25 Best Online Master’s in Health Information Management Degrees [2024 Guide]
By Joy Miller
Edited by Briana Sukert
Updated on September 25, 2024
If you’re looking to advance in the technical or technological side of the healthcare industry, a masters degree in health information management online is a logical choice.
It can prepare you for many different careers, and since it’s all online, you can earn your credentials from the comfort of your own home. Campus-based learning is optional.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
American Public University offers an online MS in Health Information Management program focusing on strategic healthcare data management.
The curriculum covers data analytics, informatics, and IT in healthcare to prepare for roles in leadership and system design. It is designed to meet professional standards, enhancing skills in compliance, patient data management, and system implementation.
American Public University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Boston University offers an online MS in Health Informatics program focusing on Health Information Management. This CAHIIM-accredited program dives into health data management, IT integration, and informatics. Emphasizing data security, legal issues, and effective system management, it’s designed for professionals seeking roles that merge technology with patient care.
The Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education Inc.
The College of St. Scholastica offers an online program for a Master of Science in Health Information Management that focuses on advanced HIM practices and technologies. This CAHIIM-accredited program aims to prepare graduates for leadership roles in healthcare by emphasizing strategic management of healthcare information and data security.
College of St. Scholastica is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The CUNY School of Professional Studies offers a Master of Science in Health Information Management. This online program teaches how to manage and implement health information systems effectively. This CAHIIM-accredited program offers training in system design, privacy, security, and the legal aspects of health information. It emphasizes strategic management to improve patient care and organizational outcomes.
CUNY School of Professional Studies is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Dakota State University offers an online MS in Health Informatics and Information Management. The program boasts CAHIIM accreditation, a 100% job placement rate within six months of graduation, and preparation for AHIMA certification. It focuses on information governance, data analytics, and patient privacy protection, ideal for advancing professionals in health IT.
Dakota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Davenport University’s online MSHIIM program offers preparation for advanced health information roles. The curriculum emphasizes critical skills in data analytics, privacy, and legal aspects of health information.
The program covers project management and information governance and offers the opportunity to earn a graduate certificate in data analytics with additional coursework. The course structure allows completion in less time with 7 week class sessions.
Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
DePaul University’s Master’s in Health Informatics seeks to equip students with technical skills for using AI and digital technologies in health care. The program covers applications in clinical settings and beyond, aiming to improve health through data-driven approaches. It offers preparation for diverse careers in health IT, data science, and digital health innovations.
DePaul University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
East Carolina University offers a Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management. The curriculum blends essential coursework in electronic health records and data structures with practical experience in healthcare technologies and project management.
The program, offering both online and on-campus options, is designed to sharpen data management skills vital for health IT leadership and career advancement.
East Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
George Mason University offers an online program for an MS in Health Informatics with concentrations in Health Data Analytics and Informatics Management. The curriculum covers IT tools, information systems, data science, and project management. The program is structured for flexible completion, typically in 22 to 28 months, and caters to working professionals.
George Mason University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Purdue University’s online Master of Health Informatics is designed to equip students with advanced health information and technology knowledge. The program allows students to engage in real-world applications through a final capstone project and offers the flexibility to add concentrations such as Health Information Management. It’s fully online, aligning with the needs of working professionals.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Rutgers University’s MS in Health Information Management offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on data structure, information governance, and informatics. This 36 credit program provides education in healthcare finance, quality management, and analytics. It can typically be completed in 18 months of full-time attendance. Courses are offered 100% online, accommodating both full-time and part-time students.
Rutgers University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Slippery Rock University offers an MS in Health Informatics and Information Management online program featuring courses in healthcare technology, data management, and analytics. This fully online program can typically be completed in 12 months if started in the fall, though other start times are available. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for crucial roles in managing IT within healthcare settings.
Slippery Rock University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers an AACSB accredited online program for an MBA in Healthcare Information Systems. It is designed to prepare for advanced careers in managing healthcare technology.
The curriculum covers navigating laws around electronic health records, healthcare politics, and insurance, while core coursework includes finance, marketing, and data analysis. This streamlined program can potentially be completed in just 12 months.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
SNHU features a CAHIIM accredited online program for an MS in Health Information Management (HIM). This program integrates business, technology, and health science to equip students for leadership roles in health data management.
The curriculum emphasizes analytics, legal issues, and information governance. The program seeks to provide flexibility for working professions and can potentially be completed in 15 months.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers an online program for an MS in Health Information Management. Emphasizing a hands-on approach, the curriculum focuses on practical skills to ensure graduates are ready to excel immediately in their careers. Students can also benefit from dedicated one-on-one guidance from faculty.
SWOSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Stony Brook University’s MS in Applied Health Informatics can be earned through hybrid or fully online formats. Full-time students can typically complete the program in 15 months, while part-time students can potentially complete it in 27 months.
