Health Information Manager: Job Description and Requirements

Health information managers are generally in charge of the security and integrity of electronic patient data. A bachelor's or master's degree is typically required to work in the field. Though not required, certification is an option for degree holders.

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Health Information Manager Job Description

The main duty of health information managers is managing and securing patient records. They spend a lot of time working with computers and software to comply with federal mandates for electronic storage of patient information. Health information managers must make sure that these records are accurate and complete since they may be used for research or quality management. They also must make sure that databases are secure and may only be accessed by authorized personnel.

Health Information Management Education Requirements

In order to become a health information manager, a bachelor's degree is required. Master's degree programs are also available for those who seek further education in health information management, but it is not necessary to enter the field. Certification is available to those who have bachelor's or master's degrees and is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Those who pass the certification exam earn the title of Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Management

Students enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in health information management can expect to take courses in statistics and research methods, electronic health records and health information services management. Other topics include legal and ethical issues in medicine, privacy and security of health data, financial management and quality management. Many programs require a senior capstone project in which students research an issue in healthcare that relates to health information management. Online programs are quite common for this major and are available to students who need a flexible schedule or to those do not want to attend an on-campus program.

Master's Degree in Health Information Management

Those who already work in health information management and are seeking career advancement may decide to enroll in a master's degree program. A master's degree program is also an option for those who already have a bachelor's degree in another subject and would like to start a career in health information management. Course topics in master's degree programs are very similar to those in bachelor's degree programs. Topics may include statistics, financial management, medical terminology and legal issues.

Students can choose to enroll in a course-based program if they are more interested in working as a health informatics field professional. Also available are research-based programs, for those interested in working in health informatics research.

Certification in Health Information Management

Both bachelor's and master's degree programs prepare graduates to sit for the RHIA examination administered by AHIMA. Certification shows that an individual has reached a nationally recognized standard in terms of knowledge and skill level in health information management. For this reason, certification may be helpful when seeking employment.

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