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Master’s in Health Information Management Online MS in HIM

Alaine Garcia, who earned her degree from SNHU in 2020, wearing a dark blazer and blue button down shirt standing in an office cubicle.

Cost per credit $637

Total courses 12

Term length 10 weeks

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Program Overview Why get a master’s in health information management?

Integrate some of today's in-demand knowledge areas – like business, data analysis and computer science – into the ultimate healthcare technology career in the online Master of Science (MS) in Health Information Management (HIM) program at Southern New Hampshire University.

Additionally, this program also meets eligibility requirements to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential exam – which can help you open up even more opportunities for advancement.

Skills you'll learn:

  • How to evaluate and create data management policies
  • Technological patient data protection methods
  • Healthcare enterprise planning techniques
  • Models for managing revenue cycles
  • Health information compliance program creation
Alaine Garcia, who earned her degree from SNHU in 2020, sitting at a wooden table typing on her laptop with an SNHU notebook, a cup of coffee and a croissant on the table next to her.

Courses & Curriculum Online HIM courses that prepare you for your career

Develop practical health information management skills and experiences employers want to see in the master's in health information management program at SNHU. You'll use technology to protect patient data and solve healthcare needs while building on leadership skills, like critical thinking, communication and problem-solving.

Degree Courses

Online master's in HIM degree courses

This 36-credit online health information management master's degree is the ideal next step for continued study of graduates of the bachelor's in health information management program or those looking to build on their skills and experience in healthcare.

You'll study advanced topics in information governance, data protection, health informatics, revenue management, compliance and healthcare law, ethics and analytics.

The master’s in health information management program at SNHU is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). As a CAHIIM-accredited program, our curriculum is built to prepare you for real-world success.

Courses May Include:

Course ID: HIM 510
Topics related to health information management, including revenue management, coding and compliance, developing professional identity, terminology and classification systems, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and current trends are explored. Students tour a medical facility either virtually or in person.
Course ID: HIM 520
This course explores leadership roles, change management, and key topics in the health information management industry through an overview of leadership in organizations, human resource (HR) management, training and development, ethics, process improvements, work design, and developing and revising policies. Students examine ethical concepts and learn first-hand what the role of a health information management professional entails.
Course ID: HIM 530
Building on the HIPAA foundation established in HIM-510 students learn how to create and revise working policies and regulations within organizations based on existing laws, and how to adapt infrastructures to support these policy changes. Students explore access of medical records and how to discern when access should be prohibited based on the policies in place.
Course ID: HIM 540
Explore compliance for HIM professionals, regulatory requirements, and the relationship of coding and compliance, to develop an understanding of data governance pertaining to the significance of data integration, interoperability, and shared data. Learn how to assess the accuracy and standardization of data governance by reviewing various sections within the charts and their authorizations.
Course ID: HIM 550
Explore meaningful use of data and the management of patient-centered health information systems. Review data management policies, evaluate data from varying sources to create meaningful presentations/reports, design patient-centered health information systems, and manage virtual network communications. Learn how to collect data, evaluate it, and turn it into valuable information to present to various audiences.
Course ID: HIM 560
Explore the technologies that support health information systems by examining different patient medical records and the various uses and steps in developing medical records. Create models of portals from a database-perspective.
Course ID: HIM 600
Review the laws and regulations that are applicable to health information management professionals in regards to compliance, medical documentation, fraud, abuse, and penalties for documentation and coding violations based on governmental guidelines. Learn principles of medical auditing, medical record auditing skills, chart abstraction and perform a coding risk analysis.
Course ID: HIM 660
Explore the healthcare revenue cycle and financial principles relevant to strategic planning for the healthcare organization, including analytics, reimbursement models, forecasting the revenue cycle and methods of fraud detection.
Course ID: HIM 675
Employ research methodologies, systematic processes for data collection to ensure data integrity, and data analysis to establish a framework for drafting the capstone project.
Course ID: HIM 680
Apply and expand on topics covered in previous courses in the MS Health Information Management program, including advanced classification systems, data governance, data management, and health information technologies such as data analytics and decision support. Apply theories learned in consumer informatics, and information integrity, contingency planning, as well as vendor management and enterprise information management.
Course ID: HIM 685
Apply and expand on topics covered in previous courses in the MS Health Information Management program, including strategic planning, and leadership roles in HIM. Apply theories learned in change management, work design, and project management.
Course ID: HIM 690
Integrate previous coursework and practical experience with a focus on authentic demonstration of competencies outlined by the program by synthesizing and integrating prior learning to design, develop, and execute a capstone project as a culmination of the M.S. Health Information Management program. Develop a well-thought-out, comprehensive project that applies knowledge in a complex and operationally-charged business environment.

Visit the course catalog to view the full MS in Health Information Management curriculum.

Apply for free in minutes

Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: March 24, 2025 | June 9, 2025

Next term starts:
Jan. 6, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

10-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

It's easy, fast and free.

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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

The Health Information Management accreditor of Southern New Hampshire University is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The university’s accreditation for the Baccalaureate degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2029. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph St., Suite 5100, Chicago, IL 60601; by phone at 312.235.3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.

NECHE Logo CAHIIM Accredited logo

MS Health Information Management Achievement Data

CAHIIM requires accredited programs to provide achievement data which is reported below:

Enrollment: 103

Total number of full-time and part-time MS Health Information Management students enrolled in at least one course during the Aug. 1, 2022- July 31, 2023 timeframe.

Student Satisfaction Rate: 90.9%

The percentage of full- and part-time MS Health Information Management students who responded to the 2023 student satisfaction survey and indicated they were satisfied with their overall educational experience. Out of 70 students surveyed, 11 responded.

