By HMDG Staff
August 2019
Health information management is a great profession for individuals who want to be in the medical field without providing direct patient care. According to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), “health information management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care.” It combines some essential industries – namely business, technology, and medicine – into one career field.
HIM professionals can be found in almost every professional health care setting. They connect clinical, operational, and administrative functions by caring for patient data. Health information management programs prepare students to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs for medical records and health information technicians will grow by 13% (faster than average) between now and 2026.
Finding the 25 Best Health Information Management Programs
All of the schools we considered for this top ranking are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). CAHIIM sets a variety of stringent curriculum requirements for all accredited programs, but perhaps its biggest emphasis is on work-related training. For this reason, we only included CAHIIM accredited programs in our ranking.
Ranking is as follows:
Student to Faculty Ratio
- 15:1 or less= 5 Points
- 16:1 to 20:1= 3 Points
- Greater than 20:1= 1 Point
Net Price
- Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
- $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
- $15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
- $20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
- Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point
Percentage of Students Admitted
- Less than 50%= 3 Points
- Between 51% and 80%= 2 Points
Overall Graduation Rate:
- Greater than 80%= 3 Points
- Between 40% and 80%= 2 Points
Read more about the 25 that earned the highest scores – the overall 25 best HIM programs – below!
25. Missouri Western State University – Saint Joseph, Missouri
BS in Health Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Net Price: $10,193/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: Open Admission
Overall Graduation Rate: 34%
Score: 7
Missouri Western State University recognizes the value of HIM training by offering a variety of HIM programs. MWSU offers:
- a top bachelor’s in HIM
- a certificate in health information technology
- a minor in health informatics and information management
The bachelor’s in HIM covers areas like:
- applied database systems
- microcomputer applications
- quantitative analysis for health care research
- organizational behavior
Students also complete two professional practice experiences that allow students to further develop their management skills. Graduates for the 2016-2017 academic year had a 100% graduation rate and 100% of graduates received above average employer satisfaction ratings on their entry-level competencies.
24. Illinois State University – Normal, Illinois
BS in Health Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Net Price: $19,489/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 89%
Overall Graduation Rate: 69%
Score: 8
Illinois State University’s top bachelor’s in HIM is designed to prepare students for success in the industry. Students participate in two internship experiences over the course of the program. The clinical professional practice takes place during the summer after the first year of the program. It gives students the opportunity to use their skills in a hospital setting. The final internship experience focuses on the management aspects of HIM and gives students the opportunity to work in a professional practice. There is no need to worry about finding a job after graduation. Over 90% of HIM graduates find a job within six months of graduation.
23. Dakota State University – Madison, South Dakota
Health Information Administration (BS)
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Net Price: $16,863/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 83%
Overall Graduation Rate: 47%
Score: 8
Dakota State University offers a top CAHIIM accredited bachelor’s in health information administration for both online and on-campus students. Students will learn about:
- health data systems
- HIM quality management
- the management of HIM centers.
All students complete multiple supervised professional practices to get hands-on training and professional experience. Graduates are prepared to take the AHIMA exam to become Registered Health Information Technicians.
22. Tennessee State University – Nashville, Tennessee
BS in Health Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Net Price: $9,186/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: Open admission policy
Overall Graduation Rate: 30%
Score: 8
Tennessee State University features an innovative CAHIIM accredited bachelor’s in HIM. The curriculum combines areas of:
- medicine
- information technology
- management
- healthcare
- finance
- law
The annual net price of under $9,200 makes this program affordable to budget conscious students. Students benefit from hands-on professional experience through a directed professional practice in HIM services. The Student Health Information Management Association (SHIMA) provides students with professional development opportunities both on and off-campus. Coursework covers areas like:
- health statistics and analysis
- legal and ethical aspects of HIM
- health care finance.
21. Texas Southern University – Houston, Texas
BS in Health Information Management
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Net Price: $14,741/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 57%
Overall Graduation Rate: 21%
Score: 9
Texas Southern University features a top bachelor’s in health information management through its College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. This CAHIIM accredited program covers areas like:
- the management of health data
- quality assurance management
- health information personnel management
Students with previous college credits may be eligible for the advanced standing program that includes an individually prepared degree plan. HIM graduates from TSU have a job placement rate of 98% and an overall program satisfaction rate of 97%.
