Skip to main content

Associate Degree

Health Information Management (HIM)
Online Associate Degree Program

Calendar

CLASSES START
May 6th

20 Mo.

Program Length

63

Credits

Online

Format

$464

Cost Per Credit

Associate Degree

Health Information Management (HIM)
Online Associate Degree Program

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
Registered Health Information Technician Reading File at Desk

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2022 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2022 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management

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.

SVG
Career-focused curriculum

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

SVG
Flexible schedule

You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We strive to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

SVG
Virtual services

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

SVG
Lifelong support

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

SVG
Rolling admissions

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

Classes Start May 6th

Learn More Today

Opt-In to Receive SMS Messages

By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

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. 

ProgramMonthsiCredits
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management2063

i. Average 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.

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).

Required Internship Experience

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

* 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.

Tuition & Cost

Tuition & Cost

When you accept the 10% tuition discount from our Financial Commitment Scholarship, the cost of tuition for the Associate of Science in Health Information Management program is $464 per credit.1

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.

Find my estimate

 Scholarships & Financial Aid

You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.

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 

i. Financial Commitment Scholarship eligibility requirements: Recommended that students limit student loan borrowing to only what is needed to cover the cost of tuition and fees. Students may borrow up to $2,000 in student loans in excess of tuition and fees to cover their cost of attendance and retain eligibility for this scholarship. Excess loan eligibility dependent on individual student situation.

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.

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District Of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.

Classes Start May 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee
Careers

What can I do with an associate degree in HIM?

Earning an associate degree in health information can help you qualify for many different types of jobs in the field of health information.

Potential jobs in health information management include:

How can I advance my career in HIM? You may consider a bachelor’s degree in health information management to qualify for the next level of administrative or HIM management roles in your department. You can use you prior associate-level education and transfer up to 93 credits into a bachelor’s degree program with Herzing.

Job outlook

 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health information technicians is expected to rise 17% from 2022-2032, faster than the average across all U.S. occupations.*

Now is a great time to get the education you need to enter the rapidly growing field of healthcare information and technology.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The most important steps to become a medical records technician are getting the proper education in billing and coding or HIM and becoming certified.

You’ll be in a great position to qualify for entry-level positions and begin your new career path.

Finding your place and succeeding in your career depends on your strengths in relation to the skills needed in health information management, including:

  • Analytical skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication and teamwork
  • Technical skills
  • Leadership skills

Because of the increased need for data-driven decision making and growth of information technology in healthcare, health information managers must be adept on the execution or managerial side of day-do-day tasks. Those strong on both sides can find great career success in HIM.

You can make more than $190,000 at the highest positions in HIM medical and health services, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical and health service managers reportedly earn an average salary of $127,980 per year ($61.53 per hour).*

It all depends on your level of degree attained, certifications and experience in HIM. The ladder is tall and educated prospects are in high demand. Read more about the average salary for health information management jobs typically requiring an associate's or bachelor's degree in HIM.

With Herzing University you are never alone. It’s our goal to provide all students an affordable, career-driven education. Financial aid options include:

You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University tuition wizard.

Registered Health Information Administration (RHIA)

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Administration (RHIA) exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Graduates of the Associate of Science in Health Information Management are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Eligibility:

Only those who successfully:

  1. Complete a bachelor's degree in a HIM program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) or are enrolled in their last term of study
    OR
  2. Graduate from a HIM program that is approved by a foreign association with which AHIMA has a reciprocity agreement.

Yes! You can earn your degree in health information management online with Herzing University. Studying health information management online is a great way to learn new skills on your own schedule.

There are a few primary differences between medical billing and coding and health information management.

Those who work in medical billing and coding, who may be referred to as medical records specialists, play a key role in the healthcare revenue cycle, ensuring Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are assembled accurately and entered into health information systems properly. They communicate with healthcare staff, insurance companies, and patients to best represent services provided (coding) and secure payment for those services (billers).

Health Information Management professionals (sometimes referred to as Health Information Technology – HIT) are responsible for maintaining, analyzing, and optimizing these systems. Their role is more on the backend, emphasizing informatics and Information Technology (IT). These professionals create, manage, and analyze the systems billers and coders rely on to maintain the Electronic Health Record (EHR). They can also play a wider role in data analysis, management, protection, and administration of patient health information.

Given the increased demand in the industry, wide range of jobs you can pursue and the average salary you can earn, going back to school and earning your degree in HIM is definitely worth it. It’s a field with high growth potential and excellent career mobility.

Certification is not a requirement for all health information management professionals, but it will give you an advantage in finding the job of your choice.

Two credentials in particular – RHIA and RHIT – can help you get your first job or push your career in health information management to the next level. Read more about what health information management certification is right for you.

The primary difference is:

  • Healthcare management refers to the practices and procedures involved with operating and supervising hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
  • Health information management involves the collection, analysis, maintenance and security of a healthcare facility’s billing, research, quality improvement and credentialing.

Both fields combine high-level business and day-to-day functions of a healthcare environment to support the delivery of excellent patient care.

Discover more details about the difference between healthcare management vs. health information management.

Locations

Program Finder

Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management Degree Programs

Showing 1 program for the Online campus

On Campus| 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.