Graduation Rate: 50.0%

The percentage of full- and part-time MS Health Information Management students (first year and transfer) who graduated within 3 years of starting their program. This percentage is based on a cohort of 52 students that reached the 3-year mark between Aug. 1, 2022, and July 31, 2023.

Employment Rate: 100%

The percentage of MS Health Information Management graduates who responded to the 6 months post-graduation survey and indicated they were employed. Out of 35 students who graduated between July 2022- June 2023, six responded to the survey.

Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288

If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with a Master of Science in Health Information Management?

Whether you're a new college graduate or a long-term healthcare system employee, understanding data systems and analysis can open up career paths that are on track for big growth in the coming years. And with big data being used to inform health interventions and population healthcare approaches, there's a great need for skilled health information managers.

By completing the health information management program at SNHU, you'll prepare yourself for a variety of HIM positions with a specific focus on compliance, privacy or clinical data analysis.

Industries

Health information – such as diagnoses, medical histories, lab results, prescriptions and surgeries – is used in more environments than one may expect. This means patient data needs management and protection in many different work environments, including:

Direct the design and implementation of electronic medical records systems to increase efficiency.

Oversee teams that review claims and communicate with submitters to minimize inaccurate reimbursements/billing.

Manage patient information to help facilitate care of residents in a nursing home.

Manage a department's policies, reports/budgets and staff training on electronic health record (EHR) best practices.

Take charge of the maintenance and security of all patient records and data.

28%

Increase in medical and health services managers through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

 

$110,680

Median annual pay for medical and health services managers as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

As health information management (HIM) continues to expand, so do career opportunities. Professionals in this fieldwork across all healthcare providers and departments – from hospitals, clinics and surgery centers to behavioral health facilities, governmental agencies and even healthcare technology companies.

With a master's (MS) in HIM, you can become a leader in a wide array of settings in the field. While overseeing documentation practices is one of the hallmarks of the HIM profession, you'll potentially manage many other key aspects of health information including collecting, reporting, analyzing and protecting health data.

And, since health information management is a program where technology and healthcare coincide, advances in medical technology will continue to change the healthcare industry in the digital age for years to come. This leaves plenty of career opportunities wide open for someone with their MS in HIM.

According to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), some advanced roles within HIM include2:

  • Chief Data Officer
  • Chief Health Informatics Officer (STEM)
  • Chief Privacy Officer (STEM)
  • Clinical Data Manager (STEM)
  • Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Manager
  • Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Quality Assurance Auditor
  • Coding Supervisor/Auditor
  • Compliance Manager
  • Data Governance Manager
  • Director of Revenue Cycle Management
  • Health Equity Manager
  • Health Information Management Director (STEM)
  • Revenue Cycle Trainer

While both of these career paths aim to transform healthcare through technology and data, there are a few key differences to be aware of.

Health information management focuses on medical records. It's the practice of acquiring, analyzing and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. Think of it as a combination of business, science and information technology.

Health informatics focuses on applied information technology. It's the science that defines how health information is technically captured, transmitted and used. Health informatics focuses on information systems, informatics principles and information technology as it's applied to the continuum of healthcare delivery.

While earning your master's in health information management can create new opportunities for you, salaries can range depending on various factors including credentials, experience, industry and job level.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual pay for medical and health services managers was $110,680 in 2023.1

In 2019, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) surveyed health information professionals about their salaries. It reported that the top 5 average salaries by job setting included life sciences, association/professional societies, vendor companies, laboratories/research and consulting firms.2

Going back to school for any degree program takes hard work and dedication, and it depends on a number of factors, including how you learn and where your passion lies. If you enjoy working with data, consider yourself a detail-oriented person who strives for precision and has high regard for ethics and helping others, health information management (HIM) may be the perfect fit for you.

That said, we offer excellent resources, such as academic advising, to make earning your degree as stress free as possible. If something pops up that you can’t figure out on your own, we’ll be there to help you.

Getting your online master's in HIM from Southern New Hampshire University also offers additional perks:

  • Benefit from several free books and resources – saving you money
  • Gain a free membership to the Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), which offers networking, career information and more
  • Join one of the country's only online HIM master's programs, filled with content that leads up to a real-life simulated experience

Yes. As technology continues to gain momentum in the healthcare world, the demand for highly educated professionals with a background in health information management will only continue to grow. With a master's degree in health information management (HIM), you can be prepared to take on management and leadership roles within large healthcare settings, while also being qualified to manage the technology, security and compliance needs of your organization.

At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), you'll need to meet our admission policy, which requires a conferred bachelor's degree and a minimum GPA. However, you don’t need to be a medical professional or even have an undergraduate healthcare degree to pursue an health information management (HIM) education.

Whether you’re re-entering the workforce or seeking a new career path, HIM is a broad field open to all experience levels. In this field, you can help others by improving the quality and integrity of health data, provide leadership in the planning, design, selection and implementation of health information technologies, perform data analytics to optimize business operations and manage projects to achieve specific organizational goals.

If you've worked in information technology (IT), management or tech, SNHU can help turn your current skill set into your HIM education foundation.

Health information management is currently filling roles in:

  • Compliance and risk management
  • Data privacy, confidentiality and security
  • HIM operations management
  • Informatics, data analysis projects and research
  • IT and infrastructure
  • Health information exchange
  • Patient identity management and more

You can build on your existing knowledge and skills as you pursue HIM coursework in several emerging areas in healthcare, including mobile health, data and information analytics, consumer informatics and healthcare policy.

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm (viewed June 11, 2024).

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2American Health Information Management Associations (AHIMA), on the internet, at:

  • https://www.ahima.org/career-mapping/career-map/ (viewed June 11, 2024)
  • https://www.ahima.org/media/betc41er/salary-snapshot.pdf (viewed June 11, 2024)