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Associate Degree

Health Information Management (HIM)
Online Associate Degree Program

Program Length

20 Mo.

Credits

63

Format

Online

Cost Per Credit

$515
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NEXT START March 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

Start your HIM career fast with an associate degree

AccreditationCAHIIM accredited,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer creditUp to 47 approved credits
Format100% online coursework you can take right at home
Benefits90-hour internship completed in-person within an approved facility; preparation for RHIT certification
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

Learn More Today!

Classes start: March 3rd
Satisfaction rate

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Overview: Associate Degree in HIM

The Associate of Science in Health Information Management degree is a 63-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for a career in health information management and technology. The CAHIIM-accredited1 program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in federal and industry-standard guidelines, the healthcare reimbursement revenue cycle, diagnostic & procedural coding, IT and data management and much more.

Healthcare professional in scrubs reviewing documents while collaborating with a colleague in a business suit in a meeting room.
  • Career-focused curriculum

    Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

  • Flexible schedule

    We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

  • Virtual services

    Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

  • Lifelong support

    We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

  • Rolling admissions

    No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Curriculum

Health Information Management associate degree classes & curriculum details

Our associate degree curriculum aligns with standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of health information management and health informatics educational programs. The Herzing program now includes additional training specified by CAHIIM to be key areas of focus for students to excel in the health information career path:

  • Data Management

    Learn to manage data within a database system and identify standards for the exchange of healthcare information.

  • Revenue Management

    Develop competencies in diagnosis and procedure codes, regulatory compliance, reimbursement and the revenue cycle.

All classes are delivered online. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the AHIMA’s Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam. 

ProgramMonths iCredit
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management2063

iAverage number of months for students to complete program 
Program availability varies by location

Required Health Information Management Courses

All courses, 30.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course provides an overview of the health information practice, health care delivery systems, organization and structure of health care systems, professional associations, health care providers, and health care disciplines. The student is introduced to the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and ethical issues pertaining to the contents of the health record.

This course introduces the student to the contents and structure of the health record in paper and electronic formats. The student will analyze and evaluate the contents of the health record to gain an understanding of documentation requirements and the use of health care data sets. The student will comprehend the difference between data and information and primary and secondary data sources. The student creates policies pertaining to the contents of the health record, privacy, confidentiality, and security. The student gains comprehension of health care data integrity, data security, data collection, and data management. Through hands-on experiences, the student will gain a detailed understanding of health information specialty systems for release of information (ROI) and chart management.

This course introduces the student to important legal and ethical guidelines within the health care profession. The student is introduced to patient confidentiality and information security, as identified and enforced through various federal health care laws. Additionally, the student will learn legal and ethical guidelines as they relate to documentation, content, and structure of health care data, risk management, and various health laws and regulations.

This course introduces the student to the principle of data governance and data management. In this course, students will expand their knowledge of data sources, data models, data stewardship, data storage, data security, and data exchange. The concepts of data exchange standards will be covered as well as data disaster and recovery planning.

This course provides a foundation in management and leadership principles in the health care industry with a focus in health information. The course will emphasize organizational resource management including human resource management, financial management, physical resource management, and strategic planning. Additionally, this course will cover communication skills and team development.

This course will examine the International Classification of Diseases as it relates to medical terminology, pharmacology, and anatomy and physiology. The student will recognize body systems and understand specific components relating to how ICD-10-CM and PCS is used to identify the appropriate diagnosis/condition. Concepts such as surgical approach and terminology specific to ICD-10 will be covered.

This course introduces the student to various classification systems used to collect, maintain, and retrieve diagnostic clinical data including ICD-10-CM, DSM-IV, Snomed, and ICD-O. In this course the students gain an understanding of the relationship between coding process and the reimbursement process. Emphasis is placed on compliance and adherence to guidelines.

This course introduces the student to various classification systems used to collect, maintain, and retrieve procedural clinical data including ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS. In this course the students gain an understanding of the relationship between coding process and the reimbursement process. Emphasis is placed on compliance and adherence to guidelines.

This course provides an overview of the health information practice, health care delivery systems, organization and structure of health care systems, professional associations, health care providers, and health care disciplines. The student is introduced to the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and ethical issues pertaining to contents of the health record.

This course provides an overview of the health information practice, health care delivery systems, organization and structure of health care systems, professional associations, health care providers, and health care disciplines. The student is introduced to the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and ethical issues pertaining to contents of the health record.