20. East Carolina University – Greenville, North Carolina
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Net Price: $13,746/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 82%
Overall Graduation Rate: 65%
Score: 9
The College of Allied Health Sciences at East Carolina University features a top bachelor’s in HIM available online and on-campus. ECU is the only school in North Carolina to offer a CAHIIM accredited bachelor’s degree program. Online students need to stay on their toes, checking email daily and watching recorded lectures throughout the week to keep on track. All students complete a 200 clock hour internship experience during their last semester. This 126 semester hour program prepares graduates to sit for the RHIA credential examination. The RHIA pass rate for first-time test takers is 100% through July 31, 2017.
19. Arkansas Tech University – Russellville, Arkansas
Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Net Price: $11,674/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 90%
Overall Graduation Rate: 41%
Score: 9
Arkansas Tech University features a top bachelor’s in HIM accredited by the CAHIIM. Courses cover areas like:
- basic coding principles
- health data and statistics
- advanced concepts in health information
- current issues in HIM
All students complete two professional practice experiences and a four-week management experience under direct supervision. Outside the classroom, students can engage with alumni, faculty, and HIM professionals across the globe through ATU’s Student Health Information Management Association (SHIMA).
18. University of Louisiana – Lafayette, Louisiana
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Net Price: $11,190/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 56%
Overall Graduation Rate: 48%
Score: 9
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a top HIM bachelor’s degree program. It’s focused on preparing students for success in health informatics and information management. This CAHIIM accredited program includes courses in:
- management and leadership
- privacy and security in healthcare
- risk management
Students have access to the American Health Information Management Association’s Virtual Lab (VLAB). Here, students can access state-of-the-art industry software to become familiar with in the field. The 2018 HIM graduating class achieved a pass rate of 88% on the RHIA exam, significantly higher than the national average of 72%. Graduates have found success working in a variety of settings including:
- hospitals
- home health agencies
- surgery centers
- law offices.
17. Texas State University – San Marcos, Texas
BS Degree in Health Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Net Price: $13,729/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 46%
Overall Graduation Rate: 55%
Score: 10
Texas State University offers a top HIM bachelor’s degree program in both an online and on-campus format. Courses cover areas like:
- the legal aspects of HIM
- coding and classification systems
- project management in HIM
- comparative record systems
The HIM bachelor’s degree program is delivered in a 2+2 format: two years of core curriculum and two years of professional coursework. Students have the opportunity to participate in professional development opportunities through:
- management seminars
- professional practicums
- leadership training.
16. University of Central Florida – Orlando, Florida
Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Net Price: $13,016/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 43%
Overall Graduation Rate: 73%
Score: 10
The University of Central Florida features a top bachelor’s in health informatics and information management through the College of Community Innovation and Education. Both online and on-campus formats are available although not all electives or program prerequisites may be offered in an online format. The curriculum includes courses in:
- quality management
- health information management systems
- medical terminology
- health data management
The curriculum differs from other programs by presenting a correlation between classroom theory and hands-on experience. Students complete coursework and then complete a hands-on internship to further develop the skills learned in the classroom.
15. University of Illinois at Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Net Price: $12,248/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 76%
Overall Graduation Rate: 59%
Score: 10
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers a bachelor’s in health information management as the “first step in becoming an expert in safeguarding critical and private patient data.” This flexible program is available to both full and part-time students in an online or on-campus format. Courses cover areas like:
- health informatics
- information systems for health information management
- management and business practices
- principles of health information management
Graduates are in demand-100% of employers who answered a survey indicated they were satisfied with the job performance of the HIM graduate they hired.