The curriculum is designed to foster skills in deploying and managing health systems and maximizing data value. Specializations are offered in Clinical Systems Lifecycle Management and Data Analytics.
Stony Brook University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers an online MS in Health Informatics with robust coursework and two Professional Practice Experiences (PPE). This comprehensive program offers preparation for the RHIA exam. The curriculum is designed to equip students with practical skills through hands-on experiences in health information departments and industry-standard technologies.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Texas State University’s online Master of Health Information Management (MHIM) teaches data management, analytics, and compliance skills. The curriculum includes health data structures, informatics, security, finance, and quality improvement coursework. It offers preparation for the RHIA exam and opportunities to engage in specialized research.
Texas State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Illinois—Chicago offers an online MS in Health Informatics (MSHI) designed to provide comprehensive education in healthcare technology.
The program is entirely online, making it ideal for working professionals, and includes studies in data analytics and system implementation. Leveraging UIC’s strong ties to Chicago’s health tech sector, it seeks to prepare students for impactful roles in healthcare settings.
The University of Illinois – Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Maryland Global Campus provides an online Master’s in Health Information Management and Technology. This program covers three key areas: administration, information systems and technology, and leadership. It includes practical learning experiences and is designed for healthcare professionals and IT specialists aiming to enhance their expertise in health informatics and management.
The UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
UMass Lowell’s MS in Health Information Management, accredited by CAHIIM, targets those aspiring to leadership roles in healthcare. The 36-credit program, which can be completed online, covers areas like healthcare finance, law and ethics, and information systems. It offers two tracks: Health Service Management and Health Informatics.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center has an online Master of Health Informatics and Information Management program. It offers the choice to specialize in Health Information Management or Health Informatics.
The curriculum focuses on system implementation, data analysis, and security oversight. The program is designed to teach skills that will enhance patient care and optimize facility reimbursement strategies.
The University of Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of South Carolina’s Master of Health Information Technology combines teachings in healthcare system management with IT skills.
Offered through the College of Engineering and Computing, it includes a practical, real-world practicum and leverages partnerships with other academic departments. The interdisciplinary program, which can typically be completed in 18 to 24 months, targets professionals in health administration and technology.
The University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Washington offers a hybrid-flexible Master of Health Informatics and Health Information Management (MHIHIM).
Through a real-world capstone project, students can gain leadership skills, informatics expertise, and practical experience. The program is designed for working professionals. It has monthly in-person or online sessions and weekly webinars. It offers preparation for advanced careers in health IT and systems management.
University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
William Carey University offers an online Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management. The program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to manage healthcare information systems effectively and use data to enhance healthcare practices. It can typically be completed in 12 months and caters to full-time working students with its 100% online format.
The William Carey University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Maybe you’ve already earned a baccalaureate degree in health informatics and you’re looking for the next step. Maybe you earned a degree in a different healthcare field, but you’re feeling the call of information management as a lucrative, fast-growing career option.
An online masters degree in health information management (HIM) is suitable for many types of students. Though it’s a specialized degree, it’s wide-ranging enough that you can learn a broad series of subjects and skills, and you can take these things and apply them to any number of healthcare jobs.
There are several types of degrees at the master’s level for health information management:
You’ll see a lot of overlap in these degree programs. They can all teach you about policy, advocacy, law, finance, data analytics and business administration. They can all familiarize you with the digital information systems that keep today’s healthcare industry running.
Some colleges might offer one degree type instead of the other. They might have different names for their majors, minors, specializations and degree concentrations. You’ll need to do a little research to figure out which ones are right for you.
A master’s degree in health information management, just like a master’s in healthcare analytics, can lead to a wide variety of careers. You might work in a hospital or clinic; you might find employment with a retailer, insurer or financial firm. There are even opportunities in things like telemedicine if you like to stay on the cutting edge of industry developments.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the health information management field include:
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $151,150 |
| Training and Development Manager | $115,640 |
| Health Information Manager in Hospitals | $112,870 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $104,280 |
| Software Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst | $96,040 |
| Programmer Analyst | $93,730 |
| Nursing Home Administrator | $89,880 |
| Administrative Services Manager in Healthcare | $87,920 |
| Business Operations Specialist | $77,420 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $65,450 |
Another thing to note about salaries is that they can be impacted by outside factors like regional job demand. Two people with the same credentials who are working the same job can have completely different salaries depending on where they live.
How do you choose a school for your masters in health information management online? What criteria should you use for picking a degree program or specialization?
Everyone has their own needs, standards and priorities, but there are a few things that all students should consider before applying to grad schools.
You’ll also want to take a look at the school’s academic catalogue. If you want a Master of Health Sciences (MHS) but they only offer a Master of Health Administration (MHA), that might be a deal-breaker.
While every degree program is different, there are certain topics that you can expect to see covered in your health information management education. They range from the practical to the theoretical, and at the master’s level, they can prepare you for specialized work in high-earning careers.