This course provides instruction in the study of human diseases with focus on the symptoms, signs, causes, and diagnosis of disease. Additionally, students will learn about pharmacology, drug abbreviations, drug categories, diagnostic equipment including lab values, and pharmacological treatment related to human diseases.  This course has a lab component. 

Required Anatomy and Physiology Courses

All courses, ◊8.00 semester credit hours, are required. (3.00 of these credit hours satisfies Science General Education Requirement).

The first anatomy and physiology course in a two-term sequence will provide healthcare students with information and practical experience regarding anatomical and physiological concepts related to the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems, as well as, special senses.  Biochemistry, cellular biology, and histology are integrated into each body system. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.

The second anatomy and physiology course in a two-term sequence will provide healthcare students with information and practical experience regarding anatomical and physiological concepts as related to the circulatory system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and the male and female reproductive systems.  Biochemistry, cell biology, and histology are integrated into each body system. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.

Required Internship Experience

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

This course provides a 90-hour supervised professional practice internship in the field of health information management, focusing on technical and operational activities. The student will gain practical work experience in the field of health information management. Students will be supervised by someone with the credentials of registered health information administrator (RHIA), registered health information technician (RHIT), or other qualified personnel to whom they are assigned. Students will also receive university faculty consultation and are expected to complete other course requirements such as completing all assignments and participating in discussion threads.

* Enrollment in a student readiness training is required two terms prior to internship course.  Successful completion of training is required prior to internship course enrollment.

Required General Education Courses

Students enrolled in this associate degree must complete a minimum of 24.00 semester credit hours in general education (◊ includes 3.00 credit hours from Anatomy and Physiology listed in above required) distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for specific information about courses within each discipline. 9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities (must include 3 semester credit hours of cultural diversity) 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social and Behavioral Sciences ◊ Science Semester Credit Hours are satisfied through Anatomy and Physiology requirement listed above.

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success.  Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Choose how you learn with Herzing

We strive to provide maximum flexibility for students, because we know everyone learns differently and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education. Our program is designed for you.

That’s why we offer multiple delivery options for our dental assisting program, which apply to both our diploma and associate degree pathways:

  • On-campus classes. Take all courses in-person at our campus in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
  • Hybrid Track. Take main coursework online, and complete laboratory and clinical coursework at our state-of-the-industry dental clinic in St. Louis Park (1 or 2 weekends per month).
College Student Studying Online

Tution & Cost 

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the Associate of Science in Health Information Management program is $515 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That's why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

  • Scholarships & Financial Aid

    You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants—including our Nurses Circle of Achievement scholarship, which offers up to 10% tuition reduction.

    Find scholarships and grants  

  • Military/Veteran Discounts

    Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

    VA/Military benefits  

Classes Start: March 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

Requirements 

HIM associate degree program enrollment requirements

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University Health Information Management associate degree program include:

  • Completed high school diploma, GED or equivalent
  • Meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor
  • Complete an enrollment application

With Herzing University starting your new career in health information management IS possible. We are here to help you take the first step.

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Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management Degree Programs / Showing 1 program for the Online campus
  • Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management

    Online

    This CAHIIM-accredited program prepares students with the necessary skills and knowledge in the health information management field for entry level technical positions in a variety of health-related settings including hospitals, clinics, long-term care settings, consulting firms, government agencies, insurance companies, and software vendors. HIM professionals plan, collect, aggregate, analyze, and disseminate individual patient and aggregate clinical data. Students in this program will learn entry-level skills related to those areas of the HIM profession.

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The Student Experience at Herzing

"When you leave Herzing, it's clear that they want you to have the skills, confidence and integrity to make your field better."

Robin Hussey
Healthcare Student | Online Campus

I've always wanted to work in the healthcare field. This is why I chose to pursue a career in Health Information Management. Herzing offered exactly what I needed, and I got to work right after being accepted!

Rashaundra Williams
Healthcare Student | Birmingham Campus

I chose my program because I currently work in healthcare and I wanted to further my career.

Monique Patterson
Healthcare Student | New Orleans Campus
Disclosures

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. The Health Information Management accreditor of Herzing University is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The University’s accreditation for the Associate of Science degree and the Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2030-2031. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at 312.235.3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.

CAHIIM Accredited Program

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

Classes Start: March 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.