14. Long Island University Post – Brookville, New York
BS in Health Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Net Price: $24,266/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 76%
Overall Graduation Rate: 46%
Score: 11
Long Island University’s BS in Health Information Management recognizes the importance of proper management of health information in today’s complex healthcare environment. It offers a 120 credit hour program in a convenient online format for both full and part-time students. Although the online format adds a degree of flexibility, students need to log in and participate daily to complete assigned work and review posted material. Courses cover areas like:
- medical terminology
- legal aspects in healthcare
- computer applications
- structuring and managing data
The RHIA pass rate for 2016-2017 for LIU graduates taking the exam for the first time was 83%.
13. The College of Saint Scholastica – Duluth, Minnesota
Undergraduate Health Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Net Price: $24,007/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 66%
Overall Graduation Rate: 69%
Score: 11
The College of Saint Scholastica features a top bachelor’s in HIM through the Department of Health Informatics and Information Management. Students can choose between a traditional on-campus program and an accelerated online format. Both programs prepare graduates to sit for the AHIMA exam to become an RHIA. This CAHIIM accredited program covers areas like:
- health data analytics
- classification clinical data
- management tools and strategies
This top health information administration degree program reports a 100% satisfaction rate from employers who hire HIM grads.
12. Temple University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Net Price: $23,192/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 59%
Overall Graduation Rate: 73%
Score: 11
The bachelor’s in health information management at Temple University is a rigorous interdisciplinary degree program. Students will learn to:
- comply with legal requirements and healthcare policy
- generate data analytics
- navigate healthcare payments and financing systems
Students learn to play a professional role in advancing patient health through a supportive academic environment. Faculty have extensive experience in the field and strong connections across the region that help students secure top internship opportunities. All students complete an internship experience that prepares them for success in the field.
11. University of Saint Mary – Leavenworth, Kansas
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Net Price: $20,558/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 61%
Overall Graduation Rate: 55%
Score: 11
The University of Saint Mary features a top online and on-campus health information management bachelor’s degree program. It’s for students who want to care for patients by taking care of their medical information and data. The program focuses on five skill areas including management, data analytics, information technology, classification systems, and research. Courses cover areas like:
- health information systems
- health care reimbursement
- coding administration
- health care quality improvement
All students complete a healthcare internship. Graduates have enjoyed success whether in graduate school or working in the field of public health.
10. Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio
Undergraduate Degree in Health Information Management and Systems
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Net Price: $18,694/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 52%
Overall Graduation Rate: 84%
Score: 11
For the past five years, graduates of Ohio State University’s top health information management program have reported a 95% RHIA exam pass rate. What’s more, the HIM program also boasts a 100% six-year completion rate. Part of what makes this program so effective are solid business and information systems background and the healthcare foundation. Students gain valuable hands-on experience in the OSU Wexner Medical Center and with a variety of health care partners around the area. While the overall student to faculty ratio for the university sits at 19:1, the HIM program only accepts 32 students each year, so class size is intentionally kept small.
9. Indiana University – Bloomington, Indiana
Health Information Management Bachelor of Science
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Net Price: $11,931/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 77%
Overall Graduation Rate: 78%
Score: 11
Indiana University’s School of Informatics and Computing features a health information management top bachelor’s degree for students who want to solve health care problems on a global scale. Courses are offered online or on-campus and cover areas like:
- healthcare financial management
- healthcare information requirements and standards
- effective communication
All students complete a project, a professional practicum, in a healthcare setting under supervision. Graduates report a 100% job placement and graduate school acceptance rate. Employers report a 100% satisfaction rate with their new graduate hires.
8. Southern University at New Orleans – New Orleans, Louisiana
Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Health Information Management Systems
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Net Price: $5,976/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 30%
Overall Graduation Rate: 25%
Score: 11
Southern University at New Orleans offers a top bachelor’s in health information management systems with low tuition and competitive admission. Courses cover areas like:
- leadership and project management
- electronic health records
- data analytics
- reimbursement methodologies
All students complete an internship and practicum experience, further developing their professional skills. Program outcomes are pretty impressive as well. The program retention rate is 85% and 94% of recent graduates found employment within a year of graduation.
