7 Health Information Management Certificate Programs 2025

If you're a current healthcare provider looking to move into a more tech-centered career, a certificate in health information management (HIM) can help you get there. Perhaps you're wondering which schools offer the best online certificates in this field.

Keep reading to learn more about some top schools offering online coursework that leads to a health information management certificate. We'll also answer some questions you may have about pursuing higher education online in this field.

Best Online Certificate Programs for Healthcare Information Management

Many health professions rely on those who understand and know how to use health information systems. While some websites may offer free online health information management certificates, it's important to choose a high-quality program from a reputable school. Below, we'll talk about some of the best colleges that offer online certificate programs for those interested in pursuing this career path.

1. Clarkson College

Clarkson College is a private health sciences school located in Nebraska. It provides an online certificate in health information management.

This program is specifically designed for those interested in the medical coding industry. The program teaches fundamental competencies in using classification systems and understanding the revenue cycle. The program requires 22 credit hours to complete.

2. Rutgers University

Rutgers University is a public school with several campuses in New Jersey. It also provides some online programs, including a post-baccalaureate certificate in health information management.

Students learn a variety of methodologies in this program such as quality assurance, health informatics, handling medical records, and more. The program is designed around standards set by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and prepares students to become Registered Health Information Administrators (RHIAs)

3. University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point is one of several public schools in the University of Wisconsin System. Students enrolled at this school can earn a certificate in health information management online.

This post-baccalaureate certificate is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Students who complete this program are prepared for the RHIA exam and to pursue various other AHIMA credentials. The program comprises 24 credit hours.

4. Indiana University

Indiana University provides many online degrees and certificate programs through its various campuses. This public university system offers an online graduate certificate in health information management and exchange.

This program helps students learn to handle electronic health records (EHR) and other forms of healthcare data. It also teaches various other healthcare management techniques and culminates with a practicum for hands-on experience. Students must complete 18 credit hours in this program.

5. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, MD, is a public school with a mostly online enrollment. One of these is an undergraduate certificate in health information management and data analytics.

This CAHIIM-accredited program teaches essential decision-making skills for technology positions in the healthcare industry. Students complete 18 credit hours in a flexible online format, preparing for a variety of career opportunities.

6. East Central College

East Central College is a community college located in Missouri. It provides an online certificate in health information management.

This undergraduate program combines general education and targeted coursework to help students prepare for both career opportunities and continuing education. The program requires 30 credit hours and is often used as a stepping stone toward a health information management degree.

7. Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University is a private health sciences school in California. It provides a comprehensive health information management certificate that students can complete online or in person.

This post-baccalaureate program is CAHIIM-accredited and typically takes about two years to complete. Students enjoy the benefit of small class sizes and have opportunities to participate in internships to gain hands-on skills and experience.

Our Selection Criteria

We strive to include only top-quality programs in our school rank lists. We used the following criteria to select the programs discussed above:

• Accreditation: Each online program comes from a college or university that is both institutionally accredited and maintains specialized accreditation from CAHIIM.
• Reputation: These schools are known as reputable, respected institutions for both online and in-person education.
• Accessibility: All programs provide flexible, accessible courses that allow students to continue working while earning their certificate. They may also provide affordable tuition rates, a transfer credit policy, and other features to increase student accessibility.

How To Choose a Health Information Management Certificate Program

Whether pursuing a certificate or degree program online, there are many factors to consider. You want to ensure the program comes from a reputable, accredited school so employers will accept your certification.

It's also important to think about the cost and format of your program. If you have a limited budget or need to continue working while in school, choosing a flexible and affordable online certificate may be your best path forward.

Earning Credentials for Healthcare Careers

Those with the proper credentials can pursue various health information technology careers. These professionals can work for healthcare organizations like hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and healthcare delivery systems. Job titles for HIM professionals can include:

• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
• medical billing and coding specialist

FAQs About Healthcare Information Management Certification

If you still have questions about enrolling in a health information management program online, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some common questions you may be wondering about.

Is a Certificate in Health Information Management Worth It?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health information technologists and medical registrars earn a modest salary but require a relatively low level of education. What's more, these professionals are in high demand and thus experience heightened levels of job security. Many students interested in a non-patient-care healthcare role find that getting a health information management is well worth the time and effort.

What Are the Prerequisites for an Online Health Information Management Certificate Program?

Some certifications you can get online require prerequisite courses, while others do not. It's important to check with your school to find out about specific prerequisite requirements you may be subject to. Generally speaking, prerequisites for online health information management courses may include:

• specific college-level courses (like medical terminology or data management)
• an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field (for graduate certificates)
• a certain number of college credits

How Long Does It Take To Get an Associate Degree for Health Information Management?

You can take affordable or even free health information management courses online, but the health information management field often requires at least an associate degree to pursue entry-level positions. If you don't already have an associate degree, you may consider getting one instead of or in addition to your certification. If you study full-time, this will take about two years. Part-time learners may take longer to finish, often anywhere from three to five years depending on their rate of study.

Find Online Bachelor's Degrees and Certificate Programs Today

If you're ready to begin a health services career in information management, consider pursuing a certificate or Bachelor of Science in health information management from one of the schools here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about their programs and admission requirements.