by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, health information management was the 251st most popular major nationwide with 3,317 degrees awarded. This represents a 10.2% increase in health information degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 2,978.
This year's Best Health Information Management Schools ranking compares 106 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom health information rankings further below.
A major in health information prepares you for careers in which talking to others to convey information effectively is crucial. Required skills include using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most health information degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional health information certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Health Information degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in health information management to something that takes less time like a . Health Information Management programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to health information, with approximately 65.4% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to health information tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 65.4% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 19.2% |
| Master’s Degree | 11.5% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 3.9% |
80.8% of health information workers have at least a bachelor's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in health information management have received.
The education level required is different depending on the health information career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your health information degree? Health Information Management careers are expected to grow 20.5% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to health information management.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 424,300 | 20.5% |
As you might expect, salaries for health information graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for health information management graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers health information grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $113,730 |
With over 264 different health information degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased health information school rankings to help you with this.
One of 22 majors within the Health & Medical Administrative Services area of study, Health Information Management has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Health Care Management | 31,436 |
| Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder | 10,149 |
| Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician | 9,664 |
| Medical Insurance Specialist/Medical Biller | 8,186 |
| Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant & Medical Secretary | 8,049 |
