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

Mechel McKinney

Published: April 24, 2026 | Last Updated: May 11, 2026

# Bryan University, Health Information Technology

Health Information Management (HIM) sits at the intersection of healthcare, data, and administration. It’s one of the stronger-performing fields in healthcare right now.

The BLS projects employment of health information technologists and medical registrars to grow 15 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.¹

Medical records specialists, another key HIM career path, are projected to grow 7 percent over the same period, with about 14,200 openings per year.²

If you’re considering a health information management degree, here’s how long it takes, what you’ll learn, which certifications you can earn, and where your career can take you.

What Is Health Information Management?

Health information management covers the systems, processes, and people responsible for maintaining the accuracy, accessibility, and security of patient health data.

HIM professionals work across clinical settings, insurance companies, government agencies, and corporate healthcare environments. They handle responsibilities that range from medical billing and coding to data analysis, records compliance, and healthcare administration.

It’s a field that requires both healthcare knowledge and technical skills, which is part of what makes it consistently in demand as healthcare systems grow more complex and data driven.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Health Information Management Degree?

The timeline depends on the program level you pursue and the school you choose. It can vary from several months in an accelerated program to more than a year for degree programs.

At Bryan University, programs are designed to move efficiently. The Medical Billing and Coding Undergraduate Certificate takes roughly 10 months to complete online. Students who continue into the Associate Degree in Health Information Management and Support Services typically finish both the certificate and the degree in about 20 months total.

Because the programs are stackable, you can enter the workforce after earning your certificate while continuing to work toward your associate degree.

An associate degree in HIM builds skills in healthcare management, project management, human resources, data analytics, patient records compliance, and medical billing and coding systems including HCPCS, CPT, and ICD.

HIM Certifications: RHIT and CCA

Most employers in the HIM field prefer or require professional certification, and Bryan University prepares students for two of the most recognized AHIMA credentials.

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

To sit for the RHIT exam, candidates must successfully complete the academic requirements of a Health Information Management program at the associate degree level, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

The RHIT is a strong credential for professionals working in hospitals, physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities, public health agencies, insurance firms, and health product vendors.

Certified Coding Associate (CCA)

The CCA is AHIMA’s entry-level coding credential and a natural complement to the RHIT for HIM graduates. It validates your competency in medical coding across both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Is a Health Information Management Degree Worth It?

For most people entering this field, yes. The combination of consistent job demand, multiple career directions, remote work availability, and relatively accessible entry requirements makes HIM a practical and rewarding choice.

Salary data reinforces the case. The median annual wage for health information technologists and medical registrars was $67,310 in May 2024.¹ Medical records specialists earned a median of $50,250.²

Certification also makes a measurable difference; certified HIM professionals consistently earn more than their non-certified counterparts across comparable roles.

Career Paths with a Health Information Management Degree

One of the strongest arguments for pursuing an HIM degree is the range of directions your career can go. Here’s an overview of the most common roles.

Medical Records Technician

Medical records technicians create and maintain patient records, assign medical codes to document diagnoses and procedures, and serve as a liaison between insurance companies, medical providers, and patients. Medical coding accuracy is a core responsibility; the codes you assign directly affect how providers are reimbursed.

Health Information Technician or Manager

Health information technicians and managers focus on the quality and completeness of patient treatment documentation. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing records, verifying accuracy, retrieving and preparing medical records, and scanning existing documents into electronic systems. Managers in this role may also oversee staff and department workflows.

Insurance Claims Analyst

Insurance claims analysts process incoming medical claims, verify and update information, maintain documentation and files, calculate claim amounts, and prepare new insurance forms. They’re also responsible for determining whether claims are approved or denied and updating claim status as new information is provided.

Quality Improvement Analyst

Quality improvement analysts track patient satisfaction metrics, analyze historical data to identify cost-cutting opportunities, and develop methods to improve patient outcomes for medical facilities or insurance organizations. Much of this work is done within healthcare databases and data analytics platforms.

Medical Office Administrator

Medical office administrators work at the front desk of healthcare facilities, handling patient calls, processing insurance claims, assisting with billing and scheduling, and maintaining the information structures that clinical staff rely on daily. They also prepare correspondence and reports as needed.

Medical Secretary

Medical secretaries correspond with medical staff and patients, create and update medical records, verify insurance, register new patients, and provide administrative support across a range of healthcare settings including hospitals, doctor’s offices, and specialty clinics.

Certified Medical Biller and Coder

One of the most in-demand HIM roles, certified medical billers and coders assign standardized codes to patient records based on diagnoses and procedures. They also manage the billing process to ensure accurate reimbursement.

This role is available across a wide range of settings; hospitals, surgery centers, urgent care clinics, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, insurance companies, public health agencies, home health agencies, law offices, and doctor’s offices. Remote positions are also widely available.

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.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/health-information-technologists-and-medical-registrars.htm ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Records Specialists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm ↩︎

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