| Specializations | Provide students with skills for entry-level, management and leadership roles |
| Prerequisites | Vary by program |
| Courses | Electronic Health Records, Health Information Technology, Issues in Legal Aspects & Healthcare Delivery, Health Data Management, Leadership in Healthcare, Healthcare Financial Management and more |
| Online Availability | Online programs are available |
| Median Salary (2021) | $46,660 (for all medical records specialists) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 7% (for all medical records specialists) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
An associate's degree in health information management prepares a graduate to assist in accurate and efficient health care management and delivery in entry-level positions. An associate's degree program often focuses on using technology to capture, manipulate and report patient information and records. An associate's degree program can be found online or at many community colleges and trade schools and usually takes two years to complete.
A four-year bachelor's degree program in health information management prepares a graduate for health care positions in system security, databases, data analysis, information systems, strategic management and decision support. A bachelor's degree program can be an end point in formal education or can be a stepping stone to a graduate degree. Some colleges offer a bachelor's degree program in health information management online, usually with an in-person internship component.
Students seeking a master's degree in this field can pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a health information management specialty or a Master of Science in Health Information Management. A graduate degree in health information management is recommended for an information technology (IT) professional who is pursuing a career in health information management. Some programs are available online.
A master's or doctoral level degree program prepares a graduate for management positions in the health care industry. Positions as consultants and educators within the fields of technology or health care are possible career options with an advanced health information management degree.
