Getting a Bachelor of Health Information Management online is a good option for those individuals who are already working in Health Administration roles. Often further advancement is not possible without additional credentials in an academic framework. The Health Information Management bachelor’s degree online offers students the flexibility to complete the coursework where and when it’s most convenient to accommodate current work-and-family needs and scheduling requirements. An online bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management program offers access to teachers who are experienced professionals in the field, while integrating real-world challenges into the curriculum.
With a Bachelor’s in Health Information Management online program, knowledge is easily accessible. Students can study, conduct research, and participate in classroom learning via a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. With the collaborative focus on learning, an online bachelor’s in Health Information Management allows students to tap into the resources, services, and specialty assistance they need no matter where or when the study is taking place. The bachelor degree in health information management online often supports asynchronous study, where students can log in and communicate with teachers and fellow students no matter where each person is at any time. It’s fast and easy to access the course material, read, learn and communicate collaboratively via discussion boards, and submit assignments as required via the online platform.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Health Information Management Online Degree Programs
To rank the best online health information management degree programs, Bachelor’s Degree Center editors began with a comprehensive pool of reputable, accredited institutions offering fully online bachelor’s and bachelor’s completion programs. From there, programs are ranked according to factors that actually matter to students: Job Placement, Graduation Rate, Salary Potential, Student Satisfaction, and Tuition Cost.
1. University of Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin’s BS in Health Information Management & Technology is a 100% online program. UW’s BS in Health Information Management and Technology is the best online health information management degree due to its modern-day integration of health integration technology. Today, an HIM degree is not enough. UM has a 61-credit online information management degree that teaches essential technology in the new age of HIMT. No in-person meetings or mandatory log-ins are required. The goal is for healthcare information management to learn more than coding and the transfer of electronic data. UW students will learn how to build software and systems that improve and revolutionize HIMT.
University of Wisconsin in Madison is a public institution that ranks #46 in Best Colleges and National Universities by US News. They have over 23 college campuses in their institution. The UW System eCampus features 150 online degrees or certificates.
What We Like: The undergraduate enrollment is 32,000+ with a high graduation rate of 84%.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management and Technology
University of Wisconsin’s BS in Health Information Management & Technology
2. Rutgers University
Rutgers University School of Health Professions based out of New Brunswick, NJ is considered the best information management online degree by many because of its national recognition of top online HIM programs. Graduates have a 100% placement rate within 1 year of graduation that intersects with over 75 careers in medicine, business, IT, and science. The online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Management from Rutgers is offered full or part-time and requires 61 credits from Rutgers HIM Department.
Rutgers University is a public university that is the largest in New Jersey. Forbes ranks the university as #54 in Best Value, #32 in Public Colleges, and #67 in Research Universities. US News gives the college a ranking of #62 in National Universities. The overall undergraduate acceptance rate is on the harder side with only 60% of undergrads accepted.
What We Like: The HIM program has a 98% graduation rate and a 99% retention rate.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
Health Information Management from Rutgers
3. Indiana University
Indiana University’s Online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management ranks as one of the best health information management online degree programs. A BS in HIM from IU requires 58 credits in their 100% online undergraduate health degree. IU’s HIM degree prepares students for jobs in healthcare such as project management, patient advocacy, data analyst, clinical coding, health information director, physician practice manager and private consultant.
Indiana University in Bloomington is a public institution with over 33,000 undergrads. US News ranks the university as #79 in National Universities and #48 in Best Colleges for Veterans. IU offers exceptional value when it comes to tuition and return on salary. The acceptance rate for their undergraduate program is achievable but not guaranteed at 78.7% and the rate of graduation is 77.8%.
What We Like: IU Online provides a 24/7 Contact Center.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
Indiana University’s Online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
4. University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Applied Health Sciences is ranked by US News as the 5th best online school to receive a Bachelor’s. A BS in HIM is available 100% online and studies topics such as coding, data analysis, quality management, and health systems information. Graduates of UIC with a BS in HIM are qualified to take the Registered Health Information Administrator exam (RHIA). The RHIA credentials gain respect from colleagues and employers.
