and at your own pace. Many different institutions offer online bachelor's degrees in health information management, including Southern New Hampshire University, Western Governor's University, and DeVry University.
Throughout the course of your studies, you will learn how to use electronic data storage systems for health information, analyze and improve these systems, and interpret laws regarding privacy and ethical concerns of healthcare management systems, among other skills. In addition to courses related to healthcare information management, many bachelor's degree programs allow you to take elective courses in fields that interest you, such as technology, arts, or humanities. DeVry University's curriculum also requires two communication skills courses, two humanities courses, and two social sciences courses in addition to their core curriculum.
Although a high school diploma or GED is typically the only prerequisite for bachelor's degree programs, your prior coursework and professional experience can earn you credits towards your bachelor's degree in health information management. For example, Southern New Hampshire University offers students the opportunity to tranfer credit they've received from licensing exams to become a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist - Physician-based (CCS-P). If you have one of these credentials, the transfer credit would reduce the cost and time of your bachelor's degree.
When selecting a college or university where you will pursue your online bachelor's degree in health information management, it is important to choose a school with an accredited program in this domain. For example, Southern New Hampshire University has an accreditation as an approved education partner from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, and Western Governor's University is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. Selecting a school that is accredited to teach health information management will ensure that your hard work in the classroom is recognized with the health information management diploma you will earn.
There are many schools where you can take a health information management course online. Though your individual coursework may vary based on your personal interests and the school you choose, there are several classes that will be fundamental to your education on health information management. Details on some of these classes are outlined in the following section.
Health Information Management Online Course Descriptions
Are you wondering what you can learn from health information management classes online? Below are descriptions of common health information management classes online.
- Introduction to medical coding course: A foundational course in coding teaches students the terms and techniques to code and classify diseases and related health care processes. Focus may be placed on the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM). More recent updates to the classification system, such as the 10th Edition, may also be discussed.
- Principles of health information management course: This is an overview of health information management systems, including those for health care and registries. Students also learn about data elements, quality control, risk management, data retrieval and regulations.
- Database techniques and management course: Students gain an understanding of the theory and methods of database design. They also learn about data integrity and maintaining security, as well as examining statistics and research derived from data.
- Health information systems design course: Students learn advanced skills in the design and maintenance of health information systems. The course requires students to plan, design and launch a data system and subsequently maintain and update it.
- Legal aspects, risk management, and security course: While enrolled in this class, students examine ethical, legal and confidentiality principles underlying the field of information technology within the healthcare field. Lessons also include information security and risk management within clinical settings.
- Medical terminology course: In this course, students will learn about effective communication skills in a healthcare environment. The identification and definition of medical terms will be examined, including pronunciation, and how to use these terms in medical records and reports.
- Human resources management course: In this course, students will study administrative policies. How to effectively build teamwork skills will also be addressed.
Schools Offering Health Information Management Online Degrees
The following table contains information on schools that offer online degrees in health information management. When selecting a school, it is important to consider its curriculum, cost, and accreditation in order to decide whether it is compatible with your interests and needs. Some schools may offer free online courses health information management, but these free courses are not typically part of a degree program.
| School | Type | Location | Online Programs Available | Tuition* (2019-2020) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | 4-year, private | Manchester, NH (or Online) | Bachelor's, Master's | $31,136 (Undergraduate) |
| Western Governor's University | 4-year, private | Salt Lake City, UT (or Online) | Bachelor's | $6,670 (Undergraduate) |
| DeVry University | 4-year, private | Online | Bachelor's, Master's | $17,990 (Undergraduate) |
| Franklin University | 4-year, private | Columbus, OH (or Online) | Bachelor's | $9,577 (Undergraduate) |
| University of Cincinnati Online | 4-year, public | Cincinnati, OH (or Online) | Bachelor's, Master's | $11,660 (in state), $26,949 (out of state) |
*Source: National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator
Students can study online health information management through numerous certificate programs, as well as associate's, bachelor's and master's programs. Topics include medical coding, medical terminology and database techniques.
