Health Information Management System

As health information management technology grows and the role of the Internet and digital resources becomes even more important for the healthcare industry, there will be more jobs and room for employment in this sector of the workforce.

Health information management is the industry that deals with health care data and the management of it. Much of learning about careers in this healthcare sector will involve privacy of information and data of patients and doctors. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is crucial in this field as those who are certified and work in health information management jobs will be responsible for ensuring the privacy and integrity of records and data.

Choosing a College

When you're focusing on getting started in health information management careers the first thing that will more than likely come to your mind is where you'll find the best education. The only place that should be considered for health information management programs are those colleges and universities that are accredited by the CAHIIM.

The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education is the sole accrediting organization for schools that offer health information programs. The CAHIIM accredits all Associates, Bachelors, and Master's program and is the accreditation that you should look for when choosing a college.

The AHIMA

After completing an educational program that is accredited by the CAHIIM, you'll be faced with an exam in order to start your professional career. The exams administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) lead to certifications in health information management, coding, healthcare privacy and security, or health data analysis.

All of certification options from the AHIMA allow for unique opportunities in a person's healthcare career. Obtaining a certificate allows for more earning potential, career mobility, as well as more opportunities overall. In essence, it provides a strong foundation for your entire career.

Registered Health Information Technician Career Option

A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is one of the major credentials that a health information management student can decide to qualify for. Upon passing the exam successfully, individuals can obtain jobs where they'll be responsible for entering electronic health information records and ensuring their completeness, using computers and applications to analyze patient records and data, as well as using coding skills for patient records.

Aside from an RHIT, individual can also be eligible for the Certified Coding Associate, Certified Coding Specialist, and Certified Health Data Analyst credentials among others after education is completed.

Important Tips for HIM Programs

When it comes down to choosing an actual Health Information Management program, you'll have to decide not only which school you want to choose, but also which area of healthcare management you want for your career. There are traditional universities as well as distance learning and online programs that are accredited by the CAHIIM organization. In addition, looking at tuition costs as well as admission requirements is important.

As you can see, there are multiple career paths for someone who would like to specialize in the health information management sector of the healthcare industry. Ensuring the privacy and data of patient and medical records will be crucial as technology becomes even more complex in the 21st century so chances are that these jobs will not be going away soon.

About the Author

Matinez Betheliza - Ph.D. - Organizational Psychology. Provides you with a deep level of insight into your career direction and career development.