Request Information

Ready to get started?

Contact us to request more information

Opt-In to Receive SMS Messages

By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

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 2022-2023. 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

View Program Outcomes

CAHIIM Program Outcomes

ProgramGraduation RateEmployment Rate*Student Satisfaction Rate
Associate of Science in Health Information Management

18.18%

82.6%

100%

Note (1): Program Graduation Rate is the number of students who complete the program in no more than 150% of the stated program length. The graduation rate percentage represents cohorts who started in 2017-2018 and were scheduled to graduate within 150% of the stated program length in 2020-2021. 

Note (2): Overall Program Employment Rate is based on students who graduated the program August 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021. 

Note (3): Student Satisfaction Rate is based on students who completed the Herzing University Student Satisfaction Survey during August 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

Request Information
Ready to get started?

Contact us to request more information

Opt-In to Receive SMS Messages

By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Herzing Tuition Wizard

When do you want to start classes?

The program has an automatic transfer of credits, and allows you to transfer up to additional credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credit hours.

  Transfer Credit Hours
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management Online Campus
Tuition
Cost per Credit$515.00
Base Tuition$32,445.00
Savings from Transfer Credits (47 x $515.00 )(-$24,205.00)
Estimated Tuition Cost*$8,240.00
Fees
One-time Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Learner Resource Fee$530.00
Estimated Total Fee*$1,060.00
Total Semesters 1
RequiredNeeded
52
Total Credits
RequiredNeeded
6316
Estimated Cost 2
Base CostYour Cost
$35,095.00$9,300.00
Estimated Savings*
$25,795.00

Available Scholarships & Loan Options

Who Can Apply

Recipients and the amounts of the scholarships vary.

Requirements

Scholarship recipients, amounts, and terms and conditions are determined by Herzing University and its donors and are subject to change. An endowment is an amount of money (fund) that is given to the University with a stipulation that the funds are invested to earn annual interest rather than spent immediately. Students and alumni can learn more through the following channels: email give@herzing.edu, call (262) 735-6189, or visit https://www.herzing.edu/make-donation-herzing-university.

Who Can Apply

Any student in a degree-seeking program that makes on-time, out of pocket payments toward tuition and fee expenses.

Requirements

The amount of the payments made that exceed the amount of excess loan funding received will be used to calculate total award. Eligible students must make on-time payments, according to a predetermined payment plan. Restrictions may vary.

  • Matching percentage is based on student’s EFC at the time of application.
  • Student’s with a Pell eligible EFC will receive a 100% match
  • Students will non-Pell eligible EFC will receive 50% match
  • Students who do no complete the FAFSA will automatically qualify for the 50% match.
Who Can Apply

Students enrolled in the following undergraduate and diploma programs:

  • Business; Criminal Justice; Dental Hygiene Bridge; Dental Assisting; EMT-Paramedic Associates Degree Program, Healthcare Administration; Health Information Management; Insurance Billing and Coding; Legal Studies; Medical Assisting; Medical Billing; Medical Office Administration; Sterile Processing; Surgical Technology
  • Students enrolled in Graduate and Post Master’s Certificate Business Programs

Continuing students may contact a Financial Aid Advisor to confirm eligibility

Requirements

Recommended that students limit student loan borrowing to only what is needed to cover the cost of tuition and fees. Students may borrow up to $2,000* in student loans in excess of tuition and fees to cover their cost of attendance and retain eligibility for this scholarship. *Excess loan eligibility dependent on individual student situation.

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need, who are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Requirements

Must show financial need and are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Who Can Apply

Available to undergraduate students enrolled in an Associates or Bachelor’s degree that are on the Dean’s or President’s list

Requirements

Eligible Applicants must:

  1. Submit an application by the required deadline for applicable semester answering the following questions in paragraph form/essay format, bulleted outline, video submission, or other creative means.
    • What are your proudest achievements during this semester? (Examples: community service, campus involvement, family life, charity work, major improvement to grades, etc.)
    • What obstacles did you have to overcome to achieve your academic success this semester?
  2. Not have received any HU Strive Scholarship in any enrollment. If an applicant is not selected during a semester, they may reapply by submitting a new application in subsequent semesters for as long as they remain on the Dean’s or President’s list

The application must be submitted through Canvas by the end of the A Term immediately following the semester when the Dean’s or President’s list was earned.

Who Can Apply

Available to Herzing graduates who have re-enrolled in a higher-level degree

Requirements

Alumni may qualify as many times as they re-enroll in a higher-level degree

Who Can Apply

Employees of a business participating in the Herzing Partnerships Program

Requirements
  • Documentation showing proof of employment is required
  • Recipients must be packaged at direct cost (receiving financial aid for tuition and fees only)

Questions?

Reach out to a member of the Financial Aid team at the Online campus:

Financial Aid Team
(866) 508-0748
fa@herzing.edu

1 

Actual semesters to complete are dependent upon university approved transfer credits and program mapping.

2 

Estimated program length, estimated number of semesters, and estimated program shown above are standard by program for each student based on: a student taking a full-time course load each semester, the student not having any transfer credits (from previous Herzing experiences or from other post-secondary institutions), and successful completion of each course.

Current tuition rates for all programs are effective through the Summer 2024 semester.