11/10/2026
Studying the Data, Technology, and Systems Behind Patient Information
Every patient visit creates information. Medical histories, diagnoses, treatment plans, insurance details, test results, and billing records all need to be recorded accurately, kept secure, and made available to the right people when needed.
A health information management degree focuses on the people, processes, and technology involved in managing that information. Students commonly study health information, medical coding, electronic records, data analysis, privacy requirements, and healthcare operations, building an understanding of what happens to patient data throughout the healthcare system.
For students interested in healthcare but drawn to data, technology, and organization, health information management offers a different perspective on the industry. HIM professionals help maintain the quality, accuracy, privacy, and accessibility of information used by healthcare providers, administrators, insurers, and other authorized users.
What Do You Study in a Health Information Management Degree?
A health information management degree brings healthcare knowledge together with technology and business operations.
Students often learn how electronic health records are maintained, how diagnoses and procedures are coded, how healthcare data is analyzed, and how privacy requirements affect the use of a patient's health information.
American Military University's Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management is a degree program that may cover areas such as:
- Health information technology: Using HIM software programs and technologies
- Medical terminology: Understanding the vocabulary used throughout healthcare settings
- Clinical coding: Learning coding guidelines, including ICD-10 coding steps
- Healthcare finance: Examining health insurance and public funding programs
- Privacy and compliance: Studying legal and ethical issues involving confidentiality, security, fraud, and abuse
- Management: Developing knowledge of supervisory and business functions within healthcare organizations
Students may have opportunities to complete practical experience requirements in an approved healthcare facility, subject to site approval and program criteria.
Health Information Management vs. Health Informatics
Health information management and health informatics both involve healthcare data, but their emphasis differs.
HIM commonly focuses on the management, accuracy, privacy, accessibility, and regulatory use of patient information. That can include medical records, clinical coding, reimbursement, compliance, and information governance.
Health informatics generally places greater emphasis on using information systems, technology, and data to support clinical and organizational decision-making.
The two areas can overlap considerably. HIM professionals might work with informatics specialists, clinicians, administrators, and IT teams to make sure health data remains both useful and appropriately protected.
Why Are Electronic Health Records Important in HIM?
Electronic health records sit at the center of many modern healthcare information systems.
An EHR can contain a patient's medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment information, laboratory results, and other clinical data. Managing those records involves much more than storing information.
Health information management professionals can help maintain data quality, establish appropriate access, support compliance, and make information available for authorized clinical and administrative purposes.
As healthcare technology changes, HIM students may also encounter subjects such as interoperability, information security, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.
Why Does Accreditation Matter for a HIM Program?
Accreditation can be particularly important when comparing health information management programs.
AMU's bachelor's degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM®).
Graduates of AMU's CAHIIM®-accredited bachelor's program may meet the educational requirements to apply for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA®) certification exam.
RHIA certification is separate from earning the degree itself. Students interested in certification should review current eligibility and examination requirements when planning their education.
What Skills Might HIM Students Develop?
Working with health information requires both technical knowledge and an understanding of the healthcare environment.
Coursework is often designed to introduce and explore skills related to:
- Data analysis: Interpreting healthcare statistics and other information.
- Information management: Organizing and maintaining health data.
- Privacy and security: Understanding requirements surrounding confidential patient records.
- Critical thinking: Evaluating information and resolving data or compliance issues.
- Management: Applying supervisory and organizational principles.
- Communication: Working with healthcare professionals, administrators, technology teams, and other stakeholders.
Knowledge of changing regulations and healthcare technology is also important because the HIM profession continues to develop alongside digital healthcare systems.
What Can You Do With a Health Information Management Degree?
A HIM education may relate to work involving medical records, clinical coding, compliance, healthcare data, information systems, and administration.
Depending on the requirements of an individual position, health information management professionals might work in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, government agencies, consulting organizations, or healthcare technology companies.
Potential areas of work can include health information administration, data quality, medical registrar roles, privacy and compliance, revenue cycle functions, and healthcare information systems.
Some roles require additional certification, training, or experience beyond a bachelor's degree.
Want to explore the professional opportunities associated with this field? "What Can You Do With A Health Information Management Degree?" examines potential roles and areas of work involving healthcare data, medical records, compliance, and information systems.
Can You Study Health Information Management at the Graduate Level?
Students who already hold a bachelor's degree can also study HIM at the graduate level.
AMU's Master of Science in Health Information Management is a 40-credit online degree focused on managing healthcare information systems, data, and people.
Graduate coursework may cover healthcare data management and analytics, clinical and administrative decision-making, strategic planning, information security, and electronic medical records.
The curriculum may include subjects such as Healthcare Data Analytics, Legal Issues in Health Information Management, Corporate Compliance in the Healthcare Industry, and Information Security Management.
Choosing between degree levels generally depends on your previous education and the areas of HIM you want to study.
Is Health Information Management Right for You?
HIM can appeal to students who are interested in healthcare but are particularly drawn to information, technology, organization, and analysis.
The field requires attention to detail because the information involved can influence billing, compliance, reporting, and healthcare operations. It also requires an understanding of privacy because professionals can work with sensitive patient records.
Reviewing the curriculum of a Health Information Management degree program can help you decide whether its combination of healthcare, data, technology, and management matches your academic interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Jobs Can You Do With a Health Information Management Degree?
A health information management degree can relate to roles involving health information administration, medical records, clinical coding, compliance, data quality, and healthcare information systems. Requirements vary by position, and some roles can require certification or additional experience.
Is a Degree in Health Information Management Worth It?
The answer depends on your interests and goals. Students interested in healthcare data, technology, privacy, medical records, and management might find that a HIM degree aligns with the subjects they want to study. Comparing the curriculum, accreditation, certification eligibility, and typical career paths can help you assess the program.
What Is a Registered Health Information Administrator?
A Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA®) is a professional certification related to managing health information and healthcare data. Graduates of AMU's CAHIIM®-accredited bachelor's program may be eligible to apply for the RHIA® certification exam, subject to current eligibility requirements established by the credentialing organization.
What Is the Difference Between an RHIA and a Registered Health Information Technician?
The Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA®) and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) are different professional credentials. Eligibility requirements differ, including the type and level of accredited education required, so students should review current certification requirements when choosing an academic program.