08/04/2025
Exploring Typical Career Paths in the Health Information Management Field
Health Information Management (HIM) plays an important role in how healthcare systems store, protect, and use patient information. Professionals in this field help guarantee the accuracy, accessibility, and security of health data, contributing to both patient care and the broader operations of healthcare organizations.
For students considering a degree in health information, it’s common to ask: what can you do with a health information management degree? Understanding the skills developed through this program, the career paths it opens, and the industry's evolving needs can help guide your decision.
Understanding the Role of Health Information Management
The HIM field focuses on managing electronic health records, organizing medical data, and maintaining the integrity of patient records. HIM professionals work to ensure that medical histories, lab results, and treatment data are recorded accurately and in compliance with federal regulations. In many settings, they serve as the bridge between clinical care and the data systems that support it.
A degree in health information management typically includes coursework in:
- Medical terminology
- Clinical documentation
- Health information systems
- Health information technology
- Compliance and privacy standards
- Data analysis and quality management
Students pursuing this degree may develop essential skills in data management, detail orientation, communication, and regulatory knowledge—skills that are foundational across HIM careers.
Common Health Information Management Careers
Graduates of a health information management degree program may be able to pursue roles in various healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, long-term care facilities, and government agencies. Typical job titles include:
- Health Information Technician: Manages and organizes medical records and electronic medical records, ensuring they are complete and secure.
- Medical Records Technician: Works with physicians and other care providers to ensure that patient records are accurate and updated.
- Medical Coders: Assign standardized codes to diagnoses and procedures for billing and compliance.
- Compliance Officer: Oversees regulatory compliance and patient privacy protocols within a healthcare facility.
- Health Information Specialist: Manages the flow of health information between departments and helps maintain data accuracy.
Patient Information Coordinator: Supports the release and exchange of medical records, often interacting with patients, providers, and insurance companies.
Depending on experience and education, some professionals pursue opportunities in management roles, such as Health Information Manager or Health Services Manager, where responsibilities include overseeing staff, managing budgets, and leading quality improvement initiatives.
Education and Entry-Level Opportunities
While some entry-level roles may be open to individuals with an associate degree or a high school diploma, many employers prefer or require a bachelor's degree in health information management. Coursework at the bachelor’s level often includes additional training in healthcare compliance, data quality, and organizational leadership.
Students interested in entry-level positions might look into roles such as:
- Medical Records Technician
- Data Quality Assistant
- Medical Billing Specialist
- Information Clerk in a healthcare setting
These roles often serve as a starting point for future growth. Many organizations provide on-the-job training and encourage continuing education as part of professional development.
Certifications That May Enhance Career Options
While not always required, professional certifications may support career advancement. The Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification is often associated with those holding a CAHIIM-accredited bachelor’s degree in HIM. Other common certifications include:
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
- Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)
- Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS)
These credentials are recognized in the industry and may support a professional’s demonstration of knowledge in specific areas such as healthcare regulations or coding practices.
Specialized Career Paths in Health Information Management
HIM professionals who gain experience or pursue further education may move into specialized roles such as:
- Privacy Officer: Ensures organizational compliance with privacy laws and leads efforts to protect patient privacy.
- Clinical Documentation Specialist: Works directly with clinicians to ensure accurate and thorough clinical documentation.
- Data Analyst: Interprets healthcare data to support planning, performance improvement, and population health initiatives.
- Compliance Analyst: Monitors changes in federal regulations and assesses how those changes affect healthcare organizations.
- Risk Management Analyst: Evaluates data to identify potential areas of legal or financial exposure related to medical information and documentation.
Some HIM professionals also support clinical trials or medical research by overseeing the structure and accuracy of data collection and reporting processes.
The Outlook for HIM Professionals
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for health information professionals is expected to grow faster than average, reflecting continued expansion in electronic health records, data analytics, and regulatory oversight. While specific job availability can vary based on location and experience, the career outlook overall remains strong.
Health information management professionals work across both public and private sectors, and the push toward interoperability, cybersecurity, and quality patient care continues to shape the direction of the field.
Where HIM and Technology Intersect
Many HIM roles increasingly value familiarity with healthcare environments and working knowledge of health information systems, software platforms, and digital security. As healthcare evolves, HIM professionals are often involved in:
- Supporting electronic medical records migration projects
- Implementing data governance policies
- Ensuring alignment between IT systems and clinical operations
- Participating in telehealth infrastructure planning
Understanding health information technology tools and concepts is increasingly a part of daily work, especially as data analysis becomes more central to healthcare decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Information Management
Is a health information management degree worth it?
Students who are interested in working in healthcare but prefer a non-clinical path may find HIM a valuable and meaningful field. The opportunity to contribute to patient care, improve processes, and maintain system integrity attracts those with an interest in technology, privacy, and organization.
What jobs can you do with a health informatics degree?
Health informatics, while closely related to HIM, places more emphasis on systems integration and data science. However, graduates of either program may work in overlapping areas such as data quality, system implementation, and compliance.
Next Steps Toward a Health Information Management Career
HIM roles offer a blend of technical knowledge, administrative functions, and a commitment to quality patient care. Whether you're just starting your academic journey or thinking about switching fields, a degree in Health Information Management may prepare students with foundational knowledge useful in pursuing data-oriented roles within the healthcare industry.
RHIA®, CCS®, CHDA®, and CHPS® are registered trademarks of the American Health Information Management Association.
