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Five Top Skills Every Health Information Management (HIM) Professional Needs in 2026

Health Information Management (HIM) combines business, science, and technology to collect, organize, and protect patient data. HIM professionals are the bridge between the clinical and administrative sides of healthcare; they directly impact the quality of patient care. 

The field covers a wide range of careers, including medical billing and coding, health information specialists, medical records roles, registrars, and support services. 

Recommended: Medical Billing and Coding Credentials 2026: CCA, CCS, RHIT & More 

Is the HIM Job Market Growing?

Yes, and faster than most fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: 

  • Employment of medical records specialists is projected to grow 7% through 20341
  • Employment of health information technologists and medical registrars is projected to grow 15% in the same period2 

Both rates are significantly faster than the average for all occupations. 

What Does a HIM Professional Do Every Day?

Health information is any data related to a patient’s medical history: symptoms, diagnoses, procedures, lab results, X-rays, outcomes, and more. 

HIM professionals are responsible for:  

  • Managing and organizing patient data 
  • Making sure records are accurate and up to date 
  • Maintaining security and privacy of sensitive information 
  • Working with electronic health record (EHR) systems 
  • Supporting billing and insurance reimbursement 
  • Collaborating with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff 
  • Staying current on laws and regulations like HIPAA 

Recommended: Health Information Management Degree: Career Paths, Timeline, and What to Expect in 2026 

5 Skills Every HIM Professional Needs

To do well in a HIM role, you need a mix of technical skills and people skills. Here are the five most important ones. 

1. Analytical Skills

HIM professionals work with a lot of data. You need to be able to look at that data, understand what it means, and use your findings to suggest improvements. Strong analytical skills help you spot patterns and make smart decisions. 

2. Attention to Detail

Accuracy is everything in this field. Patient information must be documented, transferred, and stored correctly every single time. A small mistake in a medical record, or a data breach, can have serious consequences for both the patient and the healthcare organization. 

3. Integrity

HIM professionals handle some of the most private information a person has. You need to act with discretion and follow all relevant laws and standards, including HIPAA. Employers in this field look for people they can trust completely. 

4. Teamwork and Collaboration

Healthcare involves many different professionals working together. In a HIM role, you’ll regularly communicate with doctors, nurses, insurance companies, and patients. Being a strong team player and a clear communicator is essential.  

5. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

This field comes with real challenges; changing compliance rules, technology updates, discrepancies in records or bills. Strong critical thinking helps you step back, look at the big picture, and find practical solutions. You need to identify the root cause of a problem, not just treat the symptoms.  

Is a Career in HIM Right for You?

Ask yourself these questions: 

  • Do you want to work in healthcare, but not directly with patients? 
  • Do you enjoy working with data and technology? 
  • Are you drawn to science, but also interested in law, management, or business? 
  • Do you want a career with flexible paths and room to grow?  

If most of those resonate with you, HIM is worth exploring further. The field rewards people who are organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working at the intersection of healthcare and technology. 

If you’re ready to take the next step, look for programs that are CAHIIM-accredited and include hands-on experience with the tools employers actually use. Earning certifications like the CCA or RHIT from AHIMA early in your career can also help you stand out when applying for jobs. 

Bryan University offers a pathway into the field if you’re looking for a place to start, including certificate and degree options that can be completed online. You can learn more at bryanuniversity.edu or call 1-888-768-6861. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a health information management professional do?

HIM professionals manage the systems and processes used to collect, store, protect, and analyze patient health data. Depending on the role, this can include medical coding and billing, records management, data quality analysis, insurance claims processing, and healthcare administration. 

Do you need a degree to work in health information management?

Many entry-level roles require at least a postsecondary certificate. An associate degree is the minimum requirement to sit for the RHIT exam, which is the most widely recognized credential in the field. Employers increasingly prefer or require certification alongside a degree. 

Can you work remotely with a HIM degree?

Yes. Medical billing and coding, medical records, and health information technician roles are among the most remote-friendly in healthcare. Many hospitals, health systems, and third-party billing companies hire fully remote HIM professionals. 

How long does it take to become a certified health information technician?

It depends and varies based on the program and institution you pick.  

With Bryan University’s stacked program, you can earn your Medical Billing and Coding Certificate in roughly 10 months and your Associate Degree in Health Information Management and Support Services in another 10 months; so about 20 months total. Completing your RHIT certification exam shortly after graduation puts you fully credentialed and job-ready within that same window. 

What is the difference between RHIT and CCA certifications?

The RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) is a broader HIM credential covering data management, records quality, privacy, compliance, and information governance. The CCA (Certified Coding Associate) is specifically focused on medical coding competency. Many HIM professionals hold both, and Bryan University prepares students for each. 

What is CAHIIM accreditation and why does it matter?

CAHIIM is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. Graduating from a CAHIIM-accredited program is a requirement to sit for the RHIT exam, so accreditation isn’t just a credential for the school, it’s a requirement for your own certification eligibility.  

Bryan University’s Associate Degree in Health Information and Support Services is accredited by CAHIIM, prepares you for the RHIT exam, and includes the cost of your first exam attempt in tuition.  

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical Records Specialists. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, last modified August 28, 2025. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm ↩︎
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, last modified August 28, 2025. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/health-information-technologists-and-medical-registrars.htm ↩︎

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