How to Become a Health Information Manager
While health information managers may enter the field with only an associate degree, it is highly advisable for candidates to further their education and complete a bachelor's program.
Those holding a 4-year degree are much more competitive in the field, are more likely to be offered a position, earn higher salaries, and are presented with more opportunities for advancement.
1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Management (4 Years)
Aspiring health information managers typically complete a 4-year bachelor's program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). These programs are typically focus on the natural sciences, mathematics, economics, law, and computer science to prepare students for the workforce.
The preparation timeline below provides an example health information management curriculum:
| Grade Level | Example Courses |
| Freshman |
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| Sophomore |
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| Junior |
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| Senior |
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2. Become AHIMA Certified
Post-graduation, many professionals seek to earn their Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credentials by completing certification exams administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Those seeking to complete the RHIT must have first completed an accredited associate's program and/or a baccalaureate program for RHIA eligibility.