7. University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Net Price: $24,040/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 59%
Overall Graduation Rate: 83%
Score: 12
The Department of Health Information Management at the University of Pittsburg features a comprehensive top HIM bachelor’s degree program. The program features many desirable qualities including:
- hands-on training
- personal mentorship
- small class size
Courses cover a variety of areas including:
- quality management
- electronic health records
- database management
The University of Pittsburg has one of the most extensive internship requirements of any program in our list. Students must complete four clinical internships over the course of the program. While the net price of the University of Pittsburgh may feel daunting, students interested in the HIM program have the opportunity to offset some of the expense through a number of merit scholarships available through PHIMA, AHIMA, and the HIMSS Foundation.
6. Rutgers University – New Brunswick, New Jersey
BS in Health Information Management Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Net Price: $16,295/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 60%
Overall Graduation Rate: 80%
Score: 12
Rutgers University offers an online bachelor’s in health information management with unique specializations in:
- medical coding
- health care informatics
- information governance
- health care leadership
Both full and part-time students can take advantage of this flexible program taught by experienced faculty who provide mentoring to their students. Required courses cover areas like:
- healthcare analytics
- performance improvement
- HR management in health care
- Legal aspects in health information
Rutgers boasts some impressive program outcomes with 100% of graduates finding successful job placement within a year of graduation.
5. Florida A & M University – Tallahassee, Florida
BS in Health Informatics and Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Net Price: $14,692/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 39%
Overall Graduation Rate: 51%
Score: 12
The top health information and information management bachelor’s degree program at Florida A&M focuses on the IT and management in a variety of healthcare settings. Students complete two years of pre-professional courses followed by two years of intensive coursework in health informatics and information management. Students engage in laboratory and supervised professional practice experiences in the field to gain hands-on experience. For the 2017-2018 academic year, Florida A&M boasts a 100% graduation rate for HIM students.
4. Chicago State University – Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Information Administration
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Net Price: $11,099/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 33%
Overall Graduation Rate: 19%
Score: 12
Chicago State University offers a top bachelor’s in health information administration through the Department of Health Information Administration. The curriculum includes both a pre-professional and professional phase, for a total of 122 credits. Students complete laboratory components to practice using current medical and technical software. Two professional practice experiences of 160 clock hours each provide hands-on training and skill development. To earn this top HIM bachelor’s degree, students must score at least 75% on two comprehensive exams.
3. Indiana University Northwest – Gary, Indiana
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Administration
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Net Price: $5,621/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 80%
Overall Graduation Rate: 34%
Score: 12
Indiana University-Northwest’s net price of less than $6,000 makes it the most affordable top HIM program on our list. In addition to affordable tuition rates, students can save even more money by completing 300 and 400 level professional courses online. Online courses cover areas like:
- management in health information technology
- health record law
- financial accounting
Program outcomes are outstanding. Graduates had a pass rate of 90% on the RHIA exam over the most recent 12 months of reporting.
2. Coppin State University – Baltimore, Maryland
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Net Price: $9,689/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 38%
Overall Graduation Rate: 24%
Score: 13
Coppin State University features a top bachelor’s in health information management accredited by the CAHIIM. Courses cover areas like:
- health statistics
- health info systems
- healthcare finance and reimbursement
- pathophysiology
All students complete two courses designed to prepare them for the RHIA exam. Program outcomes are rather impressive with 100% of employer survey respondents indicating satisfaction with HIM graduates. Additionally, 77% of graduate respondents said they were able to find employment within a year of graduation while the remaining 23% were accepted into graduation school.
1. University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics & Health Information Management
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Net Price: $9,765/year
Percentage of Students Admitted: 49%
Overall Graduation Rate: 84%
Score: 14
Our top choice for a bachelor’s in HIM is offered by the University of Washington. The University of Washington features a low net price, competitive admission, and a high overall graduation rate. The HIM program is offered in a full or part-time format and most students can complete their degree in two to three years. Courses are offered during the late afternoon, allowing students to balance work and family commitments. Each student is assigned a mentor who provides students with networking opportunities and career advice. Graduates are prepared to sit for the RHIA exam.
