Associate of Science in
Health Information Management

Program Highlights

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Topics of study include medical coding (ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT-4), legal and ethical issues in healthcare, quality and performance improvement, healthcare statistics, reimbursement concepts, indexes, and registries related to healthcare, and the management aspects of health information.
• Certification Preparation: Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
• Dual Certificate Incorporation: This associate’s degree program incorporates both the Medical Scribe Certificate and Medical Coding Specialist Certificate as the first year, offering a pathway to certification as a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and, with further experience, a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).
• Practical Experience: The program includes a practicum component (HIM 2648 Practicum II) in cooperating healthcare facilities, providing hands-on experience that is crucial for success in the field.

Accreditation

The Health Information Management Program at Youngstown State University is seeking accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). For any inquiries about the program’s accreditation status, contact CAHIIM at info@cahiim.org.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Health Information Management Program have the opportunity to pursue a variety of career paths, including:

• Medical Coder
• Department Manager/Supervisor
• Data Analyst
• Medical Records Clerk

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Sit for the RHIT certification through AHIMA.
• Code, classify, and index diagnoses and procedures for various purposes.
• Apply legal and ethical standards in managing health information.
• Evaluate scenarios for HIPAA compliance.
• Manage healthcare data and statistics effectively.
• Lead quality and performance improvement initiatives within healthcare settings.
• Design and manage a health information management department.

Bureau of Labor and Statistics Data and Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in health information technology fields will grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages, leading to a significant need for professionals in health information management and technology.

With the blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, graduates of the Health Information Management Program at Youngstown State University are well-prepared to join this growing field, contributing to the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery.

For more information about the Health Information Management Associate Program at Youngstown State University, including how to apply, please contact admissions.