UIC was founded in 1965 as a public institution. They have over 33,000 students and 12,000 employees. Teacher to student ratio is small. They ranked #132 as Best National Universities by US News.
What We Like: Graduates report an 88% employment rate within the first year of graduation. Furthermore, employers surveyed report a 100% satisfaction rate with UIC HIM graduates.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
University of Illinois at Chicago’s BS in HIM
5. University of South Carolina
The online Palmetto College offers the University of South Carolina’s progressive BA in Health Informatics. Due to the explosion of information management, the healthcare industry has a huge demand for individuals specific to health informatics with a project growth of 15% by 2024. This type of degree extends further than just health management, making it one of the best online health information management degree to get in the field. Electronic Health Records has an urgent demand for on-site hospital administration and insurance provider information in direct relation to doctors and nurses. USC’s Health Informatics degree requires 121–122 credit hours.
USC was founded in 1801 and now has a total enrollment of 52,000 students. They are rated by Forbes as #201 in three fields: Best National University, Best Southern University, and Best Public Institution. The university is known for being more selective with a 63% acceptance rate.
What We Like: Graduates of USC have a 98% employment rate within the first year of graduation.
Degree: BA in Health Informatics
University of South Carolina’s BA in Health Informatics
6. University of Kansas Medical Center
The University of Kansas Medical Center offers 100% online degrees and hybrid courses in Health Information Management. Online courses are offered in different formats of 4, 8, or 16 weeks. Students may also take hybrid courses that offer both in-person classroom experience and online courses. The BS in HIM is perfect for starting a career in HIM or pursuing certification in RHIA credential. KU Med offers an online orientation course so that you can become more familiar with the program here.
KU Med was founded in 1905KU Med is the medical campus for University of Kansas. The acceptance rate in the medical school is slightly higher than most medical schools 47%. They have exclusive access to University of Kansas hospital and are they only medical school in Kansas. They have three campuses in Kansas City, Wichita and Salina.
What We Like: RHIA exam pass rates are 94% for KUMC graduates.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
University of Kansas Medical Center HIM
7. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida’s College of Community Innovation and Education offers a fully online program if you are pursuing a BS in Health Informatics and Information Management. Some elective options and program prerequisites may not be offered online. In addition, students that choose to go completely online may qualify for a reduction in campus fees. Before students are admitted into the Health Informatics and Information Management, they must complete the General Education Program, Common Program Prerequisites, and Foreign Language Admissions with a GPA of 2.5. Students applying to the program are faced with a 50% acceptance rate. Students must complete a 30 hour residency program to graduate.
UCF is a public university that was founded in 1968. It serves over 55,000 undergraduates and is ranked as the 3rd best up-and-coming university by US News. The main campus is located in Orlando, but they serve all 67 counties in Florida with a huge online population. The value for in-state residents is considered one of the best.
What We Like: Medical opportunities based out of Florida are some of the best in the world.
Degree: BS in Health Informatics and Information Management
University of Central Florida’s BS in Health Informatics and Information Management
8. University of Mississippi Medical Center
The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Health Related Professions offers the best health information management online degree programs for students that are looking for a 100% online experience. Both part-time and non-traditional students are welcome in the program. The UMMC HIM program offers flexibility with two HIM degrees that are either traditional (61 credit hours) or progressive (38 credit hours) that works towards RHIT certification. Students may take everything online except for their practice courses.
The University of Mississippi is the oldest public institution in Mississippi and is affectionately referred to as Ole Miss. The Oxford campus has a strong athletic department and Greek life. Over 20,000 undergraduate students attend Ole Miss. UMCC campus in Jackson offers careers in the medical field with a projected growth of 20% by 2026. Ole Miss was the first home to a presidential debate in Mississippi when Obama-McCain had their debate in 2008.
What We Like: The student-faculty ratio is 19:1. Acceptance rate to Ole Miss is 78.3%.