Keep in mind that every school categorizes their courses differently, so these subjects might be considered electives, specialties, core classes or something else entirely. The specifics will depend on your chosen university.
Getting into grad school can be even more complex than getting into college for a four-year degree. There’s a whole new set of admissions criteria, including:
Some colleges will allow you into a health information management program without any previous knowledge of the subject. You may just need a BA/BS in any field to be eligible for grad school.
Others colleges might ask for a background in health information management before you can enroll, or they might list you as a “pending” or “pre-candidacy” HIM student until you’ve finished the foundational coursework.
As an experienced college student, you’re probably familiar with accreditation, but here’s a refresher of the three types:
Regional and national accreditation is called “institutional accreditation” since it’s given to entire schools. Programmatic accreditation to given to specific programs within schools, so it’s a bit different.
You’ll want to make sure that you enroll in an accredited school for your masters in healthcare information management. Not only will it ensure that your degree is recognized as a legitimate one, but if you ever have to change schools, it will increase your odds of your credits transferring smoothly.
Programmatic accreditation is offered by special accrediting boards. They’re usually within a specific industry, and they usually focus on just one or two subjects in their area of interest.
For health information management, there are two important names to know:
When in doubt about your school’s accreditation status, search the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database. It will list all of their credentials.
You don’t have to join an industry organization to get ahead. However, if getting ahead is the goal, they can definitely help. They’ll connect you with resources as both a student and a working professional, and they’ll look good on a resume when you’re trying to stand out from other job applications.
Here are just a few organizations that might interest you as you seek an online masters degree in health information management:
These aren’t the only professional organizations for HIM students. They’re just some of the most prominent. Don’t be afraid to look for others, especially if you’re specializing in something unique.
In today’s economy, a college degree isn’t always enough to secure a job. You might need or want a professional certification to go along with it.
Here are just a few of your options in healthcare information management:
You can also look into certifications like the Certified Professional in Health Informatics (CPHI), the Advanced Health Informatics Certification (AHIC) and the Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS).
There are many options out there for HIM students. You just have to find them.
Funding a master’s degree is a bit different than funding a bachelor’s degree. You won’t be eligible for many of the grants and loans that are available to undergrads, so you might need to get creative with your financial aid.
The first step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While you’ll lose access to things like subsidized loans, there are special Direct PLUS Loans meant specifically for graduate students.
The next step is looking into state-funded financial aid. The government isn’t the only institution that offers grants, loans and work-study programs. You might qualify for several types of assistance depending on your income.
Last but not least, don’t be shy about applying for scholarships. You don’t have to be on the dean’s list to earn them. Many scholarships are need-based rather than merit-based, and there are foundations out there for healthcare students of all GPAs. As a health information management student, you’ll probably fall under their umbrella.
Health information management is a fast-growing field with many different job options for qualified candidates. You can find work in hospitals, clinics, care centers, insurance companies and private healthcare businesses. You can even work remotely in telemedicine.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a high level of job growth for the industry. While it doesn’t track health informaticists specifically, it has data available for both medical records and health information technicians and medical and health services managers.
The occupations are growing by 8 and 32 percent. These are much faster than the national average. HIM jobs are on the rise.
A master’s degree in health information management can take you down many different paths.
Since it’s a technology-based degree, the most obvious career choices involve computers, networks, databases and information systems. You might become a data or systems analyst or a medical records administrator. You could even look into becoming a medical coder or software engineer if you have specialized skills.
Management is another common track for HIM students. Earning a graduate degree can help you display a high-level proficiency in your field, and this might qualify you to become everything from a project manager to a human resources director.
There are other careers that you can consider, too. It all depends on what you want to study and where you want to go after graduation.
There are many affordable programs for online degrees. In fact, it’s often cheaper to earn your masters in health information management online as opposed to attending campus-based classes. The reasons can be varied:
Talk to your school if you have any questions about the cost of their grad school degrees. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises down the line, so hammer out the financial details in advance.
It usually takes around two years to earn a masters in healthcare information management. However, this is heavily dependent on credits. How many are required by your university? How many can you take per semester?
At the master’s level, a HIM degree can require anywhere from 30 – 50 credits. If you’re a full-time student, you might take upwards of nine credits per semester.
Use this equation to help you calculate your schedule:
The resulting figure will be the number of years that it will take for you to earn your degree.
If you’re ready to advance in the healthcare industry, a master’s in health information management can give you both the education and the experience to move forward. Its degree programs are designed to confront the challenges of the field, and its subjects are far-reaching enough to prepare you for many different careers.
As a bonus, many HIM degree programs are available online, so you won’t even need to live near a college campus to learn.
Start reaching out to universities and asking them about their grad school programs for health information management. You might be surprised by all of the possibilities once you enroll.
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