What can you do with a Health Information Management degree?

First, some facts. Of the Health Information Management graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:

These are estimates based on AI analysis of 165 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 77%, Health Information Management graduates have a higher likelihood (+10%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

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Also, after graduating, only 24% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Health Information Management graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a Health Information Management degree?
• What do Health Information Management graduates do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Health Information Management degree? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Health Information Management degree?
• What are the best colleges for Health Information Management?

View a random Health Information Management graduate and our analysis:

Relevance score: 50% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2016 from Temple University with a Bachelors Degree in Health Information Management. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Assistant Manager UHS Mar 2022 - Present The role of Assistant Manager at UHS may involve some administrative and management skills that can be enhanced by knowledge in Health Information Management, but it does not directly utilize specific skills or knowledge from the bachelor's degree on a daily basis. ABOUT Healthcare professional with experience in various technical aspects of complex clinical software systems and project management. Special interest in Electronic Health Record (EHR) implementation, business development and strategies to achieve operational goals and enhance overall performance levels for acute care facilities through innovative technological solutions. Possess strong problem solving and decision making skills coupled with a passion to learn new things every day about technology and health care industry. Proven experience in planning, coordinating and overseeing large scale projects in alignment with business objectives and exceeding set goals.Excellent written communication and organizational abilities as well as ability to build productive relationships within a team environment and across project stakeholders. Technical Proficiency: Cerner Acute Care Management, Powerchart Maternity, Capacity Management

What jobs can you get with a Health Information Management degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

• Intern
• Student Intern
• Internship
• Health Information Management Intern
• Medical Coder
• Consultant
• Registered Nurse
• Adjunct Professor
• Medical Records Specialist
• HIM Director

Analyzing the career paths of individuals with degrees in Health Information Management (HIM) provides valuable insights into the types of jobs they commonly hold and the relevance of those positions to their academic training. Throughout the vast array of roles, a clear trend emerges with many graduates taking on positions that are distinctly intertwined with health information processes, though some also find themselves in roles less connected to their specialized education.

Among the most common job titles are HIM Coordinator, Medical Records Technician, and various coding-related positions. For instance, roles such as Coding Analyst, HIM Director, and Compliance Analyst significantly align with the core principles of Health Information Management, requiring specific knowledge about managing health records, coding systems, and compliance with healthcare regulations. These positions highlight the profundity of health data management within the healthcare system, as they directly correlate with training received during the degree program. In particular, positions related to compliance, quality assurance, and health information technology show a strong applicability of the theory learned in respective HIM programs.

However, not all jobs held by these graduates leverage their degree's full potential. Some individuals pursue roles such as appointment schedulers, administrative assistants, or customer service positions, where their HIM education may not be fully utilized. In such cases, while they might apply general healthcare knowledge, the core competencies of Health Information Management—such as regulatory compliance, health data analysis, and coding—are often peripheral. This disconnect raises questions about the trajectory of some HIM graduates, as they navigate a job market that may not always align with their training. Ultimately, while many do find relevant positions that embrace their HIM skills, a significant number also find themselves in roles that, although beneficial in terms of experience, do not fully engage the specialized knowledge they have acquired.

In conclusion, the careers of Health Information Management graduates reveal a landscape of opportunities that both capitalize on their training and diverge from it. The most common roles indicate a solid relevance to HIM, emphasizing positions that require expertise in managing health data systems. However, the diversity in job functions also suggests that some graduates may need to adjust their expectations or further specialize to fully align with their degree’s objectives. Overall, the intersection of education and job relevance is complex, and while many graduates succeed in finding directly relevant positions, others face a challenge in effectively utilizing their skills in the job market.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Health Information Management graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Health Information Management graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Analyzing the career trajectories of Health Information Management (HIM) graduates from various institutions paints an interesting picture. Many of these professionals start their careers with internships or entry-level positions that are directly related to HIM. Positions like HIM Intern, Medical Records Technician, or Appointment Scheduler are common starting points. This early stage often involves gaining practical experience in healthcare settings, coding, data management, or project coordination. It's a vital phase that allows graduates to get acclimated to the professional world while expanding their knowledge and skills. For instance, positions like HIM Coordinator and HIM Analyst, which many graduates attain early on, indicate a clear pathway from initial to more responsible roles, showing that they are leveraging their education effectively.

Fast forward five to ten years, and many HIM graduates are stepping into senior roles or specialized positions. We see titles like HIM Director, Clinical Research Coordinator, or Senior Analyst emerging in their profiles, indicating upward mobility in their careers. A substantial portion of these professionals remains within the healthcare realm, working either in clinical settings or with health information technology companies. Graduate transitions from entry-level jobs to roles such as HIM Director, Compliance Specialist, or HIM Coordinator II suggest a nurturing job environment where experience is rewarded and professional growth is achievable. This trend shows that many HIM graduates are not only finding stable careers but are also advancing in their fields and finding positions that are relevant to their degrees.

However, it's worth noting that not all post-graduation trajectories are perfectly aligned with their HIM education. Some individuals veer off into tangential roles that may not strongly relate to health information management. Some graduates took on roles in operations, billing, or project management that could be located outside the healthcare information spectrum. Although these paths can still be productive, they might not fully utilize their specialized HIM skill set. Nevertheless, the overall trend indicates that a significant number of HIM graduates are indeed thriving in fruitful careers that align well with their educational backgrounds and leveraging their degrees to foster meaningful professional growth over time.

How hard is a Health Information Management degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management can be a bit of a mixed bag—it’s definitely not the easiest major out there, but it’s not the hardest either. You’ll deal with a mix of health science, IT, and management courses, which means you need to be good with both numbers and people. If you have a solid grasp of tech stuff and enjoy learning about healthcare systems, you’ll probably find it manageable. Just be ready to dive into some data, coding, and maybe a little anatomy. Overall, I'd say it’s an average level of difficulty, but if you put in the effort and stay organized, you’ll get through just fine!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Health Information Management.

Do Health Information Management graduates tend to make good money?

When looking at these Health Information Management graduates, it seems like they're generally doing well in their careers. Most have climbed the ladder and moved into roles with bigger responsibilities, which often comes with better pay. For example, many of them have progressed from entry-level positions to management or director roles fairly quickly, signaling that they have been recognized for their skills and contributions in the healthcare sector. Given the nature of their roles, which usually involve oversight of crucial functions like compliance, patient data management, and health information systems, it’s fair to assume they’re earning decent salaries, especially those in higher management positions.

However, some graduates have taken paths that might not lead to hefty paychecks, especially those with entry-level or smaller roles. For example, positions like "Patient Access Representative" or "Billing Clerk" tend to be on the lower end of the pay scale. That said, with the right experience and networking, many could see their salaries increase significantly over time. Overall, though, most of these folks appear to be on a solid trajectory toward making good money in their field, especially as they gain more experience and take on larger projects or leadership roles.

What buzzwords do Health Information Management graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Health Information Management. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Health Information Management?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Health Information Management (ordered by the average relevance score of their Health Information Management graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College	Score	Count
The College of St. Scholastica	89	11
Western Governors University	81	12