Degree: BS in Health Informatics and Information Management
University of Mississippi Medical Center HIM
9. Oregon Institute of Technology
Oregon Institute of Technology’s Oregon Tech Online is the first Health Informatics undergraduate program in Oregon public universities. Although the program prepares a student for the healthcare field, students will walk away with a strong background in business, information systems, computer science, and medical terminology. The 100% online degree is known as the best online health information management degree and is specifically designed for working adults seeking good employment opportunities or promotions. Students must complete 60 credits of upper division coursework and 45 credits must be acquired at Oregon Tech.
Oregon Tech is known for its practical and real-world skills that make tech careers excel in the workplace. The campus is known for diversity and sustainability. Oregon Tech has an acceptance rate of 76%.
What We Like: Oregon Tech reports that 97% of students are employed in the first 6 months or enter grad school.
Degree: BS in Health Informatics
Oregon Tech Online Health Informatics BS
10. LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University’s School of Business heads up one of the most exclusive and best online health information management degree programs. Students must take 54 hours in Health Informatics and graduate with a total of 120 hours. LETU offers a fully online format with year-round accelerated courses.
LeTourneau is a private interdenominational Christian University with a total enrollment of 3,000 students and a moderately hard acceptance rate at 44.2%. LeTourneau was founded in 1946 to educate veterans returning from WWII.
What We Like: LETU has a strong technical persuasion that they try to balance with a moderate liberal arts general education.
Degree: BS in Health Informatics
LeTourneau University’s BS in Health Informatics
11. College of St Scholastica
The College of St. Scholastica’s BS in Health Information Management is the oldest BS in HIM degree in the nation, launching in 1935 as a Medical Records degree. The remained a leader with the first distance program in 1981 and the first online HIM masters. The student to faculty ratio is 14:1 with high-esteemed faculty that has even written a nationally used HIM textbook. The best health information management degree is offered 100% online.
The College of St. Scholastica has doubled enrollment in the last decade due to their high standards in health management and online education, even offering evening and weekend classes. The College of St. Scholastica was founded in 1912 as a private Benedictine college. They have alumni of 29,000 students and annually house 4,000 students per year with an acceptance rate of 63%.
What We Like: HIM undergrads are 100% employed in the field within 1 year. The BS HIM degree has an 83% retention rate.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
College of St. Scholastica’s BS in Health Information Management
12. University of Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati Online offers a 100% online BS in Health Information Management that is fully CAHIM accredited. If you are a registered RHIT, this is the perfect chance to advance to an RHIA and increase your earning potential UC students score 29% higher on the RHIA than the national average. UC’s one of the best online health information management degree programs because it incorporates all forms of important medical information including core curriculum, advanced courses, and a practicum. This leads to six-figure valuable experience. The University of Cincinnati BS HIM degree can be completed in just 2 years with the same accreditation as a campus program.
UC Online is a large research university that combines traditional coursework with full-time work. Their rate of acceptance is 76.4%. Over 37,000 students attend UC annually. Their campus is the second largest in Ohio.
What We Like: The University of Cincinnati is ranked #38 in best Medical Schools by US News.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
University of Cincinnati Online BS in Health Information Management
13. Augusta University
Augusta University offers a 100% online BS in Health Information Administration. Their program is a four-year program that requires a 2‑year core and 2 years starting in the junior fall semester of HIA. This is one of the best health information management online degree programs, and students are ready for a stringent requirement with a graduation rate of 95%, retention rate of 925, satisfaction rate of 87% and graduates employed within a year of graduation at 86%.
Augusta University is a public university with a well-noted medical center above all else. They have more than 80 outpatient clinics and a 154-bed Children’s Hospital of Georgia. AU is known for training the next generation of caregivers in pioneering technology and treatments.
What We Like: Graduates are entitled to the RHIA credential, which is recognized by healthcare administrators as the gold star in employability.
Degree: BS in Health Information Administration
Augusta University online BS in Health Information Administration
14. Ferris State University
Ferris State University Online is a leader in one of the best health information management online degree programs in the US. Ferris State’s online HIM bachelor’s option requires a GPA of 2.5. You must complete an Associates Degree from an accredited Health Information Technology program and hold a current RHIT certification, which will lead you to an RHIA certification and upwards of six-figure incomes.
