If you want to become a health information manager, you have many educational options. This growing career path rewards a variety of educational backgrounds related to health care, information technology and data management. Because it’s so new, you can find work without a specialized degree in health information management. If you’re a new college student, you can also head straight to a program designed to prepare you for this career. Here’s what you need to know to choose a program.
Determine If You Need Certification
After attending an accredited bachelor’s program, you can take a test to become a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), according to the AHIMA. Passing this test awards formal recognition that you have mastered the skills necessary to be a health information manager, but it may not be necessary. Some markets, particularly those with local accredited schools, primarily hire certified administrators. If you’re creating your own educational plan for becoming a manager, you’ll have a hard time finding employment without your certification. Check job listings in your local area to see if RHIA certification is required. If it is, you’ll want to make sure you attend a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Look for Online and In-Person Programs
You can find CAHIIM-accredited health information administration programs that offer online-only or campus-based programs. CAHIIM maintains a searchable directory on their website with information on all current programs. If you’re a working professional or balancing family obligations with career growth, an online degree can help you further your education without sacrificing anything in your life. Because health data management is a computer-based field, it’s a perfect fit for online programs. You won’t sacrifice educational quality by taking virtual classes, and you’ll have access to the same professors and class material as in-person coursework.
Do You Need a Master’s Degree to Work in Health Care Data Management?
The field of health data management is open to people with a variety of educational backgrounds. You can start as a technician with just an associate’s in health informatics or a related field. With a relevant bachelor’s degree, you can start as an administrator. A master’s degree can help you advance your career. If you’re transitioning into health care information management, a Master’s in Informatics, Health Services Administration (HAS) or Information Technology can help you. These degrees won’t let you take the RHIA certification exam, but they will look enticing to a recruiter. That’s especially true if you have additional experience or education in data management or health care policy.
Some schools are offering joint bachelor and master’s degree programs. You can combine a B.S. in Health Information Management with a Master’s of Health Services Administration and graduate in five years. You could also attend a school that offers an undergraduate degree in public health combined with a master’s degree in health care administration. If you add in a minor in computer science or information technology, you’ll be a strong candidate for health data management.
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With the expansion of digital health care data, this field is expected to grow rapidly. Now is the perfect time to become a health information manager.
