The first step in your career planning process is to discover your interests
and then match them to careers. If you have an interest in healthcare and information
technology, health information management (HIM) may be the right career choice
for you. As one of the fastest growing occupations in one of the fastest growing
industries, a HIM career places you right where the expanding arena of healthcare
meets the cutting edge of technology.
What is Health Information Management
HIM professionals play a critical role in maintaining, collecting and analyzing
the data that doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers rely on to deliver
quality healthcare. They are experts in managing patient health information
and medical records, administering computer information systems and coding the
diagnosis and procedures for healthcare services provided to patients. HIM professionals
work in a multitude of settings throughout the healthcare industry including
hospitals, physician offices and clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance
companies, government agencies and home care providers.
Visit the American Health Information Management Association's Health Information
Careers website!
You need to complete either an associate's or bachelor's degree in HIM from
an accredited institution. The list below identifies the accredited HIT and
HIA programs in Georgia. These programs are accredited by the Commission of
the Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) in cooperation with the
Council on Accreditation of the American Health Information Management Association
(AHIMA).
Health Information Administration Programs:
Georgia Health Sciences University
Health Informatics Department
Dept. of Health Informatics
(EB-1003)
Augusta, GA 30912
706-721-3436 |
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B.S. in Health Information Administration (HIA)
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Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Information
Administration (HIA)
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Master of Public Health (MPH) |
Health Information Technology Programs:
Darton College
Health
Information Tech Program
2400 Gillionville Rd
Albany, GA 31707
229-317-6894 |
DeVry University
College of Health Sciences
One West Court Square, Suite 100
Decatur, GA 30030
404-270-2947
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In addition to the above, a listing of the numerous accredited
HIM programs across the country can be obtained from the American Health Information
Management Association (AHIMA), the national association of HIM professionals,
at www.ahima.org/careers or by
calling 312-233-1100.
If you've already earned a college degree and possess the
prerequisites, you can earn a postgraduate certificate or second degree in
HIM. The accredited HIM program in your area can provide more details. High
school students considering a HIM career can begin a foundation with the following
courses: business, computer science, English, math, biology and chemistry.
Financial aid is available to qualified students through the
AHIMA Foundation of Research
and Education, which offers both loans and scholarships.
For more information, contact AHIMA
or call the AHIMA scholarship hotline at 312-233-1128. For information on federally
sponsored programs call Federal Student Financial Aid Information Center at
800-433-3243.
For more information on a HIM career contact:
American Health Information Management Association
233 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2150,
Chicago, IL 60601-5519;
312-233-1100
www.ahima.org
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When you join AHIMA, you
automatically becomes a member of 1 of 52 Component
State Associations (CSAs). CSAs offer the chance to
network and build relationships on a local level.
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