FSU is a public research university that was founded in 1884. It is the 9th largest campus in Michigan with more than 14,000 students. The faculty/staff ratio is small at 1:16. All classes are taught by professional instructors–no graduate students.
What We Like: The online classes are 100% flexible and ideal for someone already employed in the field.
Degree: BS in Health Information Management
Ferris State University’s online HIM
15. University of Toledo
University of Toledo offers one of the best online health information management degree programs in the US because they offer 3 options for students to complete a BS in Health Information Management that prepares students for an RHIA as a credentialed health information professional that you can test for early in your final semester to increase your job prospects.
UToledo is a public research university with 13 schools of colleges. Even though the campus is large, it offers a 50:1 student/faculty ratio with 75% of students receiving financial aid. It has more than 100 majors and is known for its curriculum in Medical, science, and engineering.
What We Like: The University of Toledo are partnered with Ohio community programs as a 2+2 degree. They offer 100% online degrees with 100% virtual labs.
Degree: BS in Health Information Administration
University of Toledo BS in Health Information Administration
Can I Make More with a Bachelor’s in Health Information Management?
The growing demand for candidates in Health and Medical Services Management means that it’s still possible to get a job with an associate’s degree or even just a certificate. While It’s possible to get work without a bachelor’s, the salary between $26,000 and $60,000 is at the lower end of the pay scale with an associate’s degree. Possible job opportunities with an associate’s include dental hygienists, veterinary technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, radiation therapists, respiratory therapists, or MRI technologists. The advanced degree in Health Information Management salary is markedly higher regardless of other experience or expertise a candidate has.
Beyond the Health Information Management bachelor degree salary that has a median pay of $99,730/year, the job outlook is more positive at a rate of 18%, which above average. With the continually aging state of the population and longevity projections, the HIM degree salary outlook will improve. Another factor that should be considered with the bachelors in Health Information Management salary is how competitive the field will become as the demand grows exponentially. The bachelor of science in Health Information Management salary is a strong indicator of how advancement and growth will affect the job prospects.
How Much Do Health Information Managers Make?
Regarding the question of how much do health information managers make, the answer is clearly the stable median rate of $99,730/year with a bachelor’s degree. The question of how much does Health Information Management make can vary depending on a number of important factors, including the type and level of job and the responsibility required. The lowest salary of a Health Information Manager can be $58,680 with a bachelor’s degree, although that range can start out much lower, at $24,060, for candidates who enter the field with a high-school diploma or the equivalent.
Jobs that require a high school diploma or equivalent include the home health aide or personal care aide, occupational therapy assistants, as well as nursing assistants, veterinary assistants, medical transcriptionists, and similar positions. That means that the Health Information Manager salary range can reach $182,600 for some of the more executive-level positions. The median pay for dentists is $156,240. Podiatrists have a median pay of $129,550, while physicians and surgeons have a median pay of $208,000. Of course, the higher rates of pay may require doctoral or other advanced degrees and certifications, but it can also depend on the working environment.
What if I Don’t Want a Full Degree?
Not all individuals want to pursue a degree in their chosen field. The stark reality is that a degree is not always necessary or required for every individual. Fortunately, there are other options, ways to gain and/or prove a level of knowledge or technical expertise. The Health Information Management certificate demonstrates that a candidate has learned and qualified for competence in a variety of validated areas of study. These certifications from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) can cover everything from coding, health data analysis, security, privacy, etc. The Health Information Management certificate online is beneficial for the job-seeking candidate, the already-employed HIM professional, as well as the employer.
The certificate in Health Information Management demonstrates that the individual has successfully completed the challenging program, complete with comprehensive coursework, exams, and experiential components. The certification program is designed to improve the Health Information Management certification salary through the ongoing development of knowledge and experience. Certification process improves the earning potential and job outlook further through the fostering of industry connections and the development of networking opportunities.
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