The first step in your career planning process is to
discover your interests and then match them to careers. If you have
an interest in healthcare and information technology, health
information management (HIM) may be the right career choice for you.
As one of the fastest growing occupations in one of the fastest
growing industries, a HIM career places you right where the
expanding arena of healthcare meets the cutting edge of technology.
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HIM professionals play a critical role in maintaining, collecting and
analyzing the data that doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers rely on
to deliver quality healthcare. They are experts in managing patient health
information and medical records, administering computer information systems and
coding the diagnosis and procedures for healthcare services provided to
patients. HIM professionals work in a multitude of settings throughout the
healthcare industry including hospitals, physician offices and clinics,
long-term care facilities, insurance companies, government agencies and home
care providers. |
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
employment of HIM professionals is expected to grow much faster than the average
for all occupations through 2008. On top of strong job prospects, competitive
salaries also await HIM graduates. More than half of new HIM graduates with a
bachelor's degree start with salaries in the $30,000 to $50,000 range. Five
years out, many are earning $50,000 to $75,000. New HIM graduates with an
associate's degree can earn $20,000 to $30,000 annually. |
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Education |
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You need to complete either an associate's or bachelor's degree in HIM from an
accredited institution. The list below identifies the accredited HIT and HIA
programs in Missouri. These programs are accredited by the Commission of the
Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) in cooperation with the Council
on Accreditation of the American Health Information Management Association
(AHIMA). |
Health
Information Administration Programs
Saint Louis University
Department of Health Informatics & Information
Management
3437 Caroline St.
Saint Louis, MO 63104
Phone 314-977-8516
Fax 314-977-8503
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Chairman: Jody Smith, PhD,
RHIA, FAHIMA
smithjk@slu.edu |
Stephens College
Division of Graduate & Continuing Studies
Campus Box 2083
1200 East Broadway
Columbia, MO 65215
Phone 800-388-7579
Fax 573-876-7283 |
Director: Darla
D. Branda, MA, RHIA
dbranda@stephens.edu
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Health
Information Technology Programs
In addition to the above, a listing of the
numerous accredited HIM programs across the country can be obtained from the
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the national
association of HIM professionals, at
www.ahima.org/careers or by calling 312-233-1100.
If you've already earned a college degree and
possess the prerequisites, you can earn a postgraduate certificate or second
degree in HIM. The accredited HIM program in your area can provide more details.
High school students considering a HIM career can begin a foundation with the
following courses: business, computer science, English, math, biology and
chemistry.
Financial aid is available to qualified students
through the AHIMA
Foundation of Research and Education, which offers both loans and
scholarships. For more information, contact AHIMA or call the AHIMA scholarship
hotline at 312-233-1128. For information on federally sponsored programs call
Federal Student Financial Aid Information Center at 800-433-3243.
Certification
After completing your formal education, the next step is to successfully
complete an AHIMA certification exam. A credential validates your competence as
a HIM professional to employers and the public. There are two key credentials
for professionals in the HIM field:
Registered Health Information Administrator
(RHIA): This credential requires a bachelor's degree and successful performance
on the RHIA certification exam.
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT):
A RHIT credential requires an associate's degree and successful performance on
the RHIT certification exam.
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HIM professionals enjoy a broad selection of job opportunities and options for
professional growth. Based on skills, education and interests, some of the
positions available are:
With a bachelor's degree: HIM Department
Director; HIM System Manager, Data Quality Manager, Information Security
Officer, HIM College Instructor, Consultant.
With an associate's degree: Health Data Analyst,
Insurance Claims Analyst, Records Technician Specialist, Clinical Coding
Specialist, Physician Practice Manager, Patient Information Coordinator.
For more information on a HIM career contact:
American Health Information Management
Association
233 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2150,
Chicago, IL 60601-5519;
312-233-1100
www.ahima.org
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