The path to becoming a registered health information administrator (RHIA) starts with a bachelor's degree in health information management.
Once you've graduated with your degree, you're eligible to sit for the exam to gain your RHIA credential.
As an RHIA, you're prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings maintaining the privacy of patient's medical records and information.
Best of all, you can earn a degree in health information management online while still balancing all of your other responsibilities.
Top Online Registered Health Information Administrator Programs
Keep reading for details about some of the best health information management degree programs available online.
1. DeVry University
DeVry University offers an online bachelor's degree in technical management with a specialization in health information management.
Classes are asynchronous and start every eight weeks so you can get to work on your degree when it's convenient for you.
The health information management specialization covers the following topics:
- healthcare functions and services
- health information systems and networks
- healthcare data security and privacy
- healthcare statistics and research
- administration and management
- healthcare financial management
Tuition and fees for the accredited program start at $514 per credit hour. Financial aid is available for all qualifying students.
2. Grand Canyon University
At Grand Canyon University (GCU), you can earn a bachelor's in health information management entirely online.
The program focuses on five core areas:
- information governance
- information protection
- information, analytics, and data use
- compliance
- health care business and leadership
GCU's accredited degree program features asynchronous courses that you can complete at your own pace and on your own terms.
Tuition starts at $485 per credit hour. Scholarships and other financial aid are available if you qualify.
3. Herzing University
Herzing University's career-focused online program offers both associate and bachelor's degrees in health information management.
The program prepares students to handle some of the key responsibilities of an RHIA, including:
- medical records
- procedural and diagnostic coding
- compliance
- reimbursement
Classes run on a traditional semester system but are asynchronous so you can learn at your own pace when it's convenient for you.
Tuition starts at $515 per credit hour. Grants, scholarships, and other types of financial aid are available for qualifying students.
4. Indiana University
At Indiana University (IU), you can earn a BS in health information management entirely online.
The program incorporates medicine, management, finance, information technology, and law to prepare you for:
- project management
- problem solving
- data security
- revenue management
- auditing
The program also features a mentored professional practicum that allows you to apply your classroom skills hands-on.
Tuition for the program starts at $299.05 per credit hour for in-state students or $388.77 for out-of-state students.
5. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati (UC) has a 100% online bachelor's degree in health information management.
The accredited program is accelerated and can be completed in as little as two years. It also features a professional hands-on practicum.
UC also offers a free program webinar you can watch if you want more information about this exciting career path.
Tuition and fees start at $433 per credit hour for part-time students, or $4,999 for full-time resident students ($5,179 for non-residents).
6. Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) has a 100% online bachelor's degree in health information management.
The accredited program qualifies you to sit for the RHIA credentialing exam to really jumpstart your career.
WGU's accelerated program allows you to move quickly through material you already know so you can graduate within 36 months.
Tuition is charged per term rather than per credit, with rates starting at $4,085 for a six-month term.
7. Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University has two health information management degree programs that are both 100% online.
One of the programs requires that you have an associate degree. The other you can qualify for with no previous college credit.
The accredited program focuses primarily on:
- information management
- management of people and operational units
- budget preparation
- administration of computerized health information systems
Tuition starts at $551 per credit hour regardless of residency. Financial aid is available to qualified online students.
FAQs About Registered Health Information Administrator Programs
Read on for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about registered health information administrator programs.
Can You Take the RHIA Exam Without a Degree?
No, you need a bachelor's or master's degree in [health information management to be eligible to sit for the exam.
The program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.
Is a Health Information Management Degree Worth It?
If you're passionate about organizing and protecting the private health information of patients, it's absolutely worth it.
With this degree, you have the power to protect patient records and ensure secure transmission to the parties who need access to them.
Can You Get a Health Information Management Degree 100% Online?
You definitely can. If you prefer earning your degree online and on your own terms, there are plenty of options available.
Online health information management degrees are typically completely online with no in-person requirements. Classes are often asynchronous.
Find the Right School for Registered Health Information Administrator Programs Today
Be sure to check out the programs listed above to earn your degree to start your career as a registered health information administrator.
