Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Health Information Management
Majors Overview August 24, 2014Students in Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Health Information Management will learn about data evaluation and collection for use in improving hospitals, insurance companies, doctor’s offices, and healthcare facilities. They will also learn how to perform research, conduct training, hire employees, and lead effectively.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Health Information Management
Students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in health information management are trained to collect and analyze health data and medical records. Students become adept at applying knowledge toward developing programs aimed at improving medical infrastructures and healthcare systems. They learn about evaluating methods of enforcing policies aimed at promoting health within communities. They gain proficiency in using computer programs for the efficient gathering and examination of data. Over the duration of the program, the basics of hiring, training and leading of employees are explored by enrolled students.
They can complete programs in four years; admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Some schools offer programs devised to satisfy the needs of associate’s degree holders.
Coursework
Coursework is devised to make students adept at interpreting healthcare data in order to budget, hire and train. Students may be required to complete a capstone project, wherein they may get to learn by observing professionals in real-world work environments. Students typically complete about 130 semester hours of coursework. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Ethical issues in medicine
•Electronic health records
•Data analysis
•Resource and financial management
•Quality control
•Reimbursement
•Privacy management
•Healthcare computer applications
•Medical human resources
•Healthcare delivery
Career Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program may seek entry-level careers in health insurance companies, medical clinics, doctors’ offices, and hospitals, working in health policy enforcement, employee training, human resources, and budget development. They can choose from popular career options such as:
•Patient information director
•Medical practice manager
•Medical data analyst
•Health system director
•Quality management coordinator
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, job growth rates of 23% have been predicted for health information managers, also referred to as medical and health services managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought home an average annual wage of $88,580 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates from the bachelor’s degree program can seek continued education by earning master’s degrees in health information management to enhance their career prospects along with preparing themselves for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification exam.
Graduates can complete certificate programs in health information management in order to stay abreast of the latest technology and methods in the field. They can participate in certificate programs in relevant specializations, such as health information coding, health information technology or healthcare informatics aimed at expanding their understanding.
 Degree in Health Information Management on http://educationcareerarticles.com "Pin It")
