Health Information Management

The Health Information Management (HIM) program at the University of Illinois at Chicago prepares students for vital roles in the healthcare industry by equipping them with comprehensive knowledge of health information systems, data management, and healthcare delivery. This program focuses on developing skills necessary for managing patient data, ensuring the accuracy, privacy, and security of health information, and supporting clinical decision-making through effective information systems. Students are introduced to a wide range of topics including medical coding, health data analysis, healthcare legal and ethical issues, electronic health records, and health informatics. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical training, including internships and hands-on experiences in healthcare settings, to ensure graduates are thoroughly prepared for the dynamic field of health information management. Graduates of the program can pursue various career paths such as health information managers, clinical data analysts, health IT specialists, and compliance officers, working in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and government agencies. The program also emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and continuing education, preparing students for certification exams like the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). With the increasing importance of health data in improving patient care and health outcomes, the HIM program at UIC is designed to produce highly competent professionals capable of contributing to the advancement of healthcare through effective information management practices.

YEAR ONE

FALL SEMESTER 

• BHIS 405: Medical Sciences and Human Pathophysiology* 
• BHIS 406: Medical Terminology for Health Information Management* 
• BHIS 460: Introduction to Health Informatics* 
• BHIS 461: Information Systems for Health Information Management* 
• BHIS 480: Management and Business Practices*
• HIM 317: Principles of Health Information Management* 
• HIM 410: Introduction to the Health Care System* 

SPRING SEMESTER

• HIM 319: Alternative Health Records* 
• HIM 320: Technical Affiliation* 
• HIM 329: Legal Aspects of Health Information Management* 
• HIM 337: Analysis of Health Care Data*
• HIM 432: Coding and Classification Systems** 

YEAR TWO

FALL SEMESTER 

• BHIS 410: Health Data Structures and Management 
• HIM 343: Quality Evaluation and Management 
• HIM 361: Human Resources Management 
• HIM 433: Coding and Reimbursement Systems** 
• HIM 481: Financial Management

SPRING SEMESTER

• HIM 367: Systems Analysis and Design 
• HIM 374: Health Information Research 
• HIM 377: Current Issues in Health Information Management 
• HIM 384: Clinical Practicum

Requirements

• Junior standing with 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours of acceptable pre-professional course work completed at an accredited college/university with a grade point average of 2.50 out of 4.0 scale.
• Successful completion, before program enrollment, of required courses equivalent to the academic prerequisites listed in the undergraduate catalog. 
• International students must submit a valid English proficient test score. TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5
• Evidence of Immigration and Naturalization Service Documentation: Applicants granted immigrant, permanent resident, temporary resident, refugee, parolee or conditional entrant status must attach a clear photocopy (front and back) of your Alien Registration Card and/or other appropriate INS documentation. Be aware that submission of these copies is no guarantee of their acceptability and that additional documentation and/or review of original documents may be required.
• Evidence of Financial Support: Applicants who require an F-1/J-1 visa must submit evidence of financial support through (1) a notarized Declaration of Finances Form, and (2) Immigration and Naturalization Service’s Affidavit of Support Form (I-134) executed by the sponsor; or a notarized affidavit of support executed by the sponsor. Any of these forms must be notarized and accompanied by a copy of a bank statement showing proof of sufficient funds in U.S. dollars (checking accounts are unacceptable).
• Submit $30 international credential evaluation fee, assessed once per term of all undergraduate applicants presenting any coursework taken outside the United States. The evaluation fee must be paid after submission of the application through your UIC Admissions checklist.
• Transcripts/mark sheets must be official and submitted directly from all schools you have attended. If new transcripts cannot be submitted, a photocopy of your version should be sent to the school to be attested and then sent to UIC for review.

Scholarships

• Honors College
• ROTC program
• Global Education

The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (HIM) at the University of Illinois at Chicago is designed to prepare students for a dynamic and vital healthcare specialty that focuses on the management of health information systems and data. The program combines coursework in health sciences, information technology, and management principles to equip students with the skills necessary to organize, analyze, and secure health data for a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and government agencies. Students gain foundational knowledge in anatomy, medical terminology, healthcare delivery systems, and health informatics, along with specialized training in health data standards, electronic health records (EHR), data analytics, and privacy and security regulations such as HIPAA.

The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, often including internships, capstone projects, and collaborative work with healthcare organizations. This hands-on experience is crucial for students to develop competencies in health information technology systems, coding, data management, and quality improvement initiatives. Graduates are prepared for a range of roles, including health information manager, coding specialist, compliance officer, and health data analyst. The program also addresses emerging trends in health informatics, telemedicine, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring students are up-to-date with evolving industry standards and technologies.

The university’s strong connections with local healthcare institutions provide numerous opportunities for networking, internships, and employment after graduation. The program typically requires four years for completion but may also be pursued part-time or through transfer pathways. Graduates of the program should be eligible to sit for professional certification exams such as the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), enhancing their career prospects. Overall, the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management at UIC fosters a comprehensive understanding of healthcare data management and prepares students to meet the increasing demand for qualified health information professionals in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.